Is Current Styx Just a Nostalgia Band ?

[classicstyxfan]

I guess I'd answer this question with a "Yes" I see a band which appears to have no creative juices left.
Not that being a Nostalgia act is a terrible thing.......they are still drawing enough fans to make a decent living for themselves and all.

Still, other bands like Journey for example are churning out new CD's......REO put out a New CD last year, and a thread over there (Journey Board)also said Kiss is re-recording some of their catalog. We know Dennis has his US version of 100 years on the way as well.

Does anyone here think there will be a revitalization for Styx, or is it "what you see is what you get" going forward ?

[Ehwmatt]

I don't think they're out of creative fuel... Cyclorama proves as much. I don't know how anyone can say that's not a great (and undeniably Styx) album. I think Styx is just in the same rut as a lot of other classic rockers out there - what kind of motivation is there to release a new album when, people don't care, no one will buy it, and the ones that do care will steal it?

[yogi]

BINGO!!!!!!!

Butttttttt, since it is us(the fans ) that are keeping them living high on the hog they MUST realize that the die hard fans WANT new music.

They will take a hit financially, but it is the price that they should pay now for us ( their die hard fans ).

[brywool]

They're only a nostalgia band if they're not playing anything new.

[Zan]

BINGO!!!!!!!

Butttttttt, since it is us(the fans ) that are keeping them living high on the hog they MUST realize that the die hard fans WANT new music.

They will take a hit financially, but it is the price that they should pay now for us ( their die hard fans ).

Because nothing gets the creative juices flowing like a healthy dose of moral obligation!

You know, I think you may be onto something, Yogi. These guys need to gave back a little of what was so generously given to them. It's not like we GOT anything for our money, right? A few CDs, some concert tickets, a couple of tee-shirts. Poo. It's time I started demanding some foot massages, dammit. I'm a die-hard fan. t's the least they could do.

[sadie65]

They are in a damned if they damned if they don't position. They are a nostalgia band now. Nature of the beast. Cyclorama is over 4 years old. There is little incentive to put out new music I would think...other than their own desire to do so. Think about it. Oldies stations are now including Styx' contemporaries. They may be in the public eye, but they are not as a rule in the public's day to day thought stream. They are now truly in the category of "oh yeah...I remember that song" when they do get airplay.

[bugsymalone]

Is Current Styx Just a Nostalgia Band ?

I would say yes. They are making a good living at it, so why change now?


Bugsy

[sniper16]

other than bonjovi, who has gotten any airplay, or new non cover songs, on regular rock/classic rock radio, major labels are not putting up money for these guys to record in studios with a decent production for them to satisfy fans, so not only are styx but just about every other band that can out before 95.
but they still make a good chunk of change to play for us, so we know every summer we can kick back have a beer , and see good bands , play good music either at the shedsfor 50.00 or at the festivals for free.
enjoy it while it last, because when styx, journey, reo, night ranger and the others retire, there wont be any bands worth seeing.

[piecesofeight]

BINGO!!!!!!!

Butttttttt, since it is us(the fans ) that are keeping them living high on the hog they MUST realize that the die hard fans WANT new music.

They will take a hit financially, but it is the price that they should pay now for us ( their die hard fans ).

Because nothing gets the creative juices flowing like a healthy dose of moral obligation!

You know, I think you may be onto something, Yogi. These guys need to gave back a little of what was so generously given to them. It's not like we GOT anything for our money, right? A few CDs, some concert tickets, a couple of tee-shirts. Poo. It's time I started demanding some foot massages, dammit. I'm a die-hard fan. t's the least they could do.

That was a quick photo change! This one is cute too..but the other one was so awesome.
Hopefully..we and this board will be around long enough to see the kids change for those who choose to show the photos..

See..I could have given my true opinion on this topic..but decided to focus on the positive..what really matters..

[Zan]

That was a quick photo change! This one is cute too..but the other one was so awesome.

I didn't want you to get bored again!
(I just like the expression on her face in this one)

See..I could have given my true opinion on this topic..but decided to focus on the positive..what really matters..

What? You don't think I should get a foot rub?

[kipthekid]

Cyclorama notwithstanding - which, IMHO, wasn't so much a "Styx" album as it was a compendium of songs - some good, some not - written by individuals - I believe Styx is a nostalgia act and has been for many, many years. With that said,

100 Years From Now - which, IMHO, is a markedly better effort than Cyclorama - nothwithstanding, DDY is a nostalgia act himself. So is Journey. So is REO. "New" material being generated today by heritage bands like that is doing little more than tittilate the curiousity of die-hards. The casual fands could care (much) less.

