What will it take for them to make a new album?

[BRETT5150]

Its been nearly 11 years. Are they just gonna milk their career just touring?? You've gotta admit they are playing better than ever and the musicianship/chemistry is of a higher level. They cant waist this line-up not doing something creative. Please. Just one more album.

[yogi]

I agree 100% that they need to create something new. Problem is that if it's a losing venture for them financially its unlikely they will do it.

It is far far beyond me why creative people dont want to create. Blows my mind

[Boomchild]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[Archetype]

A lot of payola.

[FormerDJMike]

They've already said countless times there will not be another studio album. They just aren't interested in it, not to mention albums don't sell anymore. Music is single driven. For them to make any profit off any release would be to do what they have said they will do -- release a few songs at a time in digital format. But other than that, this band is done making new albums. It's just a fact of the business. Albums no longer sell, CD sales are down.... How many "record" stores are there now? FYE in the mall is about it, and Walmart has more CD's in the $5 bin than they have in the CD section of the store. CD's/albums are coming to an end.

[Boomchild]

They've already said countless times there will not be another studio album. They just aren't interested in it, not to mention albums don't sell anymore. Music is single driven. For them to make any profit off any release would be to do what they have said they will do -- release a few songs at a time in digital format. But other than that, this band is done making new albums. It's just a fact of the business. Albums no longer sell, CD sales are down.... How many "record" stores are there now? FYE in the mall is about it, and Walmart has more CD's in the $5 bin than they have in the CD section of the store. CD's/albums are coming to an end.

I think that depends on the act you are talking about. I think for some it has been profitable enough. Take Rush for example. For Styx I think your right that it would be a losing proposition. They don't have the fan base anymore to make it profitable. As for releasing single songs it's been quite some time since they have done that. I think they are happy just doing the performance thing.

[masque]

i also think a bit of professional ego creeps in as well.......even though we and they all know that the industry is different these days, it's hard to be a multi million selling act that cant sell anymore.

i think it would be very disheartening to pour into a new creation to only see it sell 50,000 units or less.....when you've been a band at one point capable of selling that many cd's per week for a new release. i think cyclorama a high quality release that only sold about 50k total........or maybe a bit more. to me, that album had some great songs on it and they got quite a bit of exposure during the release playing with Journey and REO and appearing on some tv shows like regis and kelly etc.....but none of it turned into sales.

[Toph]

JY said that it was a singles business now like the 1950s and that they would be releasing singles. But that hasn't come to pass.

If you want my opinion is that Styx is a cash cow to most of them to pay their bills and live the lifestyle they want to live, but there interests are outside the band. Tommy has returned to his bluegrass roots and Gowan even made a solo album. JY never did enjoy the creative process and had to be pulled kicking in screaming to put 1 or 2 songs on an album. So, I think that is it. And, not to stir the pot, but I think a lot of the creativity came from Dennis, his vision, and his passion. I think some of that was replaced by Glen on Cyclorama and you had 4 creative minds in the mix. But with that element gone, I just don't think you have the creative desire by the rest of the guys. Probably a good thing - if someone isn't passionately behind an initiative, its going to suck. Example #1 - Brave New Flop.

[Boomchild]

i also think a bit of professional ego creeps in as well.......even though we and they all know that the industry is different these days, it's hard to be a multi million selling act that cant sell anymore.

i think it would be very disheartening to pour into a new creation to only see it sell 50,000 units or less.....when you've been a band at one point capable of selling that many cd's per week for a new release. i think cyclorama a high quality release that only sold about 50k total........or maybe a bit more. to me, that album had some great songs on it and they got quite a bit of exposure during the release playing with Journey and REO and appearing on some tv shows like regis and kelly etc.....but none of it turned into sales.

