New Tommy Shaw Interview

[stabbim]

http://melodicrock.com/interviews/tommyshaw-07.html

Well because of the state of the music industry there's no hurry for a new Styx album, but we're already talking about how and where. We're into discussions like that but really there's no time between now and the end of the year. We're booked so heavily this year, it's been such a great year of live performing that we won't be able to really look at it until next year sometime. With Shaw/Blades now on the map and it's something that I want to continue doing….I'm a busy man

Too bad about the lack of new Styx tunes (on a number of levels) but getting more S/B is a great trade-off, IMO.

[brywool]

Great interview. Tommy seems like a very cool guy. I liked what he had to say about Chuck and I found the dichotomy between the older band's touring days and the newer one interesting.

[Blue Falcon]

http://melodicrock.com/interviews/tommyshaw-07.html

Well because of the state of the music industry there's no hurry for a new Styx album, but we're already talking about how and where. We're into discussions like that but really there's no time between now and the end of the year. We're booked so heavily this year, it's been such a great year of live performing that we won't be able to really look at it until next year sometime. With Shaw/Blades now on the map and it's something that I want to continue doing….I'm a busy man

Too bad about the lack of new Styx tunes (on a number of levels) but getting more S/B is a great trade-off, IMO.

Sounds like Tommy sees the writing on the wall for Stynx. What will JY do if Tommy jumps ship for good? Does anyone want to see a Styx lineup with just JY, Larry, etc.?

[piecesofeight]

http://melodicrock.com/interviews/tommyshaw-07.html

Well because of the state of the music industry there's no hurry for a new Styx album, but we're already talking about how and where. We're into discussions like that but really there's no time between now and the end of the year. We're booked so heavily this year, it's been such a great year of live performing that we won't be able to really look at it until next year sometime. With Shaw/Blades now on the map and it's something that I want to continue doing….I'm a busy man

Too bad about the lack of new Styx tunes (on a number of levels) but getting more S/B is a great trade-off, IMO.

Sounds like Tommy sees the writing on the wall for Stynx. What will JY do if Tommy jumps ship for good? Does anyone want to see a Styx lineup with just JY, Larry, etc.?

Yeah, I'd love to know WHEN Tommy leaves, IF there is still a 'Styx', who fill follow a chipmunk and broke shmuck.

[DarwinNebraska]

You can bet Thenightbull will eat it up.

: chuckle :

[kipthekid]

When I read Tommy's comments, I see someone who has resigned himself to the fact that there isn't sufficient DEMAND for a full album of new Styx material. IMHO, they screwed the pooch BADLY with 'Big Bang Theory.' They could have, perhaps, made an album that combined original and cover material. Then "Walrus" could have been a single that may have helped spurn half-way palatable album sales.

Regarding the touring - from Tommy's perspective, of COURSE it's better now. He runs the show with JY has his "first mate." He and JY are able to carve out a decent living at the expense of the Styx "brand." This summer's disastrous (from a Styx "brand" and "image" perspective) stint with Def Leopard and Foreigner is a classic example. Now they're relegated to garbage duty in support of ANOTHER band that's in the same boat that Styx was in 1996 - when they were able to headline half-way decent sized venues.

As far as his comments about Dennis, they're certainly more diplomatic than the whiny pabulum spewed by JY, but they say about as much as one would expect. He SHOULD stand up for his bandmade for the past 8 years (LG). Also, he knows that JY has no desire to work with Dennis again. SHOULD Styx try to reunite with Dennis?

IMHO, absolutely. I respectfully disagree with a few people here who don't believe it would generate interest beyond the current tepid level associated with Styx. In addition to bringing (back) together two 'warring' camps - DeYoungians and "Fans of New Styx" - it would spark some interest in the music world. While Dennis isn't "big" in the states, he's a minor star in Canada - in fact, he's a bigger star than Styx OR Lawrence Gowan - in Canada. Having him reunite with Styx would help them gain tremendous leverage up there. Additionally, interest in the states in a "classic Styx" reunion would generate a fair amount of buzz. It would be fairly short-lived - and LG should be part of the equation - but it would have some "legs."

Finally, with all that said, the "reality of it" is that Styx is fading into memory. Hopefully, Tommy has the money saved to do what he loves to do. It sounds like making some music with his great friend Jack Blades is what he prefers these days. I would rather see him focus on that - and perhaps writing songs for other bands/acts - than continue to take part sucking the marrow of Styx dry.

