Yep, I'm still listening to them at 63 as well. In fact I just saw Styx in concert at the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis a month ago. They still put on a great show.
In March 1983, I sat with Kenny & Sherri on the front row, balcony level at the Fox Theater in downtown San Diego. Man what a fantastic evening, still have my Styx concert shirt. It’s hard to believe that was almost 40 years ago…praise the Lord, I’m still rocking.
Tommy Shaw did a solo show with a high school orchestra and chior as backup that's absolutely brilliant. Especially my favorite version of their music.
Tommy's stuff is definitely cool and more radio friendly. Having said that, they put out a lot of great stuff even before Tommy joined the band. Tommy didn't join until their 6th album (Crystal Ball}. A lot of people have no idea about the first 4 Wooden Nickel albums which are great. Then came the incredible Equinox album right before TS joined. FYI...The Wooden Nickel albums have been remastered onto a CD box set and it's awesome.
John "J.C." Curulewski played a mean guitar. Curulewski left Styx to spend more time with his family, and was replaced by Tommy Shaw. Sadly, J.C. died suddenly of a brain aneurysm.
I saw Styx for the first time in Bradley , IL high school gym. I got 3rd row center stage tickets for Paradise Theater. In all, I saw them 3 times, later saw Dennis DeYoung at Governors State College, another front row seat. I miss the Dennis, Tommy, James, John lineup.
As for front line members: JY is the lowest talent and the instigator who poisoned Tommy & STYX against Dennis. Thankfully - and nothing against Lawrence here, who entered an impossible situation, but Dennis new band kicks butt over current iteration of STYX. Dennis is still crafting great music, while JY can't write his way out of a paper bag.
Unfortunately Tommy Shaw and JY made a terrible decision to drop the main character and founder, Dennis DeYoung which lead the doom for STYX because without Dennis DeYoung, there was no STYX
No brainer. The group was filled with people, and they butted heads, like all people do. No music required. Totally respect where this went. Happy? No. Understand, and get it? Yes. Relationships end, turn sour, and/or worse. Very grateful for the time they were together and the classic tunes. WOW! Do I need them to get back together? No. It's over, like many relationships, there is no return. Respect. FYI, the "new" line up is pretty dang good, and they are still rocking it. FYI - jamming to Cornerstone as we speak. Soooo awesome. 🤗
I found the Gowan Styx by accident in 2000 while in Las Vegas for work training, It was also the first time I knew about Gary Richrath being out of REO Speedwagon, but both bands put on a great show. Tommy, JY, and Chuckie decided Dennis needed to go, they had to live with and deal with the guy on a daily basis, they've seen more because they were there. No different than a divorce, sometimes you just never want to be in the same room again with the person you finally got free from, and life becomes a happy wonderful place again. Love the last 2 new albums, can't say I've heard anything from Dennis in the last 23 years I want to listen to or play again.
I’m sorry one of my favorite things is that Tommy Shaw wanted to move away from power ballads and the first and only real hit he had with Damn Yankees Kees was a power ballad.
One of my favorite things is that the last two Styx albums are two of the best albums the band ever put out and Tommy Shaw did most of the writing on those albums.
Styx is still very popular- I saw them at the fair a few years ago and it was packed. A good future band for you to do one of these on is Firefall, they had a great run in the 70's.
What happened? They're performing as much, and as good, as they ever have. They regularly put out new music that is fantastic. The current lineup has existed for 20 years, when Ricky Phillips joined to play bass in 2003. They've had a residency in Vegas, as well.
I saw them back in 2005, add Addison Circle Park in Addison Texas. they put on an awesome show and I actually got to hang out with the Sound Engineer, it was small venue but they still had the 3D surround sound Tower speakers, an awesome people backing them up. it was a truly special night
@@TheFergyme They'll never be as good without Dennis. Dennis' shoes are extremely hard to fill. I have nothing against LG. It took some balls to step in and try to fill that huge gap. I've seen them a couple of times with LG and they still put on a good show. Maybe someday they will be able to work out their differences and do one last tour for the fans. The clock of life is ticking away. Even if they just do like 8 or 10 cities with maybe two shows each.
I am going to see the tomorrow at Allentown PA. I first listen their music in 1981 when I was in China and the cassette was brought back by my Father when he visited the USA as a visiting scholar. I am so happy that I can see them in person after 42 years and now I am American citizen.
I remember in 1977 I was out of High School for a year after having major life saving surgery and was home recovering my oldest Brother had a bunch of Great Albums and that was what I would do everyday listening and discovering Classic Rock Music and “Styx” Equinox and Crystal Ball were a couple of my Favorites and and when I recovered the very first thing I did my Brother took me to a concert and that was it Bringing Tommy Shaw who is Awesome in Styx was Perfect and Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight I started going to see them and was a Fan then Dennis led them to a softer Rock and by the time Mr Roboto it was not going well in 1983 I went to the Texxas Jam these big Stadium all day Rock Festivals that ran from 1978 to 1988 and I went to 9 of them 83 Sammy Hagar and Styx were Coheadlining Triumph played in afternoon and were nearly Perfect Ted Nugent kept over 70 thousand Rock Fans going then Sammy Hagar just Rocked the crowd for encore he brought out Rik Emmett of Triumph and Ted Nugent and they played Led Zeppelin song and I had never seen the crowd that loud then the wait for Styx and it started with a film about Kilroy and then they were acting a little in the theme of Paradise Theater before they Played a Song I had never seen that many people leaving at once and booing we stayed could switch anywhere and I felt So Bad for Tommy Shaw and JY and Brothers Dennis wanted Broadway Tommy left Band after that and had a Solo career for a little bit then Damn Yankees were Awesome got to see a couple times and then Styx did that re-recording of Lady and they started Touring again and it was Great went to see Hated John died since Tod Suckerman is a Amazing Drummer when Dennis was going back and forth between his Broadway thing he became Light siccative and He left Rest of Band hanging and The Best thing that has happened was for Styx to continue on and finding Lawrence Great replacement also adding
Ricky Phillips I have gotten to see them several times with this lineup and this Band is Tighter than ever They are Awesome I have seen Dennis put together a musical called the Music of Styx and the Band he had all resembled the original Styx guy’s I have seen where shows were canceled really due to poor attendance and he has been whining about Styx in nearly every interview he seems So Jealous I have also seen Tommy and JY interviewed and they were right on the money and JY saying he has reached a point in his life where he doesn’t want to have to go through the drama and doesn’t want to work under really would be same stress There is no doubt Dennis DeYoung was a Huge part of early success and he has Incredible Songs from back in the time Styx was So Big and getting to see him was Great but I don’t think he would be a Good fit anymore He does Deserve like entire Members of Styx to be in RRHOF but untill they build a Real Legitimate RRHOF Thank You for posting about this Band they should be Discussed and their Legacy is Incredible I apologize for such a long message but I did enjoy Your post Thank You
The Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight were also concept albums. My favorite concert I ever saw was their 1996 "Return To Paradise" reunion tour in Concord, CA. A dream come true to see my favorite band back together again. Without Dennis, it's just not real Styx anymore.
