MR

This is from Tommy's Blog on "My Space". Dennis is doing pretty good with his shows with a Symphony. So why not Styx. Very interesting!

AND there are 2 NEW Styx songs!!

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fusea ... indicate=1


Tuesday, March 21, 2006

STYX and Cleveland's Contemporary Youth Orchestra
Category: Music

I just got off the phone with JY and our manager discussing our press release today announcing our project with the Contemporary Youth Orchestra from Cleveland, Ohio. Several months ago they invited us to perform with them in concert and now, many phone calls and e-mails later, the show has been scheduled. It will take place on May 25th at Blossom Music Center in Cleveland. We are JACKED!.

CYO is made up of 115 musicians and a 40 member chorus and they are all between the ages of 13 and 19! They have had their arrangers working like crazy to create symphonic arrangements for a wide variety of our songs, including two brand new STYX songs.

We have had many offers to do symphony shows since putting the band back together in 1999 but nothing really seemed to make sense until CYO contacted us. Now this thing is in motion and it's getting a real head of steam as CYO prepares for the arrangements to arrive and they do their first rehearsal on March 22.

The first thing that struck my mind was what a great example this is for the case of keeping music education in our public schools. CYO represents 42 different schools in the area and one requirement of being a member is that you remain in the music programs at these schools. If I'd ever thought I could have been a part of something like this I know I'd have signed up for band class in high school!

There's a lot of work to do before we hit the stage on May 25th. As things develop I'll post more about it, but I thought you'd be interested to know that this is one of the things we've been working on in our absence from the road.

Onward!

TS

Suite, it's not April, yet.. You've got to be kidding, right? Well, I guess if you can't beat them, join them.. Quite frankly, I would have no interest in hearing songs like "Renegade" and "Blue Collar Man" with an orchestra. How about, "Miss America"? Lol. The orchestra thing is getting a little tired from everyone.. Dennis seemed to be one of the first(I realize he wasn't "the" first, but..) since him, "Meat Loaf" released a version of the "Bat Out Of Hell" album; Bobby Kimball released a compilation of "Toto" hits with one; even Peter Cetera released one.. I have seen two of Dennis' shows with the orchestra, and loved them, but I just don't think that current fans of the new "Styx" really want that element added, but I could be wrong.

Yes.... now this is intriguing. "We've been contacted many times to do Symphony Shows in the past".... sigh... ok I'm starting to lose respect for Tommy again.

I'm betting they finaly got enough money for it. Since all the musicians in the orchestra are kids who are doing all the performance as a part of a club or organization (like scouts) - they don't get paid - therefore more money for Styx. When you don't have to actually pay the people doing the work, it makes it more economical eh Tommy?

Does the jealousy for Dennis' success in many places (namely Canada) have it's bounds? I mean really.... from their complaining that all Dennis wanted to do was broadway - to Styx now doing symphony shows..... irony - thy name is Styx.

Am I the only one who finds it ridiculous that some of the guys on this band and on this board talk smack about Dennis and sometimes refer to him as Barry Manilow (which in a way is a compliment since Barry is pretty well respected in rock and pop sectors in the US these days... ever seen American Idol and the alternative version of Johnny Cash's "I Walk The Line" that BARRY MANILOW helped with?? I want that on a record and I want it NOW). But now these guys are following Dennis into territory he's owned, mastered and wrapped up since the day Styx split.

I'm sure many of the apologists will praise it as a ground breaking move and how it's "never been done" but the fact is Dennis has been doing it for 5 years. Thanks for finaly catching up guys.

Glad to know you've been "working on our absence from the road".... looks like you've been working on stealing more ideas from others people. First the covers record, now Dennis' live show.

Congrats... you're true visionaries.



Note: I'm not trying to be real inflamatory here or piss anyone off - but these are my opinions. If this offends you - then blame it on my ADD/Bipolar brain.





Epilogue: I'm sad to say that Chris Daughtry's version of "I Walk The Line" was ripped off from Live. If you listen to their cover of the same song on their greatest hits record, you'll hear what you heard on American Idol last night. :-\

No Black Wall I'm not kidding with this one at all. It was just a matter of time, no one believed me last year when I was whining this was going to happen - LOL

I feel the same way Ash!! I couldn't have said it better.

