DDY/NIGHT RANGER CLEARWATER LAST NIGHT

[DarrenUK]

Night Ranger hit the stage at 8pm and gave us a fantastic hour of hits including Sister Christian, Dont Tell Me You Love Me, Sentimental Street and the brilliant When You Close Your Eyes. Jack Blades is blessed with smooooze his ability to control a crowd with his one liners coupled with his fantastic movement makes him a joy to watch and hear and Brad Gillis tore up his guitar, brilliant. Loved Night Ranger would love to see them in their own show.

Dennis DeYoung came on around 9.40 opening with Grand Illusion and all his set were Styx songs apart from the single from his new CD which I bought at the show but have yet to listen to it yet.

If I see DDY again I will close my eyes as there is no doubting what an incredible voice he has and his band was tight but to watch him and his band on stage makes you cringe. From his antics of putting a pair of Roboto glasses on his bald fat bass player to waltzing with his wife you have to think DORK.... I would do away with his brides of Frankenstien on vocals and just sing without walking around the stage on his tiptoes looking like a castrated Heron as when he does that like he did during Suite Madam Blue he is mesmorizing but you get the dorkiness during songs like Mr Roboto and Rocking The Paradise and it makes you cringe. The drummer is not in Todd's league but is OK the lead guitarist looks like an aging Eugene from Grease and is not in the same league as Styx's 2 guitar players and I have already mentioned the women singers who are pointless apart from hitting the tambourine during Lady. Just like Styx not changing the set list much his set list running order hardly ever changes as does the way he introduces his songs, married 38 years for Babe, Got Yourself A Dream for CSA etc etc, it needs to change as it was all very predictable....... Night ranger rocked and I loved them and musically DDY and his band was great but watching him is cringeworthy, if he plays locally i will see if I can turn my chair around ....... oh and another amusing thing is that DDY's 2 guitar players are called Tommy and James ...... let it go Dennis let it go.

[gr8dane]

Night Ranger hit the stage at 8pm and gave us a fantastic hour of hits including Sister Christian, Dont Tell Me You Love Me, Sentimental Street and the brilliant When You Close Your Eyes. Jack Blades is blessed with smooooze his ability to control a crowd with his one liners coupled with his fantastic movement makes him a joy to watch and hear and Brad Gillis tore up his guitar, brilliant. Loved Night Ranger would love to see them in their own show.

Dennis DeYoung came on around 9.40 opening with Grand Illusion and all his set were Styx songs apart from the single from his new CD which I bought at the show but have yet to listen to it yet.

If I see DDY again I will close my eyes as there is no doubting what an incredible voice he has and his band was tight but to watch him and his band on stage makes you cringe. From his antics of putting a pair of Roboto glasses on his bald fat bass player to waltzing with his wife you have to think DORK.... I would do away with his brides of Frankenstien on vocals and just sing without walking around the stage on his tiptoes looking like a castrated Heron as when he does that like he did during Suite Madam Blue he is mesmorizing but you get the dorkiness during songs like Mr Roboto and Rocking The Paradise and it makes you cringe. The drummer is not in Todd's league but is OK the lead guitarist looks like an aging Eugene from Grease and is not in the same league as Styx's 2 guitar players and I have already mentioned the women singers who are pointless apart from hitting the tambourine during Lady. Just like Styx not changing the set list much his set list running order hardly ever changes as does the way he introduces his songs, married 38 years for Babe, Got Yourself A Dream for CSA etc etc, it needs to change as it was all very predictable....... Night ranger rocked and I loved them and musically DDY and his band was great but watching him is cringeworthy, if he plays locally i will see if I can turn my chair around ....... oh and another amusing thing is that DDY's 2 guitar players are called Tommy and James ...... let it go Dennis let it go.

That is how I feel about Dinky.
He should be heard but not seen.

Heard singing and not talking.

[piecesofeight]

I agree..he is a complete dork on stage. He needs to just stick to what he still kicks ass at..singing..and get his wife off the stage.

[Zan]

I agree..he is a complete dork on stage. He needs to just stick to what he still kicks ass at..singing..and get his wife off the stage.

(Green for you, Po8)

I kind of believe that it's likely Dennis' antics are only cringe-worthy to die-hard fans who are more acquainted with the band's history. Most people I talk to that have either seen him live or watched his Public TV specials have ranted and raved about what a great show he puts on. However, even the most casual of fans seem to mirror the sentiment that the wife's presence is a bit over-the-top. I have no doubt that he feels a great sense of loyalty to his family for sticking by him all this time, and I commend it, but there's got to be a better way.

