JY

[StyxCollector]

JY can promote the present by not slamming the past - it's the way it comes across. He has to know that by now.

I've seen Styx plenty of times post-1999. Selling it is one thing, but if he took the approach you said (come on out, have a good time, etc.), that'd be fine. Instead, he doesn't. He seems to find a way to get digs in. If he would just realize that if he took the high road, played some of the songs which helped get him where he was (such as "The Best of Times"), fans would come back more than him trying too hard to sell them on the lineup. Word of mouth is the best advertising.

And alllllllllllllllllllll the die hard Styx fans who are fed-up, chagrined, or put-off by JY's remarks enough to post about them on Internet message boards, talking about how he is hurting the band's integrity equals about...not enough to fill even a high school cafeteria. All JY is doing, approve of his techniques or not, is reminding the general public that Styx, in any carnation, is still alive and well and touring. So if Joe concert goer sitting home on a Friday night, and is one of those who remember Styx's music and would love to get out and see them when they come into town, he'll know that is an option - it works just fine for what he is trying to achieve. I assure you that any opinions expressed on Melodic Rock, Indra, Styxland, Styxworld, or AOL have absolutely no bearing on JY's PR decisions. The loss of a dozen or less tickets per week doesn't phase him much. You have to know that by now.

A lot of Internet fans have stopped going to as many shows as they once did, but there are several reasons for this. I will say that this over-extending, never-ending touring has possibly caused a dwindling interest, but I'd put very little (if any) importance on what JY says in his interviews where that's concerned. In fact, I even read one article where the interviewer praised JY for being so candid and even brutally honest, saying it was "refeshing" and "entertaining." To each his own. Everyone's got an opinion, and like it or not, yours ain't all that significant in the grand scheme of Styx business right now. That's just the nature of the beast.

I've always said the people on the 'net doing the bitching make up such an insignificant part of the fanbase. This stuff is kinda fun to debate, but I personally could give two shits about what JY thinks. My life goes on either way. Anyone that can't see that JY's comments are his opinion (which he is entitled to) is delusional. Where his logic is faulty is that Mr.and Mrs. Joe Sixpack who want to go relive the Styx memories hoping to hear songs like "The Best of Times" wind up walking out disappointed and express that to other people. So he may get them once, but he may not get them again. That's my point. If he's the marketing guy, it's more than interviews and getting them through the door: he's also got to deliver to expectation.

The neverending touring has lessened my interest more than anything else along with the same setlist. The problem is that if STyx loses the core fanbase, it's a slippery slope.

[cinj]

In fact, I even read one article where the interviewer praised JY for being so candid and even brutally honest, saying it was "refeshing" and "entertaining." To each his own. Everyone's got an opinion, and like it or not, yours ain't all that significant in the grand scheme of Styx business right now. That's just the nature of the beast.

You're probably right here, but I, for one, wish JY would shut his whining mouth up. I can't honestly even look at a picture of JY anymore without losing respect for him and his bickering of Dennis and some of Dennis' work. O.K. maybe "Don't Let It End" <B>is</B> elevator music. But without that song and/or "Babe", JY would still be taking the stairs.

There's ways of saying things without coming across as sounding like a spoiled 5 year old. If he would just say something like:
"I really didn't like the direction the band was going", I could still respect the man. Instead he has to rip into a certain former band member every chance he gets.

Another thing that ticks me off is that JY is always bragging about how Styx was "the first band to ever have 4 triple platinum albums in a row". I hear him say that over and over and over again (I think he even said that in the BTM episode). Well, see JY, the reason why Styx was the first band to have 4 triple platinum albums in a row was because a "platinum" album <B>didn't exist until 1976</B>. So even though Pink Floyd sold a lot more than 3 million copies of Dark Side of the Moon, it will never ever ever ever get the designation "platinum" because it was released around 1973. I'm sorry JY, I love Styx, but you shouldn't compare yourselves to the Beatles and the Stones (just my opinion, sorry if I tick anyone off there with that last part).

