And he's not really the kind of guy you'd expect to last in a band that long. If he is, he's more like the guy in the factory, quietly toiling away for decades, and no one even notices he's there until he gets recognised in a ceremony for years of service in his honour!
Long time Styx fan since the 70's, although the band has continued, and I've seen them a couple of times over the last 15 years, the band really isn't the same without Dennis..
Also the guy with the least contribution. His greatest input was the soundproof ceiling tiles Young's father gave the band for Dennis' rehearsal garage.
Très longue vie à ce beau musicien, James Young que j'adore depuis l'âge de 5 ans, quand j'étais une petite fille en 1972, dans la ville de Québec et que j'entendais pour la première fois, à la radio, la chanson The Best Thing du groupe Styx. ❤
James Young is an ass kicking hard rock guitarist. He is under appreciated because Tommy get the spot light most of the time when the vocals are consuming James.
I get the Classic Line Up comment with Tommy Shaw but that wasn't Styx and not how they started out. It was with John J. Curulewski instead of Tommy on guitars and up to the album 'Crystal Ball' where Tommy joined the band replacing John their biggest hit was 'Lady' from Styx II and probably the most played tune of their catalog. Before John left they penned 'Lorelei' written by both Dennis and James Young and became their 2nd Top 40 single and the album went Gold. Quite an accomplishment I guess before the so-called presence of Tommy Shaw. So, can we get the comments right when you give info on how Styx started out because they didn't start out with Tommy Shaw.
Actually.......the band had been around since 1962. Not 1972. The only thing that changed in that time was the guitar player slot. In 1969 JC replaced another guitarist, and in 1970 the band decided to have a 2nd guitarist with JY. The line-up that recorded the first Styx albums had been intact since 1970, but it was still Styx way back in 1962. They changed their name to avoid confusion, and in 1972 they changed their name again with a record contract. I had free tickets to see Styx & Foreigner Friday night, but I generally only buy tickets to see Styx when it includes Dennis, just as I'd only by tickets to see Foreigner with Lou & Mick Jones, Yes with Jon Anderson, etc. It's a shame what has been allowed to happen in the music industry today. When I get free tickets, I'll go to see whatever configuration of the band using the name has at the time, but it's hard to think of them as Styx. Hard to think of Foreigner as Foreigner (zero original or even classic members). Put on a good tribute show? Sure they both do.
James Young is the luckiest man in rock. He is a good guitarist and average singer who was fortunate to hook up with Dennis DeYoung, a top tier talent, who he has spent a quarter century trashing. In that same time period, he has hung on the coattails of Tommy Shaw, who is a far more talented singer, guitarist, and songwriter than he is. Longevity is not on its own an endorsement.
Not a fan of Gowan in Styx, never like when the founder of a band gets ousted by non original members. Gowan on his own did some cool stuff, seems decent but a bit self serving. The guy definitely has serious credibility as a songwriter and musician 👍🏼🍻
Dennis DeYoung founded the band. I have no interest in seeing Styx live again, despite their current talents including James, without Dennis on stage with them.
Wow - a lot of DDY comments when this video is, at least by title, about JY. To the DDY cult following, go listen to his recent solo stuff like the song "With All Due Respect" and in all honesty, imagine new Styx albums with that crap. The DDY songs on Styx's "Brave New World" (like "High Crimes and Misdemeanours") were absolute garbage back then already, and that was 25 years ago! Get over it - thank GAWD that Styx got back on track with Gowan to make great music again these past few years. Now go loudly sing along with DDY's solo release, "With all Due Respect" - the lyrics are easy and repeat over and over - you'll LOVE it!!! "Talk talk yada yada blah blah woof woof, Talk talk yada yada blah blah woof woof..." (I KID YOU NOT!!!). 🤮
Styx beginnings did not include Tommy Shaw
He also sang my favorite Styx song: Heavy Metal Poisoning, off of the Kilroy was Here CD.
I think that's one of his best too, and a great stage show for it back on the awesome Kilroy tour.
I've never heard you guys talk about Equinox.. that was the album.
And he's not really the kind of guy you'd expect to last in a band that long. If he is, he's more like the guy in the factory, quietly toiling away for decades, and no one even notices he's there until he gets recognised in a ceremony for years of service in his honour!
Long time Styx fan since the 70's, although the band has continued, and I've seen them a couple of times over the last 15 years, the band really isn't the same without Dennis..