The MAGIC of STYX has always been in its mix of people. Their relationship conflicts became surrogates for our own struggles. Regardless of who toured when and with whom, I am grateful they all participated for as long as they did. The embedded philosophy, psychology, permission to love, be loved, and BE GREAT in one's life -- represent both overt and covert undertones in the lyrics and melodies they have created. Everything in one way, shape or form is based on frequency. In a world of constant negativity, Styx has left the world a much better place to live with its timeless messages disguised as songs.
My favorite Styx Songs in order with lead singer in parentheses: 1. Man of Miracles (James Young) 2. Sing For the Day (Tommy Shaw) 3. Mother Dear (John Curulewski, Dennis DeYoung) 4. Castle Walls (Dennis DeYoung) 5. Snowblind (James Young, Tommy Shaw) 6. Half-Penny Two-Penny (James Young) 7. Boat On the River (Tommy Shaw) 8. Lonely People (Dennis DeYoung) 9. Queen of Spades (Dennis DeYoung) 10 The Best of Times (Dennis DeYoung) Best album: 4 way tie among Equinox (1975) Grand Illusion (1977) Pieces of Eight (1978) and Paradise Theater (1981). Kilroy Was Here was an absolute embarrassment. I was CRUSHED when Shaw left Styx. I knew that TRULY was the end of the band at its peak. But man, what a run between 1975 - 1981.
@@zachwalentiny The Mission, yes. Not Crash of the Crown. As a former avid Styx fan my view is that their window closed after 1981's Paradise Theater. Nothing Young, DeYoung, or Shaw did was noteworthy to me. I am including Shaw being with Damn Yankees and his work with Blades as well as going back to Styx and valiantly putting out new material. At the risk of sounding impolite, the fans didn't care for the new music either as the music simply did not sell. And yes, I'm aware people don't buy albums or cd's any longer. It doesn't mean the music is bad or anything. It's just not 1975-1981 and whether that's unfair or not doesn't change things. Same thing with anything before Equinox. Lady and (for me) Man of Miracles notwithstanding, it just doesn't rate with 1975-1981. It is what it is.
Just saw them a couple nights ago they were incredible Lawrence McGowan is amazing singer performer and musician, Todd Sucherman is a god in drummer circles,They as a band have never been better
Shame. They’re all getting on in years. I wonder if Eddie Van Halen knew he was going to die at 65 if he wouldn’t have tried gotten the band back together once more while he could. Dennis sang and wrote many of their biggest hits. He can’t be replaced.
I have (had) been a fan since 1971. They will never be the same without DeYoung's angelic voice. Sucherman's drums are just just too flashy and overdone for my taste. I thnk John P.'s style fit them perfectly. Tommy Shaw really completed the sound and took them off into a harder sound along with J'Y.'s brilliant guitar (although his voice alwas sucked terribly unless as part of the brilliant harmonies ). Nice to see Chuck P. with them occasionally. I dislike the current iteration intensly, but at lease Shaw and Young are still there. There it is - my expert and opinionated look at the late, great STYX.
The Kilroy was Here fiasco could have been handled with a bit more grace. Yes, DeYoung got a little carried away with that concept album and in truth, he should have made that a side project or solo album and not drug Styx into it. That album didn't even SOUND like Styx. The band was wrong to give into resentment about the love songs, though. Babe is a really great song and Dennis DeYoung's voice is liquid gold. The greatest hits album was SO incredible, just banger and after banger.
Plus i remember reading in comments that the band pressured Dennis to fire Tommy during his drug induced state and Dennis refused to do that knowing Shaw is an important member. Then in the late 90's, Dennis requests some time off because of some current at the time light sensitivity issues and then he's fired from thd band because they're impatient
In 1981ish I was working concessions at the Summit in Houston TX. We set up our stand, so I went out and took a break in the seating. I was about half way back, and the singer was doing a sound check. So I was watching him a bit, but not bothering him, and he gets mad and yells at me, "Can you get the F@#% out of here?!?" That was my experience with the band.
I just saw Styx at the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis a month ago. This was the 3rd time I've seen them in concert now. They still put on a great show. They closed their set with Mr Roboto which was the first time I've seen them play that song. The Buffalo Chip was the perfect venue complete with motorcycle reving from the Harleys in the audience.
Mr Roboto was the final nail in the coffin for Styx. DDY wanted them to be a theatrical band and Shaw wanted none of that crap. I agree with him. Tragic. Always have been a big fan of Dennis and Tommy and it's too bad they couldn't keep it going.
I'll tell you what happened to them, they are still performing in 2024 as good as ever. And they have one of the great drummers in the world right now, Todd Sucherman.
Gowan saved Styx when Dennis left. I’m from Canada where Gowan is from and a fan of his solo work. Gowan is a solid replacement for Dennis. Long live Styx.
I don't buy this "Dennis is the hero" Storyline. I'm a musician I only play with people I like. Life is too short to deal with people who don't fit in a band. Dennis is not wanted. He should go away and leave these guys alone.Gowan is just fine.
