New JY Interview

[piecesofeight]

Rock band in town to rev up Cycle-rama
'70s icons Styx roll in to add to thunder

By RICK DeYAMPERT
Entertainment Writer

Last update: 27 February 2004


Before a Styx concert three years ago, band members were approached "by a couple of young women dressed like they came out of 'Almost Famous' -- bare midriffs and what have you," says founding guitarist James "JY" Young.

With apologies to Young, forget about "Almost Famous," that romantic but realistic portrayal of rock 'n' roll life in the early 1970s. Instead, Young found himself in a moment that more resembled that cinematic parody of an aging rock band, "This Is Spinal Tap."

Fellow Styx guitarist Tommy Shaw was signing one of the women's bellies, "and they said, 'JY, JY -- can you please sign our bare midriffs as well?' " Young recalls. "Then the one young woman told me that I reminded her of her father. Then she told me I was a legend.

"That legendary thing is a hard mantle to wear," Young adds wryly, with tongue firmly in cheek. "So I've begun to refer to myself as a reluctant legend."

But the 54-year-old Young and his Styx mates aren't reluctant about still pursuing their rock 'n' roll dreams. Last year, the band released "Cyclorama," their first new studio album since 1999. And they're hitting the road again, with a new tour landing them at the Broken Spoke Saloon in Ormond Beach on Thursday for a free Bike Week concert.

Though recorded without founding keyboardist Dennis DeYoung -- who acrimoniously parted ways with the band -- "Cyclorama" revitalizes such Styx trademarks as melodic songs, brash guitars and choruses packed with vocal harmonies that rival a church choir.

"Many people say this is the best live incarnation of Styx," Young says by phone from his Chicago home. "There are people, some legendary radio personalities who shall remain nameless, who think 'Cyclorama' is the best record Styx has made."

That assessment may surprise casual fans of the band. After all, Styx scored the late 1970s with platinum-selling albums and such hits as "Lorelei," "Come Sail Away," "Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)" and "Renegade."

The band went on hiatus in 1984, then most members reformed in 1990 and scored a hit with the single "Show Me the Way." But it wasn't until 1996 that the lineup from the band's glory days finally reunited: Young, Shaw, DeYoung and founding bassist Chuck Panozzo. After recording the album "Brave New World" in 1999, the band parted ways with DeYoung.

Young says it "doesn't surprise me" that some fans may be surprised by the vitality evident on "Cyclorama."

"Dennis DeYoung, when he was part of the band, was busy taking credit for everything that we all did," Young says with a chuckle. "So there would be some lingering impression that that is historical fact as opposed to fiction in his brain.

"The problem with this band is that there was always too much talent in it, he said modestly," Young adds with an impish clip in his voice. "Collectively it was a battle to see what songs got on the records, and what direction we would take the music. The reality is, in the absence of -- the permanent absence of -- Mr. DeYoung, this can really function more in the spirit of a team."

Asked whether a so-called "classic rock" band can get noticed in this MTV/"TRL"/rap/rap-metal age, Young says matter-of-factly, "Certainly we're stigmatized because of how old we are and how long we've had success."

Then he's off on a detailed, and insightful, chronicle of the history of rock since Styx formed in Chicago in 1970: from the birth of MTV in the early '80s, to the rise of "the Journeys and the big-hair bands of the late '80s," to the disillusionment symbolized by lip-syncers Milli Vanilli, to grunge, alternative and the "unplugged" trends of the '90s, to such current bands as Creed and Evanescence. Those latter two bands Young dubs "very Styx-like" due to their use of melody, "hard-edged guitars, big harmony choruses and great singing."

"I sense that once young women in the mid- to late '90s got tired of wearing Doc Martens and no makeup and fatigue clothing, there came the notion that melody could come back in, and everything doesn't have to be angrier and angrier," Young says. "Rock has to purge itself from time to time. The whole thing has evolved back around where suddenly there are melody and big guitars."

Young says Panozzo, a founding member of the band along with his late brother, drummer John Panozzo, will perform at the Bike Week concert despite battling a "full-blown case of AIDS." Panozzo still performs select dates, usually joining the band during the latter stages of concerts.

"If there's an excuse to wear leather, he's there," Young says. "His heart is always here, his spirit is here, and every now and then his physical form makes an appearance as well."

For their Bike Week gig, Styx will perform some songs from "Cyclorama" as well as their hits.

"Of course people want to hear the soundtrack to their glorious misspent youth," Young says with a soft laugh.

