I wanted to post a few words about the DDY show tonight...

[yogi]

Say whatever the hell you want but I DID the same poll in Dallas,TX over 8,000 average rock fans recognized DDY's voice with less than 1/2 knowing Tommys.









To my suprise over 9,500 recognized JY's - The big tall blond guy from is the voice of Styx!!!

[Boomchild]

Everett said he heard it last month at the show he saw. I think it's a regular part of the script.

I saw him last month in Milwaukee... it wasn't said there. I know Ev was at that show... but if that's the one he's referring to, I think he was mistaken.

I was there too. I asked a couple friends and he didn't say that. It's not a regular part of the "script". I saw him a few months ago in Chicago and he didn't say it there either.

Well, I have heard it said in several clips on YouTube from different shows. It may not be part of the "official script" but, it seems that it is said quite often.

[Boomchild]

Dont drink coffee.

I am patiently waiting for JY and Tommy to appear on the cans of their version of Mt. Dew.

Personally, I am waiting for them to release "Styx Cologne".

[Boomchild]

Say whatever the hell you want but I DID the same poll in Dallas,TX over 8,000 average rock fans recognized DDY's voice with less than 1/2 knowing Tommys.

I think it's safe to say that Dennis' voice is pretty distinctive and not easily confused with another singer's voice.









To my suprise over 9,500 recognized JY's - The big tall blond guy from is the voice of Styx!!!

[Moon Beam]

And you Lot call us Loco?

[Zan]

Dont drink coffee.

I am patiently waiting for JY and Tommy to appear on the cans of their version of Mt. Dew.

Personally, I am waiting for them to release "Styx Cologne".

I can't even imagine what that would smell like. lol

[gr8dane]

Dont drink coffee.

I am patiently waiting for JY and Tommy to appear on the cans of their version of Mt. Dew.

Personally, I am waiting for them to release "Styx Cologne".

Wonder if it will be fair trade?

[Ash]

I can't even imagine what that would smell like. lol

I think it would be called Eau de Plexiglas Toilet

[Babyblue]

Tommy, is great at what he does & writes.He is Styx to me.I know that most everyone feels its DDY.They were great together but no more.Thank you,Cassie May. Tommy, gives 200% on stage.And let me tell you when you leave after the show.You know you have been rocked

And I agree with you, BB! So much is always written about DDY here, I just wanted to pipe up a bit for TS. As with you, TS is Styx for me. It was his song, "Fooling Yourself," that got me into the band in the first place, way back in '77, and it was always his music that I was drawn to on each album. A big regret of mine is never having seen him pre-Styx. I have the MS Funk CD, as well as a download of an MS Funk show in 1973, and you can tell just by listening that he gave 200% of himself even back then, as he still does today.

It's really refreshing to read a thread that has not disintegrated into mean-spiritedness as so many others have! I just want to add a final thought: I came across an article that describes the Styx Chyx. The Grateful Dead had their Deadheads, and Styx has their Chyx. It's an interesting read, and shows that the age range of fans is constantly evolving. Perhaps this is why Styx are marketing coffee and jewelry: to attract the younger fans. After all, when I was a teen, I had my T-shirts, and would have snapped up any other Styx product in a heartbeat, had it existed then. At any rate, here is the article:

http://drmusic.org/Review_Of_The_Week.html

PS) Thanks, Everett, for catching my typo. I was typing on a Kindle, and missed that date when I proof-read my entry.

Cassie, thanks must say i enjoyed the review.And i am friends with more of the "Styx Chyx"A great group of gals.Tommy, loves his fans& we love him.All the guys are so nice.The road crew are super to us all.After reading this i can't wait to see see them again.I thrilled to be a Styx Chyx.Oh boy

[Babyblue]

Dont drink coffee.

I am patiently waiting for JY and Tommy to appear on the cans of their version of Mt. Dew.

Personally, I am waiting for them to release "Styx Cologne".

Thanks, cause you know its going to smell great.

[Babyblue]

And you Lot call us Loco?