I bring this up because I think he sees what he wants to see and doesn't always see the whole picture. The "whole picture" being just how essential DDY was to the success of the band.

I consider myself to be a huge Styx fan, but I didn't become a huge fan until the Paradise Theatre album. Everyone at my school had that record (so it seemed) and we all loved it. Imagine my surprise many years later when I found out he didn't like it. Sooooooo, had it not been for Paradise Theatre, the Styx boys would have never gotten hundreds of dollars of my hard earned cash. I bet a lot of people here could say the same thing.

O.K., I'll shut up and let someone else have a turn.

Maybe Tommy is bitter too, but at least he's graceful enough to state his opinions professionally.

Cinj

[piecesofeight]

I, for one, wish JY would shut his whining mouth up. I can't honestly even look at a picture of JY anymore without losing respect for him and his bickering of Dennis and some of Dennis' work. O.K. maybe "Don't Let It End" <B>is</B> elevator music. But without that song and/or "Babe", JY would still be taking the stairs.





I bring this up because I think he sees what he wants to see and doesn't always see the whole picture. The "whole picture" being just how essential DDY was to the success of the band.

I consider myself to be a huge Styx fan, but I didn't become a huge fan until the Paradise Theatre album. Everyone at my school had that record (so it seemed) and we all loved it. Imagine my surprise many years later when I found out he didn't like it. Sooooooo, had it not been for Paradise Theatre, the Styx boys would have never gotten hundreds of dollars of my hard earned cash. I bet a lot of people here could say the same thing.



Cinj

[Zan]

I've always said the people on the 'net doing the bitching make up such an insignificant part of the fanbase. This stuff is kinda fun to debate, but I personally could give two shits about what JY thinks. My life goes on either way. Anyone that can't see that JY's comments are his opinion (which he is entitled to) is delusional. Where his logic is faulty is that Mr.and Mrs. Joe Sixpack who want to go relive the Styx memories hoping to hear songs like "The Best of Times" wind up walking out disappointed and express that to other people. So he may get them once, but he may not get them again. That's my point. If he's the marketing guy, it's more than interviews and getting them through the door: he's also got to deliver to expectation.

Except the part that I responded to, where you said this:

"He seems to find a way to get digs in. If he would just realize that if he took the high road, played some of the songs which helped get him where he was (such as "The Best of Times"), fans would come back more than him trying too hard to sell them on the lineup. Word of mouth is the best advertising.

The neverending touring has lessened my interest more than anything else along with the same setlist. The problem is that if STyx loses the core fanbase, it's a slippery slope."


As far as playing "Best of Times" and "Babe," well, I'd have to argue that Styx lost a great many hard-core fans when they started releasing top 40 sap. There are fans that are relieved the band has dropped these songs from their set lists. I'd say it's a crap shoot where that is concerned. Joe six pack, the concert-going mongrel, was *never* the type to like "Babe" in the first place. He is your typical beer drinking, Skynryd rocking, show me your tits kinda guy. The only reason he'd be upset they didn't play "Best of Times" is if it cut into his beer buying time.

You're probably right here, but I, for one, wish JY would shut his whining mouth up.

What you or I may want as die-hard fans is not enough to butter their bread at this stage of the game (If you don't believe me, when was the last time any of us whined for a new live album?). My point was that JY isn't doing these radio and print interviews for us, he's doing them to keep the general public aware of Styx's (continued) existance. Period. And it's working, like it or not.

[StyxCollector]

As far as playing "Best of Times" and "Babe," well, I'd have to argue that Styx lost a great many hard-core fans when they started releasing top 40 sap. There are fans that are relieved the band has dropped these songs from their set lists. I'd say it's a crap shoot where that is concerned. Joe six pack, the concert-going mongrel, was *never* the type to like "Babe" in the first place. He is your typical beer drinking, Skynryd rocking, show me your tits kinda guy. The only reason he'd be upset they didn't play "Best of Times" is if it cut into his beer buying time.

