New Styx Music??

[LordofDaRing]

"What the heck did Boston fans do between their records? It's ridiculous."

Graduate High School, Graduate College, change jobs 5 times, get married, have children, watch those children have children, apply for social security...seriously I liked Boston but methinks they wrote the book on overkill. No album was worth waiting that long for. Sgt Pepper or Dark Side of the Moon would not be...

[brywool]

Sgt. Pepper or any Beatles album would be! Boston? Puhleaze...

[LordofDaRing]

Don't get me wrong, I like Boston, More than a Feeling is one of the top rock songs of its day. And the Beatles were (are) King. But when it takes that many years to put out an album, the expectations just cannot be met. Lawsuits played a major part, but Tom Scholz rewrote the book on perfectionism, he makes DeYoung, Henley and McCartney look silly (only in that specific quality).

[stmonkeys]

seriously. look at the huge impact Chinese Democracy had. LOL

[KWH17]

I personally think that they will come out with something eventually, they're probably bored of doing the same old songs over and over again on tour.

To make another comparison, though the complete opposite of the Boston one; Neil Young has come out with a new album of music on average every two years since he went solo.

One man=every two years
Whole Band=Nearly 6 years/4 year wait before that and 9 before that!

The same could be said of Springsteen within the last few years. His latest came out 1 1/2 years after Magic and he did the writing and recording while ON TOUR!

[brywool]

Well, I cannot see being a band and having nothing new to play live. Especially one that tours as much as Styx. It would get really boring for them. You think WE'RE sick of Blue Collar Man? Think how they feel. Every night since 1978. Over and over and over again....

When Cyclo came out, all the sudden, there was new life to the shows because the band was playing NEW music (not that I was able to make it to those shows, but I did hear live stuff). Now, they're kind of back to pre-Cyclo stuff again, aren't they?

I mean COULD YOU IMAGINE hearing Miss America every night at work for the last 32 years? Shaw and Young have pretty much done that ('cept for when Tommy was gone that is). Man, I'd go nuts.

PLEASE STYX- for your sanity and our own- MAKE SOME NEW MUSIC.

By the way, I haven't paid to see Styx since just before Cyclo came out. I did see them once when I was playing at the same place they were, and they were fantastic, but this last tour through here with Boston and now with REO... I just have no desire to see them play the same songs AND I'M A HUGE FAN of them in pretty much any incarnation. That should tell them that they really need to produce some new stuff.

[Toph]

Well, I cannot see being a band and having nothing new to play live. Especially one that tours as much as Styx. It would get really boring for them. You think WE'RE sick of Blue Collar Man? Think how they feel. Every night since 1978. Over and over and over again....

When Cyclo came out, all the sudden, there was new life to the shows because the band was playing NEW music (not that I was able to make it to those shows, but I did hear live stuff). Now, they're kind of back to pre-Cyclo stuff again, aren't they?

I mean COULD YOU IMAGINE hearing Miss America every night at work for the last 32 years? Shaw and Young have pretty much done that ('cept for when Tommy was gone that is). Man, I'd go nuts.

PLEASE STYX- for your sanity and our own- MAKE SOME NEW MUSIC.

By the way, I haven't paid to see Styx since just before Cyclo came out. I did see them once when I was playing at the same place they were, and they were fantastic, but this last tour through here with Boston and now with REO... I just have no desire to see them play the same songs AND I'M A HUGE FAN of them in pretty much any incarnation. That should tell them that they really need to produce some new stuff.

I hear you, but the problem is getting anyone to hear it. Radio doesn't do these bands anymore, they can't get played on video stations, so how do they ever get airplay. And if you don't get airplay, no one recognizes the songs at the concerts (the casual fan, of which 90% of the audience is) and so then they tune out, go to the bathroom etc. The trick here is finding a channel of distribution where you can get anything heard by the non core fans. Until you figure that out, you are stuck.

Just as an example - Styx has technically had two official charted songs on Billboard charts since the Edge years. Minor, but technically chart hits - and no one knows them - "Paradise" on RTP hit #27 on Billboard AC and "Waiting For Our Time' hit #37 on Billboard Rock Chart. (Nothing of course has hit the top 100 since Love At First Sight hit #25 in 1991). Neither of these songs are played (obviously Paradise is a DDY song), but even WFOT, which was technically, a minor hit record is unknown by all but the deepest of core fans who went out and bought Cyclo. Yes, they can do re-records like (I am the walrus - which technically never charted on any Billboard chart) that people will know from their initial recordings by original artists, but for them to play anything that is new requires some way to get it out to the masses. The only thing I can think of is to sell out and put it in a movie soundtrack, a tv show theme, or a commercial. That today is the only way for Styx (or DDY) to ever hit anybody beyond their core fans.