[piecesofeight]

I agree..he is a complete dork on stage. He needs to just stick to what he still kicks ass at..singing..and get his wife off the stage.

(Green for you, Po8)

I kind of believe that it's likely Dennis' antics are only cringe-worthy to die-hard fans who are more acquainted with the band's history. Most people I talk to that have either seen him live or watched his Public TV specials have ranted and raved about what a great show he puts on. However, even the most casual of fans seem to mirror the sentiment that the wife's presence is a bit over-the-top. I have no doubt that he feels a great sense of loyalty to his family for sticking by him all this time, and I commend it, but there's got to be a better way.

Kudos on the green..much appreciated..that kid is getting cute..anyway..yeah..he is so loyal to his fam..so kudos on that..there really already is a better way since she basically controls everything anyway..she does not belong on stage..she is so uncomfortable up there.

[StyxCollector]

The thing about DDY's stage presence is it is as it was even 20+ years ago. The "schtick" hasn't changed much. I haven't heard the new drummern yet, but I hope he's better than the last one. I never felt he was that good and always killed me on "Castle Walls". Other than with Glen, I also haven't seen DDY in a 2-guitar configuration. Tommy D. has been playing with him since the 80s, so it's not a "let me get my own Tommy and JY" thing.

Trust me, I understand why some may think DDY is cringe-worthy, but the man puts on a good show. I've never seen anyone go away dissatisfied. I have seen that from some Styx shows (see other thread) where casual fans are expecting more of the DDY hits.

As has been said many times, at least you can go see both DDY and Styx. Whether one or the other floats your boat or not, that's your call.

I think both lineups could use with a bit of a setlist shakeup ...

[froy]

Night Ranger hit the stage at 8pm and gave us a fantastic hour of hits including Sister Christian, Dont Tell Me You Love Me, Sentimental Street and the brilliant When You Close Your Eyes. Jack Blades is blessed with smooooze his ability to control a crowd with his one liners coupled with his fantastic movement makes him a joy to watch and hear and Brad Gillis tore up his guitar, brilliant. Loved Night Ranger would love to see them in their own show.

Dennis DeYoung came on around 9.40 opening with Grand Illusion and all his set were Styx songs apart from the single from his new CD which I bought at the show but have yet to listen to it yet.

If I see DDY again I will close my eyes as there is no doubting what an incredible voice he has and his band was tight but to watch him and his band on stage makes you cringe. From his antics of putting a pair of Roboto glasses on his bald fat bass player to waltzing with his wife you have to think DORK.... I would do away with his brides of Frankenstien on vocals and just sing without walking around the stage on his tiptoes looking like a castrated Heron as when he does that like he did during Suite Madam Blue he is mesmorizing but you get the dorkiness during songs like Mr Roboto and Rocking The Paradise and it makes you cringe. The drummer is not in Todd's league but is OK the lead guitarist looks like an aging Eugene from Grease and is not in the same league as Styx's 2 guitar players and I have already mentioned the women singers who are pointless apart from hitting the tambourine during Lady. Just like Styx not changing the set list much his set list running order hardly ever changes as does the way he introduces his songs, married 38 years for Babe, Got Yourself A Dream for CSA etc etc, it needs to change as it was all very predictable....... Night ranger rocked and I loved them and musically DDY and his band was great but watching him is cringeworthy, if he plays locally i will see if I can turn my chair around ....... oh and another amusing thing is that DDY's 2 guitar players are called Tommy and James ...... let it go Dennis let it go.

Hey Darren you think you could do better?
So Hank puts on some stupid glasses and Dennis dances around the stage with his wife so what.
You have a better story for him to introduce Babe and sail away?
Lets hear it
You think you could do better?
I don't think so.
Dennis was never a solo artist and now he has to give it his best shot.
Give the guy a break
At least he is not running around saying he is Styx like the other goofs are.
The entire Styx story has been destroyed
Thanks to greed and control.

I'm glad we have Dennis touring and doing shows it's better than nothing.

[styxfanNH]

I think all of us would like to see some set list shakeups, but unless these guys are all back together, I think it's kinda tough seeing the shake up that we would all want. Sure there are 2, 3 or 4 songs that we would like to see each side add/subtract. But the problem is with both sides the inability/lack of desire to play the others songs. It is simply recognizing what you are or what you want to be percieved as and Styx, as it is structured now, focusses on the latter.

If Styx plays anything that Dennis is credited with and they are crucified and Dennis won't/can't touch the songs the other are credited with. Dennis probably has more personal restrictions based on him being a solo act now (and Froy, Dennis has been a solo act for nearly 2 decades -hiatus and since 1999) by wanting to play the songs that he is associated with.

