ANDREW???

by **yogi** » Thu Sep 30, 2004 1:40 am

Anyway to find out the sales figures of Brave New World, Cyclorama, Welcome to Hollywood,Seven Deadly Zens,#'s seeing Styx play live since 1999, #'s seeing Dennis perform, the sales of Dennis's double live CD so far. I would think the Styx, Dennis insiders ought to have some of these figures

by **bugsymalone** » Thu Sep 30, 2004 3:11 am

That would be very interesting to know the answers to all those questions, Yogi. The problem is the information is likely scattered among many, many different sources.

BTW, the other day I read that Brave New World had been a gold selling album. I did not know this.
I thought the last gold original Styx recording (not a live concert recording) was Edge of the Century.

Bugsy

by **styxfanNH** » Thu Sep 30, 2004 4:32 am

The RIAA certifies album sales. The last certified album they have listed is Greatest Hits, certified platinum on 11/2000.

The database, however, hasn't been updated since June. I bet they only update it quarterly.

The website is http://www.riaa.com/default.asp
It has a searchable database that is kinda fun to play with. At least for a little bit.

It doesn't say how many the album has sold, but you can tell if an album is certified. Gold is 500,000.

by **classicstyxfan** » Thu Sep 30, 2004 6:59 am

Accurate sales figures will never be available for Brave New World.......I believe more copies has changed hands on E-bay than at all of the new CD retailers combined....... In fact, BNW probably holds the ( unnoficial, of course ) new world record for most changes of ownership per CD in print at somewhere around 4.0 !

I've still got mine, but would be willing to entertain any offers for it..reasonable or otherwise... I should note the Jewel case is a little dusty though.

by **Abitaman** » Thu Sep 30, 2004 8:08 pm

I read in one of the trade mags, a few years back, That BNW was a gold selling cd. Plus it was a top 10 cd on internet sells.-ERIC

by **classicstyxfan** » Fri Oct 01, 2004 1:52 am

Eric...........that's interesting.

IF that's true, and

IF my understanding of Gold certification is correct ( sales of 500,000 copies to be certified Gold )

THEN

What does that say about Cyclorama ? which 6 months after it's release was struggling to reach the 40,000 mark in sales Per information provided by Andrew around last August.

Brave New World 500,000 +
Cyclorama likely still less than 100,000

The biggest difference between the 2 in the casual fans mind ?
Could it be.........DENNIS ? Just a few thoughts......Many of us here , me included, prefer Cyclorama over BNW.

by **styxfanNH** » Fri Oct 01, 2004 2:04 am

gold record status is 500,000.

I am guessing that no advertising budget might have something to do with the sales. But as discussed in another thread. CD sales amongst its target audience doesn't happen as much regardless of the artist.

by **kansas666** » Fri Oct 01, 2004 2:21 am

classicstyxfan wrote:What does that say about Cyclorama ? which 6 months after it's release was struggling to reach the 40,000 mark in sales Per information provided by Andrew around last August.

Brave New World 500,000 +
Cyclorama likely still less than 100,000

The biggest difference between the 2 in the casual fans mind ?
Could it be.........DENNIS ? Just a few thoughts......Many of us here , me included, prefer Cyclorama over BNW.

There was a lot of hype when BNW came out about it being a reunion etc. I will admit I was excited. But upon hearing the goods, I was not impressed.

It is too bad that Cyclorama hasn't gotten much press. Granted the band is pushing it hard on tour. IMO this is the best album they have put out since Pieces of Eight.

by **DeeJaySTYX** » Fri Oct 01, 2004 3:33 am

I believe that Behind the Music had a negative impact on the band when it came to the loyal diehard fans buying Cyclorama....Plus the lack of promotional backing, limited airplay if any on songs that could have been Rock hits and songs that did chart but not high enough(Jim Cahill, where are you when they need you????)...."Waiting for our time" could have been a hit single and "Together" and "One With Everything" could easily be rock classics if promoted right...(Without Jim Cahill)...

I agree with Kansas666 that it was the hype of the Reunion that helped Brave New World to gold status....

DeeJay.....

by **yogi** » Fri Oct 01, 2004 4:00 am

The sales figures Andrew released for Cyclorama way back when were pretty bogus based on the fact that they did not include internet sales(Amazon.com, Best Buy.com etc) or sales at concerts. The figures were based on people actually going into Wal Mart, Best Buy ect and purchasing the CD. Its a good bet most people our age (30-45) purchase much ofour music through internet sales or at concerts.

