Theater in Rockand Roll

[bugsymalone]

We have sort of pecked around the subject of Dennis’ onstage mannerisms. Often with ugly undertones in the case of some folks here.

This took me to the larger subject of onstage theatricality.

A flamboyant stage persona is often the hallmark of many rock performers, especially frontmen. Apparently a large part of the audience loves it or the performers would not do it.

I can think of many who “draw the light” so to speak – Freddie Mercury, Mick Jagger, Axl Rose, David Lee Roth all come to mind. Very “out there” performers who were highly made up, wild dressers, and moved in often (for lack of a better word) feminine ways.

The members of Styx certainly dressed the part back in the day, and had the great rock and roll hair (well, except for poor Chuck).

I have never felt Dennis was any more of a strutting, preening, FOP of a frontman than nearly any rocker out there, and in most cases, he was, and is, much less of one.

If you meet him, he is just a guy. Walks like one, talks like one, acts like one.

Onstage he is a performer and all that implies.

My last point is, that some fans, mostly guys, seem put off by this, but when you go to a rock show, you go for some onstage theatricality. Not with every group, of course, but the “show” often comes with the package you buy to watch the performers.

I have always felt Dennis came into unfair, and undue, criticism for doing what EVERY rock performer was doing. I have always felt, too, that guys often were more put off by him, all the while overstating their criticisms, which always led me to believe they were never taking their eyes off of Dennis onstage for one second.

As a performer, that means he certainly was doing something right.

Just my thoughts this foggy day in Texas.

Bugsy

[evileyes]

My last point is, that some fans, mostly guys, seem put off by this, but when you go to a rock show, you go for some onstage theatricality. Not with every group, of course, but the “show” often comes with the package you buy to watch the performers.

Bugsy

I think you're right. I went to see The Moody Blues last year and was quite disappointed. Besides the horrible sound mixing (you literally could not hear any of the vocals), there was a lack of a frontman, no focus to the stage, with the exception of solos (the dual keyboards was awesome!). I really did leave the show wondering why I'd wasted the money, something I've never felt at any other concert.

EE

[classicstyxfan]

ee,

The Moody Blues have never had much of a show visually, theirs is one of those shows which you could go and close your eyes and not miss much ! I am surprised the mix was that poor though, that most certainly would ruin one of their shows !

If you ever get a chance to see them perform with an orchestra, take it !

Bugsy,

DDY's stage antics never bothered me...he doesn't have the stage presence of a Roth, Tyler, Jagger or Mercury, but not many do. I am glad he never went with the revolving Keyboards though ! I'm also glad he didnt try to be something he wasnt, ala the examples above

[Monker]

The problem with Dennis is that he doesn't showcase the music. Instead, he takes breaks from the music to showcase himself, or his family. HE puts the emphasis on his 'foppyness'. HE draws attention to it by not putting enough focus on the music he is performing. I don't think people go to shows like this to see a wanna be stand up comic make fun of himself and do corny jokes about those around him. A frontman should put the emphasis where it belongs - on the music the audience came to experience.

[sadie65]

I think the humor, while corny to those that have seen the show more than once, is just fine. It gives him a chance to rest, engage the audience, and be silly. I'd rather have an entertainer do that than just do nonstop music. That to me, would make me think the artist is just going through the motions.

So I respectfully disagree with you Monker, though once again, I think it's fine we see things differently.

Peace

[BlackWall]

I can see where some fans may be a little put off by some of Dennis's antics, but I think he's always been an entertaining performer. He moves around, he gets into the music, he goofs off a little, all of which I feel makes a good performer. He doesn't really worry about whether he looks cool or not, and he doesn't try to project a false image.

Now, I do think maybe he promotes the family a little too much(at his current shows). I'm personally not really a fan of Dawn Marie(nothing personal), and I don't really understand why his whole family has to come up and sing, but.. it's his show, maybe if I were in his shoes, I'd show my family off, too, who knows?

