As any STYX fan in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania knows, their signature track “Renegade” has been an adopted theme song of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team for over a decade. They’ve sung the national anthem at many Steelers games in recent years and they’ll be proudly singing it once again at the Steelers vs. Kansas City Chiefs game on Sunday, October 2, which will be nationally televised on NBC‘s “Sunday Night Football” at 5:30pm PT/8:30 p.m. ET.
That same weekend, on Saturday, October 1, the band will dedicate their headlining show at Benedum Theatre in Pittsburgh to former Steelers linebacker Kevin Greene, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on August 6, 2016. In his career, he played 228 games in 15 seasons, garnering 160.0 sacks, and being named to appear on the 1990’s All-Decade Team.
Kevin Greene will be awarded his Hall Of Fame ring at Sunday’s game as part of a ceremony taking place at halftime.
As founder/guitarist/vocalist James “JY” Young explains: “STYX met Kevin Greene for the first time when we performed at the Super Bowl in 2001. We were impressed with Kevin‘s football career as well as the fact that he is a huge STYX fan from Southern Illinois. We’re profoundly honored to be a part of the Pittsburgh tradition of celebrating their Hall Of Fame inductees, especially this time as Kevin is being inducted. He’s a great guy, friend and football player. STYX is proud to be a part of the traditions as ‘Renegade’ has become a part of the 21st century Steelers sulture.”
“I grew up in Southern Illinois a STYX fan,” continues Kevin Greene.” It was great to finally meet the guys in 2001. We have been friends ever since, and I’m excited that my beloved Steelers have adopted the STYX song ‘Renegade’ as the unofficial Steeler fight song in the new millennium. Looking forward to a great concert Saturday in Pittsburgh. I’ll be there!!!”
The love for “Renegade” at all Steelers games started at a playoff game against the Cleveland Browns on January 5, 2002. The Steelers were down 24-7 well into the third quarter. During a commercial break, a crew member at Heinz Field (home of the Steelers) decided to play “Renegade” in an effort to get the fans riled up and boost the momentum of the team. It was a moment that helped the team come back to win the game 36-33 and subsequently change Steelers history. Now, during the third quarter of Steelers home games, a video compilation of defensive plays are shown with “Renegade” playing in the background.
In further STYX news, the band — Tommy Shaw (vocals, guitars), James “JY” Young (vocals, guitars), Lawrence Gowan (vocals, keyboards), Todd Sucherman (drums) and Ricky Phillips (bass), along with the occasional surprise appearance by original bassist Chuck Panozzo — is already planning their schedule for 2017 which will include a five-night limited engagement with very special guest star Don Felder — formerly of the EAGLES — at The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Las Vegas. The show, “Styx & Don Felder: Renegades In The Fast Lane”, will be held on January 6, 7, 11, 13 and 14, 2017.
For “Styx & Don Felder: Renegades In The Fast Lane”, STYX has created an exclusive set list and brand new stage production, while Don Felder is also working on some exciting plans of his own for the Vegas extravaganza. The multi-show run will pay tribute to both STYX‘s and Don Felder‘s combined 45-plus years as one of the most successful rock and roll bands in history and one of rock’s most illustrious guitar legends.
Meanwhile, September 2 marked the long-awaited release date of “Styx: Live At The Orleans Arena Las Vegas” on DVD, Blu-ray and digital formats via Eagle Rock Entertainment. It captures the band performing in July 2014 such fan favorites as “Too Much Time On My Hands”, “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)”, “Renegade” and more. It also includes a special surprise visit from Don Felder for a rousing performance of “Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)”.
Fonte: Blabbermouth.net