[Babyblue]

Did i tell ya"ll i love my boys


Come on 9th Nov Fri nite.

[Monker]

Dont drink coffee.

I am patiently waiting for JY and Tommy to appear on the cans of their version of Mt. Dew.

Personally, I am waiting for them to release "Styx Cologne".

I can't even imagine what that would smell like. lol

It would probably smell like Hell.

[Boomchild]

Dont drink coffee.

I am patiently waiting for JY and Tommy to appear on the cans of their version of Mt. Dew.

Personally, I am waiting for them to release "Styx Cologne".

Wonder if it will be fair trade?

Rumor has it that it will be made in JY's basement.

[Everett]

Dont drink coffee.

I am patiently waiting for JY and Tommy to appear on the cans of their version of Mt. Dew.

Personally, I am waiting for them to release "Styx Cologne".

Wonder if it will be fair trade?

Rumor has it that it will be made in JY's basement.

Can't argue with success. That's where city slicker was made. Dynomite

[Keiferb]

Just getting around to responding to all this. For some reason, lost my access for some period of time.

I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with Zan's summary. Makes me want to go see this show. Whether right or wrong, based on nothing but reading here, I always assumed you were "slightly" more on the anti-DDY camp. Not sure why, because I know you generally serve as a voice of reason. Thanks for sharing. I also have to admit - I would have never picked you for being a "Roboto" lover. That really just blew me away.

What's also been great is this didn't turn into the traditional us vs. them posturing, and other personal attacks. Some good insights and comments, that make me wonder how friggin' cool it would be if they put aside all their differences for one final farewell. I know, hell ain't freezin' over. They were just so stinkin' good together. I pulled out RTP the other day and worked out in the yard. Good stuff (including the new material).

I'm hoping the the Styx show I'm taking my boys to in October is as good as what's been described here. How long was the show / how many songs? From what I've seen in other posts, the Styx set (on their own), seems to be a 12 song set list. Seems a little light, especially for what I paid, and the fact they aren't sharing the stage. I went to an Eagles show in 2008, and they played for over 3 hours, and nearly 30 songs (including 6 of their at the time new album).

[Zan]

Just getting around to responding to all this. For some reason, lost my access for some period of time.

I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with Zan's summary. Makes me want to go see this show. Whether right or wrong, based on nothing but reading here, I always assumed you were "slightly" more on the anti-DDY camp. Not sure why, because I know you generally serve as a voice of reason. Thanks for sharing. I also have to admit - I would have never picked you for being a "Roboto" lover. That really just blew me away.

What's also been great is this didn't turn into the traditional us vs. them posturing, and other personal attacks. Some good insights and comments, that make me wonder how friggin' cool it would be if they put aside all their differences for one final farewell. I know, hell ain't freezin' over. They were just so stinkin' good together. I pulled out RTP the other day and worked out in the yard. Good stuff (including the new material).

I'm hoping the the Styx show I'm taking my boys to in October is as good as what's been described here. How long was the show / how many songs? From what I've seen in other posts, the Styx set (on their own), seems to be a 12 song set list. Seems a little light, especially for what I paid, and the fact they aren't sharing the stage. I went to an Eagles show in 2008, and they played for over 3 hours, and nearly 30 songs (including 6 of their at the time new album).

I'll try and remember the set...wait, I have a picture of the setlist on my phone...brb

Grand Illusion
Lady
Lorelei
BCM
Show Me the Way
Roboto
Born for Adventure
Don't Let it End
Too Much Time
Rockin paradise
babe
Foolin Yourself
Suite madame Blue
best of Times/AD 1958/The End
Renegade
CSA


Keiferb, I'm happy that you want to go see a show. You won't be disappointed, I promise.

You weren't imagining things. I have been pretty well planted in the Styx camp for a long time. The last several years, however, I have really tried to stay out of that stuff. There was a time when it all seemed important. But time has a way of bringing even mountains down (ya know?). Mostly, my objection wasn't towards Dennis himself, but to his annoying fans who relentlessly bashed the crap out of the band...but...well, there is a lot of "stuff" between then and now. I am, however, flattered that you find me to often be the voice of reason. I do appreciate that. Given my history on forums, that's actually a huge compliment. Thank you.