[stabbim]

I think all of us would like to see some set list shakeups, but unless these guys are all back together, I think it's kinda tough seeing the shake up that we would all want.

Actually if they were back together, the set lists would be even more stale.

At least he is not running around saying he is Styx like the other goofs are.

He would if he could. Darn legalities.

[I Stumble In]

Hey Darren you think you could do better?
So Hank puts on some stupid glasses and Dennis dances around the stage with his wife so what.
You have a better story for him to introduce Babe and sail away?
Lets hear it
You think you could do better?
I don't think so.
Dennis was never a solo artist and now he has to give it his best shot.
Give the guy a break

Froy - You freaking assclown - he never said he could do better - or that Dennis was bad vocally - he simply gave his review of a concert that he saw. He paid for the ticket (supporting Dennis) - and gave his opinion. Just because some of us don't have our noses so far up DDY's ass that we can't see sunlight - like you - doesn't mean we aren't afforded our thoughts and opinions.

Freaking ASSCLOWN

[classicstyxfan]

1st off, it sounds like NR/DDY was a great show.....too bad Jack couldnt drag his buddy Tommy along for a cameo.....

RE: DDY's stage presence, even if he wanted to, I wonder how he could change or improve it at this point in his career ? Seems unlikely he would start working with a dance coach on a new set of "moves". whats the alternative ? to stand still and just sing ? surely then he would be criticized for having a boring stage show with no visual appeal.

Maybe Roger Daltrey could provide pointers on spinning and throwing a microphone ,though I wouldnt want to be there if, when he had a bad day on that. Or Gene Simmons could teach him the tongue wagging and fire breathing things? And the spinning keyboard has already been done.

I am curious, and would like to know what and how the critics of DDY's stage presence would have him change ? ( 1st thing I would do is take away the air guitar !)

serious and not so serious replys will be accepted.

[sniper16]

i would much rather see DDY than styx at this point in time, he is the voice of those songs, and plays about 1 1/2 to an 1 45 mins instead of the 45 styx does opening for DL.

[Higgy]

I think all of us would like to see some set list shakeups, but unless these guys are all back together, I think it's kinda tough seeing the shake up that we would all want.

Actually if they were back together, the set lists would be even more stale.

At least he is not running around saying he is Styx like the other goofs are.

He would if he could. Darn legalities.

Ummm, no. Dennis wanted to stop the others from using the name. He never attempted to call his solo act "Styx", only "The voice of Styx" which was settled in the suit to "The music of Styx".

Darn facts.

[Zan]

Hey Darren you think you could do better?
So Hank puts on some stupid glasses and Dennis dances around the stage with his wife so what.
You have a better story for him to introduce Babe and sail away?
Lets hear it
You think you could do better?
I don't think so.
Dennis was never a solo artist and now he has to give it his best shot.
Give the guy a break
At least he is not running around saying he is Styx like the other goofs are.
The entire Styx story has been destroyed
Thanks to greed and control.

I'm glad we have Dennis touring and doing shows it's better than nothing.

This is hilarious! You're taking the piss, aren't you? LOL

[venomnation]

Wait...

Does anyone see irony here?

Dennis DeYoung. And Night Ranger.

Dennis...the man who, more or less, IS Styx. Night Ranger....Jack Blades....more or less Tommy Shaws Best Buddy...

Aroo??

[LordofDaRing]

As for the dork portion of the post, well I don't know how old the rest of you are, but I turned 45 last summer. Coupled with the purchase of a mini van (actually we are on our second purchase), the cool left town some years ago. Its hard to be cool when you pull up in an Odyssey. I keep threatening my wife with a spring break boys only trip, where we take our Styx/Journey 8 tracks to Florida in our Mini-Van and attempt to pick up on some 20 year olds (bwhahahhahahaha)

I remember attending a Damn Yankees Concert a few years ago, and Tommy and Ted kept dropping the old F bomb at each intro of a song. Swear words don't bother me in the least, but after a while you feel like you are attending a rap concert. "I am in a bad with Ted Mother Fucking Nugent". Got it. At the Styx RTP tour, instead of Rock Music being played at the beginning of the show, kids tunes were piped in, I remember hearing the Muppets (Its time to play the music, its time to light the lights).

McCartney took the same rap for having his wife up there with him. Now after what has happened to him recently with the gold digger ex, everyone talks fondly of Linda. I can remember a tape of her singing by herself circulated around and they took a lot of heat for it. Lets face it, she could not sing or play. He just wanted her on stage with him.

