Hello LA-Hello Styx

by **Castle Walls** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 2:38 pm

After a rough, long, twice delayed flight my travel buddy Timmy and I have arrived in Los Angles.

We are staying approximately ten miles from the airport at the Sofitel Hotel on Beverly Blvd in West Hollywood. It is really nice here.

Now I am hoping some of my old press passes come in handy. We are going to snoop around tomorrow and try to find out when their House Of Blues soundcheck is.

I love holiday, and I love the States.

by **sadie65** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 2:41 pm

Castle Walls wrote:After a rough, long, twice delayed flight my travel buddy Timmy and I have arrived in Los Angles.

We are staying approximately ten miles from the airport at the Sofitel Hotel on Beverly Blvd in West Hollywood. It is really nice here.

Now I am hoping some of my old press passes come in handy. We are going to snoop around tomorrow and try to find out when their House Of Blues soundcheck is.

I love holiday, and I love the States.

Have a great time. Good luck with everything.

by **sniper16** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 6:43 am

sound checks are usually around 5:00

by **Castle Walls** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 8:40 pm

What a trip.

We have seen both concerts and I have made both rehearsals.

It is really late so I am going to be brief.

The shows are good. The rehearsals are great.

They will be putting out some new music soon. James Young sings mostly lead on a new song called Octagon Universe. I am not actually sure if this is the correct name but I think it is. It is a killer song. Almost reminds me of something off of Back In Black. Gowan helps him out some with the vocals. No keys on this song. It's straight in the face rock and roll.

Tommy also has a new one that they are working on. I believe that it's called Up the Ante. It is a slow song. It almost seems like it is an owed to Dennis song. The beginning lyrics are:

Once we ruled with no division, never heard the word dissention. So young, so young, Stars were in our eyes.
Never knew the word impossible, We were young and indestructable. Brotherhood was all attainable, Growing old was so avoidable. If we knew, If We only knew. Thats something what the chours is. Then the song plays on. It's good.

That is all I can remember for now. They are about to put these songs into their live shows. IMO they are ready. It is a catchy deal putting new music in.

Finally, these guys are the most professional people that I have ever met. It is all business.

Gowan is very friendly, and actually has been really nice to me. Todd seems all about the drums. James really helps the roadies with the setup, and Tommy runs it all. Chuck has not been out here as of yet. Ricky just shows up and plays. Boy, is he good.

I am enjoying myself.

by **froy** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 11:46 pm

Castle Walls wrote:What a trip.

We have seen both concerts and I have made both rehearsals.

It is really late so I am going to be brief.

The shows are good. The rehearsals are great.

They will be putting out some new music soon. James Young sings mostly lead on a new song called Octagon Universe. I am not actually sure if this is the correct name but I think it is. It is a killer song. Almost reminds me of something off of Back In Black. Gowan helps him out some with the vocals. No keys on this song. It's straight in the face rock and roll.

Tommy also has a new one that they are working on. I believe that it's called Up the Ante. It is a slow song. It almost seems like it is an owed to Dennis song. The beginning lyrics are:

Once we ruled with no division, never heard the word dissention. So young, so young, Stars were in our eyes.
Never knew the word impossible, We were young and indestructable. Brotherhood was all attainable, Growing old was so avoidable. If we knew, If We only knew. Thats something what the chours is. Then the song plays on. It's good.

That is all I can remember for now. They are about to put these songs into their live shows. IMO they are ready. It is a catchy deal putting new music in.

Finally, these guys are the most professional people that I have ever met. It is all business.

Gowan is very friendly, and actually has been really nice to me. Todd seems all about the drums. James really helps the roadies with the setup, and Tommy runs it all. Chuck has not been out here as of yet. Ricky just shows up and plays. Boy, is he good.

I am enjoying myself.

Sad to say very few people care about Styx anymore
Im glad your excited.
The treadmill keeps rolling

by **ChicagoSTYX** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 12:03 am

by **stabbim** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 12:39 am

Castle Walls wrote:
The shows are good. The rehearsals are great.

Absolutely. How bitchin' was it that they pulled a full version of "Superstars" out of the mothballs for the HoB show? I guess it would have made more sense to have played it last year during the GI 30th anniversary, but it was cool to hear all the same.

Castle Walls wrote:I am enjoying myself.

Me too.

by **elmotano** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 2:02 am

froy wrote:
Castle Walls wrote:What a trip.

We have seen both concerts and I have made both rehearsals.

It is really late so I am going to be brief.

The shows are good. The rehearsals are great.

