You guys are the best, have to join up, Tommy Shaw from Styx joined Ted Nugent and Jack Blades from Night Ranger to form Damn Yankees, check out "Come Again"from them
I wondered...lol. I mean, how have you not reacted to Styx? You should check out Tommy Shaw on Live at Daryl's Place - they do a version of this song that's great!
Hey guys this Is The Hype Song the Pittsburgh Steelers play during the break between the 3rd & 4th quarter I'd all games at Heinz Fieldl. The crowd goes crazy when he screams at the beginning. 🤘
Really? I'm surprised, seeing as Tommy wrote this one I assumed he took lead on the solo's. Learn something new every day I suppose I guess, even about a band I've followed for 30+ years.
So fun watching the guys be won over by this song. It just rocks. Styx demonstrated over and over that a song can be kind of cheesy and still rock. That's pretty much their brand. "That's called taking a simple groove and rocking the hell out of it." Preach!
It has to be remembered that this song was created in the peak of the Disco era when even some rock songs had that syncopated dance beat feel within them. The Stones, The Dead, Queen, Kiss, and even Pink Floyd touched upon that feel around the same time give or take.
Watch "25 or 6 to 4" live in Tanglewood by Chicago. Terry Kath was arguably the most under-rated guitarist in rock history. He was truly among the GOATs.
I was gonna say, I bet they are thinking Billy Madison when they hear this song and can't recall. I was just grateful Sandler reminded me of this banger from my youth.
Easily one of the most underrated bands of all time. Come Sail Away, Grand Illusion, Show me the Way, Too Much Time on My Hands, Lorelei, Blue Collar Man are all great songs
They weren't underrated. They destroyed their career with Kilroy Was Here a rock opera. They were at the top before that happened. Tommy Shaw got fed up with it all. He said, 'I joined to play guitar in a rock band, not be an actor in a stage play.' Was just a bad business decision in creativity. Broke the whole band up.
Styx has TWO extremely talented guitarists. They have so many great songs. Grand Illusion, Man in the Wilderness, crystal ball, light up, miss America, fooling yourself, come sail away, and many more
Blue Collar Man is an awesome one by them. Hard yet melodic in parts. I saw Styx, Journey, and Foreigner in show together about 8 years back. They still kill it.
When it comes to the theatrics of STYX, that was ALL Dennis DeYoung. In fact, that was part of the reason this band broke up in the 80s was because of Dennis wanting the band to become a stage theater group and the others didn't. In fact back in the 80s everyone thought Michael Jackson's Bad video being 30 minutes long in 1987 was revolutionary. STYX did it first in 1982 with Mr. Roboto. That original video was 30 minutes long and was because of DeYoung's theatricality. These days, STYX tours and plays as a rock band while DeYoung does more stage acting and musicals.
Dennis Deyoung was the founding member of Styx. He started the band. He wrote most of their massive hits. He wrote 12 of their 16 top 40 hits to be exact. He was the best singer as well. Dennis Deyoung is Styx. But yes, he loved the ballads and pop songs a lot more than jy and shaw. JY and shaw liked more of the rock stuff.
@@Hollingsworth2781 DeYoung was NOT the ONLY founding member of the band. The twin brothers Chuck and John Panozzo when they were 12 (and DeYoung 14) got together to play. They weren't a full band until their high school days and continued into college and that's when JY joined and then they finally named themselves STYX as that was when they were going to record their first album as a band so technically JY was also a founding member of STYX. Those FOUR can be legally considered founding members which is why when the band kicked DeYoung out and a lawsuit by DeYoung over the band's name failed because the Panozzos and JY remained together and Shaw as well. The result of the lawsuit: The band can remain touring as STYX and DeYoung can NO LONGER claim to be the "voice of STYX". Dennis DeYoung is not STYX. Not even legally. No ONE PERSON can make that claim. Also those 16 songs you mentioned, the greatest hits, he only wrote NINE by himself. A tenth he wrote WITH JY and JY also wrote one of those by himself. The other FIVE were written by Tommy Shaw. I am not saying DeYoung isn't a good song writer or singer or performer. I am saying that he ALONE was NOT and NEVER was STYX. When all the other band members singled him out as NOT being what the band wants to be, then he is the problem and they solved it in the late 90s by going on tour without him and replaced him with his vocals and keyboards.
@@thereturningshadow He was the original founding member. He walked across the street and heard the two Panozzo brothers playing music. He asked them if they wanted to play with him. Those are origins of how Styx started. My point is that Deyoung was the one who started the band. He wrote most of their massive hits. He sang most of their biggest hits. He was a nightmare to work with. That is true. I dont care about the legal stuff. OJ killed two people and got off because he had top lawyers. But according to the law he is innocent of all criminal charges. Maybe Shaw and JY had top lawyers and Deyoung did not. So I dont care about who won in court. You can call the band styx legally. Sure. But you cant have true Styx without the guy wrote and sang most of their tops songs. There would be no Styx without him. They would have like 4 hits without him. JY and shaw dont love all his songs, but America does. All those guys were part of the band, but the most important was DD. By the way, you cant have true Journey without Steve Perry either. He wrote and or co wrote 22 of their 25 major hits. Those songs and his voice made them huge. He was the iconic voice that people identify with. Again, legally they are still together. But those are steve's songs. Jonathan Cain was important too. And Neil Schon is a great guitarist and he was an original member. But Neil's band was really nobody before he met steve. But you cant replace those guys either. And Steve Perry is the person who made the band huge. He is no.1. Queensrysche. Same story with Geoff Tate and Chris Degarmo. CG wrote most of their big hits and GT has arguably the best voice in heavy metal. His voice was integral to their success. CG wrote most of their top songs. Now they have lost their 3rd most important guy in Scott Rockenfield. Sure, they are still called Queensryche, but come on. What if Paul McCartney left or was kicked out of the Beatles? There is simply no way that you can have the Beatles without John and or Paul. So yes, legally a band may retain the name and rights. But my point is that it is not the same band when you lose the most important member or members. Dennis Deyoung is Styx. You can have last word.
