Would a reunion make a difference?

[Diffworlds]

The question is valid with so many bands - DeYoung with Styx, Perry with Journey, Bickler or Jamison with Survivor, Cetera with Chicago. These bands tour constantly with a frontman that does a reasonabley good job of covering the group's classic songs, so there has never been a demand built up for Styx, Journey, etc. becasuse almost every year a form of the band is on the road. The bands that draw the big bucks (Genesis, Eagles, Police, etc) in sales are the ones that are rehashing their classic library with no or almost no new songs, but they have not toured for X numbers of years as a group so the demand to see them has built up. As fans that hang out on a message board, it is obvious to us about saving the band by bringing back this member or getting rid of this member, but in the grand scheme of the touring and record making will it make a difference to the band's future? Would DeYoung coming back generate a wide enough interest to mean a new Styx CD every two-three years and a summer tour that hits a venue closer to my house? Probably not. For all the hard core fans that go to a concert because "Dennis is back" there is going to be a loss of some Gowan fans. So there will not be that massive "the tour you have to see" mentality, because most people don't know DeYoung, Perry, Jamison has not been in the band for the last 2,5,10, 15 tours.
The answer would seem to be to either come up with a modern sounding album that gains some mass appeal or sit out a couple of touring seasons and wait for fans to miss them.

[styxfansite]

For all the hard core fans that go to a concert because "Dennis is back" there is going to be a loss of some Gowan fans.

Only in parts of Canada.

[stmonkeys]

i agree- the answer is still probably "no." the general public will probably not give a rat's ass as to whether it's gowan or ddy behind the keyboards (or both). styx doesn't have the name recognition as a Genesis or Journey or the Police. that's just the way it is. and, the band did come out with a "modern sounding" album when they released cyclorama. there are a number of very radio friendly songs on the album. but the fact is, NO classic rock bands are getting new music played on radio (unless you're a Bon Jovi). it's just a sad fact. Some have found other means of exposure through commercials, soundtracks, the internet etc. but the glory days of AOR radio are a thing of the past. thank clear channel for that.

[StyxCollector]

They may go from 2000 seat venues to 5000, but the bump will be marginal. They won't be selling out larger venues on their own like they were in 1996. It would still be at least a two act night.

To me, the only real reason to reunite is to put a bow on things. I don't even want/expect a new album.

[kipthekid]

would they return to 1996 popularity levels? Overall, no...but I do believe, if marketed correctly, Styx WOULD be able to headline larger venues in certain midwestern and, yes, Canadian markets. Right now, Styx is flatlining listlessly. From an outside perspective (internally, I can't see Styx being excited about the prospect), it would inject some fresh energy/enthusiasm into the "Styx product." It's been 10 years since Styx' most recognizable voice has sung the hits he wrote/co-wrote during a Styx concert. It can't hurt and can only help. For a period of time, anyway, the days of opening for the opening act for Def Leppard would thankfully and mercifully be history.

Album-wise, I don't know that the parties could work together. While I would much rather listen to a collaborative - or some facsimille thereof - Styx album with Dennis rather than without - I can't see Tommy, JY and Dennis collaborating or cooperating. IF it happened, I would be all for LG staying with Styx. I don't see this as an either/or proposition. Heck, Styx had several "chefs in the kitchen" cooking their own, distinct stews on Cyclorama - the same could happen on a "reunion" album. Still, I can only see a reunion as a live concert event as opposed to recording an album of new music.

I think Dennis' solo career has "legs" for this and 1-2 more albums of original music. HE may be less inclined now to re-join the band for anything other than a one time show in Chicago.

[blt man]

Reunion where R2000 - LG Salary < or = R5000 - DDY Share
No Reunion where R2000 - LG Salary > R5000 - DDY Share

Legend:

R2000= Revenue from ~2000 fans per venue attending Styx concert.
R5000= Revenue from ~5000 fans per venue attending Styx concert.
LG Salary= Gowan's annual salary
DDY Share= Dennis DeYoung projected share of touring with a reunited Styx.

[kipthekid]

was missing it's most recognized voice - especially to the more casual fan. I'm also not certain that the most "catchy" tunes on the album were the most "modern" - while it was criticized by many, "Waiting for Our Time" was very catchy IMHO...but also very dated in its style. I don't know if there were any other radio-worthy tunes on the album - "KYAGB" was catchy but not exactly radio-material. There were good tunes on the album but it lacked any Bon Jovi-esque "hit" material. It also lacked in cohesion - it sounded like a collection of tunes by disparate artists rather than a group effort. While it wasn't as scattered and inconsistent as BNW, it certainly doesn't sound like it was written and performed by a tight-knit "band." Ironically, "Witness" from BNW was far more "radio friendly" than anything on Cyclorama.

