Styx finally hit the multi-platinum jackpot with a trio of hit records ... to be a concept album that used the gala opening and eventual abandonment of Chicago's Paradise Theatre as a backdrop ...

"Concept albums are tricky ... on the origins of Styx's grandly arranged 1981 LP, Paradise Theatre, which he helped spearhead. And the thematic path of that record, the band's sole No. 1 ...

With millions upon millions of records sold, Styx has become a staple ... Also “Rockin’ the Paradise” from the album “Paradise Theater.” That riff is mine, so I enjoy that.

Styx was the first group to earn four triple-platinum albums in a row with “The Grand Illusion” (1977), “Pieces of Eight” (1978), “Cornerstone” (1979) and “Paradise Theatre” (1981).

And it’s important to understand the range represented; because of Dennis DeYoung’s prominent keyboards, a few longer tracks, thematic works and album imagery, Styx has prog credentials ...

When Styx plays Tuesday at Charlottesville ... “Snowblind,” for instance, from the 1981 “Paradise Theater” album, was popular along the East Coast, particularly in Florida.