If you're iat Heinz Field for a Steelers game you will here this song at crunch time in the 4th quarter when the Steelers on defense, it's a staple and an anthem for the city. They also have an awesome hilight package accompanied by this song that has massive hits on those drum beats in the end of the song. It's a massive crowd pleaser and get everyone going and loud.
Like so many great bands, Styx can do so many things great. Come Sail Away has always been my favorite, but, imo, Suite Madame Blue is a masterpiece that flies under the radar, and Miss America is an underrated rocker.
I like this song a lot. It's a sentimental favorite with tons of nostalgia value. Glad you covered it, glad you gave it a chance Ryan. :) Once it gets going, it really brings some power. It's a song that takes you on a journey, almost like you are taking a voyage... sailing away. Also, I always heard elements of this song in "Take Me Out" by Franz Ferdinand. Give it a listen and see what you think. They are very different songs, but the intervals in the guitar riff hook in "Take Me Out" feels reminiscent of "Renegade" to me. Not sure, maybe I'm just wrong. As always, thanks for the video guys, best wishes!
Have you guys ever thought of tackling the band 311? Something like Come Original. They're a very interesting mix of funk, rap, punk and metal. They might be an interesting take.
Barely 12 in '79 I remember this felt pretty heavy compared to what else was on the radio. It's been featured in several TV shows since then, like Freaks and Geeks, the game GTA IV, Billy Madison and a few sports teams adopted it for a time. Cool how you guys warmed up to it :)
@@CatharticusX I got a 45rpm record with Blue Collar Man at a fair in seventh grade (12 years old as well), and it blew me away. Actually, IMO, it is even harder than Renegade. That whole album rocks. Blue Collar Man would be a great reaction.
James Young (JY) did the solo on this one. His solo style was wild and improvised, as opposed to Tommy Shaw whose solos were more through-composed. Both could play their asses off!
There were two opposing directions in Styx: the performance-art/softer sound that Dennis DeYoung wanted, and the more rock-driven sound that Tommy Shaw (and a few other members) wanted. Mr. Roboto was the pinnacle of this, and also ended up being the breaking point of the opposing ideas. Styx replaced DeYoung and is still playing live to this day and are damn impressive live. Worth calling out that Tommy Shaw is still as amazing now as he ever was. Great example of that in his Live From Daryl's House performance (listen to his voice and guitar playing... Incredible) : ruclips.net/video/YTnu27jHz-g/видео.html
Dennis never dictated the type of songs the rest of the band could write. If Tommy wanted to write rockers then why were a bunch of his compositions pop, ballads and accoustic folk tunes?
I saw them at my county fairgrounds in 2013 when they were playing the fair circuit and enjoyed them very much…I sang all the songs just like I did when playing their records on the living room stereo when I was a teen, haha! My wife, however, even though not with me back then, is a HUGE Styx fan and says that without Dennis DeYoung, John Panozzo, and Chuck Panozzo that it’s not really Styx. (Chuck was well enough to perform a few songs with them the time I saw them.
The Old Navy reference is priceless!🤣 Reminds me of the decades that passed before you ever heard a Beatles song on a commercial......until Michael Jackson screwed that up and opened the floodgates.
Styx has a very varied catalog. Listening to their greatest hits is like listening to a bunch of genres in one mix. You have this song, which is more hard rock oriented, then Mr. Roboto, which is their synth pop phase, then Babe, which is a love ballad and then Come Sail Away, which is their more theatrical side. It's definitely a rabbit hole that's worth going down.
I saw Styx in concert a year or two ago. Still a good show. DPAC in NC is a great place too, no bad seats in the place and it was pretty comfortable temp wise.
This song has appeared in episodes of several TV series and also makes an appearance in a few video games. It is also used by both The Pittsburg Steelers and Milwaukee Brewers as part of the music they play in the stadium. So, there are many many places where you may have heard it before.
You guys are the ESPN of song reaction. The way you guys call the play by play on every song makes me feel like I’m watching The Heat play The Nicks. That’s why I love your channel. You are not music reactors. You’re musicastors.
....my Styx faves: Crystal Ball Lorelei Grand Illusion **interesting.... I'd say that Styx had the ability to grab a wider audience when their songs transition from "pop light rock" to "heavy metal thunder". Many of their songs do this...they set you up... then "boom!" Crankability!!! haha . Great tunes.
“Blue Collar Man” is another great representation of Styx’s hard rock sound. For better or worse, “Lady” is pretty representative of Styx’s other classic sound. All that being said y’all should check out “Jukebox Hero” by Foreigner. Lou Gramm was one of the best singers of the era.
They likely don't realize Tommy was also part of Damn Yankees as well. Shoot. Prolly many other things that I'm oblivious to. But Tommy is awesome. Then Styx, I remember rocking the Paradise vinyl... complete with hologram!! Was a youngster then but Styx definitely made their mark for sure!
@@djclaudeus Damn Yankees is pretty sick Tommy Shaw, Jack Blades (Vocalist/Bassist Night Ranger) and Uncle Ted playing Lead Guitar? How can it get much better than that lol. As far as Super Groups go Damn Yankees is up there as one of the bests.
Take this song into your car, roll down the windows and turn it up..... For me Styx was always connected to cruising down to the river in the summer, windows down, in a friends Camaro SS. While do like most the Styx "hits" my jam was always "Man in the Wilderness" great lyrics.
@@markwilliams6394 I saw them in Dec 78 for Piece of Eight tour. A band called Angel opened for them. Angel was awful. They were 5-6 guys all dressed in white jumpsuits playing corny pop glam rock. I don't think the term "hair band" existed back then in 1978 but that's what Angel was. They were like the Grandfathers of Hair Bands.
