There are some things in this article a couple of you were talking about, like A&M and new songs and stuff.
http://www.classicrockrevisited.com/Int ... ungint.htm
Oops, it was too long to post. Just read the from the link
Dennis DeYoung
Dennis DeYoung founded the band Styx. Under his guidance they went from being an art rock/prog band to a hard rock band and finally to a chart topping pop band. Egos, drugs and resentment between band members eventually led to DeYoung being ousted from the band he started. He was essentially kicked out of his own band even though he wrote their biggest hits. Historically, the band seemed to unravel during a time of its greatest success. There were behind the scenes factors but the blame seems to lie squarely on DeYoung's shoulders. Dennis pushed the limits of what rock fans would listen to and watch in concert when he wrote, produced and directed the ill fated Kilroy Was Here album and tour. The tune Mr. Roboto – even though it went to # 3 on the charts and sold gold, and even though a successful live album was released of the successful tour, and even though the song has gone on to become part of American pop culture – despite all that, "Mr. Roboto" passed the limits of what the hard rocking Styx portion of their fan base would accept. The trouble was that DeYoung's band mates were among those in dissention. Styx, with Dennis DeYoung would be no more. There were a few futile attempts at reconciliation but the facts remain that Styx never was again was truly Styx after that albums release. The possibility of Dennis re- joining his old band seems remote at the very best/ Let's face it – it ain't gonna happen. Instead of wallowing in anger, resentment or self pity, DeYoung simply carries on.
Dennis continues to find bold and creative outlets for his talents. He also has become charitable. One of his latest projects is a live DVD and CD that were created to help raise money for public television across America. The concert plays and during breaks local PBS stations conduct a pledge drive. I co-hosted the show for our local PBS station and then caught up with DeYoung the next day. Talking to Dennis was very interesting. I have interviewed both the other remaining members of the band and I must admit I found DeYoung to be a very different type of personality. His demeanor is very professional and business-like. He seems more the ‘leader of the band’ type than a rock star. One thing is certain, he remains confident and believes in whatever he becomes involved in. DeYoung admits that at times he took Styx in radical directions but he also states some of the hype that has been created over backlashes from his songs, such as "Babe", is unfounded in reality. He lives with the fact that Styx exists without him. To cope and move ahead he has surrounded himself with his family and created a family musical business.
In the end, Dennis seems in control of his ship. He appears to be as interested in leading the show as he is in creating the show. Instead of just being a pure composer and musician, DeYoung seems as if he would be capable of running a corporation. He is a business man, songwriter, performer, promoter and cheerleader all rolled into one. I am not sure how much I got past the business man, songwriter, performer, promoter and cheerleader during this interview. I fear I may have missed out on which character is at the core of DeYoung's being. Perhaps he is equally all parts. Perhaps that is the Grand Illusion. Dennis spoke about his life, his wife, his songs and his old band. I would have liked to know more of his thoughts and feelings on Styx yet in his precise answers, DeYoung said a lot. One can sense that while the anger has subsided, there are still emotions and there are still things that are uncomfortable for him to talk about. One thing is for sure though, DeYoung takes his lyrics to heart. In the case of Styx, he may have come out the loser. But then again, he is back at it and succeeding on his own terms proving that, "Winners are losers who got up and gave it one more try."
