In a surprising turn of events during their concert in Grand Ronde, Oregon, Styx faced an unexpected lineup change that captivated the audience. The band’s acclaimed drummer, Todd Sucherman, who has been with Styx since 1995, found himself hospitalized due to a severe case of food poisoning. To keep the show running smoothly, Jeff Heintz, the band’s dedicated production manager and keyboard technician, stepped in to fill the drumming role.
Sucherman expressed his gratitude in a heartfelt Facebook post, acknowledging Heintz’s remarkable talent, noting, “Jeff has always been an excellent drummer and he’s watched the show for nearly 20 years now from stage right.” He thanked Heintz for stepping up during this critical moment, as well as the understanding audience and his bandmates who made the night a success despite the circumstances.
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Attendees at the concert showered Heintz with appreciation for his last-minute performance. One enthusiastic fan exclaimed, “Jeff did a great job! And the crowd gave great applause when he was introduced and again at the end of the performance.” Another fan added, “No one could replace you, Todd Sucherman, but Jeff did a fantastic job!” showcasing the audience’s support for this unexpected yet thrilling moment in the concert.
Discover the Talented Artists Joining Styx on Tour
Currently, Styx is on their exciting Brotherhood of Rock tour, sharing the stage with renowned artists like Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon and former Eagles guitarist Don Felder. This remarkable tour, which continues until the end of August, highlights Styx performing their iconic 1977 album The Grand Illusion in its entirety, alongside a selection of their greatest hits that fans have cherished throughout the years.
Tommy Shaw, a key member of Styx, expressed his enthusiasm about the tour in an interview with UCR, stating, “There’s going to be so much good music, and it’s all good folks that we love spending time with.” He emphasized the strong bond among the artists, referring to it as a longstanding brotherhood that enhances the experience for both the performers and the audience alike.
Exploring Styx’s Lineup Changes Through the Years
What began as a simple neighborhood band has transformed into a legendary musical powerhouse. Styx has experienced various lineup changes over the decades, each contributing to their unique sound and evolution.
Gallery Credit: Corey Irwin