Dennis on VH1 Big 06' Award - December 3rd

[Ash]

If you look at DDY's body of work since 1991 it's pretty easy to argue that DDY's focus hasn't been on rock music. In MY OPINION he hasnt done a single thing that even remotely relates to what he did in Styx. There's nothing wrong with this, he should have the freedom to do what he wants. I think the difference between you and I is that I like Dennis and hope he has a great career while hoping he moves in more of a rock direction. I also like the current Styx and want them to do well. On the other hand you love Dennis and it sure seems like you don't like the current Styx much.

So what are you saying? Because he isn't writing a "rock" song then none of his songs are any good? Is that your rationale? Only Rock Songs are Good Songs? Well by that measure, I guess "Just Be" sucks. A song doesn't have to be a rock song to be a good song or even a killer song.

My reply was to your point that people commenting about JY's talent were bitter - and that is where I focused my comment. I said nothing about your other comparisons regarding the musical direction of any of these guys. I happen to like the music that Dennis writes - just like I enjoy Tommy's music. I think JY's music is simply awful outside the context of the band. It's obvious to anyone with two eyes that JY benefits as a musician by being around other creative people since he can't really do it on his own all that well. That's not bitter - thats the truth.

[Ash]

Update on Vh1 site with an interview with Dennis.


http://vh1.blogs.com/big_in/2006/12/big ... the_d.html

You beat me to it - LOL

I'm going to cry and cry! I love that song "Lady" and I think it will be played on a white baby grand piano.

The rehearsals went great today!! The show will be taped tonight. He'll be sitting in the front row in front of Weird Al, The Killers and The Fray when it airs tomorrow or is taped tonight, you know what I mean - LOL

Very cool interview - even jokes about his music in relation to Weird Al and DDY's music "already is a parody". Funny stuff. Good to see he has a sense of humor about it all. This interview showed a side of him we don't really see. Good stuff. And no mention of DFB - makes it even better than he can stand on his own without that name.

[shaka]

If you look at DDY's body of work since 1991 it's pretty easy to argue that DDY's focus hasn't been on rock music. In MY OPINION he hasnt done a single thing that even remotely relates to what he did in Styx. There's nothing wrong with this, he should have the freedom to do what he wants. I think the difference between you and I is that I like Dennis and hope he has a great career while hoping he moves in more of a rock direction. I also like the current Styx and want them to do well. On the other hand you love Dennis and it sure seems like you don't like the current Styx much.

So what are you saying? Because he isn't writing a "rock" song then none of his songs are any good? Is that your rationale? Only Rock Songs are Good Songs? Well by that measure, I guess "Just Be" sucks. A song doesn't have to be a rock song to be a good song or even a killer song.

My reply was to your point that people commenting about JY's talent were bitter - and that is where I focused my comment. I said nothing about your other comparisons regarding the musical direction of any of these guys. I happen to like the music that Dennis writes - just like I enjoy Tommy's music. I think JY's music is simply awful outside the context of the band. It's obvious to anyone with two eyes that JY benefits as a musician by being around other creative people since he can't really do it on his own all that well. That's not bitter - thats the truth.

Nope, that's not my rationale. You're really good at twisting a persons words into whatever fits your point. I can't figure out how you extrapolated that from my post. I think Dennis has written some decent songs that wouldn't be considered rock. However, I would prefer that Dennis moved back in a rock direction. If Dennis isn't capable of moving back in that direction then he isn't a good fit at this time with the other guys from Styx.

There are an awful lot of decent musicians that aren't as good when they aren't writing and performing in the context of a band. JY has a bunch of good songs and I enjoy him in Styx. I really don't give a crap about whatever legal wrangling they are going through.

And yes, some folks are bitter at JY and have been for years. It's funny that JY can't do anything right in their eyes.

[Ash]

Nope, that's not my rationale. You're really good at twisting a persons words into whatever fits your point. I can't figure out how you extrapolated that from my post. I think Dennis has written some decent songs that wouldn't be considered rock. However, I would prefer that Dennis moved back in a rock direction. If Dennis isn't capable of moving back in that direction then he isn't a good fit at this time with the other guys from Styx.

