onestilllearning wrote:I would be thrilled to hear new artists who's music is similar to the prog rock of one of my fav bands! So stick around. You have introduced your music , which I have no problem with. Now lets here your take on Styx and how it influenced you and what songs / members you particularly admire.
Styx was the first band I ever fell in love with. My first concert was a Styx concert - The Grand Illusion tour....I thought it was the most incredible thing I'd ever experienced. My favorite albums are probably Equinox, Crystal Ball, Grand Illusion, Pieces of Eight, and Paradise Theater....depending on what kind of mood I'm in that day. But, I also dig the Wooden Nickel stuff...the first Styx album I ever heard was Styx II. I would say that DDY was my biggest influence, musically. John Panozzo was my drumming hero...my first instrument was drums...in later years I learned how to play guitar and keys. When I was kid, I used to fantasize about being the drummer for Styx.
As far as what's going on in the band...I can sort of understand both sides of the story. DDY had a major role in the band getting to where they did, but it sure sounds like his desire to be "president" (Behind The Music reference) took its toll on band's morale. Believe me, I was shocked when they first kicked him out, but after more information came to light, it made more sense. It's tough to keep any band together...even when everyone gets along. And, even if things were still great between the guys, DDY's songwriting seems like it's changed a lot...maybe too much for Styx. Maybe it has something to do with less collaboration with the other guys...who knows. Should the other guys have gone out under a new band name...maybe. But, nobody has heard of the TS & JY band....everyone's heard of Styx.
I thought "Cyclorama" was an excellent CD. "One With Everything" sounds like classic Styx to me....."Big Band Theory" is cool too...although I'd much rather hear a new studio album. But, you gotta go with what's working...they were finally getting that ever-elusive airplay. I don't think the harmonies in the new band have that same "magic" that DDY, TS, & JY did, but it's still good. I think I'll miss Glen's songwriting in the band, but we'll see. And they are an extremely high-energy band live.
I've seen the band play live several times. I was lucky enough to meet them in 1996...I felt like a dork afterwards because I didn't really say what I wanted to...I mean, these guys were my heroes. I tried to give Tommy a demo tape of my songs, but he said he couldn't accept it. DOH!! I just saw DDY in NY a couple of months ago. He was awesome. I got to hear "Best Thing" played live for the first time ever. His voice is still in great shape.
Okay...enough of my yackin'...let's boogie!
Ed
Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 2:26 pm
I see that you posted on the New Artist board. Good luck with your music and I hope you do great 