"Babe" maybe, but you're going back 25+ years at this point. Anyone who has been raised on the Styx hits catalog knows "Babe" and "Best of Times". Your argument is like Rush fans saying they hate everything after Moving Pictures (or even before that ... after Hemispheres). There are very few people who still like Styx now that would say that they not only grew up in the 70s but only liked albums up to Po8. And most of them probably don't like the Wooden Nickel years, so you're now narrowing yourself to fans of the 1975 - 1978 period which makes is so limiting (4 albums) it's silly. Anyone stuck with that mentality these days is definitely die hard, and not 20 years old (with some exceptions I'm sure).

Over the years and all the Styx shows I've been to, I've talked to quite a few people. While they enjoyed the show, they were disappointed they didn't hear songs like "Babe" and "The Best of Times". To a person, they were still surprised DDY was not in the band (which speaks to them still using DDY's songs with his vocals in radio ads; they should replace them in ads with Lawrence singing the songs as it is now), etc. It's a huge problem. Joe Six Pack may hate "Babe", but the lady he's with doesn't. Or it was their wedding/prom song. Either way, based on my conversations with people, those songs are not as hated as most people would think.

I think the fans who are relieved that those songs are not in the set list are a minority - and most are on the internet talking about it. Joe Six Pack just wants to hear what's on his greatest hits CD. That's what he's paying his $50 for.

[piecesofeight]

Go up to someone on the street, mention the group Styx. They will most likely bring up a DDY song such as Babe, The Best Of Times, Show Me The Way, Mr Roboto, etc..

[Zan]

Go up to someone on the street, mention the group Styx. They will most likely bring up a DDY song such as Babe, The Best Of Times, Show Me The Way, Mr Roboto, etc..

It's usually Mr. Roboto, and it's usually not favorable AT ALL. NEVER is "Show me the Way" or "Best of Times" mentioned. CSA on occasion, and "Babe" sometimes (again, not very favorable). I *have* heard "Miss America" and "Renegade" mentioned before, oddly enough.

9 times out of 10, if I mention Styx to anyone outside of the fan circle, I get "are those guys still ALIVE?"

[Zan]

There are very few people who still like Styx now that would say that they not only grew up in the 70s but only liked albums up to Po8. And most of them probably don't like the Wooden Nickel years, so you're now narrowing yourself to fans of the 1975 - 1978 period which makes is so limiting (4 albums) it's silly. Anyone stuck with that mentality these days is definitely die hard, and not 20 years old (with some exceptions I'm sure).

I am purely going by things I've heard at shows from average concert goers over the last seven years as well as comments from regular people who know ANYTHING (or care) about Styx. My thoughts are certainly not researched statistics, just as I'm sure your assessment isn't based on any real factoids, but your own experience and/or opinion. Yes?

Over the years and all the Styx shows I've been to, I've talked to quite a few people. While they enjoyed the show, they were disappointed they didn't hear songs like "Babe" and "The Best of Times". To a person, they were still surprised DDY was not in the band (which speaks to them still using DDY's songs with his vocals in radio ads; they should replace them in ads with Lawrence singing the songs as it is now), etc. It's a huge problem. Joe Six Pack may hate "Babe", but the lady he's with doesn't. Or it was their wedding/prom song. Either way, based on my conversations with people, those songs are not as hated as most people would think.

Again, you and I have differing opinions on what constitutes a "huge problem." LOL

Also, you must be talking to different people, because I hear very different opinions when I attend concerts. Once or twice, I have heard someone moan about not hearing "babe," but usually, I keep hearing people screaming about how much the showed rocked.

I think the fans who are relieved that those songs are not in the set list are a minority - and most are on the internet talking about it. Joe Six Pack just wants to hear what's on his greatest hits CD. That's what he's paying his $50 for.