Also the guy with the least contribution. His greatest input was the soundproof ceiling tiles Young's father gave the band for Dennis' rehearsal garage.
this was great -more fly on the wall stuff! thanks much John and Lawrence.
I was a huge fan of Lawrence Gowan from his Strange Animal days. I was thrilled when he joined Styx. Best of both worlds.
Très longue vie à ce beau musicien, James Young que j'adore depuis l'âge de 5 ans, quand j'étais une petite fille en 1972, dans la ville de Québec et que j'entendais pour la première fois, à la radio, la chanson The Best Thing du groupe Styx. ❤
James Young is an ass kicking hard rock guitarist. He is under appreciated because Tommy get the spot light most of the time when the vocals are consuming James.
I get the Classic Line Up comment with Tommy Shaw but that wasn't Styx and not how they started out. It was with John J. Curulewski instead of Tommy on guitars and up to the album 'Crystal Ball' where Tommy joined the band replacing John their biggest hit was 'Lady' from Styx II and probably the most played tune of their catalog. Before John left they penned 'Lorelei' written by both Dennis and James Young and became their 2nd Top 40 single and the album went Gold. Quite an accomplishment I guess before the so-called presence of Tommy Shaw.
So, can we get the comments right when you give info on how Styx started out because they didn't start out with Tommy Shaw.
Lets not forget Chuck even though he is considered a part timer now.
also john culruleski until 1975. i thought chuck panozzo still around.
JY Young is the heart of the band...George Harrison/Bill Wyman vibes...not the leader but solid member holding it together.
Actually.......the band had been around since 1962. Not 1972. The only thing that changed in that time was the guitar player slot. In 1969 JC replaced another guitarist, and in 1970 the band decided to have a 2nd guitarist with JY. The line-up that recorded the first Styx albums had been intact since 1970, but it was still Styx way back in 1962. They changed their name to avoid confusion, and in 1972 they changed their name again with a record contract.
I had free tickets to see Styx & Foreigner Friday night, but I generally only buy tickets to see Styx when it includes Dennis, just as I'd only by tickets to see Foreigner with Lou & Mick Jones, Yes with Jon Anderson, etc. It's a shame what has been allowed to happen in the music industry today. When I get free tickets, I'll go to see whatever configuration of the band using the name has at the time, but it's hard to think of them as Styx. Hard to think of Foreigner as Foreigner (zero original or even classic members). Put on a good tribute show? Sure they both do.
Thx fellas
James Young is the luckiest man in rock. He is a good guitarist and average singer who was fortunate to hook up with Dennis DeYoung, a top tier talent, who he has spent a quarter century trashing. In that same time period, he has hung on the coattails of Tommy Shaw, who is a far more talented singer, guitarist, and songwriter than he is. Longevity is not on its own an endorsement.
MET JAMES YOUNG YEARS AGO BACKSTAGE IN A ROOM WHEN THEY HEADLINED R.E.O SPEEDWAGON & .38 SPECIAL FOR $20.00. THANK YOU JESUS.
Not a fan of Gowan in Styx, never like when the founder of a band gets ousted by non original members. Gowan on his own did some cool stuff, seems decent but a bit self serving. The guy definitely has serious credibility as a songwriter and musician 👍🏼🍻
Dennis DeYoung founded the band. I have no interest in seeing Styx live again, despite their current talents including James, without Dennis on stage with them.
Wow - a lot of DDY comments when this video is, at least by title, about JY. To the DDY cult following, go listen to his recent solo stuff like the song "With All Due Respect" and in all honesty, imagine new Styx albums with that crap. The DDY songs on Styx's "Brave New World" (like "High Crimes and Misdemeanours") were absolute garbage back then already, and that was 25 years ago! Get over it - thank GAWD that Styx got back on track with Gowan to make great music again these past few years. Now go loudly sing along with DDY's solo release, "With all Due Respect" - the lyrics are easy and repeat over and over - you'll LOVE it!!! "Talk talk yada yada blah blah woof woof, Talk talk yada yada blah blah woof woof..." (I KID YOU NOT!!!). 🤮
Dennis just didn't like to Rock and killed the band with his gooey love songs. They really had a good thing going and he blew it.
Ahh so his gave some bad news to the husband after that?
Really awkward
Meh, Styx without Dennis is like Journey without Steve. I believe for Tommy it's all about making money, and screw the fans.
I knew these guys since high school. Very arrogant.