Dennis made the classic mistake of being IN a band and thinking he was BIGGER than the band. Tommy Shaw still has that special sauce and honestly, the Tommy songs are the ones I crank up the volume for. Dennis is and was very talented….but he is also an arrogant prick
❤❤ The Bible says For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son whosoever believe in him should not perish The Bible says unpradable sin is rejecting Jesus Christ for your Lord and personal Savior The Bible says The wicked man is condem already He does not have the son of God Jesus said the wicked man will not see his life Until he comes to except and repentance And except Jesus Christ for his Lord and Savior 💖
I was styx twice Tommy play Renegade amazing but second time he was wearing a Roboto outfit and he looked like he hated every second of it and now it all makes sense. Making music is more than money and they were a rock band. They were so big their next LP could be happy birthday to you and it would have sold. OK sing Roboto but don't act it out on stage that was sickness to Tommy and they should have taken steps to help all members. To many great became big than the group.
Styx is still doing it, while maintaining a solid fan base. They're just doing it without their co-founder, co-lead singer, and major songwriter, Dennis DeYoung, who was replaced by Lawrence Gowen. However, they still sound good and can rock the classic stuff.
they are missing Dennis, but Tommy Shaw is just as great a song writer, but different. He's written so much great music, from his solo run, so Shaw Blades, Damn Yankees, and most of the new albums, it's amazing.
Saw them in concert for the Cornerstone and Paradise Theater tours at the Forum in Inglewood, CA. Best concerts I ever been to. As far as reuniting, not holding my breath. DeYoung is too much a control freak.
Given that over 80% of their hits were Dennis's songs and that he sang lead on over half the material - he had every right to be a "control freak" like it or not it's HIS baby.
A lot can happen to a band over 50 years. Members come and go for various reasons. They began as America's first great Prog band but everyone knows that Hits = Money.
John Curlewski was an average guitar player and not much of a songwriter. That was verified on the "Edge Of The Century" record where Glen Burtnik took over from Tommy. Styx is ten times the band with Tommy.
@mben-david2064 Ironically, Equinox actually did better than Crystal Ball 🔮. Also, I never mentioned this before, but if you listen to PRELUDE 12 the acoustic guitar solo by Curelewski, that's right before Suite Madame Blue (on EQINOX)? That instrumental couldve been attached to Tommy's song Crystal Ball, and it would've clicked beautifully. Shaw didn't really do anything song key- wise any different than Curelewski. Even Mother Dear the verses by Curelewski are sung in D and Fooling yourself by Shaw also sung in D . Tommy had more soul and spirit in his voice and songwriting than Curelewski or Burtnik . Tommy even met Curelewski after joining the band, and they hit it off great. Glen Burtnik, I'm sure you know came back as a bass player for Styx while Deyoung and yep Gowan were in the band. Burtnik lol 😆 admitted he was nowhere as good a singer on Tommy's songs 🎵 as Tommy was himself. Tommy got along with both guys and never tried to outdo either one. That's why Tommy is a perfect fit for Styx. He's very group oriented. Can't say that about to many musicians.
@jerrywoods4066 You are correct, but it was the GRAND ILLUSION album and the single COME SAIL AWAY that broke STYX out of being stuck for years as the warm-up band and made them official HEADLINERS. I got a magazine called AOR Album Oriented Rock released in 2014 .I bought it at BARNES &NOBLES there's an interview with Dennis Deyoung in it explaining exactly this. Deyoung was the only reason I bought the magazine, to be honest. Lol 😆
This has many inaccuracies. TW4 Came in to being in the late sixties, not late seventies. John C died in the late 80's, not 1978. Man of Miracles came out in 1974, not 1975. If anyone is really interested in the history of this band, please refer to more legitimate sources for the information.
Not here to nit-pick your post. Just for the purpose of accuracy, the "official" Kilroy Was Here tour had to have been 1983. The Kilroy album was released in February 1983. Having said that, It is entirely possible the band had some of the songs for the Kilroy album already worked up and we're doing a couple of them live in 1982. I saw Aerosmith (w/Nazareth opening) in July of 1977 and they were already doing a couple of songs from the upcoming Draw The Line album which wasn't released until December of '77.
I know I noticed several mistakes were made especially on some release dates on albums and Equinox was their 5th album not 6th. Also John Curulewski didn't pass away until many years later in 1988 and not 1978.
@@dalenaadams7920 lol . Nice try . They are just pop and boring. Maybe if James actually wrote something they would pick it up. But it's too late now. I've seen a lot of bands over the years. Deep purple, rainbow UFO triumph acdc ,Dio ,styx srv , satrianni Jeff Beck, Skynyrd van halen, Hagar , foghat , boc, kiss, mountain, Judas priest, thin Lizzy, Uriah heep, journey , buddy guy , etc.. so yeah I know good music. Still those last two albums were a drag.
What a bunch of liars Tommy Shaw and JY are. If they had such a problem with "Mr. Roboto", why wasn't it struck down during the creative process? Don't participate in the writing, practicing, recording, stage show, and short film of it and then pretend 14 years later, you hated it and that it somehow 'broke' the band. Tommy wanted control of the band, plain and simple. And what better way to take the focus off of that than point the finger at someone else, calling them the dictator?
He should have had control of the band. He would have kept it out of the sappy ballad category. He was regretting Mr. Roboto publicly a couple of years after the tour. It did suck.
@@SpicyTexan64 Mr. Roboto sucked, huh? You may not like it but you do realize that it went all the way to #3 and sold OVER 1 Million copies? And they now play it in concert due to FAN DEMAND.
What Happened To Them the songs show me the way and babe are not power ballads. Those songs are straight ballets, a power ballad is the combination of a classical piano or classical music put together with hard Rock. So if you listen to Lady for instance, lady is a complete power ballot. Also if you listen to the song don't let it end from the Kilroy was here album, that song is also a power ballad. Because the song starts out beautiful at first, and then later on it turns into a hard rocker sound in the middle of the song don't let it end. Of course that song is one of my favorite Styx songs, and definitely one of styx's greatest hits. Remember keep in mind the differences between a power ballad and a straight ballot from classical rock music 👍😉
Can we finally dispell the mythology that Dennis ruined Styx due to his balladeering? Why does Tommy Shaw never get flak for writing sappy love tunes like "Sing for the Day" and "She Cares"? Well guess what, Styx fans have ALWAYS had room in their hearts for the love songs and the rockers. Secondly, great artists change, explore, and evolve. Whenever an artistic tangent doesn't work out, they can always go back to their roots. What's insane is, "Mr. Roboto" was wildly successful! People to this day absolutely love that song. Dennis married the styles of Styx and the new wave direction music was going in 1983 and made timeless magic! And his words couldn't be more prophetic. One can only dream how much great music we missed out on had Tommy and JY been more supportive of Dennis and the classic Styx lineup continued beyond 1983.