Which is why they play "CSA," "Lady," "TMTOMH," "Miss America," "Foolin' Yourself," and "Renegade."

I think you're still missing my point. If JY's words and/or actions were as detrimental to the band's success as you professed, he *would* stop doing it.

Myself, I feel they do tour a *LOT*. My concert dollar is better spent on other things now - like real vacations. and the new baby. But again, if and when Styx reaches a point where whatever they're doing stops paying the bills, they will discontinue it. Obviously, they haven't reached that point yet, so this argument is moot.

[stabbim]

Anyone who has been raised on the Styx hits catalog knows "Babe" and "Best of Times". Your argument is like Rush fans saying they hate everything after Moving Pictures (or even before that ... after Hemispheres). There are very few people who still like Styx now that would say that they not only grew up in the 70s but only liked albums up to Po8. And most of them probably don't like the Wooden Nickel years, so you're now narrowing yourself to fans of the 1975 - 1978 period which makes is so limiting (4 albums) it's silly. Anyone stuck with that mentality these days is definitely die hard, and not 20 years old (with some exceptions I'm sure).

I don't know about specific demographics, but in radio terms I've never heard a classic rock station play anything from 79 onwards. Radio's relevance is falling sharply in the media world, but still.

To a person, they were still surprised DDY was not in the band (which speaks to them still using DDY's songs with his vocals in radio ads; they should replace them in ads with Lawrence singing the songs as it is now), etc

Surprised as in they didn't know till they saw the show, or surprised as in they didn't know until you told them? If the latter, it wouldn't matter whose voice ran in the ads. And in either case, I think it speaks more to Styx's traditionally "faceless" reputation than anything else. If we're talking average-joe-greatest-hits listener, I'd say they're focused more on songs than on band members.

[Zan]

Surprised as in they didn't know till they saw the show, or surprised as in they didn't know until you told them? If the latter, it wouldn't matter whose voice ran in the ads. And in either case, I think it speaks more to Styx's traditionally "faceless" reputation than anything else. If we're talking average-joe-greatest-hits listener, I'd say they're focused more on songs than on band members.

LOL...I actually heard someone at a show comment on how great Dennis DeYoung looked. Ha!

[StyxCollector]

I don't know about specific demographics, but in radio terms I've never heard a classic rock station play anything from 79 onwards. Radio's relevance is falling sharply in the media world, but still.

It varies by market. I've heard "Mr. Roboto", "Babe", "Too Much Time on My Hands", "Rockin' the Paradise" from various classic rock stations at times, but the ones you tend to hear are "Renegade", "Blue Collar Man", "Grand Illusion", "Fooling Yourself", and "Come Sail Away" more often than not. I even heard "Suite Madame Blue" and "Crystal Ball", but I was in the Chicago area

Surprised as in they didn't know till they saw the show, or surprised as in they didn't know until you told them? If the latter, it wouldn't matter whose voice ran in the ads. And in either case, I think it speaks more to Styx's traditionally "faceless" reputation than anything else. If we're talking average-joe-greatest-hits listener, I'd say they're focused more on songs than on band members.

A little of both. I agree on the latter - those folks just want to hear the hits and don't dare who is singing. As for the ads, it's like having Steve Perry still singing songs for a Journey ad when they're two singers on from him (three if you count Chalfant for that brief time in 1994/5). People make the logical assumption that the original singer who sang the song is still with them and will do the song. I'm not saying they need to put a disclaimer, but at this point, it won't harm them to take the 10-second snippet from a Gowan-sung version unless there are legal agreements preventing that. It's entirely possible.

[styxfanNH]

I am pretty sure they need Dennis' permission to release an updated version of his songs. Much of why we never heard Dennis' stuff in CYO.

