Tommy's interview on this website by Andrew

[cittadeeno23]

"I was going to say you're sort of involved in two bands that both have unfinished business. I say that about Styx because there's always the possibility of Dennis DeYoung returned I suppose. Just to touch on that quickly, of course I want to talk about Damn Yankees, but do you feel a sense that there's unfinished business as long as Dennis is out there still breathing?
Well, you know, you never say never to anything but it seems so unlikely. For one thing Lawrence Gowan is such a vital member of the band.

I love Lawrence. I've been a fan of his since the '80s actually.
So for us to go back and become the band we were in 1996, the thing that would cause that to happen hasn't happened yet and I don't know what that is because that was not the happy band that this is. It was happier than it had been, but it was tough and it was hard to do. This is so much fun and so good and so easy. You see that it's easy because we can play a hundred and some shows a year without breaking up. In the old days it was just such a struggle to get the think to work that by the end of 40 shows we were thinking we'd better take a break. It's a shame because, well you know what it sounded like. That was the glory days of Styx and that's where it all came together but sometimes people just grow apart and there just ain't no growing them back together. "



I've been away for awhile. Has this inverview been discussed?? Tommy is obviously being loyal to Larry, but he did say
"you never say never to anything" and "maybe some day before we all die". Regarding a reunion with Dennis.
I wonder what JY thinks of this interview!!

[bugsymalone]

http://forums.melodicrock.com/phpBB/vie ... hp?t=27581

[rajah2165]

"I was going to say you're sort of involved in two bands that both have unfinished business. I say that about Styx because there's always the possibility of Dennis DeYoung returned I suppose. Just to touch on that quickly, of course I want to talk about Damn Yankees, but do you feel a sense that there's unfinished business as long as Dennis is out there still breathing?
Well, you know, you never say never to anything but it seems so unlikely. For one thing Lawrence Gowan is such a vital member of the band.

I love Lawrence. I've been a fan of his since the '80s actually.
So for us to go back and become the band we were in 1996, the thing that would cause that to happen hasn't happened yet and I don't know what that is because that was not the happy band that this is. It was happier than it had been, but it was tough and it was hard to do. This is so much fun and so good and so easy. You see that it's easy because we can play a hundred and some shows a year without breaking up. In the old days it was just such a struggle to get the think to work that by the end of 40 shows we were thinking we'd better take a break. It's a shame because, well you know what it sounded like. That was the glory days of Styx and that's where it all came together but sometimes people just grow apart and there just ain't no growing them back together. "



I've been away for awhile. Has this inverview been discussed?? Tommy is obviously being loyal to Larry, but he did say
"you never say never to anything" and "maybe some day before we all die". Regarding a reunion with Dennis.
I wonder what JY thinks of this interview!!

The only thing I find interesting that he subtlely admits that with DDY the band is really the way it should be...."It's a shame because, well you know what it sounded like. That was the glory days of Styx and that's where it all came together..."

[cittadeeno23]

I agree. By Tommy saying 'that is the way the band should be' and admitting how good they sounded was very suprising to me. It's TRUE! But I never expected him to admit that at this point in the game.

Before I read this interview, I thought the chance of Dennis ever getting let back in the band he helped make famous was zero. Now I think there is a 5% chance!! Better than nothing!! I think it would only happen when Tommy and JY are just about out of gas and ready to retire. Because they would know from past experience that a reunion with Dennis would only be able to last about 1 or 2 tours before they start getting on each others nerves again.

I was also suprised to hear Tommy say that "you never say never to anything".

I would love to hear JY's reaction.

[styxfansite]

I agree. By Tommy saying 'that is the way the band should be' and admitting how good they sounded was very suprising to me. It's TRUE! But I never expected him to admit that at this point in the game.

Before I read this interview, I thought the chance of Dennis ever getting let back in the band he helped make famous was zero. Now I think there is a 5% chance!! Better than nothing!! I think it would only happen when Tommy and JY are just about out of gas and ready to retire. Because they would know from past experience that a reunion with Dennis would only be able to last about 1 or 2 tours before they start getting on each others nerves again.

I was also suprised to hear Tommy say that "you never say never to anything".

I would love to hear JY's reaction.