Some people here have known me a long time, but it's unlikely that you all know where I was coming from. regardless of where you sat on the Styx fence, you have your story, as I have mine. It's not up for debate because this was my personal experience, and yours will never be like mine, and vice-versa. So here is my (trust me when I say) short version for anyone who cares to read it.

I love Styx. I always have, I always will. I am one of those fans who discovered them at an impressionable period in my life, and so, they hold a special place, each and every one of them. I used to listen to their records and imagine what they were like and fantasize about just hanging out and talking to them. I read so many articles, interviews, watched so many videos. I studied the words to every song, and memorized even the slightest subtlety to a "T." Unfortunately for me, I discovered them right at the end of their big career. KWH was my first Styx record, and subsequently, I bought every preceding album because I fell in love with their music...but after a year and a half, Styx was on indefinite hiatus, and the "Big 3" started releasing solo albums. I bought some of them, and others I didn't. My interest sort of dwindled a little throughout the late eighties for all kinds of reasons, but the love never want away. I just sort of grew out of the fascination part of it (or so i thought).

When I heard Styx was getting back together in 1990, I was so excited. Even after I learned TS wasn't going to be in the band, I was still stoked to hear the new album - because I loved all of them. I almost threw up the first time I heard "Ritual" because to me, it sounded nothing like Styx, and the "Hey!" bits reminded me of Bon Jovi (who I hate a little), but I liked most of the album (oh, the irony for this little Glen fan). I saw the very first show of their Edge tour, and I was nervous. I wanted to like the new guy, but I was sure that if he would sing Tommy's songs, I might get physically ill. Sure enough, they opened the show with Glen singing "Blue Collar Man." At least they got that out of the way... (actually, he did a really good job with it, and he seemed to fit nicely with the rest of the band, so I could relax, lol). Then, the band left Glen alone to sing "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away," (I LOVE The Beatles - like LOVE.) and he brought the house down. I was a fan from that moment on.

Incidentally, I met DDY and JP before that show, and they signed my Kilroy jacket, and though my encounter was brief and a bit methodical, it would later turn out to be one of the coolest coincidences I was ever blessed with. (JP was AWESOME, by the way. He was making jokes and exactly like I always imagined him to be. Similarly, Dennis was also exactly like I pictured him - polite and reserved, with not a lot to say...seemed a bit "distanced" from the small crowd of fans that was there. But not rude. Just...reserved.

They returned 4 days later for a second, unplanned show, of which I attained third row seats between Glen and Dennis, and it was "pinch me" great. Met Glen after that show too. Anyone who has met him will attest that he is one of the most affable and pleasant people in the music business (except maybe to you, Everett, haha).

Anyhoo, I had been to several Damn Yankees shows during that time too - met Tommy a few times (who was also extremely cool and down to earth), and I was HAPPY. I had the best of both worlds. I had Styx with Glen, and DY with Tommy. A couple years later, I saw the James Young Group three times locally, and got to hang out with him after the shows, and that was tremendous (JY is a really cool person...), I saw JCS with DDY as Pontious. It was all surreal and awesome.

Then 1995 rolled around, and Styx "reunited." I felt a gnawing in the pit of my stomach because I knew what that meant. No more Damn Yankees. No more Glen Burtnik. No more local shows. Mind you, I did not grow up with these guys together my entire teenage existence. The Styx I first fell in love with hadn't been together in 12 years, and since I was 25 when this happened, I had lived half my life getting used to things the way they were. Imagine if your parents were divorced for twenty years, remarried different people whom you'd gotten to know and love, then miraculously, they decided to ditch their current partners and get back together. That would freak you out. Don't get me wrong, I thought it was cool, and I loved the RTP show very much.