[Classic Rock]

It varies by market. I've heard "Mr. Roboto", "Babe", "Too Much Time on My Hands", "Rockin' the Paradise" from various classic rock stations at times, but the ones you tend to hear are "Renegade", "Blue Collar Man", "Grand Illusion", "Fooling Yourself", and "Come Sail Away" more often than not. I even heard "Suite Madame Blue" and "Crystal Ball", but I was in the Chicago area

My classic rock radio station (93.7 Houston, TX) have the following tracks in their library: Babe, Blue Collar Man, Come Sail Away, Crystal Ball, Fooling Yourself, Lady, Lorelei, Miss America, Renegade, Suite Madame Blue, The Best of Times, The Grand Illusion, and Too Much Time On My Hands. The bolded ones are the ones played most often, the others you only hear upon special request or an annual A-Z play list.

A little of both. I agree on the latter - those folks just want to hear the hits and don't dare who is singing. As for the ads, it's like having Steve Perry still singing songs for a Journey ad when they're two singers on from him (three if you count Chalfant for that brief time in 1994/5). People make the logical assumption that the original singer who sang the song is still with them and will do the song. I'm not saying they need to put a disclaimer, but at this point, it won't harm them to take the 10-second snippet from a Gowan-sung version unless there are legal agreements preventing that. It's entirely possible.

In Journey’s case they did send radio stations studio recorded songs with Steve Augeri singing to be used for promo. It was the radio stations decision not to use them to update the concert promo ads. I don’t think it would make any difference if Styx sent some Gowen versions, radio would choose not to use them.

[StyxCollector]

I am pretty sure they need Dennis' permission to release an updated version of his songs. Much of why we never heard Dennis' stuff in CYO.

I know for concert/DVD releases that is most likely the case. But for radio ads, I would think DDY wouldn't care. Well, he would, but you know what I mean. If that's the case, he's contributing to the issue. Although if it was me, I wouldn't want to hear Lawrence singing CSA on tape, either!

[cinj]

(If you don't believe me, when was the last time any of us whined for a new live album?). [/color][/b]

I would LOVE a new live album. Something from 1976-1983, that is. O.K., heck throw in the "Edge" tour as well.

Cinj

[StyxCollector]

I would LOVE a new live album. Something from 1976-1983, that is. O.K., heck throw in the "Edge" tour as well.

Won't happen. The only thing officially in the can is a GI tour concert (sans CITA) and they have already nixed its release.

[stabbim]

I don't know about specific demographics, but in radio terms I've never heard a classic rock station play anything from 79 onwards. Radio's relevance is falling sharply in the media world, but still.

It varies by market. I've heard "Mr. Roboto", "Babe", "Too Much Time on My Hands", "Rockin' the Paradise" from various classic rock stations at times, but the ones you tend to hear are "Renegade", "Blue Collar Man", "Grand Illusion", "Fooling Yourself", and "Come Sail Away" more often than not. I even heard "Suite Madame Blue" and "Crystal Ball", but I was in the Chicago area

Right. I've heard the first batch, and I've heard the second batch, but never on the same station (and Styx does seem to be skewing their marketing towards the former, so...) In fact, I don't think I've heard "Babe" on anything other than A/C in the past 15 years or so.

As for the ads, it's like having Steve Perry still singing songs for a Journey ad when they're two singers on from him (three if you count Chalfant for that brief time in 1994/5). People make the logical assumption that the original singer who sang the song is still with them and will do the song.

I don't think Perry/Journey is the correct analogy, but I do concede that a reasonable assumption with an audio clip is that you'll be hearing the band in the clip when you show up to the gig. I doubt enough folks are A) aware of and B) troubled by the situation to really make an impact on the bottom line, but I can see how a few would inevitably be disappointed.

[cittadeeno23]

There is no doubt that Equinox, Crystal Ball, Grand Illusion an PO8 are the best Styx albums ever recorded.
But if Dennis had been thrown out of the band before Cornerstone, Paradise Theater and Kilroy, then this band would be about 1/2 as popular as it is today, and JY and Tommy would not be able to tour as Styx today.