Styx was my fav growing up HS - College. Still listen to them today and always will. Their biggest hit before Tommy Shaw joined was Lady. Great ballad. But they were missing that "Spark". Well the "Spark" came when Tommy Shaw joined the band and they took off. Pieces of Eight was their third album together and some would say best. (Mine is Grand Illusion) It is Tommy playing the lead on Renegade and lead vocal. The band was blessed with two under rated guitar players, Tommy and JY James Young, he is more of a shredder that Tommy. All of the band members sing, Dennis DeYoung simply an amazing voice and Tommy are the best in the band and complement each other. The best songs from PoE: Side 2 Blue Collar Man, Renegade, Queen of Spades, overall a very solid album. You did hit on one important comment, Mr. Roboto, it sound theater-ish. Well in my opinion it was this song and the album Kilroy was Here that started the band going down a path that would eventually break them up. DeYoung always had a thing for Broadway style production and their tour of this album was more of a off-broadway production than a concert. This caused Shaw to leave the band. Eventually they got back together but it was not the same. Eventually DeYoung left (kicked out some would say). Today Styx is still touring with Tommy, JY and Chuck and new band members and they put on a fun show. DeYoung also does his thing, although not as popular, he is still a showman. In my opinion their best songs: Come Sail Away, Lady, Blue Collar Man, Renegade, Crystal Ball, Suite Madame Blue, The Grand Illusion, Fooling Yourself, Miss America, Babe. Honorable mentions: , Rockin' the Paradise, Snow Blind, Too Much Time on My Hands, Man in the Wilderness, Borrowed Time, Show Me the Way......I do hope that someday they are inducted into the Rock n Roll HOF.....They are deserving......
The quiet beginning of the song is a man completely alone... isolated....reflecting back on his life in his jail cell. The bass drum echoes the beating of his heart as he numbingly waits to be escorted to the executioner's gallows. The tension is being built. Musically, it's completely pertinent and relevant to the situation and makes the explosion into the hard rock element so much more powerful and effective. James Young's guitar work absolutely soars. Styx is also known for their great vocals and layered harmonies. The first band in history to have 4 triple platinum albums in a row....not The Beatles, not The Rolling Stones.....STYX! Thanks for your reaction to this great American band.
Can't wait to see your reaction to 25 or 6 to 4. That's one of my favorite songs ever, I think. I'm kind of in the midst of rediscovering Steely Dan now.
Had to click on this! I'm from Pittsburgh, they play this at the steelers game in like the 3rd or 4th Quarter and show a bunch of defensive highlights when we need a big stop. Whole stadium goes crazy and just starts waving the towels, it's dope 🙌
In regards to Chicago, Terry Kath is a beast! To appreciate him more check out the live version of 25 or 6 to 4 or give Leonid And Friends an watch. They are a Chicago Tribute Band who does note for note covers of Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire songs (as well as other groups). They are incredible and the video focuses a good bit on the guitarist who plays it exactly like the studio version.
I see these have been mentioned already, but Miss America and Blue Collar Man will give you a sense of their hard rock side. Their earlier stuff had tinges of progressive rock (ala Emerson, Lake and Palmer). Glad you warmed up to Renegade! I recall a kid with a boom box cranking this at Scout camp...haha.
This song always goes up a notch live. I’ve played this song on and off with various bands for decades and I’ve never not wanted to play it and never been bored with it. Fun to play and fun to hear.
Styx is my favorite band an man did this make me happy. You guys have to do Miss america, but i'd recommend a live version of it, like the Styxworld: Live 2001 version
I've been trying to get people to react to the studio version of "Miss America" for so long now. Seems no one wants to try it. Edit: "Styx World Live" is my favorite live album from them. And by the way, Styx is my absolute favorite band too...
The reason this band was so unique is they had 2 guys who could do anything on the keys, 2 guys who played amazing but different styles of guitar, and 3 lead singers. . .and Tommy Shaw is one of each of those. . . On this song Tommy was lead singer, He and JY share the lead guitar duties and Dennis DeYoung is the the guy on Keys and he also does the scream at the beginning. . .
@@alrivers2297 It's a good song it's just extremely cheesy. At the time I'm sure it wasn't, but now you can't help but roll your eyes at how over the top it is.
I like how y'all are honest about the tunes you evaluate. Everyone's tastes are different, so... One of my favs by Styx is Blue Collar Man. Check it out!
We loved this song so much as kids, that we had a softball team named RENEGADES. I saw Styx a couple of weeks ago, in Mobile. Tommy Shaw is 68, but he still rocks - he hasn’t lost a beat.
Enjoying reactions from music lovers of the younger generation listening/grooving to classic rock. Everybody is surprised and loves the transition. It's a lot like "Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas.
They had a good run, early stuff up to this album was best. The Grand Illusion, Light Up, Miss America, Fooling Yourself, Come Sail Away, Blue Collar Man, all were good. Their music went downhill after Pieces of Eight. The pressure to produce more hits gave their creativity a whack.
also Dennis DeYoung wanted to take the band in theatrical direction then that created tension with Tommy Shaw who wanted this keep the band in a rock direction
This 'renegade' story was a common theme in the 1970s for arena rock bands, a potentially innocent "criminal" on the lam/run or cornered. I'm not sure who did it first, but this is a prime example of it. The theatrical/comedic style you are feeling is coming from Dennis DeYoung, the keyboardist & main songwriter (the actual Mr. Roboto). He's basically a showman. When you hear the harder rock sound, it's Tommy Shaw's influence.
I just hope that they react to the studio version. Jamal aka Jamal did a reaction to starless and it was a live version with a slower tempo and it just didn't have the impact that the studio version had.
I saw Styx and Thin Lizzy as my first concert in 1978. I've seen Styx multiple times and they never disappointed me. Next- react to APRIL WINE's ROLLER.
Styx is a very interesting group. There's a certain population out there that just despises them. Then there are split fans that stuck with Styx post Dennis DeYoung and others who have never forgiven them for firing him from the band. I don't mind listening to Styx or solo DeYoung. I might be an outlier. Their most recent music has taken on a much more progressive rock sound imo. I love 'em either way. Also, the Rock n Roll HOF is an utter joke. Take care fellas.