No - I'm good at reading between the lines at what people are saying... and your clarification really makes my point. Why wouldn't Dennis be a good fit? You think Dennis couldn't write a better slow song than "Just Be"? Bands are made up of people of all different perspectives. Joey Belladonna (the singer of Anthrax) was kicked out of Anthrax in the early 90's because of his ardent love of Journey and Steve Perry. Ten years later, Scott Ian and Belladonna reconciled and Ian recognized Belladonna's value to Anthrax. Just because Belladonna wanted to write slower songs didn't impact his meaning to Anthrax. So if Dennis doesn't want to write a "rock" song (using whatever criteria you define as such since that too varies from person to person) then he doesn't belong in the band?

Furthermore why do you assume that he maybe isn't capable of writing a rock song? Have you ever considered that he writes the kind of music he LIKES to write? Perhaps he is enjoying what he is doing? I absolutely know for certain Dennis can still write both progressive music, rock music, and ballads and do them to the highest level. I know because I've heard them - and soon you will as well. He's not done a solo record of all new material in 20 years (aside from his Hunchback soundtrack). Personally, I think in Dennis' heart of hearts he would prefer to be in the band, but I know he has baggage over what has happened. I don't think that can really be overcome. Dennis being back in the band would be a business decision - not a personal one. Right now he can do what he wants and has total artistic and creative control. And the best part - he's succeeding beyond what anyone in DFB or the DFB fans on any board thought he would. You can call it a mockery and a joke if you want, but I think THAT in and of itself is based in bitterness that Dennis is succeeding.

There are an awful lot of decent musicians that aren't as good when they aren't writing and performing in the context of a band. JY has a bunch of good songs and I enjoy him in Styx. I really don't give a crap about whatever legal wrangling they are going through.

And yes, some folks are bitter at JY and have been for years. It's funny that JY can't do anything right in their eyes.

That works both ways bud. JY is making his own bed that someday he will have to lay in. Someday when he's retired and had a chance to think about it I think he will have a lot of regrets about the way he's handled his "leadership" of the band. He's now headed the band as long as Dennis did just about - and it could have been so much more than it is had his ego not gotten in the way.

[shaka]

Nope, that's not my rationale. You're really good at twisting a persons words into whatever fits your point. I can't figure out how you extrapolated that from my post. I think Dennis has written some decent songs that wouldn't be considered rock. However, I would prefer that Dennis moved back in a rock direction. If Dennis isn't capable of moving back in that direction then he isn't a good fit at this time with the other guys from Styx.

No - I'm good at reading between the lines at what people are saying... and your clarification really makes my point. Why wouldn't Dennis be a good fit? You think Dennis couldn't write a better slow song than "Just Be"? Bands are made up of people of all different perspectives. Joey Belladonna (the singer of Anthrax) was kicked out of Anthrax in the early 90's because of his ardent love of Journey and Steve Perry. Ten years later, Scott Ian and Belladonna reconciled and Ian recognized Belladonna's value to Anthrax. Just because Belladonna wanted to write slower songs didn't impact his meaning to Anthrax. So if Dennis doesn't want to write a "rock" song (using whatever criteria you define as such since that too varies from person to person) then he doesn't belong in the band?

Furthermore why do you assume that he maybe isn't capable of writing a rock song? Have you ever considered that he writes the kind of music he LIKES to write? Perhaps he is enjoying what he is doing? I absolutely know for certain Dennis can still write both progressive music, rock music, and ballads and do them to the highest level. I know because I've heard them - and soon you will as well. He's not done a solo record of all new material in 20 years (aside from his Hunchback soundtrack). Personally, I think in Dennis' heart of hearts he would prefer to be in the band, but I know he has baggage over what has happened. I don't think that can really be overcome. Dennis being back in the band would be a business decision - not a personal one. Right now he can do what he wants and has total artistic and creative control. And the best part - he's succeeding beyond what anyone in DFB or the DFB fans on any board thought he would. You can call it a mockery and a joke if you want, but I think THAT in and of itself is based in bitterness that Dennis is succeeding.