As much as I hate to admit it, BABE is the reason Styx was voted the most popular band in the country in 1979.
And PT is the biggest selling album and biggest grossing tour ever for Styx.

Do I wish Styx would have stuck to the format of cool progressive rock before Cornerstone.
YES! But would we still be talking about them today? Other than a few of us die-hards, I seriously doubt it.

[rajah2165]

I've always said the people on the 'net doing the bitching make up such an insignificant part of the fanbase. This stuff is kinda fun to debate, but I personally could give two shits about what JY thinks. My life goes on either way. Anyone that can't see that JY's comments are his opinion (which he is entitled to) is delusional. Where his logic is faulty is that Mr.and Mrs. Joe Sixpack who want to go relive the Styx memories hoping to hear songs like "The Best of Times" wind up walking out disappointed and express that to other people. So he may get them once, but he may not get them again. That's my point. If he's the marketing guy, it's more than interviews and getting them through the door: he's also got to deliver to expectation.

Except the part that I responded to, where you said this:

"He seems to find a way to get digs in. If he would just realize that if he took the high road, played some of the songs which helped get him where he was (such as "The Best of Times"), fans would come back more than him trying too hard to sell them on the lineup. Word of mouth is the best advertising.

The neverending touring has lessened my interest more than anything else along with the same setlist. The problem is that if STyx loses the core fanbase, it's a slippery slope."


As far as playing "Best of Times" and "Babe," well, I'd have to argue that Styx lost a great many hard-core fans when they started releasing top 40 sap. There are fans that are relieved the band has dropped these songs from their set lists. I'd say it's a crap shoot where that is concerned. Joe six pack, the concert-going mongrel, was *never* the type to like "Babe" in the first place. He is your typical beer drinking, Skynryd rocking, show me your tits kinda guy. The only reason he'd be upset they didn't play "Best of Times" is if it cut into his beer buying time.

You're probably right here, but I, for one, wish JY would shut his whining mouth up.

What you or I may want as die-hard fans is not enough to butter their bread at this stage of the game (If you don't believe me, when was the last time any of us whined for a new live album?). My point was that JY isn't doing these radio and print interviews for us, he's doing them to keep the general public aware of Styx's (continued) existance. Period. And it's working, like it or not.

I think what he means by Joe SixPack is the average fan. Do you want to know what songs the average fan knows by Styx? Its on Styx Greatest Hits (with the probably exception of Miss America and maybe Crystal Ball). Those songs are the hits and are the ones that people know.

[rajah2165]

Go up to someone on the street, mention the group Styx. They will most likely bring up a DDY song such as Babe, The Best Of Times, Show Me The Way, Mr Roboto, etc..

It's usually Mr. Roboto, and it's usually not favorable AT ALL. NEVER is "Show me the Way" or "Best of Times" mentioned. CSA on occasion, and "Babe" sometimes (again, not very favorable). I *have* heard "Miss America" and "Renegade" mentioned before, oddly enough.

9 times out of 10, if I mention Styx to anyone outside of the fan circle, I get "are those guys still ALIVE?"

That is your acquaintances who probably represent some type of market. But, don't go generalizing based upon the 20 people you talk to. Most Styx fans know the hits. I would argue that Mr. Roboto is the first mentioned and for the most part people LOVE that song now. It has an 80s retro cache to it. And just to show you how different things are with different people - no one I have ever talked to knows Miss America. Everyone mentions, Best of Times, Roboto, CSA, and yes Show ME The Way. Babe is an obvious one as is Lady. The only top 10 single that sometimes doesn't get mentioned top of mind is DLIE, but when people are reminded of it, they immediately remember.

Again, the best indicator of what the hits are is to look at the charts and look at what the band and record company decreed as the "Greatest Hits" and they play less than half of those in concert. If GH is the only album I have by Styx (which I know if you took a random sample of CD collections in this country, that would by far and away be the one found most often) and I go expecting to hear those songs, and only hear TMTOMH, BCM, Renegade, CSA, Lady, and MA, then yes I am quite disappointed.