[ptgraphics]

Seems like anytime JY can get a negative remark in about Dennis he does so. He must have a lot of bent up anger about DDY still. He needs to just let it go.

PAT

[kiddo]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Seems like anytime JY can get a negative remark in about Dennis he does so. He must have a lot of bent up anger about DDY still. He needs to just let it go. "

A couple of things...
A sharp tongue is J.Y.'s true talent, AND an apropos quote by the good Dr. Phil:

"You wouldn't worry so much what people thought of you if you knew how seldom they did".

Rock the house tonight in Albany Dennis!

kiddo

[ek88]

"Dennis DeYoung, when he was part of the band, was busy taking credit for everything that we all did," Young says with a chuckle. "So there would be some lingering impression that that is historical fact as opposed to fiction in his brain.

"The problem with this band is that there was always too much talent in it, he said modestly," Young adds with an impish clip in his voice. "Collectively it was a battle to see what songs got on the records, and what direction we would take the music. The reality is, in the absence of -- the permanent absence of -- Mr. DeYoung, this can really function more in the spirit of a team."

Whether you care for these remarks or not, it becomes readily apparent why Dennis, Tommy, and JY are no longer working together.

[kiddo]

Whether you care for these remarks or not, it becomes readily apparent why Dennis, Tommy, and JY are no longer working together.[/quote]

Each is doing what they wish to do. I only think it would serve Mr. Young well to stop making such comments. Continuing to talk about the past in such a negative way never helps ones future.

kiddo

[classicstyxfan]

Man, if that isn't a dagger through the heart of all of you who think Styx and Dennis will reunite, I don't know what it will take.....

and time keeps marching on.......don't look now , but here come their 60's !

if it EVER happens, it will be the result of a promoters offer with ALOT OF ZERO's to the left of the ol' decimal point, and even then,
it will just be a revival of old music, not the 2nd coming of the Grand Illusion.

[kiddo]

if it EVER happens, it will be the result of a promoters offer with ALOT OF ZERO's to the left of the ol' decimal point, and even then,
it will just be a revival of old music, not the 2nd coming of the Grand Illusion.[/quote]


fuhgetaboutit


kiddo

[sadie65]

I so agree. Forget about it. With these kinds of statements, these men should not get back together.

Even if the money was offered, why would any of them want to put themselves in a situation that wouldrequire them to work together again. With that kind of animosity towards each other, how productive would they be?

Sadie

[classicstyxfan]

Sadie, I agree with you, but the cynic in me says if someone throws the right amount of money at them, they'll do it...and they'll smile for the cameras and say all is forgiven....

I think everyone has their price, but truthfully, I don't think anyone will ever offer them enough to make it happen.

[LordofDaRing]

Can you believe the audacity of this guy. So Dennis took credit for everything huh? Not unlike JY and Tommy constantly rewriting history within this band. For those of you who keep demanding proof that JY has been negative towards Dennis in the media, well here it is once again gang. Please somebody point out to me the Dennis article that comes close to matcing this BS. The "reluctant" legend just keeps on dissapointing....dude sign some more 50 year old beer bellies and writing those million selling singles....maybe if you get lucky another Dennis song will be picked up on a commercial and you guys can take credit for that one to....Pete Best!

[froy]

And they're hitting the road again, with a new tour landing them at the Broken Spoke Saloon in Ormond Beach on Thursday


If this does not tell the story of how sad the current Styx story is I don't know what will.

JY keep yappin as you take the stage at a saloon .

He's a reluctant idiot .

[swwskj]

So JY is still smashing bitter grapes. How appropriate for all the w(h)ining he's managed to do over the past couple of years.

Let's see, Dennis is a jerk. Dennis was a control freak. Dennis demanded total artistic control over EOTC. Dennis took credit for everything we were collectively doing. Dennis wrote cheesy ballads and had grand illusions for stage shows.

And yet, JY let it all happen. He merely rolled over, picked up his check and kept his mouth shut. If anyone needs any reminding of what a talentless twerp JY really is and just how much "artistic dignity" he has, do me a favor:

Close your eyes and harken back to the Caught in the Act video. Imagine the Reluctant Legend all decked out as Dr. Righteous singing Heavy Metal Poisoning to a choreographed "First we'll spank your big behinds and then we'll twist your little minds."

That my friends was the lowest point ever in Styx history and Dennis wasn't even on stage for it.

JY agreed to do this. Hell, I wouldn't have done that for my wife, let alone somebody I despised. Oh and nice joke about Chuck and leather and "full blown AIDS"-really PC there slap nuts.