[bugsymalone]

I enjoyed this interview as well. Tommy's greatest enthusiasm seems reserved for the work with Jack right now. That is certainly my take on it.

As to Current Styx and no album (for now). Sounds like no one is much interested in financing, or promoting, an album of new music from them. Just my interpretation of his comment on this as well.




Bugsy

[Everett]

You can bet Thenightbull will eat it up.

: chuckle :

[styxfanNH]

pick a passage of the interview to make your point...

[StyxCollector]

Good interview. I tried to get one but was denied a few months back. I guess it helps knowing Jack

Seriously, this was Tommy being candid but relaxed. His answers are very diplomatic and I think it's about as honest an answer with regards to the DDY "situation".

It seems like Andrew did this interview a long time ago by this comment:

Well, Jack and I and our manager and agent are starting to look at November or December for another Shaw/Blades tour. So were looking forward to that. I'm going to be busy with Styx playing shows with Def Leppard and Foreigner this summer. We haven't started that yet and there's 70 or maybe 80 shows.

I'm still pushing for my DDY and TS interviews (sigh). I think I have a better chance of landing Jimmy Page! LOL

[stabbim]

As to Current Styx and no album (for now). Sounds like no one is much interested in financing, or promoting, an album of new music from them. Just my interpretation of his comment on this as well.

Maybe, maybe not. But the idea of "the state of the music industry" factoring into their decision on whether to produce new music at all is ...disheartening.

[kipthekid]

The only "way" I could see a "reunion" happening would be for Tommy and Chuck to reunite with Dennis and for the 3 of them to fire JY - and this is about as likely as "New Styx" releasing an album of new music by the end of September 2007 or LG sounding REMOTELY credible on the DDY tracks he's accountable for "singing" lead on.

[Ash]

As to Current Styx and no album (for now). Sounds like no one is much interested in financing, or promoting, an album of new music from them. Just my interpretation of his comment on this as well.

Maybe, maybe not. But the idea of "the state of the music industry" factoring into their decision on whether to produce new music at all is ...disheartening.

Dennis said many of the same comments when people like ChicagoStyx were lambasting him for not producing an original album earlier. I think Dennis' exact words were something to the effect that it's not like there's a stampede of people banging down the doors demanding a new DDY record. At least they're finally being honest with themselves in some regard.

I'd love to see tommy ditch Styx and do more with Jack Blades - those two guys together are amazing.

[bugsymalone]

As to Current Styx and no album (for now). Sounds like no one is much interested in financing, or promoting, an album of new music from them. Just my interpretation of his comment on this as well.

Maybe, maybe not. But the idea of "the state of the music industry" factoring into their decision on whether to produce new music at all is ...disheartening.

Dennis said many of the same comments when people like ChicagoStyx were lambasting him for not producing an original album earlier. I think Dennis' exact words were something to the effect that it's not like there's a stampede of people banging down the doors demanding a new DDY record. At least they're finally being honest with themselves in some regard.

That is exactly right, Ash, and his success in Canada was more than just a "gift" of popular concert performances. He also got the boost in sales for his double live CD and DVD which led to DEP wanting an album of new material. He still marvels at this in even his latest interviews.

It still is up in the air as to how this album will be received in the US and I am sure he is taking a very much wait and see attitude. He knows what happens most of the time with new material from old artists in the US.

Both Dennis and Tommy seem to be very much realists in looking at the US recording industry, the US market, and new material.



Bugsy

[stabbim]

Both Dennis and Tommy seem to be very much realists in looking at the US recording industry, the US market, and new material.

Yeah, but having a decent grasp on the reality of the situation doesn't have to equate to wussing out in the face of it. TS especially seems to have a very good notion of how powerful a DIY ethic can be these days for artists who are willing to embrace it...but whenever the rubber meets the road, Styx seems to err on the side of corporate safety and shilling nostalgia.

I just think it's sad, is all. They're (potentially) better than that.

[piecesofeight]

As to Current Styx and no album (for now). Sounds like no one is much interested in financing, or promoting, an album of new music from them. Just my interpretation of his comment on this as well.

Maybe, maybe not. But the idea of "the state of the music industry" factoring into their decision on whether to produce new music at all is ...disheartening.

Dennis said many of the same comments when people like ChicagoStyx were lambasting him for not producing an original album earlier. I think Dennis' exact words were something to the effect that it's not like there's a stampede of people banging down the doors demanding a new DDY record. At least they're finally being honest with themselves in some regard.