In one of Chuck's last interviews, he says pretty much the same thing when asked about a reunion. I didn't go back and look this up, but I think he says something on the lines of "I would like to see a reunion before another one of us passes on"

[cittadeeno23]

So, that means Tommy and Chuck have made vague references to a possible Classic Styx reunion. That leaves JY.
I won't hold my breath waiting for JY to say something other than "when the river Styx freezes over".

Dennis would need to be the one to reach out to JY if this was ever going to happen. And JY would have to be willing to listen.

[rajah2165]

So, that means Tommy and Chuck have made vague references to a possible Classic Styx reunion. That leaves JY.
I won't hold my breath waiting for JY to say something other than "when the river Styx freezes over".

Dennis would need to be the one to reach out to JY if this was ever going to happen. And JY would have to be willing to listen.

Why would Dennis care to be associated with those guys? He's carved out a better niche for himself without them - what exactly are they going to bring to the table? He's already getting paid for their touring dollar, gets the majority of the album sales receipts (of the classic material), and has a career that I believe is going better than Styx's. So what the heck is in it for him? He doesn't need those guys!

[Jodes]

Because outside of Quebec, he can't draw big numbers unless he's part of a rock festival or does a free show.. Same can be said for Styx. (Last time Styx played Quebec City they played to over 10 000 at the Coliesee)

A reunited Styx with him and Tommy could easily do a US Arena tour and do better numbers then what they did in 97 (which were less then half what they did in 96).

I'll agree though that if Dennis's album sells well in the US then it would appear that he doesn't need them. The thing is though, if the album has a break out single, that would mean Dennis would have to do MORE touring and not select dates. Does he really want to hit the road from Coast to Coast for 75-100 dates a year?

[blt man]

Because outside of Quebec, he can't draw big numbers unless he's part of a rock festival or does a free show.. Same can be said for Styx. (Last time Styx played Quebec City they played to over 10 000 at the Coliesee)

A reunited Styx with him and Tommy could easily do a US Arena tour and do better numbers then what they did in 97 (which were less then half what they did in 96).

I'll agree though that if Dennis's album sells well in the US then it would appear that he doesn't need them. The thing is though, if the album has a break out single, that would mean Dennis would have to do MORE touring and not select dates. Does he really want to hit the road from Coast to Coast for 75-100 dates a year?

I agree with you except for the Dennis touring thing. I don't see him having to tour if he has a break out single. Lack of touring may hurt longer term sales of the album or the possibility of a second hit single but its not required.

[cittadeeno23]

No, financially, he does not need "those Guys" any more.
But his first love is STYX. And "those guys" have total control of the band he was very much responsible for making famous.
And someone else is singing his songs to thousands of fans at STYX concerts all over the world. That cannot possibly sit right with him.

Dennis seems happy now, finally. And the band calling themselves Styx seems happy too. So that is why there will most likely never be a reunion. But I am willing to bet Dennis would give anything to have one final farewell tour somewhere down the line. The Band should end with all of it's surviving members. Eventually Jy and Tommy are going to run out of gas and decide it's time for just one more tour. Hopefully they all come to their senses and do that last tour with the people who made the band as beloved as it is.


OK, I'm done with the reunion talk! Until JY says something positive, it is a moot point. I wasn't going to bring it up in the first place, but Tommy suprised me with his comments.

[StyxCollector]

No, financially, he does not need "those Guys" any more.
But his first love is STYX. And "those guys" have total control of the band he was very much responsible for making famous.
And someone else is singing his songs to thousands of fans at STYX concerts all over the world. That cannot possibly sit right with him.

I think in his own way DDY has made peace with things. I'm not saying behind the scenes he may not be seething on some level - or he may not - but publicly he no longer shows that venom which was quite evident in his pre-"Come Sail Away" speech through at least 2002/2003, or the comments like "well that didn't suck, did it?" after a more rocking song. Point being, in some way, I think DDY has grown up a little. I think he realized - just as I think Tommy has - that slagging each other hurts the name Styx more than both sides just going on separately.

Dennis seems happy now, finally. And the band calling themselves Styx seems happy too. So that is why there will most likely never be a reunion. But I am willing to bet Dennis would give anything to have one final farewell tour somewhere down the line. The Band should end with all of it's surviving members. Eventually Jy and Tommy are going to run out of gas and decide it's time for just one more tour. Hopefully they all come to their senses and do that last tour with the people who made the band as beloved as it is.