I hated Mr roboto and so did a lot of old school styx fans. But I wish Dennis and James young would of fixed their problems. And wrote more material like on the grand illusion and equinox. They just went to poppy with either Dennis leading or Tommy shaw leading it.
@@jerrywoods4066 That song was a huge part of American 80s pop culture. It has been referenced in numerous tv commercials and television shows, from the Simpsons to Arrested Development. I’d rather be known for that song than not known at all.
I was never into them that much. They were ok but for me theyre lumped in with Foreigner. Kansas. REO. Those kinds of bands..which had some hits and sold quite a few albums. Just solid, meat and potatoes rock but nothing i couldnt live without. Anyhow, it isnt Styx without Dennis DeYoung. Not really anyhow.
Equinox and Styx II are my favorite Styx albums. They got the Styx brand in the spotlight. Styx was a well honed combo and just to a major record label before tomy shaw got involved
The Trio, the trio minus Chuck plus Tom N. Tradewinds, TW4, TW5, or Styx( Curulewski era) Good, but still too static on stage, until Tommy brought. Showmanship to the group.l
The Band broke out with Equinox and did some decent stuff afterward too. DeYoung wanted to take them down a different genre, while the rest of the guys were rockers. Better off with Gowan, who brought his own song library along too.
What a great group. I still listen to them at 63 years old, thank you RUclips. Great video, thanks for posting.
Thanks for listening
Yep, same at 64, and I still love the Wooden Nickel songs as much as any of their catalog.
Yep, I'm still listening to them at 63 as well. In fact I just saw Styx in concert at the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis a month ago. They still put on a great show.
63 here also and I still shake the dust off of the furniture with STYX. Love that early Wooden Nickel stuff and Equinox is their real masterpiece.
In March 1983, I sat with Kenny & Sherri on the front row, balcony level at the Fox Theater in downtown San Diego. Man what a fantastic evening, still have my Styx concert shirt. It’s hard to believe that was almost 40 years ago…praise the Lord, I’m still rocking.
Tommy Shaw did a solo show with a high school orchestra and chior as backup that's absolutely brilliant.
Especially my favorite version of their music.
The whole band did the same with the Contemporary Youth Orchestra. The kids rocked it, smiling constantly.
This band should be in the rock HOF
Agree.
One of my favourite albums is Styx Grand Illusion and saw them live on that tour. Fantastic backdrop effects depicting the album cover
The Grand Illusion is absolutelly masterpiece and also my favorite by them.
Tommy Shaw was the best addition ever.
Tommy's stuff is definitely cool and more radio friendly. Having said that, they put out a lot of great stuff even before Tommy joined the band. Tommy didn't join until their 6th album (Crystal Ball}. A lot of people have no idea about the first 4 Wooden Nickel albums which are great. Then came the incredible Equinox album right before TS joined. FYI...The Wooden Nickel albums have been remastered onto a CD box set and it's awesome.
John "J.C." Curulewski played a mean guitar. Curulewski left Styx to spend more time with his family, and was replaced by Tommy Shaw. Sadly, J.C. died suddenly of a brain aneurysm.
Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight were my favorite LPs from Styx.
Equinox
Equinox is a true masterpiece!
I saw Styx for the first time in Bradley , IL high school gym. I got 3rd row center stage tickets for Paradise Theater. In all, I saw them 3 times, later saw Dennis DeYoung at Governors State College, another front row seat. I miss the Dennis, Tommy, James, John lineup.
Poor Chuck got left out, again. ;)
We all do! They never should have broke from Dennis.
As for front line members: JY is the lowest talent and the instigator who poisoned Tommy & STYX against Dennis. Thankfully - and nothing against Lawrence here, who entered an impossible situation, but Dennis new band kicks butt over current iteration of STYX. Dennis is still crafting great music, while JY can't write his way out of a paper bag.
Unfortunately Tommy Shaw and JY made a terrible decision to drop the main character and founder, Dennis DeYoung which lead the doom for STYX because without Dennis DeYoung, there was no STYX
No brainer. The group was filled with people, and they butted heads, like all people do. No music required. Totally respect where this went. Happy? No. Understand, and get it? Yes. Relationships end, turn sour, and/or worse. Very grateful for the time they were together and the classic tunes. WOW! Do I need them to get back together? No. It's over, like many relationships, there is no return. Respect. FYI, the "new" line up is pretty dang good, and they are still rocking it.
FYI - jamming to Cornerstone as we speak. Soooo awesome. 🤗
I found the Gowan Styx by accident in 2000 while in Las Vegas for work training, It was also the first time I knew about Gary Richrath being out of REO Speedwagon, but both bands put on a great show. Tommy, JY, and Chuckie decided Dennis needed to go, they had to live with and deal with the guy on a daily basis, they've seen more because they were there. No different than a divorce, sometimes you just never want to be in the same room again with the person you finally got free from, and life becomes a happy wonderful place again. Love the last 2 new albums, can't say I've heard anything from Dennis in the last 23 years I want to listen to or play again.
I’m sorry one of my favorite things is that Tommy Shaw wanted to move away from power ballads and the first and only real hit he had with Damn Yankees Kees was a power ballad.
It was actually Jack Blades' song. Tommy hasn't done crap without Dennis
One of my favorite things is that the last two Styx albums are two of the best albums the band ever put out and Tommy Shaw did most of the writing on those albums.
Styx at one time my favorite band. When they came out with Mr Roboto they lost me. I still enjoy listening to the music prior.
Styx without Deyoung is,nt Styx
Agreed!
That is a fair comment, but Lawrence Gowan is a great artist. His solo stuff is worth checking out.