It does have something to do with the mindset of the artist. Some like Dennis are even surprised that people were\are still willing to pay to see him perform. That said it also has to with the main motivation and the artist's level of expectation. If your motive is mainly for financial gains then you can see no benefit from it. On the other hand if you are doing it to remain creative and share your artistry with the public, then you may be more inclined to release something. But all in all I think you have look at as making something that is for a small market. Nothing like it was in your past glory days.

[Boomchild]

JY said that it was a singles business now like the 1950s and that they would be releasing singles. But that hasn't come to pass.

If you want my opinion is that Styx is a cash cow to most of them to pay their bills and live the lifestyle they want to live, but there interests are outside the band. Tommy has returned to his bluegrass roots and Gowan even made a solo album. JY never did enjoy the creative process and had to be pulled kicking in screaming to put 1 or 2 songs on an album. So, I think that is it. And, not to stir the pot, but I think a lot of the creativity came from Dennis, his vision, and his passion. I think some of that was replaced by Glen on Cyclorama and you had 4 creative minds in the mix. But with that element gone, I just don't think you have the creative desire by the rest of the guys. Probably a good thing - if someone isn't passionately behind an initiative, its going to suck. Example #1 - Brave New Flop.

I think Tommy is still a creative person and would be more receptive to releasing new material either in the form of a album or singles. However, it seems that JY is the one most against doing anything with new material. It's little unclear to me as to how the power structure is between TS and JY at this point. Obviously, this is not any kind of thorn in Tommy's side otherwise I am sure he would walk away. He seems to be filling those creative needs elsewhere with solo projects.

[masque]

i agree with the last few posts......i think DDY was likely the primary creative force within styx...not only was he a major writer but a huge contributor in production and arrangement for the songs written by tommy as well......so i think tommy looks at things today and realizes most of it woudl fall on his shoulders to create a full blown "styx" album and that may be a bit daunting.

[Archetype]

If they wanted to keep releasing, they would have kept Glen Burtnik happy. He's all over Cyclorama. It would be a lot less of an album without him.

[Toph]

If they wanted to keep releasing, they would have kept Glen Burtnik happy. He's all over Cyclorama. It would be a lot less of an album without him.

Well,don't think they had much of a choice there. From various articles and sources, Glen wasn't happy for a number of reasons:
- Brutal touring schedule
- Lack of input into creative process (# of cooks in kitchen). Recall Glen got 4 songs plus co wrote LAFS on Edge, a 10 song album, and only got 2 on Cyclo, a 14 song CD. He was disappointed in the number if songs he got.
- he was also disappointed that the song he believed had the best chance to take Styx into the 21st century, KYAG, was deliberately ignored as a single release.
- he felt that wives were too controlling into the bands affairs.
- he felt the situation with TS as lead and in control was eerily similar to what he experienced on Edge with DDY.
- he felt like he was a third or fourth wheel.
- he had few "moments" on stage - KYAG and maybe LITR or Edge if they made the setlist.

[Archetype]

If they wanted to keep releasing, they would have kept Glen Burtnik happy. He's all over Cyclorama. It would be a lot less of an album without him.

Well,don't think they had much of a choice there. From various articles and sources, Glen wasn't happy for a number of reasons:
- Brutal touring schedule
- Lack of input into creative process (# of cooks in kitchen). Recall Glen got 4 songs plus co wrote LAFS on Edge, a 10 song album, and only got 2 on Cyclo, a 14 song CD. He was disappointed in the number if songs he got.
- he was also disappointed that the song he believed had the best chance to take Styx into the 21st century, KYAG, was deliberately ignored as a single release.
- he felt that wives were too controlling into the bands affairs.
- he felt the situation with TS as lead and in control was eerily similar to what he experienced on Edge with DDY.
- he felt like he was a third or fourth wheel.
- he had few "moments" on stage - KYAG and maybe LITR or Edge if they made the setlist.

That's all true, and it was stupid of Tommy/JY to allow the situation to remain that way if they had any desire to remain a creative force. Obviously they don't really want to be a creative force. They just say they do and then quickly follow it up with some lame excuse as to why they can't.