Does Styx "owe" fans anything? Other than "thanks," not really - IMHO. Their musical legacy is "payment" enough.

[StyxCollector]

You know, I think you may be onto something, Yogi. These guys need to gave back a little of what was so generously given to them. It's not like we GOT anything for our money, right? A few CDs, some concert tickets, a couple of tee-shirts. Poo. It's time I started demanding some foot massages, dammit. I'm a die-hard fan. t's the least they could do.

Actually, I think Styx owes me a shot at playing bass. Hell, I've earned my frequent fan miles and taken enough shit over the years. It's not only the least they can do, but payment in full

[StyxCollector]

Still, other bands like Journey for example are churning out new CD's......REO put out a New CD last year, and a thread over there (Journey Board)also said Kiss is re-recording some of their catalog. We know Dennis has his US version of 100 years on the way as well.

All those other bands (including DDY) are "nostalgia" bands, so-to-speak. New material or not, most (note the emphasis) are showing up at shows to hear the hits and have good memories of times gone by. It's not rocket science. So even if these "nostalgia" bands release new material, it's more for themselves than even, say, the die hards. Some of them only want the legacy stuff AND it's got to be obscure.

A perfect example of that would be Rush. Granted, they still sell a few albums, but having been in a Rush tribute band, I can tell you with certainty that some people wish Rush had stopped recording after Moving Pictures or Signals.

[Zan]

You know, I think you may be onto something, Yogi. These guys need to gave back a little of what was so generously given to them. It's not like we GOT anything for our money, right? A few CDs, some concert tickets, a couple of tee-shirts. Poo. It's time I started demanding some foot massages, dammit. I'm a die-hard fan. t's the least they could do.

Actually, I think Styx owes me a shot at playing bass. Hell, I've earned my frequent fan miles and taken enough shit over the years. It's not only the least they can do, but payment in full

That would be cool except everyone knows the band wouldn't be the same without Ricky Phillips. Imagine the abuse you'd take all over again!

Oooh! I know! I want a collaboration with them! Yeah. and a foot rub. Tommy doesn't even have to do it himself. He can get Jason to give the actual massage while he feeds me grapes and Gowan fans me. Where do I submit the proposal?

[StyxCollector]

That would be cool except everyone knows the band wouldn't be the same without Ricky Phillips. Imagine the abuse you'd take all over again!

Oooh! I know! I want a collaboration with them! Yeah. and a foot rub. Tommy doesn't even have to do it himself. He can get Jason to give the actual massage while he feeds me grapes and Gowan fans me. Where do I submit the proposal?

Without Ricky? No love for Glen? Hell, the band hasn't been the same since JC left. Damn those 30+ years!

I say hit Keith up. He should give you the hook up.

[Roboto750]

other than bonjovi, who has gotten any airplay, or new non cover songs, on regular rock/classic rock radio, major labels are not putting up money for these guys to record in studios with a decent production for them to satisfy fans, so not only are styx but just about every other band that can out before 95.
but they still make a good chunk of change to play for us, so we know every summer we can kick back have a beer , and see good bands , play good music either at the shedsfor 50.00 or at the festivals for free.
enjoy it while it last, because when styx, journey, reo, night ranger and the others retire, there wont be any bands worth seeing.

It's because bands like Bon Jovi and the Eagles have all but traded in their rock n roll roots for a career in country music. Hmmmm...... could anyone see Styx going country (i.e. "Not Dead Yet").

No, I'm not serious. I'm just saying that this seems to be the only genre that once classic-rockers can make it now. Not even the Rolling Stones' "A Bigger Bang" got much airplay here. Country music isn't that bad, but I hate when some artists seem to make a complete jump nowadays.

Oh and don't even get me started on Robet Plant's latest blunder.

[stmonkeys]

i'm getting in line with zan. i could use a good foot massage.

[classicstyxfan]

Zan, I'll leave all that foot rub stuff to you......personally, I wouldn't let a bunch of guys in their late 50's-early 60's anywhere near my feet !!