I saw a recent article on Prince that said over 95% of his current CD sales were through his concert. The price of his ticket included his new CD. When people arrived at the show they were given his latest CD. My wife got hers that way. It's been a top 10 CD since June. Brilliant marketing! Styx should of done that with Cyclorama, or should do that with their next releasse. Dennis should too. It's all about adjusting with the times.

Finally, current Styx REALLY did their part in the sales of Brave New World. When I saw them in 1999, and 2000 they were really pushing the CD at their concerts. They were playing live Everything is Cool, Witness, Number 1, Heavy Water, and Brave New World. When they hooked up with REO they still kept Everything is Cool, Brave New World, and Heavy Water in their set. Too bad Dennis doesnt or didnt play Roseland, or While Theres Still Time. With While Theres Still time he could of announced that its on Hunchback& Brave New World. As many shows as they have done they have sold ALOT of CD's at their concerts.

by **styxfanNH** » Fri Oct 01, 2004 5:19 am

Yogi, Prince was the first artist to include the cd in the ticket price. Journey has said they will do it with their next release. I am sure this is gonna be the way of the future for classic rock groups. It was cool getting the cd at the concert. Prince can still rock.

I also just came across an old article where Tommy talks about both BNW and Cyclorama. http://www.hardradio.com/views/styx1.php3

by **classicstyxfan** » Fri Oct 01, 2004 7:18 am

What an upbeat, positive interview.......talking about who the group is now, how they made their CD, and without negative talk about former members....

This is how they should be promoting themselves in interviews !

Way to go T.S. !

by **Andrew** » Fri Oct 01, 2004 9:16 am

I'll get an update, no worries....

by **BourgeoisPig69** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 3:34 pm

There is no way in hell Brave New World went gold. No way. It spent 1 week on the charts-one!
At best it may have sold around 200,000 and that's being generous. Cyclorama's sales are less but that actually charted higher (#127 vs. #175).
Cyclorama also produced a Top 30 album rock track where Brave New World had NONE.
I repeat Brave New World absolutely in no way shape or form went gold.
P.S.
Brave New World is the equivalent of 14 yaks relieving themselves all at once.

by **ek88** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 11:44 pm

There is no way in hell Brave New World went gold. No way. It spent 1 week on the charts-one!
At best it may have sold around 200,000 and that's being generous. Cyclorama's sales are less but that actually charted higher (#127 vs. #175).

Interesting argument, although illogical. In your first statement, you suggest that Brave New World could not go gold because of chart position (or lack thereof). But then in your second statement, you seem to be arguing that the higher charting album sold less. Are those not conflicting statements?

by **Adam** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 11:44 pm

If anyone reading this believes sales = quality, then WHAT ARE YOU DOING READING POSTS ABOUT STYX ON A "MELODIC ROCK" BULLETIN BOARD????

Now, let's all go peruse AshleeSimpson.com and watch The Apprentice...

by **SuiteMadameBlue** » Thu Oct 07, 2004 5:13 am

I can't remember, did Dennis Produce "Brave New World"? :wink:

"Brave New World" is not certified Gold or Platinum. Here's how the other Styx albums did from the RIAA.