I like Barry Manilow, I don't know why everyone has to rip on the guy!!!

LOL, since this was posted on his "My Space" I had to find more info - LOL

Comformation has recently been made that this years spring concert will move to Blossom Music Center with the entire band of "STYX and CYO".

http://lakewoodobserver.com/forum/viewt ... 8fb9f44405


Last year this group performed with Pat Benetar. I personally think this is a GREAT program!!

There’s nothing wrong with Barry Manilow. It’s a matter of ones musical taste. No one is right or wrong. I personally prefer the harder side of Styx music no matter who is singing in the band although I really like the new Chicago CD that is half power ballads and half old school Chicago. I did not like Dennis’s orchestra CD and I am not excited about Styx doing it again. If you remember Styx did it once back in 1997 so this is not new for Dennis either. From what I can tell this is a one time show and not a whole tour and live CD. I am happy to hear that they will be playing 2 new songs. I seem to remember someone here saying they were working on bringing out 2 “lost treasure” songs and not working on new material. The lost treasure thing is getting old too. There is a reason those songs are considered lost. Most casual fans what to hear the hits or newer songs that are being played on the radio not the songs that only the die hard fans know. I am a die hard fan and I would like to hear the obscure stuff but I also know that will only go so far. What can Dennis do next? If he doesn’t come up with a new CD he will be nothing more then Peter Noone, Davy Jones, or Mark Lindsy (I’m getting old). Suite, do you have any info on a new DDY CD? If anyone would know it would be you.

I would bet that a big part of the proceeds from the Styx show will go the organization that these kids belong to. Let’s wait and see before we start assuming that they are just trying to find cheap labor. They have been known for doing lots of charity work over the last 7 years which is something I don’t recall when Dennis was at the helm.


Go White Sox!

ChicagoSTYX wrote:

Suite, do you have any info on a new DDY CD? If anyone would know it would be you.

SOON - LOL I'm pretty sure there will be a release date released soon. I'm trying to get a clip of one of the songs, I'm hoping I'll be able to

OMG, you would not believe everything he is doing in Canada!! He is SO hot up there, going radio station to radio station, a lot of appearances. He was even a special "surprise" guest in front of 20,000 fans for the kick off of the Star Academie Tour, unfrickenbelievable!!! Can you imagine a "former" Styx member going in front of 20,000 screaming fans again? I have to keep checking the year - LOL

There will be so much that will be posted here and his website!! Also more tour dates soon too!!

They have been known for doing lots of charity work over the last 7 years which is something I don’t recall when Dennis was at the helm.

OMG, don't get me started!!! Dennis has been doing a LOT of charity work, it's just not posted on his site. He's raised money for Chicago's Children Choir and Theater's that I know for sure that are public. The others are private. There are articles and interviews that back up the public ones. Some people just don't go public with how much they give or how many times they donate their own money and time to help out. He's donated a ton of money to PBS too.

BAH - double posted... read post below as it's the "right" one Where'd the delete button go?

SuiteMadameBlue wrote:LOL, since this was posted on his "My Space" I had to find more info - LOL

Comformation has recently been made that this years spring concert will move to Blossom Music Center with the entire band of "STYX and CYO".

http://lakewoodobserver.com/forum/viewt ... 8fb9f44405


Last year this group performed with Pat Benetar. I personally think this is a GREAT program!!

I sure am glad they gave us ComfOrmation of this event... I'd hate to have showed up for this and it not be there because it was never ConfOrmed. I think it's rEdiculous that this wasn't confOrmed sooner. But I am glad it's finaly confOrmed.

OMG Ash!!! You are SO fired up today!! The Speeling Police is here!! LOL



GO BREWERS GO

I would bet that a big part of the proceeds from the Styx show will go the organization that these kids belong to. Let’s wait and see before we start assuming that they are just trying to find cheap labor. They have been known for doing lots of charity work over the last 7 years which is something I don’t recall when Dennis was at the helm.

Stepping aside from the rest of the finger pointing...I just want to point out that Styx has always done charity work...with or without Dennis "at the helm". They were actively involved with the tinnitus foundation as I recall. Both factions continue to do charity work...some of which gets reported, and much that doesn't. Let's just applaud their efforts and not make assumptions....