He also is very vocal about some of his perspectives, and inspirations for writing certain songs("Grand Illusion" and "Come Sail Away" come to mind), but it's kind of interesting to hear what exactly an artist was trying to say with a certain song, so it has never really bothered me(that much), but I can understand why it may rub some people the wrong way, especially if you're a fan who has heard the same rap, again and again. He kind of comes across at times as a college professor.

To sum it up, I think these are aspects of his personality that you could either really appreciate, or it can really turn you away.

[evileyes]

I think the humor, while corny to those that have seen the show more than once, is just fine. It gives him a chance to rest, engage the audience, and be silly. I'd rather have an entertainer do that than just do nonstop music. That to me, would make me think the artist is just going through the motions.

And I think engaging the audience is a very important aspect of any concert. Otherwise, why not just buy the latest "live" cd and save yourself a bunch of money?

Come to think of it, I've never been to a concert where the performer didn't engage the audience.
EE

[bugsymalone]

The problem with Dennis is that he doesn't showcase the music. Instead, he takes breaks from the music to showcase himself, or his family. HE puts the emphasis on his 'foppyness'. HE draws attention to it by not putting enough focus on the music he is performing. I don't think people go to shows like this to see a wanna be stand up comic make fun of himself and do corny jokes about those around him. A frontman should put the emphasis where it belongs - on the music the audience came to experience.

I don't guess we are going to the same Dennis DeYoung concerts then. I heard 2 1/2 hours of pure music and hard work from this guy. He occasionally does a transition between songs with a corny joke or an aside, but by no means does he talk a blue streak.

Sadie and EE have nailed exactly what is being done when you have those song transitions. He needs a rest and some water, and he sort of chats up the audience while that is going on.

Put your hands over your ears when he is talking, Monker, if you go see him. Better yet, don't go see him. Then you won't have to "suffer" through all of that nonsense. Oh, look at me! Telling Monker what to do!

Bugsy

[yogi]

REO SPEEDWAGON, now thats a group where their lead singer NEVER talks to the audience. Or am I thinking about..................................................... REM???? damn, I cant remember. Delete this entire thought please!!

[Ash]

Man... I loved REO... but to have a 10 page dissertation between EVERY song!? STFU and sing please.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

BlackWall says:

I can see where some fans may be a little put off by some of Dennis's antics, but I think he's always been an entertaining performer. He moves around, he gets into the music, he goofs off a little, all of which I feel makes a good performer. He doesn't really worry about whether he looks cool or not, and he doesn't try to project a false image.

I totally agree with your quote. He sure doesn't try to project a false image!!!

I also agree with Bugsy, Sadie and EvilEyes on this one. I think we've been to some of the same concerts together

I think he's very funny, especially coming up to Wisconsin during Packer season. I can't believe that he admitted that he was a Bears fan at the Appleton show when the Packers were in the playoffs. Actually I can't believe anybody would admit that they were a Bears fan (kidding) He works great with the crowds.

As for REO, I just can't see them again.

[Abitaman]

REO SPEEDWAGON, now thats a group where their lead singer NEVER talks to the audience. Or am I thinking about..................................................... REM???? damn, I cant remember. Delete this entire thought please!!

Kevin from REO will talk your ears off between songs, which is to give the band a break between songs. Kevins stories can be over 5 minutes. Seen them several times. ALWAYS a good show! Him and Dennis are a lot a like in this area-ERIC

[sadie65]

REO SPEEDWAGON, now thats a group where their lead singer NEVER talks to the audience. Or am I thinking about..................................................... REM???? damn, I cant remember. Delete this entire thought please!!

Kevin from REO will talk your ears off between songs, which is to give the band a break between songs. Kevins stories can be over 5 minutes. Seen them several times. ALWAYS a good show! Him and Dennis are a lot a like in this area-ERIC

Well I wouldn't say Dennis talks for 5 minutes at a shot like Kevin. Taking a break for the band, or himself, sure. I like REO, but even I don't want to see them in concert anymore.

[Abitaman]

REO SPEEDWAGON, now thats a group where their lead singer NEVER talks to the audience. Or am I thinking about..................................................... REM???? damn, I cant remember. Delete this entire thought please!!