Artist Title Cert. Date Label Award Desc. Format Category Type

STYX STYX II 05/01/75 WOODEN NICKEL G ALBUM GROUP Std

STYX EQUINOX 08/25/77 A&M G ALBUM GROUP Std

STYX THE GRAND ILLUSION 10/19/77 A&M G ALBUM GROUP Std

STYX THE GRAND ILLUSION 12/22/77 A&M P ALBUM GROUP Std

STYX PIECES OF EIGHT 10/10/78 A&M P ALBUM GROUP Std

STYX PIECES OF EIGHT 10/10/78 A&M G ALBUM GROUP Std

STYX CRYSTAL BALL 11/10/78 A&M G ALBUM GROUP Std

STYX BABE 01/28/80 A&M G SINGLE GROUP Std

STYX CORNERSTONE 02/05/80 A&M P ALBUM GROUP Std

STYX CORNERSTONE 02/05/80 A&M G ALBUM GROUP Std

STYX PARADISE THEATER 03/19/81 A&M P ALBUM GROUP Std

STYX PARADISE THEATER 03/19/81 A&M G ALBUM GROUP Std

STYX KILROY WAS HERE 04/29/83 A&M P ALBUM GROUP Std

STYX KILROY WAS HERE 04/29/83 A&M G ALBUM GROUP Std

STYX MR. ROBOTO 05/16/83 A&M G SINGLE GROUP Std

STYX BEST OF STYX 07/31/84 RCA G ALBUM GROUP Std

STYX THE GRAND ILLUSION 11/14/84 A&M M (3) ALBUM GROUP Std

STYX PIECES OF EIGHT 11/14/84 A&M M (3) ALBUM GROUP Std

STYX PARADISE THEATER 11/14/84 A&M M (3) ALBUM GROUP Std

STYX CORNERSTONE 11/14/84 A&M M (2) ALBUM GROUP Std

STYX CLASSICS 10/18/94 A&M G ALBUM GROUP Std

STYX RETURN TO PARADISE 02/02/98 CMC INTERNATIONAL RECORDS, INC G ALBUM None Std

STYX EDGE OF THE CENTURY 02/26/98 A&M G ALBUM None Std

STYX GREATEST HITS 03/25/98 A&M G ALBUM GROUP Std

STYX RETURN TO PARADISE 10/11/00 CMC INTERNATIONAL RECORDS, INC G VIDEO LONGFORM GROUP Std

STYX GREATEST HITS 11/17/00 A&M P ALBUM GROUP Std

Here's the link to the criteria of certification:

http://www.riaa.com/gp/certification/criteria.asp

I'm working on finding out the total sales for each album/cd

by **bugsymalone** » Thu Oct 07, 2004 11:14 am

I think I had seen this list before and it always made me wonder where the status of Cornerstone as triple platinum came from. All the members of Styx have said over and over that they had four triple platinum albums in a row.

Am I deja vu all over again here? I think we have been here before in another discussion thread. Oh well.......

The article I saw that mentioned that Brave New World was gold may have gotten it mixed up with Edge of the Century , which was gold.

One other comment. There is only one recording that Dennis said he liked from the Wooden Nickel years --- Styx II. I notice it was their only gold album from that group. His instincts were quite correct it seems.

Thanks for that list, Suite!

Bugsy

by **Abitaman** » Thu Oct 07, 2004 8:23 pm

A group can sell 4 million copies and still show only gold or pl. status. It's up to the record company to buy the g or p disk. A lot of companies do not, unless it is a current group, or some cornerstone mark ( 5 or 10 mil) for a band that is no longer with them.-ERIC

by **gr8dane** » Fri Oct 08, 2004 10:34 am

Hi SM Blue.
DDY produced his own songs from that album.JY and TShaw produced the rest.
It's amazing how this album is getting slagged...I don't think it is that bad.
It certainly have some quality songs on there....but it did take some listenings to, to appreciate it.

by **DeeJaySTYX** » Fri Oct 08, 2004 12:26 pm

I couldn't have said it any better, gr8dane....

DeeJay...

by **classicstyxfan** » Fri Oct 08, 2004 11:19 pm

Styx set the bar high for themselves with their Catalog of previous work ( except Kilroy Was Here ) BNW is an OK release for the average band, it doesnt measure up to what I had come to expect from Styx......In my opinion, there are ( at best ) 5 cuts on BNW that wouldnt stick out like a sore thumb if placed in the middle of a previous Styx release.

by **styxfanNH** » Sat Oct 09, 2004 12:18 am

I think when you look at BNW it is what is missing in each of the songs that takes away from it. Whether it is the three part harmonies or the missing or subdued keyboard track or missing layered guitar track. It all hurt this album. It really acts as a collection of solo material, not a product of the band we knew as Styx. These are my brief thoughts about the album.

I Will Be Your Witness - Tommy solo song. Misses DDY's vocals and keyboard track.

Brave New World - Tommy Solo song. DDy's vocals are way in the background of the chorus and again where is the keyboard.

While There's Still Time - Styx Song /DDY Desert Moon Era- Would fit on any Styx album. Seems to be closer to the material DDY wrote for Desert Moon. Woulda been a hit if it was released and pushed properly.

Number One - Styx song - Could be one that is on the second teir level of Styx songs. Not a hit but a solid Styx song.

Best New Face - Styx song - good vocal mix and blend of instrumental mix.