@@petervenkman69 not me
Styx is still very popular- I saw them at the fair a few years ago and it was packed. A good future band for you to do one of these on is Firefall, they had a great run in the 70's.
That's my next video
ruclips.net/video/NiLqPf3Ndgs/видео.html
Only four things in life are absolutely certain. Death, taxes, Dennis DeYoung will never rejoin Styx and Steve Perry will never rejoin Journey.
What happened? They're performing as much, and as good, as they ever have. They regularly put out new music that is fantastic. The current lineup has existed for 20 years, when Ricky Phillips joined to play bass in 2003. They've had a residency in Vegas, as well.
Way to tell the TRUTH ,Bob😊
No where near as good without Dennis DeYoung. Gowan sounds like a little girl.
Gowan is good and their live performances do not suffer with Gowan on vocals and keyboards. DDY is a better songwriter than Gowan though @@TheFergyme
I saw them back in 2005, add Addison Circle Park in Addison Texas. they put on an awesome show and I actually got to hang out with the Sound Engineer, it was small venue but they still had the 3D surround sound Tower speakers, an awesome people backing them up. it was a truly special night
@@TheFergyme They'll never be as good without Dennis. Dennis' shoes are extremely hard to fill. I have nothing against LG. It took some balls to step in and try to fill that huge gap. I've seen them a couple of times with LG and they still put on a good show. Maybe someday they will be able to work out their differences and do one last tour for the fans. The clock of life is ticking away. Even if they just do like 8 or 10 cities with maybe two shows each.
Styx 2 has always been my favorite Styx LP.
I am going to see the tomorrow at Allentown PA. I first listen their music in 1981 when I was in China and the cassette was brought back by my Father when he visited the USA as a visiting scholar. I am so happy that I can see them in person after 42 years and now I am American citizen.
I remember in 1977 I was out of High School for a year after having major life saving surgery and was home recovering my oldest Brother had a bunch of Great Albums and that was what I would do everyday listening and discovering Classic Rock Music and “Styx” Equinox and Crystal Ball were a couple of my Favorites and and when I recovered the very first thing I did my Brother took me to a concert and that was it Bringing Tommy Shaw who is Awesome in Styx was Perfect and Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight I started going to see them and was a Fan then Dennis led them to a softer Rock and by the time Mr Roboto it was not going well in 1983 I went to the Texxas Jam these big Stadium all day Rock Festivals that ran from 1978 to 1988 and I went to 9 of them 83 Sammy Hagar and Styx were Coheadlining Triumph played in afternoon and were nearly Perfect Ted Nugent kept over 70 thousand Rock Fans going then Sammy Hagar just Rocked the crowd for encore he brought out Rik Emmett of Triumph and Ted Nugent and they played Led Zeppelin song and I had never seen the crowd that loud then the wait for Styx and it started with a film about Kilroy and then they were acting a little in the theme of Paradise Theater before they Played a Song I had never seen that many people leaving at once and booing we stayed could switch anywhere and I felt So Bad for Tommy Shaw and JY and Brothers Dennis wanted Broadway Tommy left Band after that and had a Solo career for a little bit then Damn Yankees were Awesome got to see a couple times and then Styx did that re-recording of Lady and they started Touring again and it was Great went to see Hated John died since Tod Suckerman is a Amazing Drummer when Dennis was going back and forth between his Broadway thing he became Light siccative and He left Rest of Band hanging and The Best thing that has happened was for Styx to continue on and finding Lawrence Great replacement also adding
Ricky Phillips I have gotten to see them several times with this lineup and this Band is Tighter than ever They are Awesome I have seen Dennis put together a musical called the Music of Styx and the Band he had all resembled the original Styx guy’s I have seen where shows were canceled really due to poor attendance and he has been whining about Styx in nearly every interview he seems So Jealous I have also seen Tommy and JY interviewed and they were right on the money and JY saying he has reached a point in his life where he doesn’t want to have to go through the drama and doesn’t want to work under really would be same stress There is no doubt Dennis DeYoung was a Huge part of early success and he has Incredible Songs from back in the time Styx was So Big and getting to see him was Great but I don’t think he would be a Good fit anymore He does Deserve like entire Members of Styx to be in RRHOF but untill they build a Real Legitimate RRHOF Thank You for posting about this Band they should be Discussed and their Legacy is Incredible I apologize for such a long message but I did enjoy Your post Thank You
The Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight were also concept albums. My favorite concert I ever saw was their 1996 "Return To Paradise" reunion tour in Concord, CA. A dream come true to see my favorite band back together again. Without Dennis, it's just not real Styx anymore.
Not concept albums, those are “themed”albums. Concept basically means all songs tell a greater story instead of more of just a common topic.
@@BaronVonBielski That's not how Styx saw it. They saw them as perhaps "loosely based" concept albums but concept albums nonetheless.
Attended their awe inspriing performance at Bethel Woods several months ago. What a magnificent group!
I love the ballads and melodic songs. Pity that would be an issue for the band.
When I was a kid ? Admitting to liking Styx would probably get you punched. Teased, at the very, very least....
🚬😎👍
you forgot mention the song "Boat on the River" what has be huge hit in Europe in early 80's
nope . never released as a single.
@@mben-david2064 Correct, but a song can be a hit without ever being a single.
The MAGIC of STYX has always been in its mix of people. Their relationship conflicts became surrogates for our own struggles. Regardless of who toured when and with whom, I am grateful they all participated for as long as they did. The embedded philosophy, psychology, permission to love, be loved, and BE GREAT in one's life -- represent both overt and covert undertones in the lyrics and melodies they have created. Everything in one way, shape or form is based on frequency. In a world of constant negativity, Styx has left the world a much better place to live with its timeless messages disguised as songs.
Some great music 🎵
Funny how they criticized DD Young for concept projects, then they ended up doing concepts.