I'd love to see tommy ditch Styx and do more with Jack Blades - those two guys together are amazing.

Hell yeah. Great stuff Shaw/Blades. Especially this new stuff. They both shine accoustically. Tommy really shines this way, even though he likes to rock, I believe he should do more of this sort of thing. The Borders shows proved this. Dennis and him were great, and will be again..

[kipthekid]

have sunk in for Tommy. The Def Leopard tour had to be a stark reminder that they were sinking to new depths in the name of making a few $$ off the name of a band that hasn't "been itself" in over 25 years.

Styx will continue to tour/play out - and they'll play well - but I suspect that Tommy's creative juices will be satiated on a smaller scale.

If we want updated Styx music, we've got to listen to 100 Years From Now, Save Me, Rain, Crossing the Rubicon, Forgiveness and Turn Off CNN with a "smidgeon" of "This Time Next Year." THIS is current Styx music.

[LifeGiver]

Why is everyone down on this summer's tour? Its with Def Leppard, one of the biggest bands in the world. I think Styx could be doing a lot worse!

-Shane

[jimbeamblack]

It seems like Andrew did this interview a long time ago by this comment:

Well, Jack and I and our manager and agent are starting to look at November or December for another Shaw/Blades tour. So were looking forward to that. I'm going to be busy with Styx playing shows with Def Leppard and Foreigner this summer. We haven't started that yet and there's 70 or maybe 80 shows.

Shaw/Blades have scheduled tour dates for Nov/Dec 2007. So no, you are wrong, this is a VERY recent interview.

Any news on the Dennis DeYoung album being released outside of Saskatchewan?

[Grotelul]

When I read Tommy's comments, I see someone who has resigned himself to the fact that there isn't sufficient DEMAND for a full album of new Styx material. IMHO, they screwed the pooch BADLY with 'Big Bang Theory.' They could have, perhaps, made an album that combined original and cover material. Then "Walrus" could have been a single that may have helped spurn half-way palatable album sales.

Regarding the touring - from Tommy's perspective, of COURSE it's better now. He runs the show with JY has his "first mate." He and JY are able to carve out a decent living at the expense of the Styx "brand." This summer's disastrous (from a Styx "brand" and "image" perspective) stint with Def Leopard and Foreigner is a classic example. Now they're relegated to garbage duty in support of ANOTHER band that's in the same boat that Styx was in 1996 - when they were able to headline half-way decent sized venues.

As far as his comments about Dennis, they're certainly more diplomatic than the whiny pabulum spewed by JY, but they say about as much as one would expect. He SHOULD stand up for his bandmade for the past 8 years (LG). Also, he knows that JY has no desire to work with Dennis again. SHOULD Styx try to reunite with Dennis?

IMHO, absolutely. I respectfully disagree with a few people here who don't believe it would generate interest beyond the current tepid level associated with Styx. In addition to bringing (back) together two 'warring' camps - DeYoungians and "Fans of New Styx" - it would spark some interest in the music world. While Dennis isn't "big" in the states, he's a minor star in Canada - in fact, he's a bigger star than Styx OR Lawrence Gowan - in Canada. Having him reunite with Styx would help them gain tremendous leverage up there. Additionally, interest in the states in a "classic Styx" reunion would generate a fair amount of buzz. It would be fairly short-lived - and LG should be part of the equation - but it would have some "legs."

Finally, with all that said, the "reality of it" is that Styx is fading into memory. Hopefully, Tommy has the money saved to do what he loves to do. It sounds like making some music with his great friend Jack Blades is what he prefers these days. I would rather see him focus on that - and perhaps writing songs for other bands/acts - than continue to take part sucking the marrow of Styx dry.

You seem to think Styx as a name with or without Dennis should be much bigger than it is now. How? No one is selling records from that era. It would not "spark interest in the music world" just because Dennis would be involved. Maybe a few more hardcores might show. Another reunion tour? Why...they already did that 11 years ago. Styx is not Van Halen, not Aerosmith, not Journey, not even Rush when it comes to selling records and tours as this stage of their careers. These guys pooched that possibility with the break up in 1983. Even with Dennis they may be on par with someone like REO, bands that play smaller venues. Even if Dennis had been on board this whole time and recording new music, they wouldn't be headlining big shows. 1996 was a fluke. 1997 the crowds were already dwindling and with the cost of a ticket these days, who but mainly the hardcores are going to pay out the $$$$ to see a band like Styx with or without Dennis. That is the reality.