There are an awful lot of decent musicians that aren't as good when they aren't writing and performing in the context of a band. JY has a bunch of good songs and I enjoy him in Styx. I really don't give a crap about whatever legal wrangling they are going through.

And yes, some folks are bitter at JY and have been for years. It's funny that JY can't do anything right in their eyes.

That works both ways bud. JY is making his own bed that someday he will have to lay in. Someday when he's retired and had a chance to think about it I think he will have a lot of regrets about the way he's handled his "leadership" of the band. He's now headed the band as long as Dennis did just about - and it could have been so much more than it is had his ego not gotten in the way.

Ash, you need to work on your gift for reading between the lines. Feel free to know that I write what I mean and it should be taken in a literal manner. What I write is not subject to your interpretation. If I want you to interpret what I say in some manner I'll write it that way.

I never wrote that Dennis couldn't write a rock song. I simply stated that I'd prefer Dennis move back in that direction. If he doesn't want to move back toward what he did with Styx or simply can't for whatever reason then I support that. As a fan of DDY I'll follow his career no matter what he does. If his future musical endeavors are good then I'll give him props and if they suck I'll say they suck. Same with Styx, if they do something good (Cyclorama and DVD version of OWE w/CYO) I'll sing their praise and if they do something bad (cd version of OWE w/CYO mostly becaue of a bad mix) I'll state that as well.

I don't think JY is going to lose much sleep over his handling of the band. It's tough to lose sleep when you live in a big house, drive a luxury car, and have enough dough to get you through the rest of your life in a comfortable manner.

[Ash]

Ash, you need to work on your gift for reading between the lines. Feel free to know that I write what I mean and it should be taken in a literal manner. What I write is not subject to your interpretation. If I want you to interpret what I say in some manner I'll write it that way.

snicker. If you don't want people to look at what you say over time and translate the meaning from it - then a forum is the last place you need to be spending your valuable air. Thanks for putting me in my place tho. You're subject to interpretation from everyone who reads your words - not just me. So youget it whether you think you are subject are not. Happy day!

I never wrote that Dennis couldn't write a rock song. I simply stated that I'd prefer Dennis move back in that direction. If he doesn't want to move back toward what he did with Styx or simply can't for whatever reason then I support that. As a fan of DDY I'll follow his career no matter what he does. If his future musical endeavors are good then I'll give him props and if they suck I'll say they suck. Same with Styx, if they do something good (Cyclorama and DVD version of OWE w/CYO) I'll sing their praise and if they do something bad (cd version of OWE w/CYO mostly becaue of a bad mix) I'll state that as well.

Heh.... "I never wrote that dennis couldn't write a rock song" then followed by "or simply can't for whatever reason". It sounds like to me that part of you believes he can't write rock music. Call it interpretation call it whatever you will - but those are your words. You are implying that part of you thinks it is possible that Dennis can't write a rock song. I mean if that is what you believe then that is yoru belief, but I think it's presumptuous (sp).

I don't think JY is going to lose much sleep over his handling of the band. It's tough to lose sleep when you live in a big house, drive a luxury car, and have enough dough to get you through the rest of your life in a comfortable manner.

He has most of those things primarily because of the guy he continues to harass in public and in the courts after kicking him out of the band. He doesn't have then based on any of his own creations.

[shaka]

Ash, you need to work on your gift for reading between the lines. Feel free to know that I write what I mean and it should be taken in a literal manner. What I write is not subject to your interpretation. If I want you to interpret what I say in some manner I'll write it that way.

snicker. If you don't want people to look at what you say over time and translate the meaning from it - then a forum is the last place you need to be spending your valuable air. Thanks for putting me in my place tho. You're subject to interpretation from everyone who reads your words - not just me. So youget it whether you think you are subject are not. Happy day!