1997 rolled around, and John was now gone, so the dynamic was already starting to change. That saying "you can never go home" rings true. The reunion was really amazing, but even a fan with the limited experience I had with the glory year Styx could tell that things would never be the same. I KNEW that. Deep inside my gut. It wasn't that I wished Glen was back (I did wish that though), or that I liked the intimate settings of solo gigs at clubs (I did like those too). It was because it didn't FEEL the same. There was no internet to discuss or argue this crap. I could see it with my own eyes. They were not the same band. This, I believe, is when I started to think differently that a large majority of Styx fans. I felt they would all be happier if they were doing their own things.

7DZ was epic. Loved it. Next thing I knew, BNW was to be released, and I had discovered the Internet. The game had changed...I was meeting with and associating with fans like me, from all over the country, each one with different opinions and ideas and theories. It was AMAZING. Like a whole new world had opened up. My enthusiasm for Styx grew. I was planning trips to meet other fans...crazy cool stuff.

One afternoon, in early-mid 1999, a poster by the name of STYXUSANEWS posted to paradisetheatre.com's bulletin board that he had first hand news that Dennis wasn't going to be touring with Styx. He said that DDY was claiming to be to ill to tour, and the rest of the band was going to go without him. This person also said that he believed this was all a ruse, and that it was actually the beginning of the end for Styx with Dennis. Of course NONE of us believed him. Trashed him left and right and basically lambasted the crap out of him. He professed his information to be true, and we just showed him the door. Next thing we knew, Styx was announcing that they were to be touring without Dennis, due an illness.

Holy. Shit.

Follows by: WTF? Styx show without Dennis? That's just...wtf?!?

Right? C'mon, we ALL thought that when we first heard it was happening.

My enthusiasm quickly turned to disappointment, even though I tried to recall how I felt when I first saw Glen perform and how much I loved the band with him, instead of Tommy...I told myself that I might love it just as much...but it wasn't really helping much. I just couldn't imagine a Styx show without Dennis. I was bummed.

So, then they announce that a Canadian singer/songwriter named Lawrence Gowan would be replacing Denny on tour (I had no idea who this person was), and I just sighed a heavy sigh of despair. Until I read the next part of the announcement that said that CHUCK wouldn't be touring either!

You have GOT to be f*cking joking! No Dennis, No Chuck, obviously no John anymore. I was about to abandon all hope. Then I read, "former Styx member, Glen Burtnik, will be filling in for Chuck Panozzo on bass."

It was the fastest recovery from depression the world has ever known. lol

I know this is long, but no one has ever really heard this story, and i think it puts things into perspective a little bit. I wasn't some 'DeYoung hater" that showed up barking and carrying on. I was a Styx lover that had experienced a litany of changes and weirdness since 1983. My fandom had been shaped and reshaped so many times, and I always ended up still in love with them as a group. So I will continue...

As most of us remember, the whole secret plot to be rid of Dennis started to reveal itself little by little...tidbits of information would make their way into the streams of our dial-up modems, and my experience, up to this point, had always been: if I FELT it, it was probably true, at least to some degree. I knew things weren't right with these guys for a long time. I never believed that Tommy's return was solely for nostalgic purposes. Sure, the sentiment was there, but it wasn't the driving motivator. It was obvious, at least to me. But i didn't care, like I said, because I LOVED STYX.

As more & more & more "factoids" and "rumors" were brought to light, the images of everyone in the band started to change. Tommy was no longer everybody's favorite golden boy - to some, he was the antichrist, a liar, a thief, a greedy money-hungry, no talent hack. JY was not the Godfather badass anymore. He was a traitor and a poor excuse for a musician. Dennis became suspected of being a hypochondriac, as his long history of medical woes were brought to light. Fans were at odds. People were downright obsessed - and MEAN. Man, the shit that got flung around on the aol boards would SHOCK some of you here. Glen was getting harassed on his personal email and IM by some jackass named "lavista," calling him a talentless asshole because he had agreed to tour with these thieves. This went on for months. Anyone who defended Tommy, JY or...anyone on that tour got abused and stalked.