They will be putting out some new music soon. James Young sings mostly lead on a new song called Octagon Universe. I am not actually sure if this is the correct name but I think it is. It is a killer song. Almost reminds me of something off of Back In Black. Gowan helps him out some with the vocals. No keys on this song. It's straight in the face rock and roll.

Tommy also has a new one that they are working on. I believe that it's called Up the Ante. It is a slow song. It almost seems like it is an owed to Dennis song. The beginning lyrics are:

Once we ruled with no division, never heard the word dissention. So young, so young, Stars were in our eyes.
Never knew the word impossible, We were young and indestructable. Brotherhood was all attainable, Growing old was so avoidable. If we knew, If We only knew. Thats something what the chours is. Then the song plays on. It's good.

That is all I can remember for now. They are about to put these songs into their live shows. IMO they are ready. It is a catchy deal putting new music in.

Finally, these guys are the most professional people that I have ever met. It is all business.

Gowan is very friendly, and actually has been really nice to me. Todd seems all about the drums. James really helps the roadies with the setup, and Tommy runs it all. Chuck has not been out here as of yet. Ricky just shows up and plays. Boy, is he good.

I am enjoying myself.

Sad to say very few people care about Styx anymore
Im glad your excited.
The treadmill keeps rolling

Thanks for speaking for the majority Froy....are you running for president? :roll:

by **Zan** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 2:05 am

stabbim wrote:
Castle Walls wrote:
The shows are good. The rehearsals are great.

Absolutely. How bitchin' was it that they pulled a full version of "Superstars" out of the mothballs for the HoB show? I guess it would have made more sense to have played it last year during the GI 30th anniversary, but it was cool to hear all the same.

No effin' way. Did Gowan do the soliloque? What else did they do? Last week JY sang a few lines from "Lords of the Ring," followed by the "You Need Love/Heavy metal Poisoning" riff, which I thought was killer. The um, special guest they had off stage was pretty impressive too ;-)

Castle Walls wrote:I am enjoying myself.

Me too.[/quote]

Count me in too!

by **BidForGreen** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 2:06 am

Castle Walls wrote:What a trip.

We have seen both concerts and I have made both rehearsals.

It is really late so I am going to be brief.

The shows are good. The rehearsals are great.

They will be putting out some new music soon. James Young sings mostly lead on a new song called Octagon Universe. I am not actually sure if this is the correct name but I think it is. It is a killer song. Almost reminds me of something off of Back In Black. Gowan helps him out some with the vocals. No keys on this song. It's straight in the face rock and roll.

Tommy also has a new one that they are working on. I believe that it's called Up the Ante. It is a slow song. It almost seems like it is an owed to Dennis song. The beginning lyrics are:

Once we ruled with no division, never heard the word dissention. So young, so young, Stars were in our eyes.
Never knew the word impossible, We were young and indestructable. Brotherhood was all attainable, Growing old was so avoidable. If we knew, If We only knew. Thats something what the chours is. Then the song plays on. It's good.

That is all I can remember for now. They are about to put these songs into their live shows. IMO they are ready. It is a catchy deal putting new music in.

Finally, these guys are the most professional people that I have ever met. It is all business.

Gowan is very friendly, and actually has been really nice to me. Todd seems all about the drums. James really helps the roadies with the setup, and Tommy runs it all. Chuck has not been out here as of yet. Ricky just shows up and plays. Boy, is he good.

I am enjoying myself.

The Tommy song seems interesting....between Dennis's songs on 100 years and this. are they trying to communicate through the music?

by **Zan** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 2:09 am

BidForGreen wrote:....between Dennis's songs on 100 years and this. are they trying to communicate through the music?

Yes, that's definitely it!

by **BidForGreen** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 2:28 am

Zan wrote:
BidForGreen wrote:....between Dennis's songs on 100 years and this. are they trying to communicate through the music?

Yes, that's definitely it!

I guess that was supposed to be a sarcastic response? Look, I was just speculating...Sorry.

by **Zan** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 2:38 am

BidForGreen wrote:
Zan wrote:
BidForGreen wrote:....between Dennis's songs on 100 years and this. are they trying to communicate through the music?

Yes, that's definitely it!

I guess that was supposed to be a sarcastic response? Look, I was just speculating...Sorry.

You know what they say: More will be revealed.

by **stabbim** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 6:19 am

Zan wrote:
stabbim wrote:
Castle Walls wrote:
The shows are good. The rehearsals are great.

Absolutely. How bitchin' was it that they pulled a full version of "Superstars" out of the mothballs for the HoB show? I guess it would have made more sense to have played it last year during the GI 30th anniversary, but it was cool to hear all the same.

No effin' way. Did Gowan do the soliloque? What else did they do?