The critics certainly despised them, but that's so typical. They were hugely popular back in the day. Don't know which part of the music-buying public could despise them.
Love all of your content.. Introduced you guys to my twin brother and now he is hooked lol... I told him!! Thanks for allowing me to look a bit cool to my brother for showing him your Lost in Vegas platfrom.. He is a faithful subscriber!! Thanks again keep it up fellas!!!!
They actually use this song in an episode of Supernatural and they play the intro into the "jig is up", and also use the section you said you wish you'd heard in movies! It flows together really well! Here is the clip! I highly recommend! Super effective. ruclips.net/video/ATrldRAp5JY/видео.html
This is one of my all time fav bands. I have tickets to see them again for about the 10th time in July. And they sound exactly the same today as they did in 1978
8:07 the most UNTIMELY PAUSE in the history of the channel. They were literally less than half a second from going into the guitar solo which is the dopest part of this song in my opinion lol.
This is an older Patreon exclusive video guys fyi. Enjoy!
You guys are the best, have to join up, Tommy Shaw from Styx joined Ted Nugent and Jack Blades from Night Ranger to form Damn Yankees, check out "Come Again"from them
I wondered...lol. I mean, how have you not reacted to Styx? You should check out Tommy Shaw on Live at Daryl's Place - they do a version of this song that's great!
If you really want a older rocker from styx you need to do suite madam blue you won't be disappointed
Honorary Playlist! This song is Legendary!
Kevin Boyce I saw Damn Yankees at the omni in Atlanta with Bad Company. Killer show
Blue collar man is also a good hard rocker by Styx.
Agreed, i also love Snowblind
YES
That song has some great guitar work.
Yea!!!
One of my favorite Styx songs is without question "Too much time on my hands" with the great Tommy Shaw on lead vocal.
*clap clap*
Great suggestion
Yes!!
Great? Just ok.
My favorite Styx song too
Tommy Shaw = very underrated, especially as a vocalist. His vocals on this song are solid. Full. Stop.
I liked his voice far better than DeYoung's.
his singing in Damn Yankees is also impressive.
I've heard that when Tommy tried out for Styx he didn't even bring his guitar.
AMEN!!!!
When you factor in that Tommy wrote some of their biggest hits and that he can't read music or charts, it's even more phenomenal.
When this song starts up in Supernatural with the boys pulling off their masks is a great scene. Sets the tone for show so well
Great Comment.
YES! This song was used to perfection in that episode.
Love this episode! Season 2
Just rewatched that season and yes that definitely hit the mark!
Season 2 was the best season.
Why they aren't in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is beyond me. Massive band, massive hits. Tommy Shaw...just damn!
Hey guys this Is The Hype Song the Pittsburgh Steelers play during the break between the 3rd & 4th quarter I'd all games at Heinz Fieldl.
The crowd goes crazy when he screams at the beginning. 🤘
and it’s SUPER FUCKING ANNOYING.
Steeler Nation! 💛🖤 🤘
We Steelers fans love it. 💘We
Yinzers Unite!
@@doulbledee9758 not all Steelers fan enjoy it.
James Young and Tommy Shaw were the guitar duo in the classic Styx lineup. Both are great lead guitarists, James played the leads in this one.
Really? I'm surprised, seeing as Tommy wrote this one I assumed he took lead on the solo's. Learn something new every day I suppose I guess, even about a band I've followed for 30+ years.
@@brianflynn4 Typically each played lead on the songs they sung themselves, but there was 1 exception per Wikipedia. It may have been this 1.
@@JoeVideoed 2 exceptions, in reciprocity, Tommy played lead on "Half-Penny, Two-Penny"
JY crushed it here. But, even if a comparison to Chicago is really inappropriate, Terry Kath was in a totally different league.
@@Azabaxe80 Yeah Terry Kath was a total monster on the guitar, plus that voice, wish he was still with us.
Adam Sandler is a huge Styx fan. You've probably heard some of their songs in his movies-- or the band being referenced in dialogue.
First thing I thought of was Billy Madison.
With that keg!
billy Madison facts lol with the keg
@@shannonallen2993 And his jeans on his head!! 🤣😂
I always think of Big Daddy with Julian or Frankenstein saying “Styx are the greatest band” speech lol
So fun watching the guys be won over by this song. It just rocks. Styx demonstrated over and over that a song can be kind of cheesy and still rock. That's pretty much their brand. "That's called taking a simple groove and rocking the hell out of it." Preach!
It has to be remembered that this song was created in the peak of the Disco era when even some rock songs had that syncopated dance beat feel within them. The Stones, The Dead, Queen, Kiss, and even Pink Floyd touched upon that feel around the same time give or take.
My mom loves Styx. Used to have this song on a cassette tape in her 90s GMC Jimmy. Man time is weird.
Watch "25 or 6 to 4" live in Tanglewood by Chicago. Terry Kath was arguably the most under-rated guitarist in rock history. He was truly among the GOATs.
Jimi Hendrix said Terry Kath was the best guitarist in the universe. Pretty heavy compliment.
I have watched that like 30-40 times. Just love the way they come into that song with the drummer struggling to get his gear set.
Fo sho!!!
Fleetwood Mac THE CHAIN
Great choice. My favorite version of it is the live one from The Dance. That's just sublime!
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony sampled this song and made a banger out of it😉
Just saw them live! They still kill it
This is one of those Eternal Bangers!
Just ask Billy Madison
Maybe that's where George heard this song - cause I don't remember it in any Old Navy commercials.
This is where I was thinking they heard it too. When he pulls up to high school blasting this in his REO Speedwagon shirt
I was gonna say, I bet they are thinking Billy Madison when they hear this song and can't recall. I was just grateful Sandler reminded me of this banger from my youth.
Credit to James Young for the solo on Renegade!
Easily one of the most underrated bands of all time.
Come Sail Away, Grand Illusion, Show me the Way, Too Much Time on My Hands, Lorelei, Blue Collar Man are all great songs
I also think that Miss America was a great tune.