I just decided to fight back. I put myself on the front line for the bigger part of 2000 & 2001. These people were out of line, and honestly, kind of disturbing as human beings.

What I considered the final straw that sent me over to the Styx camp was when some friends of mine were backstage at a Dennis show and were told in no uncertain terms that if they supported Styx in any way, they were not welcome there. Not DDY himself, but others who were close with Dennis were encouraging fans to get on the forums and trash the band. Dennis also spent some time calling radio stations in towns where Styx was scheduled to play to let everyone know that these people weren't the real deal, and only posing as Styx - and that people should avoid going to see the shows. he referred to Todd, Glen, and Lawrence as "a couple other guys" when talking about Styx. Todd & Glen were "a couple guys" that HE hired to play with Styx once before. Now, they were suddenly not worth any professional courtesy. In an interview, he called anyone who spoke with Tommy in chatrooms "bathwater drinkers." So it was no longer about insulting the band, it was insulting the fans as well. I was just turned off by the whole thing. It didn't matter to me why or how - their business was NONE of MINE, but I was disgusted at how the jilted camp was handling things.I understood the hurt feelings, but I didn't understand the efforts to be so destructive. I thought that if DDY didn't think me, as a long-time fan, worthy of respect, that I would return the favor.

I love these guys. But I have never been unaware of the fact that they are people first, people with flaws like everyone else. That's why I tried not to involve myself in the why's or how's. I was not them, and couldn't see judging any of them because I hadn't lived it. But Dennis was the only one who turned on his fans. I know it was short-lived, but it was plain as day that people like me didn't matter to him. because I wasn't kissing his ass. The trolls were essentially being encouraged in that camp, whether directly or not.

Anyone here knows that once you open yourself to ridicule on these boards, you're a target for life. I had one rabid DeYoungian send me an email in 2002 (over a year after I'd stopped posting on the aol forum) when my boyfriend's brother was killed in a helicopter crash, asking me if my BF knew I was a whore.

Behind the Music: Not even close to portraying the whole (or accurate) story, but Dennis was the only one saying "I'll never again do this to myself," when asked about how taxing the Kilroy tour was on THE BAND. It's the little things that start to accumulate...they say if someone throws a big rock at you, you can dodge it, but if they throw a handful of pebbles, you're gonna get pelted. I saw the whole DeYoung camp as a giant group of pebble throwers. And just because I could sympathize with his situation, doesn't mean I thought he handled it with grace. I also know it was not Dennis' intention, but when he filed the lawsuit, his lawyers presented the papers to JY on the day his brother died. Even the stiffest upper lip would react emotionally over that. It was an ugly, ugly breakup. And like any (second) divorce, it was the kids who seemed to be the most torn up about it. But like any good parent will tell you, it's never a good idea to try and turn your children against the other parent, and that is, what I felt, exactly what DDY was doing.

Sadly, there were times when I was not my best self, and I posted some hurtful things on occasion that I wish I hadn't. If I could take that stuff back, I would. But I don't regret my reaction to the way the split was handled. The only thing I really have that has served me well is my gut, and it's rarely ever been wrong. Are Tommy and JY perfect people? yeah, doubtful. I'm sure there is some questionable stuff that has gone on behind closed doors - which is still - none of my business. The difference is, Tommy and JY never took their bad feelings for Dennis out on the fans. They never tried to sabotage Dennis' shows. They never said, nor implied that "you're either with us or against us." If they had, I never heard about it. (and besides which, they had Glen)

NOW, a LOT of time has passed, and I can actually SEE the difference in everyone. Much less tense. Much more relaxed. Acceptance is a wonderful thing. Any negative feelings I had are pretty much gone. Time...and all that. I'm just glad that everyone is out and doing their thing. It could always be worse. I was literally giddy at Dennis' show. Not only did he sound amazing, but his show was energetic, entertaining, and thoroughly enjoyable. Really. well worth the money.

As for a reunion, I don't know. I'd be lying if I said the thought didn't enter my mind when I saw the show, but it would just be 1995 all over again, and like I said, I don't think you can ever really go home. Maybe I'm wrong, it's happened once or twice.