I also don't agree about Styx' "name" recognition. Styx still gets plenty of air play on classic rock stations. Styx tunes are still being referenced and used in TV shows and movies. I think someone said it very well before - a band like Journey is able to perhaps play larger venues because their show is much more of an event - Styx tours constantly...takes every gig they can get (and then some). Seeing a Styx show isn't an event anymore. I know alot of people don't like this, but, IMHO, it's absolutely true - the Styx "brand" or "name" has been dilluted severely by this approach to touring and (even more so) by their and/or their record company's "strategy" of producing myriad bad live albums and a superfluous collection of cover tunes. If anyone is in software, they'll understand this analogy - it's akin to a company purchasing a known piece of software and milking it for the maintenance fees before they put it out of its misery.

In many respects, Tommy and JY have "killed the thing that they love."

[stmonkeys]

was missing it's most recognized voice - especially to the more casual fan. I'm also not certain that the most "catchy" tunes on the album were the most "modern" - while it was criticized by many, "Waiting for Our Time" was very catchy IMHO...but also very dated in its style. I don't know if there were any other radio-worthy tunes on the album - "KYAGB" was catchy but not exactly radio-material. There were good tunes on the album but it lacked any Bon Jovi-esque "hit" material. It also lacked in cohesion - it sounded like a collection of tunes by disparate artists rather than a group effort. While it wasn't as scattered and inconsistent as BNW, it certainly doesn't sound like it was written and performed by a tight-knit "band." Ironically, "Witness" from BNW was far more "radio friendly" than anything on Cyclorama.


****
i agree that Witness could have been a huge song for them- particularly on ac radio. KYAG could have been really big on college/alternative radio. these two songs could have expanded styx' core audience and introduced the band to people who haven't listened to them in quite some time (or ever)

***

I also don't agree about Styx' "name" recognition. Styx still gets plenty of air play on classic rock stations. Styx tunes are still being referenced and used in TV shows and movies. I think someone said it very well before - a band like Journey is able to perhaps play larger venues because their show is much more of an event - Styx tours constantly...takes every gig they can get (and then some). Seeing a Styx show isn't an event anymore. I know alot of people don't like this, but, IMHO, it's absolutely true - the Styx "brand" or "name" has been dilluted severely by this approach to touring and (even more so) by their and/or their record company's "strategy" of producing myriad bad live albums and a superfluous collection of cover tunes. If anyone is in software, they'll understand this analogy - it's akin to a company purchasing a known piece of software and milking it for the maintenance fees before they put it out of its misery.

In many respects, Tommy and JY have "killed the thing that they love."

perhaps i should have clearified. i meant "name" as in a prominent musician like phil collins, steve perry, sting. the "band name" is prominent but your average joe on the street has no idea who was/is in the band.

[DarwinNebraska]

I don't think I'd bank on it, but again I'm always surprised when the word reunion is able to be used in the marketing how it seems to bring the people out in droves.

For a better return, they'd best be served to take a 2-3 year hiatus first.

[BlackWall]

When I was at a "Chicago" show last year, the girl next to us started talking about how much she loved Peter Cetera, and thought he was so cute.. Then, as Jason Scheff(Cetera's replacement since 1985) began singing, "If You Leave Me Now", she decided she was going to go down to the front and try to snap a pic.. We didn't have to heart to tell her, lol, but I think this kind of sums up the mentality of a lot of concert goers.

At this stage in the game, I don't think that Dennis returning to the tour would make any real impact on ticket sales; maybe for the people on this message board, but that's about it. I'd love to see it myself, but I also am content to see both in their own camps.

As for "Journey", even though I haven't really followed them too much over the years, I think a Steve Perry return would probably generate a "little" more revenue than a DeYoung(Do they even have a lead singer right now, BTW?). This is only due to the fact that "Journey" seems to have a little more popularity and mainstream acceptance than Styx in general, and the fact(as someone else pointed out), they haven't been around so much in recent years.

[blt man]

perhaps i should have clearified. i meant "name" as in a prominent musician like phil collins, steve perry, sting. the "band name" is prominent but your average joe on the street has no idea who was/is in the band.

I would not put Steve Perry in the same group as Phil Collins or Sting. Sting is a mega star, Phil has countless multi-platinum albums and #1 singles to his own name.

[stmonkeys]

perhaps i should have clearified. i meant "name" as in a prominent musician like phil collins, steve perry, sting. the "band name" is prominent but your average joe on the street has no idea who was/is in the band.

I would not put Steve Perry in the same group as Phil Collins or Sting. Sting is a mega star, Phil has countless multi-platinum albums and #1 singles to his own name.

true, but i believe most people are able to name him as the singer for journey. that was my point.

[bugsymalone]

i agree- the answer is still probably "no." the general public will probably not give a rat's ass as to whether it's gowan or ddy behind the keyboards (or both). styx doesn't have the name recognition as a Genesis or Journey or the Police. that's just the way it is. and, the band did come out with a "modern sounding" album when they released cyclorama. there are a number of very radio friendly songs on the album. but the fact is, NO classic rock bands are getting new music played on radio (unless you're a Bon Jovi). it's just a sad fact. Some have found other means of exposure through commercials, soundtracks, the internet etc. but the glory days of AOR radio are a thing of the past. thank clear channel for that.