My favorite Styx Songs in order with lead singer in parentheses:
1. Man of Miracles (James Young)
2. Sing For the Day (Tommy Shaw)
3. Mother Dear (John Curulewski, Dennis DeYoung)
4. Castle Walls (Dennis DeYoung)
5. Snowblind (James Young, Tommy Shaw)
6. Half-Penny Two-Penny (James Young)
7. Boat On the River (Tommy Shaw)
8. Lonely People (Dennis DeYoung)
9. Queen of Spades (Dennis DeYoung)
10 The Best of Times (Dennis DeYoung)
Best album: 4 way tie among Equinox (1975) Grand Illusion (1977) Pieces of Eight (1978) and Paradise Theater (1981).
Kilroy Was Here was an absolute embarrassment. I was CRUSHED when Shaw left Styx. I knew that TRULY was the end of the band at its peak. But man, what a run between 1975 - 1981.
Have you heard the last two albums "The Mission" and "Crash of the Crown" though? Arguably the two best Styx albums since Paradise Theater.
@@zachwalentiny The Mission, yes. Not Crash of the Crown. As a former avid Styx fan my view is that their window closed after 1981's Paradise Theater.
Nothing Young, DeYoung, or Shaw did was noteworthy to me. I am including Shaw being with Damn Yankees and his work with Blades as well as going back to Styx and valiantly putting out new material.
At the risk of sounding impolite, the fans didn't care for the new music either as the music simply did not sell. And yes, I'm aware people don't buy albums or cd's any longer.
It doesn't mean the music is bad or anything. It's just not 1975-1981 and whether that's unfair or not doesn't change things.
Same thing with anything before Equinox. Lady and (for me) Man of Miracles notwithstanding, it just doesn't rate with 1975-1981. It is what it is.
Just saw them a couple nights ago they were incredible Lawrence McGowan is amazing singer performer and musician, Todd Sucherman is a god in drummer circles,They as a band have never been better
I would like to see Dennis DeYoung back, he’s the Cornerstone of Styx.
Dennis is doing solo stuff now, John passed away years ago, Tommy, Chuck and JY are still the band. Dennis as of now will not be back.
Shame. They’re all getting on in years. I wonder if Eddie Van Halen knew he was going to die at 65 if he wouldn’t have tried gotten the band back together once more while he could. Dennis sang and wrote many of their biggest hits. He can’t be replaced.
Don’t tell that to Shaw or Young.
I wont support styx without Dennis
Not in the rock and roll hall of fame. Criminal.
Styx is still going with Chuck,JY and Tommy.
What Happened to Styx? The "Girlie Band" era evaporated.
6:08 I still have this cassette, as well as Kilroy Was Here, by Styx.
I have (had) been a fan since 1971. They will never be the same without DeYoung's angelic voice. Sucherman's drums are just just too flashy and overdone for my taste. I thnk John P.'s style fit them perfectly. Tommy Shaw really completed the sound and took them off into a harder sound along with J'Y.'s brilliant guitar (although his voice alwas sucked terribly unless as part of the brilliant harmonies ). Nice to see Chuck P. with them occasionally. I dislike the current iteration intensly, but at lease Shaw and Young are still there. There it is - my expert and opinionated look at the late, great STYX.
The Kilroy was Here fiasco could have been handled with a bit more grace. Yes, DeYoung got a little carried away with that concept album and in truth, he should have made that a side project or solo album and not drug Styx into it. That album didn't even SOUND like Styx. The band was wrong to give into resentment about the love songs, though. Babe is a really great song and Dennis DeYoung's voice is liquid gold. The greatest hits album was SO incredible, just banger and after banger.
Plus i remember reading in comments that the band pressured Dennis to fire Tommy during his drug induced state and Dennis refused to do that knowing Shaw is an important member.
Then in the late 90's, Dennis requests some time off because of some current at the time light sensitivity issues and then he's fired from thd band because they're impatient
Dennis deyoungs band is much better than stix
Man, styx are killing it right now. Songs are some of the best of their career to be honest.
In 1981ish I was working concessions at the Summit in Houston TX. We set up our stand, so I went out and took a break in the seating. I was about half way back, and the singer was doing a sound check. So I was watching him a bit, but not bothering him, and he gets mad and yells at me, "Can you get the F@#% out of here?!?"
That was my experience with the band.
Styx has three singers, genius.
@@mben-david2064
Okay...and?
Which one yelled at you? Blonde or brown hair?
@@Deborahtunes
I honestly would only be guessing after all these years.
@@tyronebrown8510 ~ Oh ok...👍
Mr. Roboto SHOULD have been a Dennis DeYoung solo album.................................
I just saw Styx at the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis a month ago. This was the 3rd time I've seen them in concert now. They still put on a great show. They closed their set with Mr Roboto which was the first time I've seen them play that song. The Buffalo Chip was the perfect venue complete with motorcycle reving from the Harleys in the audience.
Mr Roboto was the final nail in the coffin for Styx. DDY wanted them to be a theatrical band and Shaw wanted none of that crap. I agree with him. Tragic. Always have been a big fan of Dennis and Tommy and it's too bad they couldn't keep it going.
Saw Styx in Bakersfield, CA several years ago and they put on a great show. Dennis DeYoung was no longer with them.
I'll tell you what happened to them, they are still performing in 2024 as good as ever. And they have one of the great drummers in the world right now, Todd Sucherman.
They stopped being one of my favorite bands when Dennis DeYoung left.
Gowan saved Styx when Dennis left. I’m from Canada where Gowan is from and a fan of his solo work. Gowan is a solid replacement for Dennis. Long live Styx.
Yes for sure ..Gowan save Styx …he play criminal mind with Styx solid song hard rock and play good stuff of Styx .
I don't buy this "Dennis is the hero" Storyline. I'm a musician I only play with people I like. Life is too short to deal with people who don't fit in a band. Dennis is not wanted. He should go away and leave these guys alone.Gowan is just fine.
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it
Just saw them last week. Still killing it and sold out 2 nights in a row.
John dies in 1988, not 1978. Also, Crystal Ball did not achieve Platinum status, but Paradise Theatre and Kilroy Was Here did.
Dennis made the classic mistake of being IN a band and thinking he was BIGGER than the band. Tommy Shaw still has that special sauce and honestly, the Tommy songs are the ones I crank up the volume for. Dennis is and was very talented….but he is also an arrogant prick
Kilroy was here was a mistake,not good at all.😢
Then why do the fans request it? They still love Roboto.