Kevin from REO will talk your ears off between songs, which is to give the band a break between songs. Kevins stories can be over 5 minutes. Seen them several times. ALWAYS a good show! Him and Dennis are a lot a like in this area-ERIC

Well I wouldn't say Dennis talks for 5 minutes at a shot like Kevin. Taking a break for the band, or himself, sure. I like REO, but even I don't want to see them in concert anymore.

Any reason why you would not see REO again? Saw them last year, one of the best shows I have seen in years. Kevin doesn't talk between ever song, but he can get long winded.-ERIC

[sadie65]

REO SPEEDWAGON, now thats a group where their lead singer NEVER talks to the audience. Or am I thinking about..................................................... REM???? damn, I cant remember. Delete this entire thought please!!

Kevin from REO will talk your ears off between songs, which is to give the band a break between songs. Kevins stories can be over 5 minutes. Seen them several times. ALWAYS a good show! Him and Dennis are a lot a like in this area-ERIC

Well I wouldn't say Dennis talks for 5 minutes at a shot like Kevin. Taking a break for the band, or himself, sure. I like REO, but even I don't want to see them in concert anymore.

Because, for me, the last shows I'd seen from REO, Kevin did more talking than singing. I don't mind a break, but honestly, it was more talking than singing. Just me of course.

Any reason why you would not see REO again? Saw them last year, one of the best shows I have seen in years. Kevin doesn't talk between ever song, but he can get long winded.-ERIC

[Monker]

I think the humor, while corny to those that have seen the show more than once, is just fine. It gives him a chance to rest, engage the audience, and be silly. I'd rather have an entertainer do that than just do nonstop music. That to me, would make me think the artist is just going through the motions.

So I respectfully disagree with you Monker, though once again, I think it's fine we see things differently.

Peace

I just want to make one clarification.

I'm not saying he shouldn't say ANYTHING and just do nothing but music. I'm saying to keep the focus on the music. Tell his stories about Black Wall, or whatever songs he wrote for his wife. Keep the focus on the MUSIC. I simply think some of his talk is completely unnecessary and breaks the rythm of his show. NOBODY stood until the end of the show. I really doubt anybody felt the urge. Can't he sing more then two songs in a row without a break? Even Kevin Cronin whipped out a set of four or five songs during the "Main Event" tour....That's much more impressive then stories about Heather Locklear's melons. Dennis can be a fop all he wants. But, at least be a fop that is a singer, not a fop that is attempting to be a comedian.

[kiddo]

I think Dennis is a very funny guy. I find myself smiling and laughing at his humor in part because IMO, it's nice to see him do the things he's comfortable doing on stage.
You either like him or you dislike him. No room in the middle when it comes to Dennis DeYoung.


kiddo

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Monker says:

Can't he sing more then two songs in a row without a break?

Oh that's right, you weren't at the Chicago HOB show. I think he came out and did a bunch of songs right in a row, no break, no talking, just rocking. He did explain about "Unfinished Song", the story behind "Castle Walls" (which was very interesting) and a few others that I'm sure a few people on here remember what he talked about.

[sadie65]

I believe at virtually every show I've attended where he is performing, he sings between three and four songs before stopping to make a comment. At HOB, he spoke about each of the new songs he was adding for the show. I honestly think it's a matter of personal taste. I don't find his breaks or talking distracting, but different strokes for different folks. And that's cool.

Peace

[bugsymalone]

I find that those who post here who really dislike the guy are going to find things to criticize about Dennis that no one else even notices or cares about.

I really enjoy hearing a little about the personal side to some of the songs any performer sings. One of the reasons to enjoy the concert is the personal touch you do not get on recordings.

Kiddo is right, ya love him or you hate him and there is little to no middle ground on that guy.

Bugsy

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Bugsy says:

I find that those who post here who really dislike the guy are going to find things to criticize about Dennis that no one else even notices or cares about.

Ya think? You're right, that's exactly what goes on this board and it's with the same people.