[sadie65]

I think for those who frequent forums such as this, the band is not going to sway any opinions. I think from a business standpoint the band is not doing itself any favors by not playing the material that they are most known for. That isn't to take anything away from the material they do play. But as I have said before...they, as well as Dennis, are now primarily a nostalgia act. Whatever JY's intentions in his interviews, the diminishing crowds due to over saturation and not truly recognizing what your fans want to hear...can be costly. Dismiss what the fans want to hear to a large degree...dismiss your business.

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate that they appear to be enjoying themselves...I just wonder if, in the end, it will be worth it.

While I truly do get the idea that Styx wishes to consider itself a "rock" band, and wants their concerts to be known as such, it seems rather an odd choice...since even in their heyday they were never a purebred "rock" band. They delivered a bit of everything to everyone. And they were quite successful in it. Again, I suppose success and how it's defined can change in scope.

Peace

[cinj]

There is no doubt that Equinox, Crystal Ball, Grand Illusion an PO8 are the best Styx albums ever recorded.
But if Dennis had been thrown out of the band before Cornerstone, Paradise Theater and Kilroy, then this band would be about 1/2 as popular as it is today, and JY and Tommy would not be able to tour as Styx today.

As much as I hate to admit it, BABE is the reason Styx was voted the most popular band in the country in 1979.
And PT is the biggest selling album and biggest grossing tour ever for Styx.

Do I wish Styx would have stuck to the format of cool progressive rock before Cornerstone.
YES! But would we still be talking about them today? Other than a few of us die-hards, I seriously doubt it.

Excellent observation. Only I would change "1/2" to about "1/10". I remember when Blue Oyster Cult opened up for Styx in 1996 (along with Kansas). They played a total of 5 songs. Only 3 of the songs were known by a very <I>small</I> core group of fans (Godzilla, Burnin' for You, and Don't Fear the Reaper). I'm guessing Styx would have had a similar fate.

Cinj

[stabbim]

There is no doubt that Equinox, Crystal Ball, Grand Illusion an PO8 are the best Styx albums ever recorded.
But if Dennis had been thrown out of the band before Cornerstone, Paradise Theater and Kilroy, then this band would be about 1/2 as popular as it is today, and JY and Tommy would not be able to tour as Styx today.

As much as I hate to admit it, BABE is the reason Styx was voted the most popular band in the country in 1979.
And PT is the biggest selling album and biggest grossing tour ever for Styx.

Do I wish Styx would have stuck to the format of cool progressive rock before Cornerstone.
YES! But would we still be talking about them today? Other than a few of us die-hards, I seriously doubt it.

Excellent observation. Only I would change "1/2" to about "1/10". I remember when Blue Oyster Cult opened up for Styx in 1996 (along with Kansas). They played a total of 5 songs. Only 3 of the songs were known by a very <I>small</I> core group of fans (Godzilla, Burnin' for You, and Don't Fear the Reaper). I'm guessing Styx would have had a similar fate.

Cinj

Possibly. But, again, if one feels that the music the band made in order to snag that extra level of fame is crap, then who cares how many recognizable songs they have in the catalog, or how big of a hall they get to play in?

[shaka]

I really don't think the current Styx is all that worried about the longetivity of the band at this point. I think they are going to get what they can and then that's probably it. Let's face it, they are all a stones throw away from sixty which is when most people who have some means retire.

I think they'll let things peter out and then maybe give a reunion tour/last hurrah with Dennis a try.

[gr8dane]

I really don't think the current Styx is all that worried about the longetivity of the band at this point. I think they are going to get what they can and then that's probably it. Let's face it, they are all a stones throw away from sixty which is when most people who have some means retire.

I think they'll let things peter out and then maybe give a reunion tour/last hurrah with Dennis a try.

Sounds reasonable.They have done it all.No need to chase anymore.