Your timeline is all over the place. John Ponozzo did not die before Kilroy.
True, Bill,. He died in 1996. Sad death from cirrhosis of the liver cause by his unabated alcoholism.and it's Panozzo.
The John he was talking about in that sentence was original guitarist John Curulewski.
@@davidluke7996 Oh, I don't know what happened to him. He mentions Panozzo. Is Curlewski dead ?
@@derhandtrommler Yes, JC passed away in 1988. He was only 37.
@@saitoyuki I am sorry to hear this. What a tragically young age to die.
❤❤ The Bible says
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son whosoever believe in him should not perish
The Bible says unpradable sin is rejecting Jesus Christ for your Lord and personal Savior
The Bible says
The wicked man is condem already
He does not have the son of God
Jesus said the wicked man will not see his life
Until he comes to except and repentance
And except Jesus Christ for his Lord and Savior 💖
I was styx twice Tommy play Renegade amazing but second time he was wearing a Roboto outfit and he looked like he hated every second of it and now it all makes sense. Making music is more than money and they were a rock band. They were so big their next LP could be happy birthday to you and it would have sold. OK sing Roboto but don't act it out on stage that was sickness to Tommy and they should have taken steps to help all members. To many great became big than the group.
STYX has been kicking more ass since 1999 after Dennis left
If Dennis DeYoung and Mick and Mick Jagger toured together, would it be the Styx and Stones tour?
Styx is still doing it, while maintaining a solid fan base. They're just doing it without their co-founder, co-lead singer, and major songwriter, Dennis DeYoung, who was replaced by Lawrence Gowen. However, they still sound good and can rock the classic stuff.
Dennis is the founder.
@@jerrywoods4066 With the Panozzo brothers and JY.
@@bastidface true
STYX is still perfoomg today
they are missing Dennis, but Tommy Shaw is just as great a song writer, but different. He's written so much great music, from his solo run, so Shaw Blades, Damn Yankees, and most of the new albums, it's amazing.
You can tell how lame Dennis solo stuff in the mid eighties was where Styx would have gone. Along the same track as Heart and Genesis and Chicago.
Babe was a Barry Manilow type somg
Saw them in concert for the Cornerstone and Paradise Theater tours at the Forum in Inglewood, CA. Best concerts I ever been to. As far as reuniting, not holding my breath. DeYoung is too much a control freak.
Given that over 80% of their hits were Dennis's songs and that he sang lead on over half the material - he had every right to be a "control freak" like it or not it's HIS baby.
Saw them on their Grand illusion tour Angel opened up for them a most awesome show in El and it was the original band
A lot can happen to a band over 50 years. Members come and go for various reasons. They began as America's first great Prog band but everyone knows that Hits = Money.
Styx put out the best album of the last 10 years with crash of the crown. Hoping for another one
I preferred their first 4 albums, pre-Shaw. They were prog-roci and you can hear the Deep Purple influence. Great stuff.
John Curlewski was an average guitar player and not much of a songwriter. That was verified on the "Edge Of The Century" record where Glen Burtnik took over from Tommy. Styx is ten times the band with Tommy.
@@mben-david2064 still their best album is equinox without shaw. Then the grand illusion and styx 2.
@mben-david2064 Ironically, Equinox actually did better than Crystal Ball 🔮. Also, I never mentioned this before, but if you listen to PRELUDE 12 the acoustic guitar solo by Curelewski, that's right before Suite Madame Blue (on EQINOX)? That instrumental couldve been attached to Tommy's song Crystal Ball, and it would've clicked beautifully. Shaw didn't really do anything song key- wise any different than Curelewski. Even Mother Dear the verses by Curelewski are sung in D and Fooling yourself by Shaw also sung in D . Tommy had more soul and spirit in his voice and songwriting than Curelewski or Burtnik . Tommy even met Curelewski after joining the band, and they hit it off great. Glen Burtnik, I'm sure you know came back as a bass player for Styx while Deyoung and yep Gowan were in the band. Burtnik lol 😆 admitted he was nowhere as good a singer on Tommy's songs 🎵 as Tommy was himself. Tommy got along with both guys and never tried to outdo either one. That's why Tommy is a perfect fit for Styx. He's very group oriented. Can't say that about to many musicians.
@jerrywoods4066 You are correct, but it was the GRAND ILLUSION album and the single COME SAIL AWAY that broke STYX out of being stuck for years as the warm-up band and made them official HEADLINERS. I got a magazine called AOR Album Oriented Rock released in 2014 .I bought it at BARNES &NOBLES there's an interview with Dennis Deyoung in it explaining exactly this. Deyoung was the only reason I bought the magazine, to be honest. Lol 😆
@@waltersimmons946 yeah I know that
All right, that voice is crazy . Because of that, I couldn't watch the video
This sounds like a video essay that had to be handed in last minute. Name pronunciations and such being wrong.
pretty sure the specific DJ from WLS that pushed them was Jeff Davis. He heard them on a jukebox. Last I heard was Jeff and Tommy Shaw are neighbors.
I think they just grew tired of listening to Dennis. Just listen to a long interview and see why 😝
Ted Nugget was not in Bad English. Neal Schon from Journey was. 😊 As was Johnathan Cain.
Gow-wan
Pronounced Gow as in Ouch and wan as on they won the game. Gowan
This has many inaccuracies. TW4 Came in to being in the late sixties, not late seventies. John C died in the late 80's, not 1978. Man of Miracles came out in 1974, not 1975. If anyone is really interested in the history of this band, please refer to more legitimate sources for the information.
Ddy and the others are great musicians and will continue, enjoy them while they do.
Well, since they sucked, it's pretty easy to figure out.
I saw Styx in concert the first time in 1982 in Virginia. It was the Mr. Reboot tour. I saw that again in 2020.
Not here to nit-pick your post. Just for the purpose of accuracy, the "official" Kilroy Was Here tour had to have been 1983. The Kilroy album was released in February 1983. Having said that, It is entirely possible the band had some of the songs for the Kilroy album already worked up and we're doing a couple of them live in 1982. I saw Aerosmith (w/Nazareth opening) in July of 1977 and they were already doing a couple of songs from the upcoming Draw The Line album which wasn't released until December of '77.