Grand Illusion forever my favorite Styx song!
They weren't underrated. They destroyed their career with Kilroy Was Here a rock opera. They were at the top before that happened. Tommy Shaw got fed up with it all. He said, 'I joined to play guitar in a rock band, not be an actor in a stage play.' Was just a bad business decision in creativity. Broke the whole band up.
you guys are genuinely in your prime when you go from "this shit aight" to "banger"
I just love listening to Tommy Shaw rip it up!!
This was my first 8-Track & Foreigner 4 was my second. Miss those days!
Styx has TWO extremely talented guitarists. They have so many great songs. Grand Illusion, Man in the Wilderness, crystal ball, light up, miss America, fooling yourself, come sail away, and many more
Blue Collar Man is an awesome one by them. Hard yet melodic in parts.
I saw Styx, Journey, and Foreigner in show together about 8 years back. They still kill it.
That show was a whole vibe I'd imagine
When it comes to the theatrics of STYX, that was ALL Dennis DeYoung. In fact, that was part of the reason this band broke up in the 80s was because of Dennis wanting the band to become a stage theater group and the others didn't. In fact back in the 80s everyone thought Michael Jackson's Bad video being 30 minutes long in 1987 was revolutionary. STYX did it first in 1982 with Mr. Roboto. That original video was 30 minutes long and was because of DeYoung's theatricality.
These days, STYX tours and plays as a rock band while DeYoung does more stage acting and musicals.
Stopped listening because of Mr. Roboto.
Dennis Deyoung was the founding member of Styx. He started the band. He wrote most of their massive hits. He wrote 12 of their 16 top 40 hits to be exact. He was the best singer as well. Dennis Deyoung is Styx. But yes, he loved the ballads and pop songs a lot more than jy and shaw. JY and shaw liked more of the rock stuff.
@@Hollingsworth2781 DeYoung was NOT the ONLY founding member of the band. The twin brothers Chuck and John Panozzo when they were 12 (and DeYoung 14) got together to play. They weren't a full band until their high school days and continued into college and that's when JY joined and then they finally named themselves STYX as that was when they were going to record their first album as a band so technically JY was also a founding member of STYX.
Those FOUR can be legally considered founding members which is why when the band kicked DeYoung out and a lawsuit by DeYoung over the band's name failed because the Panozzos and JY remained together and Shaw as well. The result of the lawsuit: The band can remain touring as STYX and DeYoung can NO LONGER claim to be the "voice of STYX".
Dennis DeYoung is not STYX. Not even legally. No ONE PERSON can make that claim. Also those 16 songs you mentioned, the greatest hits, he only wrote NINE by himself. A tenth he wrote WITH JY and JY also wrote one of those by himself. The other FIVE were written by Tommy Shaw.
I am not saying DeYoung isn't a good song writer or singer or performer. I am saying that he ALONE was NOT and NEVER was STYX. When all the other band members singled him out as NOT being what the band wants to be, then he is the problem and they solved it in the late 90s by going on tour without him and replaced him with his vocals and keyboards.
@@thereturningshadow He was the original founding member. He walked across the street and heard the two Panozzo brothers playing music. He asked them if they wanted to play with him. Those are origins of how Styx started. My point is that Deyoung was the one who started the band. He wrote most of their massive hits. He sang most of their biggest hits. He was a nightmare to work with. That is true. I dont care about the legal stuff. OJ killed two people and got off because he had top lawyers. But according to the law he is innocent of all criminal charges. Maybe Shaw and JY had top lawyers and Deyoung did not. So I dont care about who won in court. You can call the band styx legally. Sure. But you cant have true Styx without the guy wrote and sang most of their tops songs. There would be no Styx without him. They would have like 4 hits without him. JY and shaw dont love all his songs, but America does. All those guys were part of the band, but the most important was DD.
By the way, you cant have true Journey without Steve Perry either. He wrote and or co wrote 22 of their 25 major hits. Those songs and his voice made them huge. He was the iconic voice that people identify with. Again, legally they are still together. But those are steve's songs. Jonathan Cain was important too. And Neil Schon is a great guitarist and he was an original member. But Neil's band was really nobody before he met steve. But you cant replace those guys either. And Steve Perry is the person who made the band huge. He is no.1.
Queensrysche. Same story with Geoff Tate and Chris Degarmo. CG wrote most of their big hits and GT has arguably the best voice in heavy metal. His voice was integral to their success. CG wrote most of their top songs. Now they have lost their 3rd most important guy in Scott Rockenfield. Sure, they are still called Queensryche, but come on.
What if Paul McCartney left or was kicked out of the Beatles? There is simply no way that you can have the Beatles without John and or Paul.
So yes, legally a band may retain the name and rights. But my point is that it is not the same band when you lose the most important member or members. Dennis Deyoung is Styx. You can have last word.
not to be that guy but I'm pretty sure Micheal Jackson's "revolutionary" 30 minutes music video was for the Thriller title track released in 82'
Suite Madame Blue (Long Version) is another banger from Styx.
Great song. I got a little worried at the beginning when you were clowning on it, but a good guitar riff always brings it up a level
If you're iat Heinz Field for a Steelers game you will here this song at crunch time in the 4th quarter when the Steelers on defense, it's a staple and an anthem for the city. They also have an awesome hilight package accompanied by this song that has massive hits on those drum beats in the end of the song. It's a massive crowd pleaser and get everyone going and loud.
Like so many great bands, Styx can do so many things great. Come Sail Away has always been my favorite, but, imo, Suite Madame Blue is a masterpiece that flies under the radar, and Miss America is an underrated rocker.
Suite madame blue is my fav of theirs. Along with man in the wilderness and witch wolf.
Suite Madame Blue ….such a great song.
Suite Madame Blue still seems fresh to me because radio hasn't beaten it to death. I saw Dennis and his band do it four years ago, superlative.
YES!!!!