I never wrote that Dennis couldn't write a rock song. I simply stated that I'd prefer Dennis move back in that direction. If he doesn't want to move back toward what he did with Styx or simply can't for whatever reason then I support that. As a fan of DDY I'll follow his career no matter what he does. If his future musical endeavors are good then I'll give him props and if they suck I'll say they suck. Same with Styx, if they do something good (Cyclorama and DVD version of OWE w/CYO) I'll sing their praise and if they do something bad (cd version of OWE w/CYO mostly becaue of a bad mix) I'll state that as well.

Heh.... "I never wrote that dennis couldn't write a rock song" then followed by "or simply can't for whatever reason". It sounds like to me that part of you believes he can't write rock music. Call it interpretation call it whatever you will - but those are your words. You are implying that part of you thinks it is possible that Dennis can't write a rock song. I mean if that is what you believe then that is yoru belief, but I think it's presumptuous (sp).

I don't think JY is going to lose much sleep over his handling of the band. It's tough to lose sleep when you live in a big house, drive a luxury car, and have enough dough to get you through the rest of your life in a comfortable manner.

He has most of those things primarily because of the guy he continues to harass in public and in the courts after kicking him out of the band. He doesn't have then based on any of his own creations.

I know people interpret what you write but you are getting it wrong. I don't usually have this problem with others. Hmmmmm.

I have some doubts as to whether Dennis can move in a rock direction. I'd love to see him prove me wrong.

I'm not sure JY is rich solely because of DDY. Last time I checked the name of the band during the glory years wasn't Dennis DeYoung and Styx. It could easily be argued that Dennis wouldn't have been what he is without the other guys. I wouldn't be surprised if there were a good many Styx fans that loved JY's contribution to the band. Songs like Great White Hope, Southern Woman, Ms. American, and Half Penny Two Penny are one of the reasons I'm such a big Styx fan. I think JY doesn't get enough credit for helping maintain the part of the Styx fan base that is more of a hard rock fan.

[Ash]

I have some doubts as to whether Dennis can move in a rock direction. I'd love to see him prove me wrong.

This past year has shown Dennis DeYoung has absolutely nothing to prove. To anyone. My opinion - not yours - but whatever. I'm done arguing the point.

I'm not sure JY is rich solely because of DDY. Last time I checked the name of the band during the glory years wasn't Dennis DeYoung and Styx. It could easily be argued that Dennis wouldn't have been what he is without the other guys. I wouldn't be surprised if there were a good many Styx fans that loved JY's contribution to the band. Songs like Great White Hope, Southern Woman, Ms. American, and Half Penny Two Penny are one of the reasons I'm such a big Styx fan. I think JY doesn't get enough credit for helping maintain the part of the Styx fan base that is more of a hard rock fan.

I think that is absolutely true. These guys relied on eachother. But you don't see Dennis trying to throw JY under the bus and call of his music "retch inducing". Great White Hope was co-written as was Half Penny-Two Penny. Personally, I think "Eddie" is his best song, even tho others hate it. These guys worked together to build a tremendos body of work. Dennis was the leader - something nobody disputes - but they all worked together. Now you have ONE GUY (JY) attempting to throw it all away by trashing the man and all his music. That is something unique to JY. Most of what people like I have an issue with is JY attempting to throw out Dennis and all his music in interviews (I'd support them playing the music in concert - BTW). I just don't think you can have it both ways. You can't call the man's music trash and then continue to play it on tour as they do with Lady, Come Sail Away and even Babe on their Japanese tour.

I'd feel differently if JY had said "We couldn't work together anymore, but I respect Dennis and his music" and if they continued to play some of his other songs live. But that isn't who JY is (my perception). He'd rather pick and choose stuff he "likes" or represents his "vision" and call the rest trash. I think that is crap. My opinion.

Incidentally, I am enjoying the conversation. I'm not trying to be argumentative - but I think the conversation is good - even if we're not agreeing and buddy slapping eachother

[Jodes]

So all bickering aside, did Dennis do Roboto or what?

[Abitaman]

So all bickering aside, did Dennis do Roboto or what?

Lady. A some what different version of it, it seemed like. Seemed they left a verse out, and repeated the chorus an extra time or two. But was good-ERIC

[Jodes]

Hmm you have to wonder if he had jitters.. not to knock Dennis or anything, but it's not the 1st time when he's been on live tv that he's forgotten lines or messed up on his verses.. I saw him on three seperate occasions on live tv mess up his lines.