JY proving once again why he is the Reluctant Loser.

Scott

P.S. It's not always about Dennis (or is it?)

[classicstyxfan]

seriously, I hope Chuck is doing OK.....Tommy says he's doing great in a recent article I read on Styworld...and JY uses the phrase "Full blown aids" ?????

I hope the true situation is that JY is just clueless regarding HIV and AIDS.

do you think the new Styx voted on weather to put that article ( and all of the other content ) on their website ? since they parted ways with Dennis, they are a true democracy, you know......

Captain ridiculous is that you ?
Slammin former bandmates every chance you get to.........

[SuiteMadameBlue]

It's sad that JY can't just let it go and move on. I was hoping to see what Yogi has to say.

I personally can't see Styx getting back together, it would be so uncomfortable to see a concert knowing how each band member feels about the other.

[yogi]

Chuck does have full blown Aids. Once you contract an opportunistic infection HIV turns into Aids. Chuck has had at least one opportunistic infection (Kaposi's sarcoma) so,no matter what his viral load is, he has full blown AIDS as does Magic Johnson, and so many many others. As for the article, all I can say is: Wasn't the concept of 'Kilroy Was Here', CENSORSHIP ? All of you TYPE ONES are NOW TYPE ONE, DR. RIGHTEOUS'ES. You want JY censored, correct? Thats what you all are bitching about now! WE will NEVER know EVERTHING that went on and who did what to whom. I would sure LOVE to HEAR all of you TYPE ONE, DR.RIGHTEOUS'ES, HONEST answers to my 'WHAT IF' assembly line questions. Go ahead,I know you all want to, Mom said it was all right to, just go ahead and;....................... pick up your ball and go home!

[sadie65]

Yogi,

Come up with a better response. No one said anything about censorship or not letting JY speak his mind. The fact that he does with such venom is his right. All it does is make him look small and petty. I'll agree we don't know all the facts, but if this is what you have to respond with, then perhaps you should be the one to take the ball and go home. You asked for an example of where the band said negative things. I take it this doesn't meet your criteria then?

Sadie

[thebook]

[/quote]
so far we have had "reluctant idiot" (nicely done) and "Reluctant Loser" (excellent) and "Captain Ridiculous" (good one).

how about "The great white chump" (not bad eh)

anybody else?

Poor JY, it's unfortunate he keeps on talking. it's not making him look very bright.

[classicstyxfan]

He makes himself an easy target, doesn't he ?

[ek88]

Poor JY, it's unfortunate he keeps on talking. it's not making him look very bright.

He isn't the most eloquent speaker in the world, is he? I walk away thinking this everytime I hear or read something that he says.

. . . but the cynic in me says if someone throws the right amount of money at them, they'll do it...and they'll smile for the cameras and say all is forgiven....

As far as money, I get the impression that Tommy and JY would rather tour extensively without DeYoung in order to make their money, as opposed to doing less shows with DDY for an equivalent amount of money. Just my opinion.

[Ash]

read this and then read the interview with dennis elsewhere on this forum and it's clear to me who is more up-beat and positive about the realities these parties find themselves in.

JY is really tarnishing my appreciation for his contributions to Styx... and the more he besmurches Dennis and Styx History the more negatively I will view him. Tommy should do JY and the band a favor and tell JY to STFU about Dennis in future interviews. If you can't say something nice...........

I think even I learned that when I was 5.

[froy]

so far we have had "reluctant idiot" (nicely done) and "Reluctant Loser" (excellent) and "Captain Ridiculous" (good one).

how about "The great white chump" (not bad eh)

How about The Great White Dope ?

[LordofDaRing]

He is right about one thing....these are the times we find out out who we REALLY are...and he lets face it is an A...Hole. How bout that line about unnamed radio legends who say that this STYX record is the best ever. If you were a radio legend and you really felt that way, why in the hell would you just not come out and say it. It' just an opinion right? And lets be honest STYX is so far below the maintream radar today that the bulk of a legends radio listening audience would say ...."who"? JY is living the grand illusion, he is making a living off touring nonstop playing songs written almost solely by Dennis and Tommy. He needs to join a new band that is starting up called the disgruntled, which features Charlie Watts (that Mick is a control freak), Randy Meisner (did hell freeze over yet) and John McVie (Lindsey and Stevie took to much credit).....these guys could cry on each others shoulders all night. By the way, he has a right to say whatever is on his engineering degree mind....and so do the rest of us!