Right on the money. I do not think there is any real demand for a reunited Styx. It would not be enough of an "event." The Police for sure were. Ditto Genesis. And now Van Halen (even though it is not technically a reunion)

I am not so sure about Journey, but maybe.

And you are right st. There simply is not much interest or demand for new music from "old" groups on the radio.

My only disagreement is about Cyclorama. A mishmash of styles, people, music. Nothing from that recording belonged on the radio and it was rightfully not any kind of popular success.

Bugsy

[stmonkeys]

i agree- the answer is still probably "no." the general public will probably not give a rat's ass as to whether it's gowan or ddy behind the keyboards (or both). styx doesn't have the name recognition as a Genesis or Journey or the Police. that's just the way it is. and, the band did come out with a "modern sounding" album when they released cyclorama. there are a number of very radio friendly songs on the album. but the fact is, NO classic rock bands are getting new music played on radio (unless you're a Bon Jovi). it's just a sad fact. Some have found other means of exposure through commercials, soundtracks, the internet etc. but the glory days of AOR radio are a thing of the past. thank clear channel for that.

Right on the money. I do not think there is any real demand for a reunited Styx. It would not be enough of an "event." The Police for sure were. Ditto Genesis. And now Van Halen (even though it is not technically a reunion)

I am not so sure about Journey, but maybe.

And you are right st. There simply is not much interest or demand for new music from "old" groups on the radio.

My only disagreement is about Cyclorama. A mishmash of styles, people, music. Nothing from that recording belonged on the radio and it was rightfully not any kind of popular success.

Bugsy

see-with cyclorama, i think that rock radio would have been all over "these are the times" and "one with everything", if the times were different. (when corporate radio didn't rule the airwaves) KYAG is perfect for alternative/college radio. it's catchy as hell and kicks ass. "Yes I Can", although weaker than the afore-mentioned songs, could've gotten play on Adult Contemporary, as well as More Love For the Money. Waiting For Our Time did get SOME rock airplay ( i heard it at least 3 times on Q104 in NYC), so there's another one. yeah, the styles were inconsistent, but styx fans tend to expect that. i think that's why we also have diverse musical tastes as well. just my opinion.

[kipthekid]

I like the song...but it's really not, IMHO, an "alternative" rock song. It's a pretty straightforward song musically with a slightly off-color chorus. I don't think, however, that it would have gotten much airplay other than as a novelty/oddity. It sounds too tongue-in-cheek - too "throwaway" to be taken seriously.

"These Are The Times" MAY have gotten some rock radio air play in the late 80's early 90's. Ditto to "One With Everything." I don't believe the latter would have "charted" on a rock chart...the former might have. "Yes I Can" MAY have gotten some AC air play. More Love for the money? Cute little tune but it wouldn't have made a dent, IMHO, on any AC or other chart. Back in the day, "Waiting For Our Time" COULD have been a low-top 40 "hit." Maybe even a bit higher.

Over time, Cyclorama hasn't held up very well IMHO. People were SO excited about its release and many couldn't find a bad word to say about it...even quoting in their signatures from some of it's obvious abominations like FOTB. Over time, some tunes hold up ok, but, as a whole, despite what some like Groteful have said, it doesn't hold up and isn't THAT much better than BNW. In fact, in some respects, the work done by Tommy and JY on BNW was BETTER than what they did on Cyclorama. Additionally, 2-3 of Dennis' tunes from BNW are as good or better than anything on Cyclorama...and I'm not, overall, a big fan of the work Dennis did on BNW - I thought tunes like "Hip-Crap" and "Fallen Angel" were him simply "mailing it in."

"100 Years" however, has one (again, "back in the day") bona-fide hit single - "Save Me." "100 Years" in "all English" could have gotten considerable rock radio airplay. "This Time Next Year" would have charted ala one of Dennis' arguably weaker tunes "Don't Wait for Heroes." Rubicon and Rain may have gotten some airplay but I doubt they would have charted.

One may or may not like "100 Years" better than Cyclorama, but one thing Dennis does do "better" than Tommy, JY, Larry or Glen is write (what in the past would have been ) hit singles. He does "hooks" better than any of them.

[Abitaman]

A little difference....Just to the diehard fans-ERIC

[Blue Falcon]

(when corporate radio didn't rule the airwaves)

Radio has ALWAYS been corporate, it's never been anything else.

[styxfanNH]

(when corporate radio didn't rule the airwaves)

Radio has ALWAYS been corporate, it's never been anything else.

I disagree, there was a time that the DJ's actually programmed their own shows and hilighted the music they wanted to. Today there's the playlist that they are given from above. It's the Clear Channelization of the music/radio/concert industry that kills music today, or at least helps to.