What Have They Done To You - Tommy Solo - misses DDY Vocals and the keyboard track. But I do think it could have stood on its own, but not as a Styx song

Fallen Angel - DDY/Styx Song - Classic DDY/Styx song. Really shows the vocal strength of the band. A definite styx song on the ballad side of Styx.

Everything is Cool - Tommy Solo - The vocal mix is weird in the chorus. Mixed Differently the song could be a Styx song.

Great Expectations - Styx Song - Nice blend of vocals and complimentary guitar.

Heavy Water - JY Solo - Jy has a song like this on every album. It is his style of writing. Really misses DDY's vocals and keyboards. Although I always expect at least one song from JY on an album

High Crimes - DDY song - Nice pop tune, but it would have never gotten any air play. Regardless of the times, It would never become a Styx staple. Misses the guitars that completes the Styx sound.

Just Fell In - Styx Song - While the style is a bit different than other Styx songs. The vocal Balance and instrumental balance is the sound of Styx.

Goodbye Roseland - DDY Solo - A beautiful powerful song, that really shows off Dennis's voice and orchestration. But its not Styx. If they weren't fighting and they added the Styx magic to it, it may have actually charted instead of being a lost gem on what is ultimately a disappointing album.

Brave New World (Reprise) - Well, its a reprise. They've done them before. It is what it is a medley that touches upon the major songs of the album. They're always kinda fun, but never a big part of the album. On a side note - Todd said he did the Drum track as one take (not in one take) and it isn't pieced together.

by **yogi** » Sat Oct 09, 2004 1:36 am

How about starting a new assembly line on ALL of the 'missed opportunities' associated with Brave New World. Where have I heard that before??? I am hoping Andrew can get some 'REAL' facts about the numbers I am looking for on these CD's. If you read this Andrew add Tommy& Jacks Hallunication to the list.

Its a little known fact but the guy Terry Jacks was singing about was in remission for well over 30 years. What killed him (just last week) was finding,then listening to the 'NEW' hip hop version of Blue Collar Man which will be the hidden track on Styx's next release. The poor guy found the demo in a dumpster. He was trying to chase down a guy that looked alot like JY, that he had just seen leaving that exact dumpster. This guy was a HUGE Styx fan. He liked Dennis by farr the best, and he was about to hit JY up with some real tough questions about the breakup of Styx.

His actual name was Jonathan Chance, wow is that a coincidence or what? He never could get over the fact that he was the subject sung about by some one hit wonder. Styx was his group. He couldnt wait for the yearly releases. Return To Paradise, and the Brave New World CD were answered prayers. Cyclorama just about killed him. He recovered just in time to see what he thought was JY at a 'local dumpster'. What had JY left in that dumpster??? What was JY eating out of that dumpster??? Is that really JY??? Ill go see he thought. It's a CD, I must play it. Maybe its unreleased material??, Maybe its the extended extended version of Man In The Wilderness, or Just Fell In!!! The rest is now history. Run DMC, Q Tip and Styx it cant be!!!!!!!!!!!! Wheres my gun?????????

Jonathan had overcome asking Pa Pa who was an atheist to pray for him, telling Michelle(his little one) goodbye, A one hit wonder singer, the Kilroy album and Tour( where his name was stolen and used for profit), The breakup of Styx, The Return To Paradise, The Brave New World CD, Cyclorama, only to be done in by yet ANOTHER version of Blue Collar Man. When the mimed DVD version is released Jonathan will surely roll over in his grave.

AM I OFF TOPIC ENOUGH???????????????????????????????? Am I even in the right Assembly line???????????????? HELP ANDREW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by **styxfanNH** » Sat Oct 09, 2004 1:41 am

its always funny how off track the end of these threads are from the original question or statement.

As I usually only read the bottom of the thread after I have read it once, I often forget what the original topic was.

Yes this shoulda been in an a different thread. But I wasn't responding to the first part, more the last few posts.

Oh well.

by **classicstyxfan** » Sat Oct 09, 2004 2:33 am

Think of each thread ( whatever the hell a thread id....) as a conversation, in a conversation, the subject flows based on what the last person said.....I think it's fun to watch the topc change mid thread, especially if the original topic has been exhausted, and about the only thing left for this original topic is for the answers to the questions to be posted.

So, Michelle ( the "little one" ) should be approaching middle age
about now, shouldnt she ? Probably an alcoholic, especially if she's had to listen to that song all her life, dont you think ?

MR

ANDREW???

ANDREW???

DDY

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