Not trying flame here...just an observation.

Go White Sox!

Amen!

There is nothing in this story or this article or my response regarding charity work or anything else. That was introduced by someone else.

If in fact they are doing this as a charity (again - this is not stated anywhere in anything I have read) then that's great... it doesn't make them any less hippocritical.... it just makes them charitable hippocrites.

But hey.... I'm the one who likes the new Battlestar Gallactica and doesn't like the new Styx... so who am I to talk right?

I'd ask for people to not read something into what I wrote that wasn't there. I'm firmly critisizing them for taking a musical route they have been fiercly critical of in the past (as have their fans) when it's in a situation that could be more advantageous from a business perspective. It does not extend beyond that.

And, frankly, I'm entitled to that opinion.

Ash wrote:There is nothing in this story or this article or my response regarding charity work or anything else. That was introduced by someone else.

If in fact they are doing this as a charity (again - this is not stated anywhere in anything I have read) then that's great... it doesn't make them any less hippocritical.... it just makes them charitable hippocrites.

But hey.... I'm the one who likes the new Battlestar Gallactica and doesn't like the new Styx... so who am I to talk right?

I'd ask for people to not read something into what I wrote that wasn't there. I'm firmly critisizing them for taking a musical route they have been fiercly critical of in the past (as have their fans) when it's in a situation that could be more advantageous from a business perspective. It does not extend beyond that.

And, frankly, I'm entitled to that opinion.

Ash...

My comments were not directed at your opinion. if they came across that way, please accept my apology as that was not at all what I intended.

My comments were only directed to the idea that with Dennis in the group the band did less charitable work...or so someone thought. I disagreed.

I have no issue at all with your stance on the music and impetus for it.

sadie65 wrote:My comments were not directed at your opinion. if they came across that way, please accept my apology as that was not at all what I intended.

Then I apologize for reacting defensively

The comparison of Dennis to Barry has more to do with the style of music Dennis appears to prefer thatn anything else.....in my opinion

Okay I accidently drank a few too many cans of energy drinks and topped it off with Mountain Dew.

I don't want to start any flames, just posting a few observations.

In an interview, I'm 96% sure that it's posted on this site, JY was quoted (a few times) in regards to Dennis doing the orchestra show "if you like that kind of stuff broadway/orchestra you can go see him (DDY), we are the rockers"

Now they're doing the orchestra.

Don't be surprised if there will be a live Orchestra/Symphony recording for sale, just a hunch. I'm very curious to know how much the charts will be.

I "heard", please don't quote me, BUT, Current Styx will be pulling out a few more "Lost Treasures".

Also, this just in, I'm sure most of you will be very, very pleased with one of Dennis' new songs. If you love the sound of Classic Styx from the late 1970's, I'm sure you'll be very pleased with this song.

Here's another
http://www.undercover.com.au/news/2006/ ... _styx.html

Contemporary Youth Orchestra Pick Up Styx



Styx

Related Content:
Buy CD Styx Greatest Hits





by Paul Cashmere

March 23 2006

Cleveland’s Contemporary Youth Orchestra will perform their first ever show with a rock band and have chosen Styx to do the deed.

The show will take place at the Blossom Music Center in Cleveland on May 25th.

Styx will play many of their hits including ‘Fooling Yourself’ and ‘Too Much Time On My Hands’.

“The fact that we in Styx, who have been making records since the 1970's, have gained a new young audience for our music, is amazing to me” James “JY” Young of Styx said in a statement. “We truly think this is going to be a special night, where the orchestra will have as much or more youthful enthusiasm than the rock musicians”.

Styx’s Tommy Shaw adds, “Imagine this, a 115 piece orchestra with a 40 member chorus, all between the ages of 13 and 19, performing two hours of our Styx music with us. The excitement is down right palpable. This experience has been electrifying to us ever since we were invited by them several months ago. Let’s hear it for music education.”

The concert will be recorded for a television special.

Tickets for the May 25th performances will go on sale Friday March 24th at 10 AM through Ticketmaster Charge-By-Phone: 216-241-2121 or 330-945-9400, at all Ticketmaster retail ticket centers, via ticketmaster.com, and the Blossom Music Center Box Office

jthansen1 wrote:The concert will be recorded for a television special.

and a live DVD and CD I'm sure...

