Longtime bassist Ricky Phillips of the band Styx has announced his departure from the group.
Styx, along with Foreigner, are set to perform at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands on June 22, 2024.
Phillips, 71, announced his departure from the band on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. He made his announcement on social media.
"Dear Friends, after touring for 50 years with THE BABYS, BAD ENGLISH, opening for Tina Turner (on the Private Dancer tour with John Parr), Belinda Carlisle's first solo tour, rehearsing in Tahoe and recording at Little Mountain in Canada with Jimmy Page and David Coverdale and writing, touring, and co-producing 10/10 with Ronnie Montrose, to name a chosen few...I'm taking a breather.
"My last 20+ years of touring and recording with my friends in STYX has come to an end. I am taking a break from the road. I'm not retiring, just taking a break. Presently, I have accepted an offer to co-produce a project in a studio close to home. I've known since I was a kid that live performance is in my blood so, in time I will post any future engagements or commitments. But for right now, Melissa and I will share coffee talk and meals from home...with our critters close by.
"Of course, I will always cherish the adventurous days recording and touring with STYX. And, I will truly miss the wonderfully-crazy and faithful STYX fans...whose smiling faces I often saw more than my own family.
"Peace be with you all... and Happy Trails, Ricky."
The band responded soon after with a touching statement for their longtime friend and fellow musician.
"It was a joy to spend two decades with Ricky Phillips in STYX and we wish him all the best in his next adventure. He'll always be a part of the STYX family and we'll miss his presence on our stage and in our touring lives. With all our love, The STYX Family."
The band has shows scheduled this weekend in Wallingford, Connecticut, on Friday, March 22; Niagra Falls, NY, on Saturday, March 23; and Syracuse, NY, on Sunday, March 24. No word on who will fill in temporarily or if and when the band will seek a permanent for Phillips.
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