I love all of these but crystal ball has always stuck with me throughout all this time. Truly a standout track by them
This is a great late 70s song. It stood out even amongst groups like Kansas, Journey and Foreigner.
I like this song a lot. It's a sentimental favorite with tons of nostalgia value. Glad you covered it, glad you gave it a chance Ryan. :)
Once it gets going, it really brings some power. It's a song that takes you on a journey, almost like you are taking a voyage... sailing away.
Also, I always heard elements of this song in "Take Me Out" by Franz Ferdinand. Give it a listen and see what you think. They are very different songs, but the intervals in the guitar riff hook in "Take Me Out" feels reminiscent of "Renegade" to me. Not sure, maybe I'm just wrong.
As always, thanks for the video guys, best wishes!
I remember this getting played at the skating rink, a lot! Back in the 70's! It's gotta nice flow to it. Cool to skate to!
But that's all it's good for! Playlist for the skating rink only! It is a good song, tho.
Omg so true! Thanks I’m feeling pretty old right now! Lol
Have you guys ever thought of tackling the band 311? Something like Come Original. They're a very interesting mix of funk, rap, punk and metal. They might be an interesting take.
They did a 311 song at some point and didn’t care for it. I’m pretty sure it was a song off Mosaic, though, so there’s that.
Shaw on vocals and Young on lead guitar. Written by Shaw. One of my favorite songs going back to elementary school up until today.
Barely 12 in '79 I remember this felt pretty heavy compared to what else was on the radio. It's been featured in several TV shows since then, like Freaks and Geeks, the game GTA IV, Billy Madison and a few sports teams adopted it for a time. Cool how you guys warmed up to it :)
Yeah, this was pretty hard radio stuff for the time.
@@CatharticusX I got a 45rpm record with Blue Collar Man at a fair in seventh grade (12 years old as well), and it blew me away. Actually, IMO, it is even harder than Renegade. That whole album rocks. Blue Collar Man would be a great reaction.
Was looking for any Steelers comments. Surprisingly there weren't any. If you know you know. #HEREWEGO
If you’re a steeler fan you get super pumped when this song comes on!!!
🤘🏻💛🖤
James Young (JY) did the solo on this one. His solo style was wild and improvised, as opposed to Tommy Shaw whose solos were more through-composed. Both could play their asses off!
There were two opposing directions in Styx: the performance-art/softer sound that Dennis DeYoung wanted, and the more rock-driven sound that Tommy Shaw (and a few other members) wanted. Mr. Roboto was the pinnacle of this, and also ended up being the breaking point of the opposing ideas. Styx replaced DeYoung and is still playing live to this day and are damn impressive live. Worth calling out that Tommy Shaw is still as amazing now as he ever was. Great example of that in his Live From Daryl's House performance (listen to his voice and guitar playing... Incredible) : ruclips.net/video/YTnu27jHz-g/видео.html
Daryl’s House!!! was awesome with Tommy Show!!!
Dennis never dictated the type of songs the rest of the band could write. If Tommy wanted to write rockers then why were a bunch of his compositions pop, ballads and accoustic folk tunes?
I saw them at my county fairgrounds in 2013 when they were playing the fair circuit and enjoyed them very much…I sang all the songs just like I did when playing their records on the living room stereo when I was a teen, haha!
My wife, however, even though not with me back then, is a HUGE Styx fan and says that without Dennis DeYoung, John Panozzo, and Chuck Panozzo that it’s not really Styx. (Chuck was well enough to perform a few songs with them the time I saw them.
The Old Navy reference is priceless!🤣 Reminds me of the decades that passed before you ever heard a Beatles song on a commercial......until Michael Jackson screwed that up and opened the floodgates.
Styx has a very varied catalog. Listening to their greatest hits is like listening to a bunch of genres in one mix. You have this song, which is more hard rock oriented, then Mr. Roboto, which is their synth pop phase, then Babe, which is a love ballad and then Come Sail Away, which is their more theatrical side. It's definitely a rabbit hole that's worth going down.
I'll take 'Lady' over 'Come Sail Away' for a ballad that starts tame and then kicks you in the nuts for epicness.
I saw Styx in concert a year or two ago. Still a good show. DPAC in NC is a great place too, no bad seats in the place and it was pretty comfortable temp wise.
Blue Collar Man and Too Much Time of My Hands should be listened to. Great groove, amazing lead guitar
Too much... 👏🏻👏🏻 .. time on my hands
That cadence you're hearing is the kick drum changing from the downbeat to the upbeat for that measure. It's been done a ton of times.
Queen Of Spades is the song that hooked me to Styx. That's the one before this on the record.
The choir part after the solo makes the song for me, so powerful
This song has appeared in episodes of several TV series and also makes an appearance in a few video games. It is also used by both The Pittsburg Steelers and Milwaukee Brewers as part of the music they play in the stadium. So, there are many many places where you may have heard it before.
You guys are the ESPN of song reaction.
The way you guys call the play by play on every song makes me feel like I’m watching The Heat play The Nicks. That’s why I love your channel.
You are not music reactors. You’re musicastors.
This deserves more likes. So true
@@AlexanderKnollwood ❤️
Amazing comment! Agree 100%
The whole pieces of eight album is fire not a bad track on it.
Grand illusion would be 2nd IMO
@@lo0nyt0onz I actually like both albums equal, to me the two best Styx albums.
Queen of Spades is one of the best songs ever by Styx that usually flies under peoples radar
You may have heard that groove before from Led Zeppelin in the song Trampled Under Foot.
Great white hope is meh
That entire album is fantastic. Queen of Spades is an underappreciated gem.
....my Styx faves:
Crystal Ball
Lorelei
Grand Illusion
**interesting.... I'd say that Styx had the ability to grab a wider audience when their songs transition from "pop light rock" to "heavy metal thunder". Many of their songs do this...they set you up... then "boom!" Crankability!!! haha . Great tunes.