But I am happy no matter what - because I. LOVE. STYX.

[Everett]

Impossible to read that novel zan. I'll try again later.

[Zan]

So, you replied to a post you didn't read to say that you didn't read it?

[Boomchild]

That was interesting read Zan. Can't say that I share your same feelings about the split. But, everyone has their viewpoints and opinions which doesn't mean that any one of them is totally correct. Time certainly has a way of easing things up and agree that you "cannot go home again". I personally don't think a reunion would be a good idea nor from the bottom of their hearts. The damage is done and there are some things that I think each of them will never forget. For me, Styx will never be Styx without the inclusion of Dennis. His contributions, foot print or whatever you want to call it is one of the major things that drew me to Styx. In my opinion without out him there would not have been a band called Styx. By no way am I saying that the rest of the members were not important either. Dennis did a lot of things to bring the best out of each and everyone of them. To me it was a collaboration that can't be matched by any other configuration.

[Everett]

So, you replied to a post you didn't read to say that you didn't read it?

Read some but had to give my eyes a break.

[Everett]

Awesome read zan. Unreal some of the stuff that happened online in the early days.
BTW nice comment about me

[Zan]

That was interesting read Zan. Can't say that I share your same feelings about the split. But, everyone has their viewpoints and opinions which doesn't mean that any one of them is totally correct. Time certainly has a way of easing things up and agree that you "cannot go home again". I personally don't think a reunion would be a good idea nor from the bottom of their hearts. The damage is done and there are some things that I think each of them will never forget.

I agree with this, and you're right: everyone has their story, and I can't tell you what to feel the same way you can't tell me (tho many have tried). I think the reason I bothered to type all that out is because for a long time, I was accused of being some sort of hate-monger, and I wasn't. It was actually nice to be able to explain how it all came to pass and transpired the way it did. I've always liked - no - loved the majority of Dennis' work, with and without Styx, but I was terribly disappointed with a lot of other things. And yes, as much as the superstar Styx had captured my fancy early on in life, so much about the band had changed throughout the major part of my fandom that I literally CAN'T hold the same kind of sentiment for the Heyday Styx. I simply wasn't around for most of that. What I do remember was getting letters (in the actual mail) from Tommy, which were most likely written by someone else and signed by him when I was 13. I remember going to see the Kilroy show on September 3rd, 1983, which was the first and last time I got to see the Glorious 5 perform together. I remember feeling sick because I didn't like "Ritual," and I remember watching Glen on stage that first night of the Edge tour and thinking, Holy shit, this guy is awesome. I remember standing with my arm around John Panozzo for what seemed like an eternity while my friend fumbled with my camera trying to take this shot:



I remember having that hairstyle for over a year. As much as I've tried to forget it.

I remember watching Dennis own the stage in JCS, and I remember where I was when I found out that John had passed away. I stayed home the next day and played Styx CDs all day. I remember not being as thrilled about Tommy coming back in '95 because I always felt that Glen got punked, but I also remember the second time I met Tommy - and had a 15 minute long conversation about our recovery. I remember meeting JY for the first time in 1993 after one of his shows, and, recalling some stupid 16 Magazine article's advice, I asked him if he was still "doing the solar thing." To which he responded - as if I had six heads, "Uh, yeah. (laughs) what did you think this was?" (then I realized that he thought I said SOLO, not SOLAR.) I quickly clarified wtf I was talking about, and we both laughed - and he did talk about the solar stuff for quite awhile - so, thanks 16!). I remember Scranton, PA 2000, where I got the "rest" of the signatures on my Kilroy jacket, and the look on JY's face wonder WHY on God's green earth did I pick THAT album to get signed. When I told him it was the first Styx LP I ever bought, he said, and I quote, "You're kidding." ROFL Now, some might view that as assholish, but I assure you, it was fuckin' hysterical.

And the list goes on & on.

For me, it has always been about the music, but it's also been about the experiences.