You called it Suite.... I should have consulted you when I did my NCAA Basketball bracket.

The best part about this whole thing is that we will get two new Styx songs out of it!

Suite, I am looking forward to hearing the new Dennis song you are talking about. How long before we get to hear it?

ChicagoSTYX wrote:The best part about this whole thing is that we will get two new Styx songs out of it!

Suite, I am looking forward to hearing the new Dennis song you are talking about. How long before we get to hear it?

2012

ChicagoStyx wrote:

The best part about this whole thing is that we will get two new Styx songs out of it!

Here's a question, will these "new" songs be brand new songs that they recently wrote together OR will they be "Lost Treasures" from the "old" Styx that they never played before in concert? You never know

OMG wouldn't that be something if the performed "Mr. Roboto"??? OMG with an orchestra?? As I always say, "Never Say Never".

Suite, I am looking forward to hearing the new Dennis song you are talking about. How long before we get to hear it?

Darren, you're such a smarty pants - LOL

Hopefully soon!!

Ash wrote:

You called it Suite.... I should have consulted you when I did my NCAA Basketball bracket.

Well I did win all my football pools this season - LOL BUT I did lose all the Packer bets -

The only time that I've been in the March Madness I won the $800, all by luck, complete luck. I picked all the cute sounding name teams - LOL

I haven't been following the teams that much, but here are my picks.

Final Four:

West Virginia
Gonzaga
Washington
Florida

My final pick:

West Virginia
(even though I really want Gonzaga to win)

The article at the top reads “2 brand new Styx songs”

But hey.... I'm the one who likes the new Battlestar Gallactica and doesn't like the new Styx... so who am I to talk right?

So what. The new BSG is good. It's a bit overhyped as "the best show on TV", but it's still good. The new Dr. Who is a lot better...it's the way SciFi SHOULD be...Not simply a soap opera in space, which is what BSG has basicaly become.

I'd ask for people to not read something into what I wrote that wasn't there. I'm firmly critisizing them for taking a musical route they have been fiercly critical of in the past (as have their fans) when it's in a situation that could be more advantageous from a business perspective. It does not extend beyond that.

You implied that Styx may be doing something wrong with the profits. The simple fact is that you don't know how the profits will be split. To say they waited until they could get "free musicians" is also guesswork on your part, and offensive. Seems to me that Dennis uses a childrens choir for some of his concerts...at least he did at the one I saw. Does he like the freebies too?

And, frankly, I'm entitled to that opinion.

Yes you are. And, people are able to criticize it and point out the harshness of your words if they want to.

IMO, this isn't a big deal either way. As far as I'm concerned, if it inspires the band to write, record, and perform new music - then it's a good thing.

I also love the way some of the people here critique things they haven't even seen...that haven't even happened yet. At least I have seen Dennis in all of his boring glory and don't complain about concerts that haven't even been performed yet.

In an interview, I'm 96% sure that it's posted on this site, JY was quoted (a few times) in regards to Dennis doing the orchestra show "if you like that kind of stuff broadway/orchestra you can go see him (DDY), we are the rockers"

Now they're doing the orchestra.

Again, so what? Page/Plant did the orchestra thing too. Seems to me that they rock a LOT more then Dennis ever could.

You haven't even heard it yet. It sounds like the arrangements haven't even been completed for the orchestra...and yet you are implying it's going to "that kind of stuff". YOU DON'T KNOW.

Don't be surprised if there will be a live Orchestra/Symphony recording for sale, just a hunch. I'm very curious to know how much the charts will be.

Good for them...It will be nice to hear the new songs.

Also, this just in, I'm sure most of you will be very, very pleased with one of Dennis' new songs. If you love the sound of Classic Styx from the late 1970's, I'm sure you'll be very pleased with this song.

Seems to me that you said similar things about the Christmas song, which floated about as well as the Titanic.

Monker wrote:So what. The new BSG is good. It's a bit overhyped as "the best show on TV", but it's still good. The new Dr. Who is a lot better...it's the way SciFi SHOULD be...Not simply a soap opera in space, which is what BSG has basicaly become.