I think Dennis would actually admit he is kind of a dork. I know how I feel today 25 years later, damn the guy is even older than I am. I don't expect him to throw himself into the mosh pit. That actually would be kind of funny huh. Which one of us would be strong enough to body surf him back to the stage. I would catch his other female backup singer, the one in Baton Rouge looked great. Pleas don't tell me that is somebody's teenage daughter.

[bugsymalone]

1st off, it sounds like NR/DDY was a great show.....too bad Jack couldnt drag his buddy Tommy along for a cameo.....

RE: DDY's stage presence, even if he wanted to, I wonder how he could change or improve it at this point in his career ? Seems unlikely he would start working with a dance coach on a new set of "moves". whats the alternative ? to stand still and just sing ? surely then he would be criticized for having a boring stage show with no visual appeal.

Maybe Roger Daltrey could provide pointers on spinning and throwing a microphone ,though I wouldnt want to be there if, when he had a bad day on that. Or Gene Simmons could teach him the tongue wagging and fire breathing things? And the spinning keyboard has already been done.

I am curious, and would like to know what and how the critics of DDY's stage presence would have him change ? ( 1st thing I would do is take away the air guitar !)

serious and not so serious replys will be accepted.

Good points, Classic. He is what he is. I think he is a kick onstage because he often makes fun of the lame things he does. Exaggerates them on purpose. That is what I read into what he is doing a lot of the times.

Saw Dennis do a Daltrey microphone spin in New York and it was perfect! Didn't even hit himself in the head or anything.

As to the entire Roboto shtick, that is exactly what it is. Shtick. He knows the song is pretty much camp fun for everyone and that is how he plays it. And every time I have seen him, the audience has loved every single note of that song and every single silly robot move Dennis does.

Bugsy

[styxfansite]

Some Reviews from Steve Spears of Stuck In The 80's.


http://blogs.tampabay.com/80s/2008/01/a ... n-sen.html

http://blogs.tampabay.com/80s/2008/01/t ... the-b.html

[stabbim]

At least he is not running around saying he is Styx like the other goofs are.

He would if he could. Darn legalities.

Ummm, no. Dennis wanted to stop the others from using the name. He never attempted to call his solo act "Styx", only "The voice of Styx" which was settled in the suit to "The music of Styx".

Darn facts.

Never said that the stated intent of the lawsuit was to appropriate the name for himself. Just said the only reason he isn't using it is that he can't. IMO, of course.

[Higgy]

Just said the only reason he isn't using it is that he can't. IMO, of course.

And that would be misstating the FACTS. (or LYING to make your point)

[stabbim]

Just said the only reason he isn't using it is that he can't. IMO, of course.

And that would be misstating the FACTS. (or LYING to make your point)

No, that would be having an opinion based on observation and speculation. (Y'know, like all these folks who are suddenly convinced that TS will be quitting Styx any day now.)

[sadie65]

I tend to think Dennis believes he has found a formula he is comfortable with. Would I like it better if his wife weren't one of his back up singers? Yes, but only because I think she isn't a natural performer. Does it make his show less entertaining? Perhaps, but I suspect that has more to do with what one wants to get out of a show, or what one goes into a show expecting.

I agree that I don't think his style of showmanship has changed all that greatly over time. I also think for diehard fans he's a polarizing figure...you either like him or you don't. Neither is right or wrong. It's just preference.

As for what he could do to improve, enhance, modify his show...I'm thinking not much...simply because I don't think he sees it as needing change. As for what I would like...I would love to see him at those keys more...or even break out the accordion every once in a while.

And I'm really hoping that it was intended as humor about the names of his guitarists...cuz that's a real stretch.

[Higgy]

Just said the only reason he isn't using it is that he can't. IMO, of course.

And that would be misstating the FACTS. (or LYING to make your point)

No, that would be having an opinion based on observation and speculation. (Y'know, like all these folks who are suddenly convinced that TS will be quitting Styx any day now.)

Wrong again - Dennis has never attempted to use the name Styx as the name of his solo act - SO, saying that Dennis would use the name Styx if he could legally use it is a lie (not an opinion).
Its cool to hate on DDY like you do, its just not so cool to lie about legal matters in order to libel him.

You know - just sayin'...

[RockInDetroit]

Wait...

Does anyone see irony here?

Dennis DeYoung. And Night Ranger.

Dennis...the man who, more or less, IS Styx. Night Ranger....Jack Blades....more or less Tommy Shaws Best Buddy...

Aroo??

I am with you the fact that these two were on the same stage at the same time had me more than surprised.

[styxfanNH]

Just said the only reason he isn't using it is that he can't. IMO, of course.