[stmonkeys]

I'm still pushing for my DDY and TS interviews (sigh). I think I have a better chance of landing Jimmy Page! LOL

::::PERK::::







jimmy page is GOD!!!

[stmonkeys]

.[/quote]


You seem to think Styx as a name with or without Dennis should be much bigger than it is now. How? No one is selling records from that era. It would not "spark interest in the music world" just because Dennis would be involved. Maybe a few more hardcores might show. Another reunion tour? Why...they already did that 11 years ago. Styx is not Van Halen, not Aerosmith, not Journey, not even Rush when it comes to selling records and tours as this stage of their careers. These guys pooched that possibility with the break up in 1983. Even with Dennis they may be on par with someone like REO, bands that play smaller venues. Even if Dennis had been on board this whole time and recording new music, they wouldn't be headlining big shows. 1996 was a fluke. 1997 the crowds were already dwindling and with the cost of a ticket these days, who but mainly the hardcores are going to pay out the $$$$ to see a band like Styx with or without Dennis. That is the reality.[/quote]

very good point, and an accurate statement of the current industry. Most of the classic rock bands on the circuit have released albums in recent years, but how many can you name? how many did you purchase? aside from the diehards like us, selling more than 10,000-20,000 copies would be a difficult task for most of these bands. Perhaps, they should record a few new tunes and put them directly on Itunes. I think that would be the way to go in this situation.

[Skates]

If we want updated Styx music, we've got to listen to 100 Years From Now, Save Me, Rain, Crossing the Rubicon, Forgiveness and Turn Off CNN with a "smidgeon" of "This Time Next Year." THIS is current Styx music.

So, now you're saying that Dennis is Styx? Sorry Kip, Dennis is Dennis. Styx is Styx. Dennis himself said many times in the liner notes that no band is an Island. While everyone is jamming on the new music, great. But, what is the lasting power of these tunes? I still listen to Cyclo often. Nothing has really aged there.

I'm happy that they all have projects. While Dennis is now touring, the boys have been touring since 99 pretty much non stop. It's good if they actually take a break.

And I'll actually state this here, I would love if Tommy and Jack play Florida. Please.

[stabbim]

Perhaps, they should record a few new tunes and put them directly on Itunes. I think that would be the way to go in this situation.

Styx has already tried that approach to some extent, and it definitely has merit.

IMO, any course of action would be preferable to them simply giving up on creativity and forward momentum because they fear that the marketplace won't respond in large enough numbers.

[Zan]

OK, I can't take it anymore.

It's LEPPARD.

Thank you. Carry on with your backhanded insults disguised as observations.

[Zan]

And I'll actually state this here, I would love if Tommy and Jack play Florida. Please.

Pretty. With a cherry on top.

[GrandIllusionist725]

If we want updated Styx music, we've got to listen to 100 Years From Now, Save Me, Rain, Crossing the Rubicon, Forgiveness and Turn Off CNN with a "smidgeon" of "This Time Next Year." THIS is current Styx music.

So, now you're saying that Dennis is Styx? Sorry Kip, Dennis is Dennis. Styx is Styx. Dennis himself said many times in the liner notes that no band is an Island. While everyone is jamming on the new music, great. But, what is the lasting power of these tunes? I still listen to Cyclo often. Nothing has really aged there.

I'm happy that they all have projects. While Dennis is now touring, the boys have been touring since 99 pretty much non stop. It's good if they actually take a break.

And I'll actually state this here, I would love if Tommy and Jack play Florida. Please.

AGREED 100 Percent.
Dennis is Dennis, Styx is Styx.

[stmonkeys]

OK, I can't take it anymore.

It's LEPPARD.

Thank you. Carry on with your backhanded insults disguised as observations.

i feel your pain, zan... deep breaths, deep breaths...

[froy]

http://melodicrock.com/interviews/tommyshaw-07.html

Well because of the state of the music industry there's no hurry for a new Styx album, but we're already talking about how and where. We're into discussions like that but really there's no time between now and the end of the year. We're booked so heavily this year, it's been such a great year of live performing that we won't be able to really look at it until next year sometime. With Shaw/Blades now on the map and it's something that I want to continue doing….I'm a busy man

Too bad about the lack of new

Styx tunes (on a number of levels) but getting more S/B is a great trade-off, IMO.

Havent We heard enough from Tommy Shaw?
I mean really
The guy has destroyed Styx
I careless about anything he has to say right about now..

[Andrew]

It seems like Andrew did this interview a long time ago by this comment

Not at all. Early July.