That was the only new thing that I noticed. The soliloquy was triggered, probably via that fancy new vocoder-esque keyboard of JY's. I'm not sure who the voice was, but it definitely wasn't the original recording of DDY. At first I thought Todd was doing it, which would have been kinda strange (and very cool) but it turns out he was just mouthing along.

Zan wrote:Last week JY sang a few lines from "Lords of the Ring," followed by the "You Need Love/Heavy metal Poisoning" riff, which I thought was killer. The um, special guest they had off stage was pretty impressive too

You were at the Peppermill show too? Why didn't you come by and say Hi? At first I thought that riff was just HMP 'cause it's been in the medley, but now that you mention it I guess it could have been either one, or both, back to back -- they do sound very similar. Would be so cool if they could work up a full version of "You Need Love" for the show.

Castle Walls wrote:
stabbim wrote:
Zan wrote:I am enjoying myself.

Me too.

Count me in too!

The more, the merrier. And stuff.

Oh, and it turns out the song is called "A Pox Upon The Universe," but I can see how CW might have not heard it clearly what with them fine-tuning the PA at the time and all.

by **Zan** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 6:51 am

stabbim wrote:That was the only new thing that I noticed. The soliloquy was triggered, probably via that fancy new vocoder-esque keyboard of JY's.

Is that what that was? I thought I'd never seen it before...At my show, Jimmy Johnson was using it to hang the lingerie from off stage, but it looked unfamiliar. I'm glad to know it's getting some real use!

I'm not sure who the voice was, but it definitely wasn't the original recording of DDY. At first I thought Todd was doing it, which would have been kinda strange (and very cool) but it turns out he was just mouthing along.

That Todd - what a crafty little bugger he is! Ya know, this was driving me crazy, so I had to check into it some...You can rest easy now...It's actually Marks, who apparently sits behind a thick, black curtain just to the back on stage right. I always thought he reminded me a little of the Wizard. It's only too bad that Cookie isn't still with them - his voice would have been perfect for it.

Zan wrote:Last week JY sang a few lines from "Lords of the Ring," followed by the "You Need Love/Heavy metal Poisoning" riff, which I thought was killer. The um, special guest they had off stage was pretty impressive too

You were at the Peppermill show too? Why didn't you come by and say Hi? At first I thought that riff was just HMP 'cause it's been in the medley, but now that you mention it I guess it could have been either one, or both, back to back -- they do sound very similar. Would be so cool if they could work up a full version of "You Need Love" for the show. [/quote]

HOLY CRAP, you WERE????? Where were you standing? Do you remember a really tall guy up near the front wearing a WW...D(?) shirt who kept swaying his arms back and forth - completely out of time? God, I wish I'd have known! hey, maybe next time, right?

Anyway, about the riff: I'm assuming it was YNL because it had a more "dated" sound than HMP, ans yes, YNL in full would rock most heavily.

stabbim wrote:Oh, and it turns out the song is called "A Pox Upon The Universe," but I can see how CW might have not heard it clearly what with them fine-tuning the PA at the time and all.

I thought it was "APEX." God, what a dope I am. A Pox, of course. duh.

by **shaka** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 2:34 pm

Zan, did you go to the Peppermill show? If you did it's disappointing I didn't get to meet you!

by **Castle Walls** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 3:19 am

Got to hang out with the members of Styx and their crew last night. I even got to help a little with the location of Todds drums.

As nice as the guys are, their roadies are even classier.

I have been around numerous professionals in all fields, these people are the most professional that I have ever witnessed.

I am backstage from here on out.

Switching Hotels today. Heading to San Diego. Going to meet everyone at 4, and like always I cant wait.

I am 10 years old again, and it is hockey season.

I dont ever want to go home. I am staying on holiday forever. I only wish.

by **yogi** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 3:59 am

Sounds like you are having the time of your life.
Thats GREAT!!!!

I got to meet Glen and Dennis backstage a few years ago. I was pumped for months!!! Shit,..... I still am!!!!!

It is GREAT that after all these years they are still out there making people happy.

We get em both ( Dennis & Styx) we might as well appreciate it while we still can.

I am happy for you Castle!!!!!!!!!!!!

by **stabbim** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 9:03 am

CW, in your interactions with the band & crew, have you heard anything about the reasons for Chuck's absence? It really is a shame that he hasn't been joining the band on this run -- he's usually pretty game for west coast dates.

by **Jodes** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 9:11 am

Well Stabbim, Chuck is advertised for the Canadian run here in the next few weeks, so maybe he has other things planned before he hits the road north of the border.