On the other hand, Nancy Wilson of Heart could do the honors, that'd still be OK


I don't think Styx, or any other band of the era owes me of any of us anything at all. However, I find it much harder to maintain as much interest in them if they just coast toward retirement. I'm certainly done traveling anywhere to see the same show I've already seen several times already.

[sadie65]

Zan, I'll leave all that foot rub stuff to you......personally, I wouldn't let a bunch of guys in their late 50's-early 60's anywhere near my feet !!

On the other hand, Nancy Wilson of Heart could do the honors, that'd still be OK


I don't think Styx, or any other band of the era owes me of any of us anything at all. However, I find it much harder to maintain as much interest in them if they just coast toward retirement. I'm certainly done traveling anywhere to see the same show I've already seen several times already.

Ah but then that speaks to your interests now doesn't it? By that I mean since it is a known product to you, you find yourself weighing your spending options. For most die hards...they lean away from going and dealing with the hassle of parking, jostling crowds, the expense involved in getting tickets. We tend to take a been there, don't that kind of approach for acts that we've seen numerous times. I know given my own circumstances...I'm not spending money to see acts I've already seen. Now that may speak to some very real other issues in my life at the moment, but I think the majority on this forum have mentioned being tired of seeing basically the same show...whether it's Styx or Dennis.

Each generation views the previous generations as nostalgia. Classic rock acts are indeed nostalgia.

We won't even discuss Nancy Wilson...

[sadie65]

Of course...having said all that...it was still nice to read about young fans...see link

http://www.press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs. ... 8804140303

[piecesofeight]

That was a quick photo change! This one is cute too..but the other one was so awesome.

I didn't want you to get bored again!
(I just like the expression on her face in this one)

See..I could have given my true opinion on this topic..but decided to focus on the positive..what really matters..

What? You don't think I should get a foot rub?

First off..thanks for always remembering my 'special' color..and yes..that smile is just to cute/funny..oh yes..we all need a rub..everywhere..I get my neck and back done about done about three times a week..makes a huge diff..very relaxing..I have back trouble and it's not so much that it 'helps' the problem..but it relaxes things..

Anyway..I think she is going to be giving you some amazing shots of her to be taking throughout the years..she look like quite the character..

[stmonkeys]

Anyway..I think she is going to be giving you some amazing shots of her to be taking throughout the years..she look like quite the character..

consider the genepool....

[I Stumble In]

I have to agree that they are now in the same ranks of Creedence Clearwater Revisited and all of the other "Rock Bands" now on the casino circuit. I think that the constant touring over the last 6 years or so have burned them out to some of their long time fans. I for one haven't seen a concert since they became an opening act. I can't justify paying $50 for a ticket to see them play for 45 minutes. That, and I am not a huge fan of the headliners they have been playing in front of.

Don't get me wrong - I am a huge fan - but I think they need to take a year off from touring. What's the old saying - absense makes the heart grow fonder. They need to take a year or 2 off - and God I can't believe I am going to say this - but reunite with their old bandmate - record new music and go out on tour with the original line-up (well as close as they can - as both John and Chuck won't be there). I think this is the only way they can create enough buzz to be a headliner once again, and shake the apathy that the industry has towards them right now.

[froy]

I have to agree that they are now in the same ranks of Creedence Clearwater Revisited and all of the other "Rock Bands" now on the casino circuit. I think that the constant touring over the last 6 years or so have burned them out to some of their long time fans. I for one haven't seen a concert since they became an opening act. I can't justify paying $50 for a ticket to see them play for 45 minutes. That, and I am not a huge fan of the headliners they have been playing in front of.

Don't get me wrong - I am a huge fan - but I think they need to take a year off from touring. What's the old saying - absense makes the heart grow fonder. They need to take a year or 2 off - and God I can't believe I am going to say this - but reunite with their old bandmate - record new music and go out on tour with the original line-up (well as close as they can - as both John and Chuck won't be there). I think this is the only way they can create enough buzz to be a headliner once again, and shake the apathy that the industry has towards them right now.

I totally agree

[Blue Falcon]

I have to agree that they are now in the same ranks of Creedence Clearwater Revisited and all of the other "Rock Bands" now on the casino circuit. I think that the constant touring over the last 6 years or so have burned them out to some of their long time fans. I for one haven't seen a concert since they became an opening act. I can't justify paying $50 for a ticket to see them play for 45 minutes. That, and I am not a huge fan of the headliners they have been playing in front of.