I don't think DDY would give his left nut anymore LOL Seriously, I think that everyone (well, except maybe JY) deep down realizes that it's better to go out with as much of the classic lineup one more time and call it a day. Here would be my lineup:
DDY - vox, some keys such as the CSA solo
Gowan - keys and NO VOX (let's face it, DDY doesn't play keys like he used to and Gowan certainly knows the parts; it'd be more like DDY's shows now. Anyone who thinks otherwise should separate what they want vs. what is more likely to happen)
Glen - vox, bass, and guitar (when Chuck is on bass)
Chuck - guest bass when he can
Tommy - vox and guitar
JY - guitar
Todd - drums

Sure, it's a bit too much Yes Union, but I could see it working. But you won't see an extensive tour. Think summer sheds or the weekends as DDY is doing now.

Having said all of that, it ain't happening any time soon if ever.

[Everett]

No, financially, he does not need "those Guys" any more.
But his first love is STYX. And "those guys" have total control of the band he was very much responsible for making famous.
And someone else is singing his songs to thousands of fans at STYX concerts all over the world. That cannot possibly sit right with him.

I think in his own way DDY has made peace with things. I'm not saying behind the scenes he may not be seething on some level - or he may not - but publicly he no longer shows that venom which was quite evident in his pre-"Come Sail Away" speech through at least 2002/2003, or the comments like "well that didn't suck, did it?" after a more rocking song. Point being, in some way, I think DDY has grown up a little. I think he realized - just as I think Tommy has - that slagging each other hurts the name Styx more than both sides just going on separately.

Dennis seems happy now, finally. And the band calling themselves Styx seems happy too. So that is why there will most likely never be a reunion. But I am willing to bet Dennis would give anything to have one final farewell tour somewhere down the line. The Band should end with all of it's surviving members. Eventually Jy and Tommy are going to run out of gas and decide it's time for just one more tour. Hopefully they all come to their senses and do that last tour with the people who made the band as beloved as it is.

I don't think DDY would give his left nut anymore LOL Seriously, I think that everyone (well, except maybe JY) deep down realizes that it's better to go out with as much of the classic lineup one more time and call it a day. Here would be my lineup:
DDY - vox, some keys such as the CSA solo
Gowan - keys and NO VOX (let's face it, DDY doesn't play keys like he used to and Gowan certainly knows the parts; it'd be more like DDY's shows now. Anyone who thinks otherwise should separate what they want vs. what is more likely to happen)
Glen - vox, bass, and guitar (when Chuck is on bass)
Chuck - guest bass when he can
Tommy - vox and guitar
JY - guitar
Todd - drums

Sure, it's a bit too much Yes Union, but I could see it working. But you won't see an extensive tour. Think summer sheds or the weekends as DDY is doing now.

Having said all of that, it ain't happening any time soon if ever.

So then where's ricky?

[StyxCollector]

So then where's ricky?

One too many bass players spoils the bunch.

[froy]

Gowan - keys and NO VOX (let's face it, DDY doesn't play keys like he used to and Gowan certainly knows the parts; it'd be more like DDY's shows now. Anyone who thinks otherwise should separate what they want vs. what is more likely to happen)


Just ruined the entire show
You will never see Gowan and Dennis on the same stage
Forget it
Reunion over.

[StyxCollector]

Froy, I like Dennis, but it's been clear since I have seen him solo many times since 2001 that he enjoys playing the occasional bit on keys, however he is no longer looking to be the main keyboard player. If it's not Gowan, it'll be someone else. Like Glen, Ricky, or Todd, Gowan was hired to do a job. I would really doubt if DDY has issues with Gowan in the way you may think he does.

From the rumors floating around, he even wanted this kind of lineup as early as 1996.

[froy]

Froy, I like Dennis, but it's been clear since I have seen him solo many times since 2001 that he enjoys playing the occasional bit on keys, however he is no longer looking to be the main keyboard player. If it's not Gowan, it'll be someone else. Like Glen, Ricky, or Todd, Gowan was hired to do a job. I would really doubt if DDY has issues with Gowan in the way you may think he does.

From the rumors floating around, he even wanted this kind of lineup as early as 1996.

This is simply ridiculous
What does Dennis do during Tommy Songs leave the stage?
There will be no Ricky or Gowan when this tour happens.
Gowan is not even a member of Styx
He's a pawn.