[Jodes]

Well said Toph, but I do recall "Dear John" charting on the AC at like #20, or was that AAA? It did get some airplay.

Anyone remember?

[yogi]

Styx is about to come to Shreveport April 10.

They are advertising nonstop on 98.1( which in my opnion is the BEST Classic Rock station I have EVER heard.

Since we moved here last August these are the Styx songs I have heard on 98.1: Lady, Renegade, Crystal Ball, Babe, Rockin The Paradise, Come Sail Away, Borrowed Time, Miss America, Mr. Roboto, Fooling Yourself, Blue Collar Man, The Best Of Times, Suite Madame Blue, Snowblind and Show Me The Way.

Have you ever heard of a classic rock station playing all these different type of Styx songs?? I am sure that they have played others too.

This station is GREAT!!!!

Anyway, Styx is playing at a casino (Horseshoe) on April 10. The advertisement they are running calls Styx ' The Great American Band from the 80's It states that' They will be playing all their #1 hits 'Come Sail Away, Babe, Lady, The Best Of Times, Show Me The Way, and of course Mr. Roboto'. They actually say this and play clips of all these songs with the longest being that of Roboto. The advertisement ends with quick clip of Too Much Time On My Hands.

Its pretty funny.

[brywool]

I hear you, but the problem is getting anyone to hear it. Radio doesn't do these bands anymore, they can't get played on video stations, so how do they ever get airplay. And if you don't get airplay, no one recognizes the songs at the concerts (the casual fan, of which 90% of the audience is) and so then they tune out, go to the bathroom etc. The trick here is finding a channel of distribution where you can get anything heard by the non core fans. Until you figure that out, you are stuck.

Just as an example - Styx has technically had two official charted songs on Billboard charts since the Edge years. Minor, but technically chart hits - and no one knows them - "Paradise" on RTP hit #27 on Billboard AC and "Waiting For Our Time' hit #37 on Billboard Rock Chart. (Nothing of course has hit the top 100 since Love At First Sight hit #25 in 1991). Neither of these songs are played (obviously Paradise is a DDY song), but even WFOT, which was technically, a minor hit record is unknown by all but the deepest of core fans who went out and bought Cyclo. Yes, they can do re-records like (I am the walrus - which technically never charted on any Billboard chart) that people will know from their initial recordings by original artists, but for them to play anything that is new requires some way to get it out to the masses. The only thing I can think of is to sell out and put it in a movie soundtrack, a tv show theme, or a commercial. That today is the only way for Styx (or DDY) to ever hit anybody beyond their core fans.

I totally get this, but at the same time, I guess these bands need to decide "Do we play for the casual fans only or do we play for the fans as a whole?". If it's casual fans, well, then I'm done with the band because I've heard it all. With the internet, the band basically can release their own stuff and sell it that way and bypass the record companies. I'm not saying that they will sell as much as they would with a record company backing them. They WON'T. BUT at the same time, they need to do something to keep the FANS interested.

Radio is a friggin' wasteland now. Not sure who had the bright idea to make "Classic Rock" stations only play the old stuff from classic rock bands. STUPID and totally suicidal for the stations. If they were smart, they'd play new stuff by these bands. Afterall, these bands are keeping their station alive. Instead, they'd rather have knuckleheads like Bob Rivers on blathering instead of playing music.

The other way is to go the way of Journey and The Eagles and get Walmart to back their next original record. Still, it's not a guarantee. Nothing is, but does that mean they should stop creating their art? I don't think so. If anything, put up new songs on their web site and sell them to the fans that come to their site. Jeez, even local bands do that kind of thing. That would make them some decent dough. Not billions, but decent dough. I can't understand why they don't do this. They've all got home studios and home studios can yield some pretty great stuff these days. I think 7 Deadly Zens was mostly recorded at Tommy's and even Brave New World had a lot of home recording stuff on it (Unless I'm mistaken). They're not going to get "The Grand Illusion" out of it soundwise, but they will be able to create new music and get it to the fans in very short order.

Think about it, Sgt. Pepper was recorded on a friggin 4 Track Tape Machine as were all the Beatles masterpieces. Jeez, in my own home studio, I have pretty much unlimited tracks at this point.

I totally agree with you Toph, I really do, but I hate to see creativity like Styx and DeYoung AND BURTNIK have just getting shelved so we can hear "Come Sail Away" one more time. It's gotta suck for them.