I can also say that for the most part, those guys were exactly like I imagined them to be when I was 13. The 13 year old inside me is most pleased with this. The adult in me just appreciates them for the great musicians they are and doesn't really "label" what is "Styx" and what isn't. It's all Styx to me, and every single facet has held some sort of awesomeness. For that, I am truly thankful.

[Cassie May]

That was a great read, Zan. I appreciate the time and thought it took to write all that. For myself, I have been a Styx fan since 1977 and the first time I heard "Fooling Yourself" on the radio. I was immediately drawn to the song because it was acoustic guitar based--I have always been a fan of acoustics simply because I grew up listening to my dad play one. So, Tommy was my first introduction to the band, and back in those dinosaur days, the only info I ever got on the band as a whole was from the likes of 16 Magazine, Rockline, and the such. I bought all the albums from Equinox forward, and saw them live in Cleveland for the Cornerstone, PT, and KWH tours. After Kilroy, my interest in the band waned, although not in Tommy--I did buy GWG and What If, but then real life intruded and I lost interest in anything related to Styx. Working three jobs, marriage, a child, and divorce have a way of filling one's head and time. I did buy the first DY album and my interest in Tommy resurfaced, but then real life took over again and I didn't even know that Styx had reformed with Burtnik. I wasn't even aware Styx had reunited with Tommy in 95/96. Not a great fan, huh? But, as I said, real life was overwhelming. I finally rekindled my interest once the first BTM came out, and found myself playing those old albums again. All the on-line fan bashing wars I had no knowledge of, as I didn't have a computer then. I'm very glad I didn't. Just reading a lot of the bashing that still goes on here is disheartening enough. My feeling is, we are all fans, we all have our favorite songs/member(s), but why should everyone beat each other up over it? I have never been a DDY fan, and there are very few songs of his that I like, but I don't feel the need to trumpet that fact and get people riled up. Just because I am not a fan of his doesn't mean I don't respect his contributions to the band--although KWH did make me throw up my hands in disbelief. Point is, people need to just agree to disagree and respect the other's opinion. (I know, I'm living in a dream world, right?) I also believe reuniting with DDY would benefit no one but the diehards who wish it. There is a whole generation of new fans to Styx who simply accept Lawrence as the keyboardist and who probably don't even know the ins and outs of the band's history, anyway. They just love the music. And, fortunately for all of us, the music has survived the test of time and is still vital. Also fortunately for us, Styx is still out there delivering it night after night, as is DDY when he chooses to do so. My philosophy is, simply go see who you wish to see, have a good time, and leave it at that.

[gr8dane]

Pheew Zan.
That was quite a mouthful.Nice read.
Congrats with your 29th anniversary of your first Styx show.

[yogi]

GREAT posts Zan!!

Damn does that picture bring back memories. You could have been in the Breakfast Club.

Great posts!!!

[Zan]

Congrats with your 29th anniversary of your first Styx show.

OMG. I actually wrote all that crap on the day of the anniversary. I had NO idea (even as I typed it). That's just plain ol' weird.

Thanks!

[Monker]

Zan,

Well, that was a few nice posts...

I wish you were around the forums back during Edge. It would have been nice to have your perspective on things during those times. I know Dayle put up with a lot of crap, but for the most part fans insulting fans was no where near as bad as it was after BNW. One interesting fact is that the Styx forums were 100 times more busy then the Journey forums back then. But, I've preached that before...I just miss it a bit.

I'm glad I never got into the AOL forums...at least not late enough to see all of that. I canceled AOL (and other online services) in the mid-90's and went just straight internet...mostly the Indra mailing list. Though I was much more involved in the Journey/Perry 'discussions" then Styx.

People like to talk about Styx damaging their legacy. I think your posts is what their true legacy is. And, what truly damages the legacy is 'fans' insulting the band or band members or other fans...causing people like you, or Dayle, Donna Lettow, etc. to leave the forums...taking their 'story' with them, and not allowing it to be accessible and adding to that legacy.

But, whatever...a lot of this, of what I am saying - not you, is too late, IMO. Time wounds all heals.

