Styx to Perform National Anthem before Browns-Steelers

Styx has recorded a performance of the National Anthem that will play before Sunday night’s Wild Card Playoff game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field, the band announced via social media.

Styx has performed the national anthem several times and held concerts at the venue in the past. 

Though originally from Chicago, the band has formed a special relationship with Pittsburgh and the Steelers since its song “Renegade” has become a Heinz Field and Steelers fan anthem.

The song, now usually played before an important defensive drive in the fourth quarter along with scoreboard video of defensive highlights set to the music. 

The practice started when the Steelers hosted the Browns in the 2002 NFL Playoffs, after the team had come back to take the lead late in the fourth quarter. 

The Browns are back in the playoffs for the first time in 18 years and are once again facing the Steelers — and Renegade — at Heinz Field. This time, there will be no Steelers fans present at the game thanks to Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 gathering restrictions, as the team has limited attendance to friends and families of players.