[Ash]

I really don't think the current Styx is all that worried about the longetivity of the band at this point. I think they are going to get what they can and then that's probably it. Let's face it, they are all a stones throw away from sixty which is when most people who have some means retire.

I think they'll let things peter out and then maybe give a reunion tour/last hurrah with Dennis a try.

{Done in his best Bill Lumburgh}
Yeaaahhhhhhhhhh

I tend to doubt they'd let things "Peter out". They'll either quit - Tommy will get involved in something that is "more fun" or they'll just keep doing what they're doing until they drop.

I just don't see the reunion thing happening..... ever....... EVER.

[shaka]

I really don't think the current Styx is all that worried about the longetivity of the band at this point. I think they are going to get what they can and then that's probably it. Let's face it, they are all a stones throw away from sixty which is when most people who have some means retire.

I think they'll let things peter out and then maybe give a reunion tour/last hurrah with Dennis a try.

{Done in his best Bill Lumburgh}
Yeaaahhhhhhhhhh

I tend to doubt they'd let things "Peter out". They'll either quit - Tommy will get involved in something that is "more fun" or they'll just keep doing what they're doing until they drop.

I just don't see the reunion thing happening..... ever....... EVER.

I don't think Tommy will quit officially. I think however that he may force the issue by putting on his Damn Yankees hat or something like that. I think that is just one way that Styx could peter out.

[rajah2165]

I really don't think the current Styx is all that worried about the longetivity of the band at this point. I think they are going to get what they can and then that's probably it. Let's face it, they are all a stones throw away from sixty which is when most people who have some means retire.

I think they'll let things peter out and then maybe give a reunion tour/last hurrah with Dennis a try.

{Done in his best Bill Lumburgh}
Yeaaahhhhhhhhhh

I tend to doubt they'd let things "Peter out". They'll either quit - Tommy will get involved in something that is "more fun" or they'll just keep doing what they're doing until they drop.

I just don't see the reunion thing happening..... ever....... EVER.

I don't think Tommy will quit officially. I think however that he may force the issue by putting on his Damn Yankees hat or something like that. I think that is just one way that Styx could peter out.

If Tommy ever decides to leave or even do something else for a while (i.e. DY), there is no way that Styx continues without him. JY was have to really be kissing Tommy's butt right now...Because do you really think they could pawn themselves off as Styx as JY, Sucherman, Phillips, and Gowan? Nope. So, if you see that guy out in front of Tommy's yard trimming his hedges....double check to make sure he isn't 6 feet tall with blond hair...

[piecesofeight]

Because do you really think they could pawn themselves off as Styx as JY, Sucherman, Phillips, and Gowan?

Would not surprise me at all......

[Grotelul]

I really don't think the current Styx is all that worried about the longetivity of the band at this point. I think they are going to get what they can and then that's probably it. Let's face it, they are all a stones throw away from sixty which is when most people who have some means retire.

I think they'll let things peter out and then maybe give a reunion tour/last hurrah with Dennis a try.

{Done in his best Bill Lumburgh}
Yeaaahhhhhhhhhh

I tend to doubt they'd let things "Peter out". They'll either quit - Tommy will get involved in something that is "more fun" or they'll just keep doing what they're doing until they drop.

I just don't see the reunion thing happening..... ever....... EVER.

I don't think Tommy will quit officially. I think however that he may force the issue by putting on his Damn Yankees hat or something like that. I think that is just one way that Styx could peter out.

If Tommy ever decides to leave or even do something else for a while (i.e. DY), there is no way that Styx continues without him. JY was have to really be kissing Tommy's butt right now...Because do you really think they could pawn themselves off as Styx as JY, Sucherman, Phillips, and Gowan? Nope. So, if you see that guy out in front of Tommy's yard trimming his hedges....double check to make sure he isn't 6 feet tall with blond hair...

You just can't go one post without ripping on those guys. I hope you enjoy it cause no one else does.