[thebook]

so far we have had "reluctant idiot" (nicely done) and "Reluctant Loser" (excellent) and "Captain Ridiculous" (good one).

how about "The great white chump" (not bad eh)

How about The Great White Dope ?

yeah, better than mine

[yogi]

Man Hands,
Ive got a few comments and a few questions for you. First off, WE are fans correct?" To say it would be too 'UNCOMFORTABLE' to see the band IF they got back together knowing how they really feel about each other is laughable. IF Dennis, JY, and Tommy could put bad blood and a lawsuit aside and tour and record again you would feel 'UNCOMFORTABLE' seeing them? Give me a break! NONE of us know the WHOLE story! Heres a couple of stories for you. Rumor has it only 30,000 people showed up at Yankee Stadium last night to watch the Yankees and Red Sox battle for first place. When asked why the attendance numbers were down soo much at Yankee Stadium this year an official replied" Jeter doesnt like A Rod, and they both dont like Jason, and everyone dislikes Gary". It is just too 'UNCOMFORTABLE' for some fans to watch these guys perform knowing how they really feel about each other. Another story along this line is that my wife and I almost purchased our dream home a few years ago. We just couldnt procure it because of the way the carpenter, plummer , and roofer were fighting. They hated each other. It would of been just too'UNCOMFORTABLE' for us to live in a house that was built that way.
I would really love to know more about the band Spread Eagle. How long were they together? What type of music did they play? Where did they play? Was John the lead singer? Did they play new material? Did they record? Did you ever hear them? Anything else you can remember. Was John in any other bands?

[sadie65]

And why do you assume the fans would be comfortable? I wouldn't be. I think it would be very hard to watch these men. I don't think the issue here is about money for these men. And rather than use your baseball example, I'd use family. Who wants to be around family members who are fighting? No one. Given that JY has made no secret of his feelings, I realistically don't ever see a reunion happening.

Sadie

[SuiteMadameBlue]

I agree with Sadie and the family example. Growing up I always thought Styx was more like a family. I thought they were best friends, hung out like buddies and always got along. I didn't realize this wasn't true until Dennis was kicked out and then watching Behind The Music. After reading article after article and listening to recent interviews with JY, he does not want Dennis back in Styx. Knowing all this, I would be very uncomfortable watching them on stage. Did you see the Children's Miracle Telethon with Styx last performance with Dennis? Dennis was just kicked out of the band when they performed. How do you think each member felt then? If you have the video watch it and tell me what you think, now knowing that he was just kicked out.

Baseball is a team sport, believe it or not on most teams a few players don't get a long with each other for various reasons. Last summer I interviewed a couple players from a MLB team, that's how I personally know this They just put their differences aside and work together as a team. I'm sorry, you can't compare a baseball team and a band with 5 members with creative differences.


You're right about one thing, NO ONE knows the WHOLE story.

[yogi]

I dont buy the family example, because we are NOT their family. We are fans,plain and simple.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

I didn't mean I or we were part of THEIR family. I they were like family (as members of Styx) or like really close friends ALL the years. I have great friends that I consider "like family".

[yogi]

Viewing them as 'like family' does explain alot to me. I can see now why you have such devotion to'like Uncle Dennis'. This does put all of you Type1's (Like family) Dr.Rightiouses, in total position to place blame over the entire ' Styx Family squabble'. I'm not family, hell I'm not even 'like family, I'm just a plain ol'fan. I'm sooo damn sorry for calling 'like Uncle Dennis's wife 'Yoko'. Please forgive me, I didnt know we were talking about 'Like Family'.

[classicstyxfan]

Oh Man......I feel some inspiration coming on as a result of this little exchange.

"The Dysfunctional family of Styx".......using characters from TV shows, match all of the Members of Styx, past and present, to an appropriate member of a TV show family.


GOWAN and BURTNIK......can't remember their names, but the male cousins on THE DUKES OF HAZZARD, the ones who replaced BO and LUKE for a season come immediately to mind. True fans of the show accepted them, but it was never quite the same with them as the Stars of the show...

DENNIS well, we all know he demands total and complete control, so TONY SOPRANO of THE SOPRANOS comes to mind.....

JOHN PANOZZO's afro hairstyle in the 70's always reminded me of some character, I've got to think about that one and remember what show that was.

JOHN C reminds me of Richie Cunninghams's brother on HAPPY DAYS. don't remember him ? well, he dissapeared before the show got famous !

I'm going to have to think about this some more...anyone else want to play ? JY and Tommy shouldn't be too hard.