[bugsymalone]

I hear you, but the problem is getting anyone to hear it. Radio doesn't do these bands anymore, they can't get played on video stations, so how do they ever get airplay. And if you don't get airplay, no one recognizes the songs at the concerts (the casual fan, of which 90% of the audience is) and so then they tune out, go to the bathroom etc. The trick here is finding a channel of distribution where you can get anything heard by the non core fans. Until you figure that out, you are stuck.

Just as an example - Styx has technically had two official charted songs on Billboard charts since the Edge years. Minor, but technically chart hits - and no one knows them - "Paradise" on RTP hit #27 on Billboard AC and "Waiting For Our Time' hit #37 on Billboard Rock Chart. (Nothing of course has hit the top 100 since Love At First Sight hit #25 in 1991). Neither of these songs are played (obviously Paradise is a DDY song), but even WFOT, which was technically, a minor hit record is unknown by all but the deepest of core fans who went out and bought Cyclo. Yes, they can do re-records like (I am the walrus - which technically never charted on any Billboard chart) that people will know from their initial recordings by original artists, but for them to play anything that is new requires some way to get it out to the masses. The only thing I can think of is to sell out and put it in a movie soundtrack, a tv show theme, or a commercial. That today is the only way for Styx (or DDY) to ever hit anybody beyond their core fans.

I totally get this, but at the same time, I guess these bands need to decide "Do we play for the casual fans only or do we play for the fans as a whole?". If it's casual fans, well, then I'm done with the band because I've heard it all. With the internet, the band basically can release their own stuff and sell it that way and bypass the record companies. I'm not saying that they will sell as much as they would with a record company backing them. They WON'T. BUT at the same time, they need to do something to keep the FANS interested.

Radio is a friggin' wasteland now. Not sure who had the bright idea to make "Classic Rock" stations only play the old stuff from classic rock bands. STUPID and totally suicidal for the stations. If they were smart, they'd play new stuff by these bands. Afterall, these bands are keeping their station alive. Instead, they'd rather have knuckleheads like Bob Rivers on blathering instead of playing music.

The other way is to go the way of Journey and The Eagles and get Walmart to back their next original record. Still, it's not a guarantee. Nothing is, but does that mean they should stop creating their art? I don't think so. If anything, put up new songs on their web site and sell them to the fans that come to their site. Jeez, even local bands do that kind of thing. That would make them some decent dough. Not billions, but decent dough. I can't understand why they don't do this. They've all got home studios and home studios can yield some pretty great stuff these days. I think 7 Deadly Zens was mostly recorded at Tommy's and even Brave New World had a lot of home recording stuff on it (Unless I'm mistaken). They're not going to get "The Grand Illusion" out of it soundwise, but they will be able to create new music and get it to the fans in very short order.

Think about it, Sgt. Pepper was recorded on a friggin 4 Track Tape Machine as were all the Beatles masterpieces. Jeez, in my own home studio, I have pretty much unlimited tracks at this point.

I totally agree with you Toph, I really do, but I hate to see creativity like Styx and DeYoung AND BURTNIK have just getting shelved so we can hear "Come Sail Away" one more time. It's gotta suck for them.

Neither Styx nor DeYoung has the fan base to put out new material that will receive the backing someone like AC/DC, The Eagles or Journey got for new material. It just isn't there and won't be, sad to say. Dennis is quite lucky to have a record label willing to put out his new material, but I don't think he, or anyone, harbors any illusions that it will be a smash hit. Or even a modest hit.

As to posting new material directly to a website, Current Styx does not seem willing to do this right now.

It is just the way of it with the dinosaur bands.


Bugsy

[brywool]

Neither Styx nor DeYoung has the fan base to put out new material that will receive the backing someone like AC/DC, The Eagles or Journey got for new material. It just isn't there and won't be, sad to say. Dennis is quite lucky to have a record label willing to put out his new material, but I don't think he, or anyone, harbors any illusions that it will be a smash hit. Or even a modest hit.

As to posting new material directly to a website, Current Styx does not seem willing to do this right now.

It is just the way of it with the dinosaur bands.


Bugsy

Totally agree but to be in a band and not create NEW music... dang. Rounder's releasing DeYoung's album as those other labels released the last few Styx albums. But after there aren't many sales of this new album, they may not step up again.
So are these guys just supposed to give up? They need to still put out music or hang it up.

[PianoMan1986]

I hear you, but the problem is getting anyone to hear it. Radio doesn't do these bands anymore, they can't get played on video stations, so how do they ever get airplay. And if you don't get airplay, no one recognizes the songs at the concerts (the casual fan, of which 90% of the audience is) and so then they tune out, go to the bathroom etc. The trick here is finding a channel of distribution where you can get anything heard by the non core fans. Until you figure that out, you are stuck.