Was their any background on why he was on the show? Or was it due to his appearance on Celebrity Duets, etc?

[Abitaman]

Hmm you have to wonder if he had jitters.. not to knock Dennis or anything, but it's not the 1st time when he's been on live tv that he's forgotten lines or messed up on his verses.. I saw him on three seperate occasions on live tv mess up his lines.

Was their any background on why he was on the show? Or was it due to his appearance on Celebrity Duets, etc?

Well if he did mess up, at least we know HE was live!!!!!! Can't say that for a lot of today's performers-ERIC

[bugsymalone]

The song was altered to fit the purpose for which it was being used. It was as a showcase to the "Ladies of Reality TV" (an oxymoron if I ever heard one! But I digress......).

It had been well-rehearsed and the length of the song fit exactly with the presentation of the various women onstage. It had nothing to do with Dennis forgetting lyrics or messing up.

The video is available for view on VH1's website.

Bugsy

[Jodes]

Okay thanks..

Well I guess there is no such thing as bad publicity, even though most of the people there probably didn't have a clue who he was!

[Ash]

So all bickering aside, did Dennis do Roboto or what?

Lady. A some what different version of it, it seemed like. Seemed they left a verse out, and repeated the chorus an extra time or two. But was good-ERIC

The song had to be re-arranged so they could announce all of the girls. The song was definitely changed to fit the format of the show. They did the first two verses, left out the third verse and strung out the end a bit.

It was coreographed... I didn't hear any "mistakes"

[shaka]

I have some doubts as to whether Dennis can move in a rock direction. I'd love to see him prove me wrong.

This past year has shown Dennis DeYoung has absolutely nothing to prove. To anyone. My opinion - not yours - but whatever. I'm done arguing the point.

I'm not sure JY is rich solely because of DDY. Last time I checked the name of the band during the glory years wasn't Dennis DeYoung and Styx. It could easily be argued that Dennis wouldn't have been what he is without the other guys. I wouldn't be surprised if there were a good many Styx fans that loved JY's contribution to the band. Songs like Great White Hope, Southern Woman, Ms. American, and Half Penny Two Penny are one of the reasons I'm such a big Styx fan. I think JY doesn't get enough credit for helping maintain the part of the Styx fan base that is more of a hard rock fan.

I think that is absolutely true. These guys relied on eachother. But you don't see Dennis trying to throw JY under the bus and call of his music "retch inducing". Great White Hope was co-written as was Half Penny-Two Penny. Personally, I think "Eddie" is his best song, even tho others hate it. These guys worked together to build a tremendos body of work. Dennis was the leader - something nobody disputes - but they all worked together. Now you have ONE GUY (JY) attempting to throw it all away by trashing the man and all his music. That is something unique to JY. Most of what people like I have an issue with is JY attempting to throw out Dennis and all his music in interviews (I'd support them playing the music in concert - BTW). I just don't think you can have it both ways. You can't call the man's music trash and then continue to play it on tour as they do with Lady, Come Sail Away and even Babe on their Japanese tour.

I'd feel differently if JY had said "We couldn't work together anymore, but I respect Dennis and his music" and if they continued to play some of his other songs live. But that isn't who JY is (my perception). He'd rather pick and choose stuff he "likes" or represents his "vision" and call the rest trash. I think that is crap. My opinion.

Incidentally, I am enjoying the conversation. I'm not trying to be argumentative - but I think the conversation is good - even if we're not agreeing and buddy slapping eachother

Yes, I'm enjoying it too. If Zan likes you then you must be cool. lol

I agree that JY should be much more low key about how he addresses the Dennis situation. I have no problem with JY defending his legal property in court but I think it could probably be done in a more subtle manner.

While I like DDY and certainly respect him I don't care for a lot of the music he's done since Edge. Now this is of course my opinion but to me he's completely changed direction and has lost a few steps. I can understand why JY might not be too enthused about the music DDY writes.

Eric