Eh... not sure I agree with the take on soap opera - but it is a lot more centered on the personalities than on the things external. I'm just glad that there's a sci-fi show that hasn't gone to bullshit levels with the technology. Imagination is nice, but for the love of pete.... some of Star Trek was insane

You implied that Styx may be doing something wrong with the profits. The simple fact is that you don't know how the profits will be split. To say they waited until they could get "free musicians" is also guesswork on your part, and offensive. Seems to me that Dennis uses a childrens choir for some of his concerts...at least he did at the one I saw. Does he like the freebies too?

Something wrong with the profits? I implied nothing of the sort. They can do anything with the profits they want. All I said was it seemed opportunistic to do it with a bunch of teenagers who aren't getting paid and therefore are basically free labor to the band. This combined with Tommy saying "We've had a lot of offers but nothing made sense until now" and then used education. I'm betting if this was a regular orchestra and Styx wasn't getting as much money, Tommy would be singing a different tune. I've not implied anything at all. I've staked out my claim and I'll stand by it. If you choose to read something else into it, well then I cannot control that.

Yes you are. And, people are able to criticize it and point out the harshness of your words if they want to.

I can't remember the last time the truth wasn't harsh.

IMO, this isn't a big deal either way. As far as I'm concerned, if it inspires the band to write, record, and perform new music - then it's a good thing.

Even if they are playing copy-cat to someone they don't want in the band

I also love the way some of the people here critique things they haven't even seen...that haven't even happened yet. At least I have seen Dennis in all of his boring glory and don't complain about concerts that haven't even been performed yet.

I've seen the new Styx.... I saw them with Glen. I left when screetchy-voice Gowan started bastardizing one of my favorite songs of all time. I didn't care for them either. I've not seen DDY's show yet, so I'll reserve judgement until I do.

Suite, I read your post again about the new Dennis song and you said it sounds like Classic Styx from the late 70’s. I guess that could mean it sounds like Babe or First Time. That is something I won’t get too excited over. That has been Dennis's style for the last 25 years. If it sounds more like Borrowed Time or Queen Of Spades then I would be pleasantly surprised. So which is it and have you heard anything else from this phantom CD? Inquiring minds want to know!

Monker wrote:Again, so what? Page/Plant did the orchestra thing too. Seems to me that they rock a LOT more then Dennis ever could.

You haven't even heard it yet. It sounds like the arrangements haven't even been completed for the orchestra...and yet you are implying it's going to "that kind of stuff". YOU DON'T KNOW.

You seem to be hung up on how much someone rocks or doesn't rock. When was that introduced? I'm not arguing that Dennis is more hard rock than JY or Tommy - hell I don't think anyone is still debating that point. Don't try and turn it around because you're only setting up a straw man. Dennis has been doing things in an environment which is comfortable for him and is working quite successfully. Styx is now (at least in this case) following that lead. I'd be very surprised if a live recording wasn't part of this deal.

Seems to me that you said similar things about the Christmas song, which floated about as well as the Titanic.

name one Styx or Dennis song that has floated since Show Me The Way. And no - I'm not talking covers - I'm talking their music.

Am I the only one who finds Tommy's postings often disingenious?

Monker wrote:

In an interview, I'm 96% sure that it's posted on this site, JY was quoted (a few times) in regards to Dennis doing the orchestra show "if you like that kind of stuff broadway/orchestra you can go see him (DDY), we are the rockers"

Now they're doing the orchestra.

Again, so what? Page/Plant did the orchestra thing too. Seems to me that they rock a LOT more then Dennis ever could.

You haven't even heard it yet. It sounds like the arrangements haven't even been completed for the orchestra...and yet you are implying it's going to "that kind of stuff". YOU DON'T KNOW.

Don't be surprised if there will be a live Orchestra/Symphony recording for sale, just a hunch. I'm very curious to know how much the charts will be.

Good for them...It will be nice to hear the new songs.

Also, this just in, I'm sure most of you will be very, very pleased with one of Dennis' new songs. If you love the sound of Classic Styx from the late 1970's, I'm sure you'll be very pleased with this song.

Seems to me that you said similar things about the Christmas song, which floated about as well as the Titanic.

don't forget- metallica also recorded with an orchestra. now THERE'S a schmaltzy broadway band if i ever heard one!