[Monker]

If they wanted to keep releasing, they would have kept Glen Burtnik happy. He's all over Cyclorama. It would be a lot less of an album without him.

Well,don't think they had much of a choice there. From various articles and sources, Glen wasn't happy for a number of reasons:
- Brutal touring schedule
- Lack of input into creative process (# of cooks in kitchen). Recall Glen got 4 songs plus co wrote LAFS on Edge, a 10 song album, and only got 2 on Cyclo, a 14 song CD. He was disappointed in the number if songs he got.
- he was also disappointed that the song he believed had the best chance to take Styx into the 21st century, KYAG, was deliberately ignored as a single release.
- he felt that wives were too controlling into the bands affairs.
- he felt the situation with TS as lead and in control was eerily similar to what he experienced on Edge with DDY.
- he felt like he was a third or fourth wheel.
- he had few "moments" on stage - KYAG and maybe LITR or Edge if they made the setlist.

That's all true, and it was stupid of Tommy/JY to allow the situation to remain that way if they had any desire to remain a creative force. Obviously they don't really want to be a creative force. They just say they do and then quickly follow it up with some lame excuse as to why they can't.

Except the FACT is that Glen has stated, and people who know Glen have repeated, that he had no intention of becoming a permanent member of the band. He signed on for a reunion tour and ended up staying far longer then he wanted to. All of the above may be true to an extent but blaming the band for Glen's exit is crap. Instead you should be happy that they convinced him to stay for Cyclorama, and the tour that followed.

[masque]

all of the reasons toph lists could very well be true……but i do remember reading an interview with glen where he stated that they were simply touring too much, gone from home too much for him to continue to stay…..along with the fact that as busy as styx was there was no way he could pursue his solo career.

[Toph]

all of the reasons toph lists could very well be true……but i do remember reading an interview with glen where he stated that they were simply touring too much, gone from home too much for him to continue to stay…..along with the fact that as busy as styx was there was no way he could pursue his solo career.

My list was gotten from a number of sources such as Sterling's book, other articles that Glen commented on, etc. Some of these may be more important, relevant than others, but I have heard all of these mentioned as situations that came up during Glen's 2nd tenure.

[Archetype]

What ever happened to all the talk a few years back that Glen and Dennis were going to write together again?

And will the Edge 2 material ever see the light of day?

[Boomchild]

And will the Edge 2 material ever see the light of day?

If they were releasing remasters, this material would have been nice bonus material to add to EOC. That is if any of it was actually recorded (i.e. demos) at that time.

[styxfanNH]

What ever happened to all the talk a few years back that Glen and Dennis were going to write together again?

And will the Edge 2 material ever see the light of day?

Most of Edge 2 has been released through various solo projects

[styxfanNH]

Someone is going to have to pay them a lot of money to record a new album.

Today they should be happy if they sold 100,000 copies but to Styx those types of numbers make a recording project not worth the investment.

[ztyxlynne]

Hello everyone! New to the forum but a HUGE Styx fan. I would love to hear new music from any of them. I love Tommy's song writing and there harmony. But I think JY is the big roadblock. For some reason he won't do it. Yea there is a cost to put out a new CD but doesn't Tommy have is own studio? I believe if they don't it is a big waste with all this talent in this band. Now Dennis, I believe the has one more in him. I also would love to hear new music from his new band. His voice is awesome.

[StyxCollector]

Someone is going to have to pay them a lot of money to record a new album.

Today they should be happy if they sold 100,000 copies but to Styx those types of numbers make a recording project not worth the investment.

Drop a 0 on that number

The music industry is different now. The golden goose of the 70s and 80s is long gone. Most artists who were popular during that period struggle today. Think about it - IF people buy a physical product, where do they go? In most places in the USA at least, your only viable options are Best Buy, Walmart, and Target. Sure, there's Amazon but you take away the impulse buy. Have you see those stores' selection lately?