He does sound like a very busy guy!

by **Castle Walls** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 9:47 am

We are staying at the San Diego La Jolla Hotel & Spa. It is tremendous. We are right on the water. It has to be one of the most exquisite hotels that I have stayed at. It is just beautiful. Thank you cheaptickets.com.

As for Chuck, we are hoping to meet him tonight or tomorrow. They thought he was going to show last night but he did not make it. He should make an appearance tonight.

I am actually meeting Taylor, Todd and LG for a bite in a few minutes.

Did any of you know that Tommy was a vegetarian? I never knew. Then again why should I know that.

This place is nice. I love holiday.

Timmy is calling. Time to go.

I have taken many photos. I will post them when I arrive home.

by **gr8dane** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 11:28 am

Thanx for the updates.Keep 'em coming.

by **Everett** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 3:51 pm

Any chance of these shows being recorded? oops did I say that out loud? lol.

by **Zan** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 4:23 pm

Tell me more, tell me more, didja get very far?

by **froy** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 12:35 am

Thenightbull wrote:Any chance of these shows being recorded? oops did I say that out loud? lol.

Recorded for what?

All of the cds they have put out have sold about 6000 copies
I think they know not to put out anymore
Nobody is buying into there scam

by **Castle Walls** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 5:42 am

Hey All,

Yesterday was great. Todd, his beautiful bike and LG have got to be the nicest. They rehearsed for well over an hour prior to their HOB San Diego show last night.

They have a killer guitar driven opus titled When Dogs Fly, that James and Ricky are working feverishly on. No lyrics yet. Just a title, and music.

Tonight in Vegas they are suppose to add James and Tommy's new music to their set. Both songs are good. James's song really sounds like a 70's AC/DC number.

Well it's one more show, back to the LaJolla for one day of R&R, back to LA, and my holiday is over. My next trip to the states will then be to view Dennis DeYoung's Hunchback musical in Chicago.

I will try report more tomorrow. This holiday could not have been nicer. When I get home I will immediately head to my darkroom and develop all my photos.

by **stabbim** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 9:09 am

Castle Walls wrote: When I get home I will immediately head to my darkroom and develop all my photos.

Dude, please tell me you got a shot of them switching instruments on "Superstars" last night. Ricky & Todd on guitars, JY on bass, TS on keys and LG on drums, with Chuck taking the mic and belting the soliloqy out at center stage, Rollins-style -- just astounding! Talk about a dream photo-op ...and like a fool, I left my camera in the car.

If you managed to snap a pic, I'd love a copy.

by **RumTumJM** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 10:00 am

stabbim wrote:
Castle Walls wrote: When I get home I will immediately head to my darkroom and develop all my photos.

Dude, please tell me you got a shot of them switching instruments on "Superstars" last night. Ricky & Todd on guitars, JY on bass, TS on keys and LG on drums, with Chuck taking the mic and belting the soliloqy out at center stage, Rollins-style -- just astounding! Talk about a dream photo-op ...and like a fool, I left my camera in the car. If you managed to snap a pic, I'd love a copy.

Wait a minute. You mean they actually switched instruments and did SUPERSTARS? Todd plays guitar? And Larry on drums? This is not a joke?

by **Zan** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 2:18 pm

RumTumJM wrote:
stabbim wrote:
Castle Walls wrote: When I get home I will immediately head to my darkroom and develop all my photos.

Dude, please tell me you got a shot of them switching instruments on "Superstars" last night. Ricky & Todd on guitars, JY on bass, TS on keys and LG on drums, with Chuck taking the mic and belting the soliloqy out at center stage, Rollins-style -- just astounding! Talk about a dream photo-op ...and like a fool, I left my camera in the car. If you managed to snap a pic, I'd love a copy.

Wait a minute. You mean they actually switched instruments and did SUPERSTARS? Todd plays guitar? And Larry on drums? This is not a joke?

Damn skippy. Stabbim called me when it was going on. He was so giddy, I could barely understand him. I'm still unbelievably jealous that he (and I guess Castle Walls) got to see that! Dammit...DAMMIT!
I gotta ask tho...did either of you notice the...uh, crewman they had off the side of the stage to Tommy's left? Please tell me you saw that! I don't know WHERE that came from, but seeing Russ dressed up like a walking Roboto was worth the price of admission by itself.

by **Castle Walls** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 8:50 pm

I dont know where to even start, but last night was the wake up call I never wanted to happen. I have to first say that Styx's crew, and most of its members and their families and friends are the nicest.

I almost feel like I am about to break a confidence.

I arrived last night for their rehearsal and I had brought everyone bakery for their kindness.

MR

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