[StyxCollector]

As critical as I have been of Gowan doing some songs, he's not a pawn. He's just been hired to do a job.

YOu know, DDY does sing backup on those TS songs and I bet it will be not unlike today's DDY shows where he has some keys to noodle with, but the other guy will be doing 80 - 90% of the work.

[Grotelul]

No, financially, he does not need "those Guys" any more.
But his first love is STYX. And "those guys" have total control of the band he was very much responsible for making famous.
And someone else is singing his songs to thousands of fans at STYX concerts all over the world. That cannot possibly sit right with him.

I think in his own way DDY has made peace with things. I'm not saying behind the scenes he may not be seething on some level - or he may not - but publicly he no longer shows that venom which was quite evident in his pre-"Come Sail Away" speech through at least 2002/2003, or the comments like "well that didn't suck, did it?" after a more rocking song. Point being, in some way, I think DDY has grown up a little. I think he realized - just as I think Tommy has - that slagging each other hurts the name Styx more than both sides just going on separately.

Dennis seems happy now, finally. And the band calling themselves Styx seems happy too. So that is why there will most likely never be a reunion. But I am willing to bet Dennis would give anything to have one final farewell tour somewhere down the line. The Band should end with all of it's surviving members. Eventually Jy and Tommy are going to run out of gas and decide it's time for just one more tour. Hopefully they all come to their senses and do that last tour with the people who made the band as beloved as it is.

I don't think DDY would give his left nut anymore LOL Seriously, I think that everyone (well, except maybe JY) deep down realizes that it's better to go out with as much of the classic lineup one more time and call it a day. Here would be my lineup:
DDY - vox, some keys such as the CSA solo
Gowan - keys and NO VOX (let's face it, DDY doesn't play keys like he used to and Gowan certainly knows the parts; it'd be more like DDY's shows now. Anyone who thinks otherwise should separate what they want vs. what is more likely to happen)
Glen - vox, bass, and guitar (when Chuck is on bass)
Chuck - guest bass when he can
Tommy - vox and guitar
JY - guitar
Todd - drums

Sure, it's a bit too much Yes Union, but I could see it working. But you won't see an extensive tour. Think summer sheds or the weekends as DDY is doing now.

Having said all of that, it ain't happening any time soon if ever.

This would need to be a 2- 2.5hr show. Would promoters even want this lineup as a headliner in big sheds/arenas? Somehow I just don't see Gowan and Dennis on the same stage but this is Styx so I guess nothing should surprise me.

[froy]

YOu know, DDY does sing backup on those TS songs and I bet it will be not unlike today's DDY shows where he has some keys to noodle with, but the other guy will be doing 80 - 90% of the work.

[/quote]

I disagree
When this happens Dennis wont be noodleing
He will be at the keys full time
Lets forget Gowan he will be fired and nobody will miss him except Zan

[blt man]

Would the guys even be able to agree on a set list? After years of slogging it, would TS and JY suck it up and agree to play Babe?

[Zan]

Would the guys even be able to agree on a set list? After years of slogging it, would TS and JY suck it up and agree to play Babe?

I'm sure they would. But could they keep straight faces? LOL

[stmonkeys]

Would the guys even be able to agree on a set list? After years of slogging it, would TS and JY suck it up and agree to play Babe?

well, if they are going to be playing 2 1/2 hour sets again, they BETTER play Babe. My bladder ain't what it used to be!

[MtlLady]

Would the guys even be able to agree on a set list? After years of slogging it, would TS and JY suck it up and agree to play Babe?

well, if they are going to be playing 2 1/2 hour sets again, they BETTER play Babe. My bladder ain't what it used to be!

LOL! Childbirth'll do that to ya.

[ek88]

As dysfunctional (and ridiculous) as it sounds, I sometimes fantasize about DDY and Styx doing some sort of bizarre co-headlining tour. Just think of all the Styx musical history they could cover between the two setlists. This could allow them to delve deeper into the catalog, since I imagine they could count on having fans on hand very familiar with their music. And as an added treat, they could share the stage for a couple of their iconic songs (Come Sail Away comes to mind). Of course, this idea is completely laughable, but I think it would make for an easier working dynamic than a full-fledged reunion!

[Zan]

As dysfunctional (and ridiculous) as it sounds...

Yes & yes. But at least you have the sense to KNOW it.