bugsymalone wrote:The problem was something and everything. It is the unwritten law when you are in a band. It all adds up and creates an implosion and then the inevitable breaking apart.
I think the saying is "Success breeds contempt" or something like that. There are a million and one reasons why things broke down in Styx. Everyone had a hand in it all across the board. I mean, didn't Chuck say something along the lines of after the Kilroy tour, they all walked away with one finger in the air? At that point, Tommy was absuing, other long standing relationships (Dennis and the Panozzo brothers) were seemingly breaking down, etc. Ten years of constant touring, recording, and the grind of the machine took its toll.
Look at most successful bands, and I believe I've said this before. Most bands, whether they stick around in some form (see: the Who and the Rolling Stones) really only had 8 - 10 years of massive success and brilliance, especially in terms of creativity. The Stones had longevity and success with some later albums, but they were very hit or miss. The Who post-1973 or so (say, after Who's Next and Quadrophenia) lived more on their live reputation. Styx had a great run from about 75/76/77 to 1983. Six albums, a few multi platinum, worldwide tours ... you spend that much time with people and see if tensions don't flare up.
I think Rush is the only band I know of who has stuck it out in that way, but even they had problems in the 80s, and nearly called it quits twice (around GUP and Geddy has publicly stated they were kinda crispy around ASOH). You can tell Alex, Neil, and Geddy are truly friends. I don't think most of the guys in Styx ever were.