Excert from an old Rik Emmett interview

[Soloud]

Was browsing around looking to see what my old teenage idol was up to and I saw this interview from '99. Here is an excerpt:

How did your name get into the Styx summer tour equation?
A friend of a friend of a friend let me know that they were shopping for a vocalist for a summer tour. I already had some commitments, but I made a few alternative suggestions back along the pipeline.

Did the band approach you at all?
The band did not officially and directly approach me. But when I caught wind of things, I did send an e-mail to Tommy, and thanked him for the compliment of his (and his band mates) considering me for the gig.

Did you know Tommy Shaw previously / socially?
I have had some previous interaction with Tommy when the Damn Yankees were
first gearing up, but that was not in person - if I recall, there might have been a phone conversation.....We have never hung out socially, and do not know each other personally: but professionally, I respect the guy, and admire his talents.


I think Rik would have sounded good singing Styx songs. He's the best

[jrnyman28]

That's very interesting to read. I never knew Rik was considered to follow DDY. Would have been interesting but I don't care for his voice as much. From what I remember, his voice always seemed high and hard...more like screaming. But I could be wrong.

I think it is a much better move for bands like Styx and Journey to get a vocalist without a big name. Seems like a better move creatively. There are positives of landing a big name like VH did with Sammy: built in fan base, name recognition, etc. But in some ways, it seems to add an a ir of "If you don't like what I am saying then I can just leave, I have been successful before..." kind of attitude.