“Blue Collar Man” is another great representation of Styx’s hard rock sound. For better or worse, “Lady” is pretty representative of Styx’s other classic sound. All that being said y’all should check out “Jukebox Hero” by Foreigner. Lou Gramm was one of the best singers of the era.
I don’t recall this being used in any commercials. It’s been used in the show Supernatural, though.
This and Blue Collar man are my two favorites.
Tommy Shaw is the singer and played the solo on Renegade. He's no slouch.
Jay McCarty Actually James JY Young plays the solo on this one. Both of them are underrated when people talk guitar greats
They likely don't realize Tommy was also part of Damn Yankees as well. Shoot. Prolly many other things that I'm oblivious to. But Tommy is awesome. Then Styx, I remember rocking the Paradise vinyl... complete with hologram!! Was a youngster then but Styx definitely made their mark for sure!
@@djclaudeus Damn Yankees is pretty sick Tommy Shaw, Jack Blades (Vocalist/Bassist Night Ranger) and Uncle Ted playing Lead Guitar? How can it get much better than that lol. As far as Super Groups go Damn Yankees is up there as one of the bests.
Take this song into your car, roll down the windows and turn it up..... For me Styx was always connected to cruising down to the river in the summer, windows down, in a friends Camaro SS. While do like most the Styx "hits" my jam was always "Man in the Wilderness" great lyrics.
The first album I ever bought was Pieces of Eight, and they were my first concert too in 1978 when I was 13. I still love them all these years later.
Styx was my first concert too in January 78, the Grand Illusion tour. Legs Diamond opened up for them.
@@markwilliams6394 I saw them in Dec 78 for Piece of Eight tour. A band called Angel opened for them. Angel was awful. They were 5-6 guys all dressed in white jumpsuits playing corny pop glam rock. I don't think the term "hair band" existed back then in 1978 but that's what Angel was. They were like the Grandfathers of Hair Bands.
I saw Angel open for Ted Nugent.
I got that album my freshman year in high school Renegade was on of my favorite songs. Thanks for taking me way back. Love from California.
Styx was my fav growing up HS - College. Still listen to them today and always will. Their biggest hit before Tommy Shaw joined was Lady. Great ballad. But they were missing that "Spark". Well the "Spark" came when Tommy Shaw joined the band and they took off. Pieces of Eight was their third album together and some would say best. (Mine is Grand Illusion) It is Tommy playing the lead on Renegade and lead vocal. The band was blessed with two under rated guitar players, Tommy and JY James Young, he is more of a shredder that Tommy. All of the band members sing, Dennis DeYoung simply an amazing voice and Tommy are the best in the band and complement each other. The best songs from PoE: Side 2 Blue Collar Man, Renegade, Queen of Spades, overall a very solid album. You did hit on one important comment, Mr. Roboto, it sound theater-ish. Well in my opinion it was this song and the album Kilroy was Here that started the band going down a path that would eventually break them up. DeYoung always had a thing for Broadway style production and their tour of this album was more of a off-broadway production than a concert. This caused Shaw to leave the band. Eventually they got back together but it was not the same. Eventually DeYoung left (kicked out some would say). Today Styx is still touring with Tommy, JY and Chuck and new band members and they put on a fun show. DeYoung also does his thing, although not as popular, he is still a showman. In my opinion their best songs: Come Sail Away, Lady, Blue Collar Man, Renegade, Crystal Ball, Suite Madame Blue, The Grand Illusion, Fooling Yourself, Miss America, Babe. Honorable mentions: , Rockin' the Paradise, Snow Blind, Too Much Time on My Hands, Man in the Wilderness, Borrowed Time, Show Me the Way......I do hope that someday they are inducted into the Rock n Roll HOF.....They are deserving......
Got to see Styx in concert last year.. Quite the journey back in time. A lot of fun.
The fact that you guys haven't done Come Sail Away by Styx is ridiculous.
The long version, please.
@@jimeiden2360 yes, I hate when people react to the version without the trippy synth part
I really love that song, but South Park ruined it for me - I can't not hear Cartman 🤣
Grand Illusion, Come Sail Away and Lorelei are Styx musts! 😁❤️
The quiet beginning of the song is a man completely alone... isolated....reflecting back on his life in his jail cell. The bass drum echoes the beating of his heart as he numbingly waits to be escorted to the executioner's gallows. The tension is being built. Musically, it's completely pertinent and relevant to the situation and makes the explosion into the hard rock element so much more powerful and effective. James Young's guitar work absolutely soars. Styx is also known for their great vocals and layered harmonies. The first band in history to have 4 triple platinum albums in a row....not The Beatles, not The Rolling Stones.....STYX! Thanks for your reaction to this great American band.
THANK YOU!!! Not only have listened to this alot, but it's also used during Pittsburgh Steelers Games.
Can't wait to see your reaction to 25 or 6 to 4. That's one of my favorite songs ever, I think. I'm kind of in the midst of rediscovering Steely Dan now.
Had to click on this! I'm from Pittsburgh, they play this at the steelers game in like the 3rd or 4th Quarter and show a bunch of defensive highlights when we need a big stop. Whole stadium goes crazy and just starts waving the towels, it's dope 🙌
Their best song IMO, love you guys.
Blue collar man and miss America are fire!!
In regards to Chicago, Terry Kath is a beast! To appreciate him more check out the live version of 25 or 6 to 4 or give Leonid And Friends an watch. They are a Chicago Tribute Band who does note for note covers of Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire songs (as well as other groups). They are incredible and the video focuses a good bit on the guitarist who plays it exactly like the studio version.
But Peter Cetera is maybe the greatest vocalist ever, but Kaith was Griity
They are such a great band in their live performances!
I see these have been mentioned already, but Miss America and Blue Collar Man will give you a sense of their hard rock side. Their earlier stuff had tinges of progressive rock (ala Emerson, Lake and Palmer).
Glad you warmed up to Renegade! I recall a kid with a boom box cranking this at Scout camp...haha.
My friend's dad used to play in a band with Tommy Shaw back when they were in high school. Styx throws down!