And radio is different, too.

The reality is that these guys make more on touring and playing the hits than they ever will playing new songs to crickets.

[StyxCollector]

And will the Edge 2 material ever see the light of day?

Your chances of that are slim and none from the original recordings. As Mark points out, some has appeared elsewhere. For example, "It Takes Love To Make Love" was one of those songs. They took out Glen's voice and put in Tommy's.

It's not like you'll ever get a deluxe edition of Edge with that stuff on a bonus disc. Hell may freeze over first.

[Monker]

Someone is going to have to pay them a lot of money to record a new album.

Today they should be happy if they sold 100,000 copies but to Styx those types of numbers make a recording project not worth the investment.

Drop a 0 on that number

The music industry is different now. The golden goose of the 70s and 80s is long gone. Most artists who were popular during that period struggle today. Think about it - IF people buy a physical product, where do they go? In most places in the USA at least, your only viable options are Best Buy, Walmart, and Target. Sure, there's Amazon but you take away the impulse buy. Have you see those stores' selection lately?

And radio is different, too.

The reality is that these guys make more on touring and playing the hits than they ever will playing new songs to crickets.

If they wanted to they could write a few new songs, perform one in concert and switch it out every show. Record the live show...and then release the best live versions of the new songs on iTunes, etc. It's really not that complicated or hard to do.

And, BTW, if they release a new CD on their own label, 100,000 would earn as much profit as 1,000,000 on some major label...but I doubt it's worth all the hassle at this point. I still think it would have been a bit fun if a few of these bands, Styx REO, Journey, etc, pooled some resources and started Jurassic Rock Records...and released CD's via that.

[Baron Von Bielski]

Its been nearly 11 years. Are they just gonna milk their career just touring?? You've gotta admit they are playing better than ever and the musicianship/chemistry is of a higher level. They cant waist this line-up not doing something creative. Please. Just one more album.

Not gonna happen. Never.

[StyxCollector]

If they wanted to they could write a few new songs, perform one in concert and switch it out every show. Record the live show...and then release the best live versions of the new songs on iTunes, etc. It's really not that complicated or hard to do.

No, but clearly no interest in doing that - at least on JY's part. And Tommy scratched that itch on the Great Divide.

And, BTW, if they release a new CD on their own label, 100,000 would earn as much profit as 1,000,000 on some major label...but I doubt it's worth all the hassle at this point.

You don't say! I have no idea how this business works It's clear they don't want to go down this road.

[ztyxlynne]

It is frustrating. I hear now Yes is making a new album, Night Ranger is in the studio. I know l have heard more classic bands also. If they can why can't Styx make one more? There is so much talent in this band. From Tommy's song writing and guitar playing to Gowen and his keyboards. And especially Todd's drumming it is such a waste if they don't put something out.

[Toph]

If they wanted to they could write a few new songs, perform one in concert and switch it out every show. Record the live show...and then release the best live versions of the new songs on iTunes, etc. It's really not that complicated or hard to do.

No, but clearly no interest in doing that - at least on JY's part. And Tommy scratched that itch on the Great Divide.

And, BTW, if they release a new CD on their own label, 100,000 would earn as much profit as 1,000,000 on some major label...but I doubt it's worth all the hassle at this point.

You don't say! I have no idea how this business works It's clear they don't want to go down this road.

You're so modest....

[Boomchild]

It is frustrating. I hear now Yes is making a new album, Night Ranger is in the studio. I know l have heard more classic bands also. If they can why can't Styx make one more? There is so much talent in this band. From Tommy's song writing and guitar playing to Gowen and his keyboards. And especially Todd's drumming it is such a waste if they don't put something out.

Sure it's frustrating. But it is clear that their interests are in what makes them money. Which of course is performing. In some respects the listening public did it to themselves in that they do seem to want to pay what they used to for music. Add to that there is a whole new generation out there that feels music should be free.