[Zan]

Monker, the Styx forums might be trashed, but I'm telling ya, sitting in that show a couple weeks ago, I was 12 again. I felt all that gooey shit that I felt when I used to submerge myself in the music in my bedroom. The legacy is just fine. If we allow ourselves a little bit of time to step away from the negativity of the forums, throw on a pair of headphones, and put on Pieces of Eight, Grand Illusion, or even Kilroy Was Here, we would feel it. It hasn't gone anywhere. The only thing that's changed is life itself.

Man, I wish I could adequately express how I can slip into another world and reminisce over the First Styx I came to love, yet be just as enthusiastic about hearing Todd "change things up" and do his thing, watch Gowan work the crowd, or watch Tommy play some understated, but utterly amazing guitar riff. The there's Glen's Tribute and ELO shows that I get to go and see sometimes. I guess there's just room in there to love all of it. I'm really stoked that all the crap didn't permanently sour that for me.

[Toph]

Wow...

I am coming out of lurk mode to address this. First, let me say just wow....just wow. Incredible review and very heartfelt. I am glad Zan that you were able to see the DDY show and I am really glad that you came away enjoying the show and be able to put all the past issues aside.

Thank you too for putting together your personal history of the band. Very enlightening and certainly sheds light on why you saw/see things the way you do. I wanted to address one thing you said as it leads into one of the main issues that I have with the way the current band has conducted itself. Why it won't be written in any way near the elegance that yours was written, I do want to address two things.

First, the bathwater comment. Completely overblown by many folks and taken much worse than I believe it was ever intended. It was an analogy that was not the best choice of words, but in fact made a point that there will be die hards on each side. Yes, it was specifically calling out fans of the new Styx, but could be applied to rabid DDY fans as well. It was like Republicans and Democrats today - people dug in and took sides and there was no getting either off the ledge. Was it a poor analogy? Absolutely. Could have said "worshippers" or anything else. But it was also a time of very bad blood between both sides and the fans were stuck in the middle. I'm sorry you felt that it was being critical of you as a fan.

Now, your other point about the band never did anything to insult its fans. Clearly you and I see things very, very differently in this regard. If anything, I believe the current members of the band are much more guilty of this than DDY. The current members of the band have gone out of their way to bash DDY songs. Whether its "Barry Manilow", "Gag", "Wimpy", "Broadway" or the many other comments that they have used to ridicule his contributions to the band, it directly speaks to any fan who likes those songs. So if you like Roboto or like Babe or Show Me The Way, you are not a true Styx fan, that those are sub standard songs, and if you like the band for those songs, then a middle finger to you. If you like the band because of Dennis, then a middle finger to you because the band has done everything in their power to wipe him, those songs, and indirectly any fan who likes his music off the slate of history. They have done an excellent job of making fans of those songs feel inferior and unwanted.

I can't write the same robust history, but do you know what the first song I ever heard by Styx was? "Best Of Times" in 1981. Magic. The harmonies, the crescendo, the feeling, the emotion. That is what got me into the band. I then discovered the back catalog and learned how varied the music was. Some grabbed me, others didn't. But the song that made me a fan was Best Of Times. Now, that is one that is mocked and ridiculed by the band and ultimately by fans of the current Styx 2.0 who will repeat the talking points that the band preaches (ooh, there's that analogy again). But I'm over it and I feel like Dennis in his touring is at least giving those songs the respect that they are due. I've gotten over it and since I like the DDY songs, I'll see him. I probably won't see Styx. It is what it is.

One thing that you and I might have in common. I believe our first Styx show was the same. September 3, 1983, Orlando Florida (Orange County Convention Center - where bands played before the Magic's arena was built). Yes, I drove over from Titusville. Magic. Got me even further hooked on the band. Little did either of us know what was brewing underneath what, on the surface, seemed like an amazing show.

So, why we might have different view points around what happened post 1983 and post 1998, we can enjoy the music. And as you have done such a good job of recapturing - the music is bigger than all of this.

Thanks for sharing your history.