Styx made a surprise lineup change during their concert in Grand Ronde, Oregon, on Friday night.
Drummer Todd Sucherman, who has been with the band since 1995, was hospitalized due to a severe case of food poisoning. Jeff Heintz, the band’s long-time production manager and keyboard technician, stepped in to fill the role.
“Jeff has always been an excellent drummer and he’s watched the show for nearly 20 years now from stage right,” Sucherman shared in a Facebook post explaining the situation. “Thanks to Jeff for saving the night, my bandmates and crew, and the audience who was understanding and still saw a great show.”
Fans at the concert praised Heintz for his last-minute performance. “Jeff did a great job! The crowd gave great applause when he was introduced and again at the end of the performance,” one fan said. “No one could replace you, Todd Sucherman, but Jeff did a great job!” another fan added.
Styx is currently on their Brotherhood of Rock tour, performing alongside REO Speedwagon singer Kevin Cronin and former Eagles guitarist Don Felder. The tour, which runs through the end of August, features Styx performing their 1977 album “The Grand Illusion” in its entirety, along with a selection of other hits from their career.
“There’s going to be so much good music, and it’s all good folks that we love spending time with,” Styx’s Tommy Shaw told UCR when the tour was announced. “It really is a brotherhood, and it has been for a long, long time.”