And that would be misstating the FACTS. (or LYING to make your point)

No, that would be having an opinion based on observation and speculation. (Y'know, like all these folks who are suddenly convinced that TS will be quitting Styx any day now.)

Wrong again - Dennis has never attempted to use the name Styx as the name of his solo act - SO, saying that Dennis would use the name Styx if he could legally use it is a lie (not an opinion).
Its cool to hate on DDY like you do, its just not so cool to lie about legal matters in order to libel him.

You know - just sayin'...

You mean like this:

GREEN BAY - DENNIS DEYOUNG: THE MUSIC OF STYX (click for more info)

Date: March 7, 2008
Time: 8:00 pm

Location: Show map
Meyer Theatre
117 S. Washington St
Green Bay, WI 54301


DENNIS DEYOUNG recreates 30 years of musical history featuring all the music he wrote and sang spanning his remarkable career. All your favorite classics including 8 top 10 hits such as LADY, BABE, COME SAIL AWAY, BEST OF TIMES, MR. ROBOTO, DON'T LET IT END, SHOW ME THE WAY plus Rock Anthems SUITE MADAME BLUE, GRAND ILLUSION, LORELEI, ROCKIN' THE PARADISE, plus many more including new music from his new rock cd 100 YEARS FROM NOW.

This live concert showcases the talents of legendary singer/songwriter/keyboardist/record producer DENNIS DEYOUNG with his 7 piece rock band. DEYOUNG'S voice is one of the most recognizable in the music world today and continues to inspire new generations of fans.

[piecesofeight]

Most of it is just about business. Remember when Ted Nugent played I believe the same night at a casino as Dennis did?

[Higgy]

Just said the only reason he isn't using it is that he can't. IMO, of course.

And that would be misstating the FACTS. (or LYING to make your point)

No, that would be having an opinion based on observation and speculation. (Y'know, like all these folks who are suddenly convinced that TS will be quitting Styx any day now.)

Wrong again - Dennis has never attempted to use the name Styx as the name of his solo act - SO, saying that Dennis would use the name Styx if he could legally use it is a lie (not an opinion).
Its cool to hate on DDY like you do, its just not so cool to lie about legal matters in order to libel him.

You know - just sayin'...

You mean like this:

GREEN BAY - DENNIS DEYOUNG: THE MUSIC OF STYX (click for more info)

Date: March 7, 2008
Time: 8:00 pm

Location: Show map
Meyer Theatre
117 S. Washington St
Green Bay, WI 54301


DENNIS DEYOUNG recreates 30 years of musical history featuring all the music he wrote and sang spanning his remarkable career. All your favorite classics including 8 top 10 hits such as LADY, BABE, COME SAIL AWAY, BEST OF TIMES, MR. ROBOTO, DON'T LET IT END, SHOW ME THE WAY plus Rock Anthems SUITE MADAME BLUE, GRAND ILLUSION, LORELEI, ROCKIN' THE PARADISE, plus many more including new music from his new rock cd 100 YEARS FROM NOW.

This live concert showcases the talents of legendary singer/songwriter/keyboardist/record producer DENNIS DEYOUNG with his 7 piece rock band. DEYOUNG'S voice is one of the most recognizable in the music world today and continues to inspire new generations of fans.

Yes - like that. "Dennis Deyoung and the music of Styx". You might want to reread the above posts and see what the discussion is about.

[bugsymalone]

I also think for diehard fans he's a polarizing figure...

Exactly!


Bugsy

[sadie65]

Most of it is just about business. Remember when Ted Nugent played I believe the same night at a casino as Dennis did?

It's business, it's the legalities of what is acceptable as promotion. Dennis and Ted at Sault Ste. Marie several years ago has been brought up here many times.

I doubt that Dennis or his website would risk putting something on there that would allow for him to get "fined" for misrepresenting his show. I do believe that they all keep track of it in some manner.

[stabbim]

Just said the only reason he isn't using it is that he can't. IMO, of course.

And that would be misstating the FACTS. (or LYING to make your point)

No, that would be having an opinion based on observation and speculation. (Y'know, like all these folks who are suddenly convinced that TS will be quitting Styx any day now.)

Wrong again - Dennis has never attempted to use the name Styx as the name of his solo act - SO, saying that Dennis would use the name Styx if he could legally use it is a lie (not an opinion).

Nope, still an opinion. And wishing won't make it otherwise.

Its cool to hate on DDY like you do, its just not so cool to lie about legal matters in order to libel him.

Sigh.

You are Carrie Ann DeYoung and I claim my $10.