I performed this song in college with some friends in a battle of the bands. I butchered the words horribly but it was still fun! Great song.
This song always goes up a notch live. I’ve played this song on and off with various bands for decades and I’ve never not wanted to play it and never been bored with it. Fun to play and fun to hear.
Saw this band live just before the pandemic with REO Speedwagon. REO was good, but STYX took it to a whole another level!
Reo wasn’t that great this year
They used this song in the Ozark S4 Part 2 trailer. Was perfect for it.
Styx is my favorite band an man did this make me happy. You guys have to do Miss america, but i'd recommend a live version of it, like the Styxworld: Live 2001 version
I've been trying to get people to react to the studio version of "Miss America" for so long now. Seems no one wants to try it.
Edit: "Styx World Live" is my favorite live album from them.
And by the way, Styx is my absolute favorite band too...
The Steelers play this song every home game. Absolutely electric, gotta check it out
They used this song in Billy Madison.
The reason this band was so unique is they had 2 guys who could do anything on the keys, 2 guys who played amazing but different styles of guitar, and 3 lead singers. . .and Tommy Shaw is one of each of those. . . On this song Tommy was lead singer, He and JY share the lead guitar duties and Dennis DeYoung is the the guy on Keys and he also does the scream at the beginning. . .
You've probably heard Styx's "Sailing Away", it's HUGELY popular, but you may not have really *listened* to it, might be worth checking out :)
Having heard it plenty of times, maybe they SHOULDN'T listen to it lol, it doesn't really hold up.
Come sail away
Only if it's the version with Cartman singing...
@@djjazzyjeff1232 holds up to my ears
@@alrivers2297 It's a good song it's just extremely cheesy. At the time I'm sure it wasn't, but now you can't help but roll your eyes at how over the top it is.
I love the gradual change to liking the song. The whole time I'm thinking oh just wait. I love Styx
Need to try supper group “ Damn Yankees” with Tommy Shaw , Ted Nugent, Jack Blades, and Michael Cartellone!!!! Great 90s rock metal. !!!
They were great! "Shaw Blades" is worth checking out, too.
Yes, Damn Yankees for sure!!
Mmmmm supper...
@@malkamusik lol
My supper group is mashed potatoes, peas, and meat.
i love seeing your reviews. I to live in Vegas and I do appreciate what you do.
I like how y'all are honest about the tunes you evaluate. Everyone's tastes are different, so... One of my favs by Styx is Blue Collar Man. Check it out!
That is my personal favorite by Styx. Killer track!
@@zevongrie1402 👍
Miss America, real rocker.
Have to hear "too much time on my hands "
We loved this song so much as kids, that we had a softball team named RENEGADES. I saw Styx a couple of weeks ago, in Mobile. Tommy Shaw is 68, but he still rocks - he hasn’t lost a beat.
Knew he'd change his mind when he heard the solo!
Enjoying reactions from music lovers of the younger generation listening/grooving to classic rock. Everybody is surprised and loves the transition. It's a lot like "Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas.
They had a good run, early stuff up to this album was best. The Grand Illusion, Light Up, Miss America, Fooling Yourself, Come Sail Away, Blue Collar Man, all were good. Their music went downhill after Pieces of Eight. The pressure to produce more hits gave their creativity a whack.
also Dennis DeYoung wanted to take the band in theatrical direction then that created tension with Tommy Shaw who wanted this keep the band in a rock direction
Agree 💯
Yes light.
Don't forget Man in the Wilderness also a great Shaw song.
don't kid yourself, Miss America is garbage song lmao
The Grand Illusion! Song and album!
This 'renegade' story was a common theme in the 1970s for arena rock bands, a potentially innocent "criminal" on the lam/run or cornered. I'm not sure who did it first, but this is a prime example of it. The theatrical/comedic style you are feeling is coming from Dennis DeYoung, the keyboardist & main songwriter (the actual Mr. Roboto). He's basically a showman. When you hear the harder rock sound, it's Tommy Shaw's influence.
Bad Company's eponymous track.
@@headlibrarian1996 EDDIE MONEY:
"Gimme Some Water"
URIAH HEEP:
"Stealin'"
This song is great, one of my favorite classics
Do Starless by King Crimson , they finally uploaded all their discography to youtube.
I just hope that they react to the studio version. Jamal aka Jamal did a reaction to starless and it was a live version with a slower tempo and it just didn't have the impact that the studio version had.
I saw Styx and Thin Lizzy as my first concert in 1978. I've seen Styx multiple times and they never disappointed me.
Next- react to APRIL WINE's ROLLER.
Styx is a very interesting group. There's a certain population out there that just despises them.
Then there are split fans that stuck with Styx post Dennis DeYoung and others who have never forgiven them for firing him from the band.
I don't mind listening to Styx or solo DeYoung. I might be an outlier. Their most recent music has taken on a much more progressive rock sound imo.
I love 'em either way. Also, the Rock n Roll HOF is an utter joke.
Take care fellas.
The critics certainly despised them, but that's so typical. They were hugely popular back in the day. Don't know which part of the music-buying public could despise them.
Love all of your content.. Introduced you guys to my twin brother and now he is hooked lol... I told him!! Thanks for allowing me to look a bit cool to my brother for showing him your Lost in Vegas platfrom.. He is a faithful subscriber!! Thanks again keep it up fellas!!!!
They actually use this song in an episode of Supernatural and they play the intro into the "jig is up", and also use the section you said you wish you'd heard in movies! It flows together really well!
Here is the clip! I highly recommend! Super effective. ruclips.net/video/ATrldRAp5JY/видео.html
Love Supernatural! And yes, it was used highly effectively in that episode.
This is one of my all time fav bands. I have tickets to see them again for about the 10th time in July. And they sound exactly the same today as they did in 1978
8:07 the most UNTIMELY PAUSE in the history of the channel. They were literally less than half a second from going into the guitar solo which is the dopest part of this song in my opinion lol.
The harmony!! I love Styx