Don't get me wrong - I am a huge fan - but I think they need to take a year off from touring. What's the old saying - absense makes the heart grow fonder. They need to take a year or 2 off - and God I can't believe I am going to say this - but reunite with their old bandmate - record new music and go out on tour with the original line-up (well as close as they can - as both John and Chuck won't be there). I think this is the only way they can create enough buzz to be a headliner once again, and shake the apathy that the industry has towards them right now.

I totally agree

Me three. JY should look at it this way: would he rather play 200 shows a year in front of 1,000 paying customers each time, or 50 shows a year in front of 8,000? There's no question they would sell more tickets if they had DDY back in the band and HEADLINED their own tour, which their catalog deserves...if JY can just twist DDY's arm and make him play more than 25 shows a year.

[Zan]

Me three. JY should look at it this way: would he rather play 200 shows a year in front of 1,000 paying customers each time, or 50 shows a year in front of 8,000? There's no question they would sell more tickets if they had DDY back in the band and HEADLINED their own tour, which their catalog deserves...if JY can just twist DDY's arm and make him play more than 25 shows a year.

And much like yourself, I'm sure JY lies awake every night fantasizing about this too.

[StyxCollector]

Me three. JY should look at it this way: would he rather play 200 shows a year in front of 1,000 paying customers each time, or 50 shows a year in front of 8,000? There's no question they would sell more tickets if they had DDY back in the band and HEADLINED their own tour, which their catalog deserves...if JY can just twist DDY's arm and make him play more than 25 shows a year.

Hate to pile on after Zan's comment, but do you honestly believe JY would need to twist DDY's arm to come back? It's clear DDY would go back (although would they come to terms everyone could live with ... WHOLE other issue lol). JY was part of the catalyst to get Dennis out of the band. I seriously doubt he lies awake at night and worries about DDY coming back. The band knows where they are. So does Dennis.

However, while I agree they may play slightly bigger venues with Dennis, it's not going to go from 1000 - 2000 seaters to 8000 on their own. If you assume an average of $50/seat, there's a 100% difference on paper between 200/1000 and 50/8000, but it's not that cut and dry.

That math doesn't add up to me ...

[Blue Falcon]

What I meant was JY would have to convince DDY to play more than a handful of shows in a year, which was a major sticking point in the past.

I know the math doesn't add up, it wasn't supposed to. (Curse this public school education of mine!) But I'm sure they realize they wouldn't HAVE to play 150 shows a year opening for schnooks like Def Leppard if they got their classic lineup together. I don't care what these guys say...no one can play that many shows a year at their age and 'keep it fresh' every night.

When a band with four multi-platinum albums and was one of the biggest rock acts between 1976-84 is reduced to playing a 45-minute opening set for the band that made "Pour Some Sugar On Me" popular...something is clearly wrong.

[StyxCollector]

What I meant was JY would have to convince DDY to play more than a handful of shows in a year, which was a major sticking point in the past.

You aren't getting me - the issue is no longer how much DDY will or won't be on the road. It's a fundamental "can we be in the same room" thing. Somehow I think JY won't find himself in a room with DDY anytime soon if you know what I mean. In 1990 the touring thing was a frustration. I get that. Same with 1996.

Now, I doubt he gives DDY a second thought.

When a band with four multi-platinum albums and was one of the biggest rock acts between 1976-84 is reduced to playing a 45-minute opening set for the band that made "Pour Some Sugar On Me" popular...something is clearly wrong.

Not really. Cheap Trick opened for Squeeze in Boston last year and did a fine set. Part of the issue is the fanbase - they need to get over the glory years. It ain't all limos and large stadiums. And to be honest, Def Leppard has had longer and more success overall than Styx so I would expect Styx to open.

Don't misunderstand me - I think DL are OK and not great - but call a spade a spade here. They ARE the bigger draw. Period.

[classicstyxfan]

Up front I want to again re-emphasize that I don't believe the band owes me or it's fans anything at this point.

At the same time, It saddens me that a band that used to be able to crank out a really good new album every 12 to 18 months now is able to do about 1 new song in that same period of time. Whether they admit it or not, Cyclorama seemed to be all about subtle ( and some not so subtle ) digs at DDY.......This seemed to actually fuel the creative process, and produced some fairly decent results.

I suppose the reasons given here recently about lack of incentive to produce new music have some truth to them, but I also think that to an extent, they have run out of things to say.

I guess nothing lasts forever........