Sometimes I wonder with those "few people" on here why they even liked Styx in the first place. I'm sure with those same "few people" that they were fans before the Carrot cd. What did they like about Styx? Hmmmmm

[bugsymalone]

What did they like about Styx? Hmmmmm

Apparently Tommy, JY, John and Chuck? And I guess John C. and Glen B.?

I guess some are ecstatic now that Dennis is gone.



Bugsy

[yogi]

I remember when I saw Dennis in Houston and he told the story about being invited to the playboy mansion. He got sooo drunk there he even blew Chunks..Sorry Froy, what a GREAT, GREAT story!!! He then proceeded to play the entire side one of Desert Moon without speaking another word.

Whooooo.... I mean he went on to play 'Whats The Frequency Kenneth", and "Everybody Hurts". Did Dennis sing those songs????. Was this Dennis, REM or REO shit I cant remember???????????????????? Delete these thoughts.

Come to think of it whoever told that story then broke into Lonely School. Now I remember, it wasnt blowing Chunks, it was doing Blow ( Froys cat, or maybe drugs) Damn, I just cant remember anymore?????

Noooooo they sang One Lonely Knight.........

[onestilllearning]

Kevin from REO will talk your ears off between songs, which is to give the band a break between songs. Kevins stories can be over 5 minutes. Seen them several times. ALWAYS a good show! Him and Dennis are a lot a like in this area-ERIC

I've seen REO twice, Arch Allies and Classic Rock Main Event. While the music is great if your a fan which I am not , Kevins patter was word for word the same at both shows. To me he came across as a pompass conceited ass. At least no 2 Styx concerts are the same TS does not have a canned patter but rather a conversational and gracious style that makes each show uniqe.

[bugsymalone]

Damn, I just cant remember anymore?????

Good grief, Yogi! Get a grip! You are starting to sound like some of your students!



Bugsy

[Monker]

I find that those who post here who really dislike the guy are going to find things to criticize about Dennis that no one else even notices or cares about.

The same can be said about Styx. No matter what they do some of you will critique it.

I really enjoy hearing a little about the personal side to some of the songs any performer sings. One of the reasons to enjoy the concert is the personal touch you do not get on recordings.

And, what exactly does his hair color and who's son he looks like have to do with his songs? What does the person handling the lighting have to do with the songs? What does getting the audience to boo Styx have to do with the songs?

Kiddo is right, ya love him or you hate him and there is little to no middle ground on that guy.

I don't love or hate him. I just don't care to see his show again, and I am very skeptical about his solo releases...since I have never really cared for any of them.

[Monker]

What did they like about Styx? Hmmmmm

Apparently Tommy, JY, John and Chuck? And I guess John C. and Glen B.?

I guess some are ecstatic now that Dennis is gone.

The music...not the personalities that brought it me.

I am not 'ecstatic' now that Dennis is gone. I am very ecstatic that I have seen Styx multiple times since Dennis has gone. I was ecstatic when they toured with Journey. I was ecstatic when they released such a great album like Cyclorama...and I am ecstatic that they will release a new album after the covers album...and that they will continue to tour whether Dennis and his fans like it or not.

[Monker]

I've seen REO twice, Arch Allies and Classic Rock Main Event. While the music is great if your a fan which I am not , Kevins patter was word for word the same at both shows. To me he came across as a pompass conceited ass. At least no 2 Styx concerts are the same TS does not have a canned patter but rather a conversational and gracious style that makes each show uniqe.

Well, that is mostly true. Kevin did hold off on the chit chat during the Main Event tour, at least a little. He did do the REM/REO story, but I think most of the people liked it. Before that, Kevin was WAY too long winded...get to the music already.

You are correct that Styx mixes it up for every show. But, you are wrong if you think that Tommy doesn't repeat some of his lines word for word at the shows.

[bugsymalone]

I don't love or hate him. I just don't care to see his show again

And for that we can all be thankful.

Bugsy

[styxfanNH]

The difference between Dennis' corny side is that when he was with Styx, he was counterbalanced by the antics/talking of Tommy and JY. You never got to much of any one figure. Now that he is alone, its all Dennis, all of the time.