You forgot to mention that Equinox was also released in ‘75
I know I noticed several mistakes were made especially on some release dates on albums and Equinox was their 5th album not 6th. Also John Curulewski didn't pass away until many years later in 1988 and not 1978.
They're still performing. I saw them live in concert 3 weeks ago. They sounded great.
I saw Styx and then a month later saw Dennis Deyoung, I preferred the Dennis Deyoung show.
They’re playing at the St. Augustine Amphitheater July 6, 2023 and limited tickets remain.
Shaw Blades released an album of cover songs a few years ago and DDY released TWO fantastic solo albums in the last four years.
And Styx released 2 even better albums in the last 5 years! 2 of their best ever!
Styx unfortunately hasn't put a good album out in years.
@@jerrywoods4066 you obviously haven’t listened or don’t know good music when you hear it 😂
@@dalenaadams7920 lol . Nice try . They are just pop and boring. Maybe if James actually wrote something they would pick it up. But it's too late now. I've seen a lot of bands over the years. Deep purple, rainbow UFO triumph acdc ,Dio ,styx srv , satrianni Jeff Beck, Skynyrd van halen, Hagar , foghat , boc, kiss, mountain, Judas priest, thin Lizzy, Uriah heep, journey , buddy guy , etc.. so yeah I know good music. Still those last two albums were a drag.
@@jerrywoods4066 pop??? Not even close 😂
I saw Styx at Super Jam 1979 in St Louis.
What a bunch of liars Tommy Shaw and JY are. If they had such a problem with "Mr. Roboto", why wasn't it struck down during the creative process? Don't participate in the writing, practicing, recording, stage show, and short film of it and then pretend 14 years later, you hated it and that it somehow 'broke' the band. Tommy wanted control of the band, plain and simple. And what better way to take the focus off of that than point the finger at someone else, calling them the dictator?
He should have had control of the band. He would have kept it out of the sappy ballad category. He was regretting Mr. Roboto publicly a couple of years after the tour. It did suck.
@@SpicyTexan64 Mr. Roboto sucked, huh? You may not like it but you do realize that it went all the way to #3 and sold OVER 1 Million copies? And they now play it in concert due to FAN DEMAND.
Man, i think i was fifteen when Mr. Roboto came out. It's a great song!
Anotherfloridabandtostillbeontheroad
What Happened To Them the songs show me the way and babe are not power ballads.
Those songs are straight ballets, a power ballad is the combination of a classical piano or classical music put together with hard Rock.
So if you listen to Lady for instance, lady is a complete power ballot. Also if you listen to the song don't let it end from the Kilroy was here album, that song is also a power ballad.
Because the song starts out beautiful at first, and then later on it turns into a hard rocker sound in the middle of the song don't let it end. Of course that song is one of my favorite Styx songs, and definitely one of styx's greatest hits.
Remember keep in mind the differences between a power ballad and a straight ballot from classical rock music 👍😉
Can we finally dispell the mythology that Dennis ruined Styx due to his balladeering? Why does Tommy Shaw never get flak for writing sappy love tunes like "Sing for the Day" and "She Cares"? Well guess what, Styx fans have ALWAYS had room in their hearts for the love songs and the rockers.
Secondly, great artists change, explore, and evolve. Whenever an artistic tangent doesn't work out, they can always go back to their roots. What's insane is, "Mr. Roboto" was wildly successful! People to this day absolutely love that song. Dennis married the styles of Styx and the new wave direction music was going in 1983 and made timeless magic! And his words couldn't be more prophetic.
One can only dream how much great music we missed out on had Tommy and JY been more supportive of Dennis and the classic Styx lineup continued beyond 1983.
I hated Mr roboto and so did a lot of old school styx fans. But I wish Dennis and James young would of fixed their problems. And wrote more material like on the grand illusion and equinox. They just went to poppy with either Dennis leading or Tommy shaw leading it.
@@jerrywoods4066Say what you want about the Roboto album, but pretty much everyone on the planet who was alive during that time, knows that song.
Shaw owes his career to DeYoung.
@@sjs1555 that's not exactly a compliment.
@@jerrywoods4066 That song was a huge part of American 80s pop culture. It has been referenced in numerous tv commercials and television shows, from the Simpsons to Arrested Development. I’d rather be known for that song than not known at all.
Complete limp noodles!
Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
I'm in the UK here and not heard of them much over here but thx to your vid im an expert now!! 😉🤣 Thx a million..
Happy to help!
Creative differences
Playing in bighamton ny soon
Some real beauties of songs on Serpent. Overlooked and underrated.
I love the Wooden Nickel albums with side Heads and side Tails. Many great songs on those first 4 albums. 👍
I was never into them that much. They were ok but for me theyre lumped in with Foreigner. Kansas. REO. Those kinds of bands..which had some hits and sold quite a few albums. Just solid, meat and potatoes rock but nothing i couldnt live without. Anyhow, it isnt Styx without Dennis DeYoung. Not really anyhow.
PRESSURE REFERENCE
Equinox and Styx II are my favorite Styx albums. They got the Styx brand in the spotlight. Styx was a well honed combo and just to a major record label before tomy shaw got involved
The Trio, the trio minus Chuck plus Tom N. Tradewinds, TW4, TW5, or Styx( Curulewski era) Good, but still too static on stage, until Tommy brought. Showmanship to the group.l
Yeah, I get that. John C was a major talent as well and loved his mellow voice.
Their lead singer decided to take a hiatus and then of course they released Mr.Roboto and that sunk them.
That song seems like both a blessing and a curse!
That Mr roboto was absolutely terrible
@@jerrywoods4066 One of the worst decisions in music history.
@@re8746 there's been a few . I don't know if that's the worse
No one took a hiatus. Dennis required the band to do that record and they hated it.
Infighting
The Band broke out with Equinox and did some decent stuff afterward too. DeYoung wanted to take them down a different genre, while the rest of the guys were rockers. Better off with Gowan, who brought his own song library along too.
This is so full of errors. Tommy quit Styx in 1983. Dessert Moon wasn't passable, it was top 10. What a waste of ten minutes.
they cross the river
They “broke” up