Just as an example - Styx has technically had two official charted songs on Billboard charts since the Edge years. Minor, but technically chart hits - and no one knows them - "Paradise" on RTP hit #27 on Billboard AC and "Waiting For Our Time' hit #37 on Billboard Rock Chart. (Nothing of course has hit the top 100 since Love At First Sight hit #25 in 1991). Neither of these songs are played (obviously Paradise is a DDY song), but even WFOT, which was technically, a minor hit record is unknown by all but the deepest of core fans who went out and bought Cyclo. Yes, they can do re-records like (I am the walrus - which technically never charted on any Billboard chart) that people will know from their initial recordings by original artists, but for them to play anything that is new requires some way to get it out to the masses. The only thing I can think of is to sell out and put it in a movie soundtrack, a tv show theme, or a commercial. That today is the only way for Styx (or DDY) to ever hit anybody beyond their core fans.

I totally get this, but at the same time, I guess these bands need to decide "Do we play for the casual fans only or do we play for the fans as a whole?". If it's casual fans, well, then I'm done with the band because I've heard it all. With the internet, the band basically can release their own stuff and sell it that way and bypass the record companies. I'm not saying that they will sell as much as they would with a record company backing them. They WON'T. BUT at the same time, they need to do something to keep the FANS interested.

Radio is a friggin' wasteland now. Not sure who had the bright idea to make "Classic Rock" stations only play the old stuff from classic rock bands. STUPID and totally suicidal for the stations. If they were smart, they'd play new stuff by these bands. Afterall, these bands are keeping their station alive. Instead, they'd rather have knuckleheads like Bob Rivers on blathering instead of playing music.

The other way is to go the way of Journey and The Eagles and get Walmart to back their next original record. Still, it's not a guarantee. Nothing is, but does that mean they should stop creating their art? I don't think so. If anything, put up new songs on their web site and sell them to the fans that come to their site. Jeez, even local bands do that kind of thing. That would make them some decent dough. Not billions, but decent dough. I can't understand why they don't do this. They've all got home studios and home studios can yield some pretty great stuff these days. I think 7 Deadly Zens was mostly recorded at Tommy's and even Brave New World had a lot of home recording stuff on it (Unless I'm mistaken). They're not going to get "The Grand Illusion" out of it soundwise, but they will be able to create new music and get it to the fans in very short order.

Think about it, Sgt. Pepper was recorded on a friggin 4 Track Tape Machine as were all the Beatles masterpieces. Jeez, in my own home studio, I have pretty much unlimited tracks at this point.

I totally agree with you Toph, I really do, but I hate to see creativity like Styx and DeYoung AND BURTNIK have just getting shelved so we can hear "Come Sail Away" one more time. It's gotta suck for them.

I get what you're saying, but as far as posting the digital downloads on their page -- I think some of the problems with that are: 1) promotion of that material and 2) the simple idea that a few people will go and download it off of their site and upload it somewhere else for other people to get a hold of it, basically screwing the band for trying something new. As far as who they're playing to, unfortunately it's the casual fans that are paying the bills, not to say that diehards aren't present at these shows, but the same thing goes for other arena rock bands of the era. Personally I go to see them even if I do hear the same songs over and over again because I didn't exist when these bands were in their "prime," but I'll take what I can get today. Perfectly stated as far as classic rock radio goes today -- the only bands I've briefly heard with new material for a short amount of time would be U2, Bon Jovi, Queen & Paul Rodgers, and maybe The Eagles. As for the Beatles, props for working with what they had, but even then that took some overdub tactics -- even with today's technology, digital editing takes time.

[bugsymalone]

Neither Styx nor DeYoung has the fan base to put out new material that will receive the backing someone like AC/DC, The Eagles or Journey got for new material. It just isn't there and won't be, sad to say. Dennis is quite lucky to have a record label willing to put out his new material, but I don't think he, or anyone, harbors any illusions that it will be a smash hit. Or even a modest hit.

As to posting new material directly to a website, Current Styx does not seem willing to do this right now.

It is just the way of it with the dinosaur bands.


Bugsy

Totally agree but to be in a band and not create NEW music... dang. Rounder's releasing DeYoung's album as those other labels released the last few Styx albums. But after there aren't many sales of this new album, they may not step up again.
So are these guys just supposed to give up? They need to still put out music or hang it up.

Oh, I agree with everything you said, but I don't see new music coming from either Styx or Dennis, after the release of "100 Years", because there simply would not be a much of way to promote it or sell it, beyond the concert appearances.

And that right there seems to be a creativity-squelcher.

Dennis, at least, seems to have some other outlets for his song-writing skills.

It would be so great for any of them to write, record, and post some new music, but.....

Bugsy