JY Interview

[sadie65]

Albeit a small one.

http://www.accessatlanta.com/services/c ... 7&cxcat=13

Styx: Rock of ages rolls with fans


Published on: 01/15/2008

GO TO THE Styx concert at Wild Bill's Friday and there's one song you are guaranteed not to hear: "Mr. Roboto."

The oddball novelty song from 1983 was part of a rock opera formulated by former Styx frontman Dennis DeYoung. It became one of the band's biggest hits, memorable for that robotic-sounding chorus, "Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto."

Styx has staying power: 'We've seeped into too many corners,' says guitarist/vocalist John 'J.Y.' Young, an original member.


"I have a love/dislike for that song," said guitarist/vocalist John "J.Y." Young, an original member who has been with the band for more than 30 years. (DeYoung hasn't toured with the band in a decade.) "It alienated the first generation of Styx fans. But a lot of young kids bought the single and ended up buying all the old albums, too."

Styx songs have popped up in film ("Big Daddy," "Shrek 2"), TV commercials ("Renegade" in a Heineken ad, "Mr. Roboto" in a recent VW ad where two guys lip-sync the song) and TV shows (Cartman crooning "Come Sail Away" on "South Park").

"We're part of pop culture," Young said. "I don't think we could be gotten rid of. We've seeped into too many corners."

Will DeYoung ever tour with Styx again? "I'll repeat what I said on VH1's 'Behind the Music' a few years back: 'When they're playing hockey on the River Styx.' My role is to re-establish Styx as a legitimate progressive-rock force. I think bringing back the creator of 'Babe' and 'Mr. Roboto' will destroy eight years of hard work."

Tour schedule: "We did 109 shows last year. We'll probably do about the same this year. We hit the U.K. last year. We will tour Canada more extensively this year."

Who are the fans? "It's people who really care about rock music, people clinging to their misspent youth. We still give them that."

And how did things go at Wild Bill's a year ago? "They had to turn people away. And in a general admission setting, you get the die-hards in the front instead of the VIPs. It's a different energy."

How's original Styx member Chuck Panozzo, who said in 2001 that he was gay and had AIDS, doing? "His health is an issue. And he has a significant other who has a more advanced case of AIDS. So he comes out occasionally, plays three or four songs. He gives the show a lift."

• THE 411: Styx will perform at Wild Bill's, 2075 Market St., Duluth, at 9:30 p.m. Friday. $20 general admission, $30 reserved seating, $100 VIP, Ticketmaster, 404-249-6400, www.ticketmaster.com.

[LordofDaRing]

Here we go again, oh hell why not:

Can this guy be more of an ass? "The eight years of hard work", sure touring off a lot of songs written by that same guy who would "Destroy" what you guys have acoomplished the last 8 years. What have you accomplished? A mediocre sounding record (IMO of course), in which the best songs were written by another guy (GB) your constant touring and dictarorship control of the bang (sound familiar) chased off. Four hundred remakes of Blue Collar Man, more live albums, and a remake of other artists songs. Yeah I would hate to have a song chart as high as Babe or Roboto right now in my new catalog. Being as though as Mr. Young admits in this interview that Roboto introduced young people who went and bought the old records, isn't that what they are trying to do?
Would you not want someone within the band who could potentially touch that pulse again...nah. Make no mistake about what this all about, control. All the same things he accuses DDY of being. Stop throwing stones JY, you are breaking all those windows in your glass house.

"I have a love/dislike for that song". Love it when it puts some kind of money in his pocket, hates it when he is talking with the cool guys in rock who dis the song.

By the way, before you guys start ridiculing DDY accomplishments over the last 8 years, find and attach the interview Dennis did where he makes negative comments about his former band. That way we would be on equal ground.

[Jodes]

I'm sure people will be looking for Dennis's comments in 99 and 2000 about his former band..

I know there were some but I don't have the time to look for them.

Yes, JY is getting more and more bitter as the years go by. He's entitled to his opinion, but come on.. Enough's enough allready!

[froy]

Albeit a small one.

http://www.accessatlanta.com/services/c ... 7&cxcat=13

Styx: Rock of ages rolls with fans


Published on: 01/15/2008

GO TO THE Styx concert at Wild Bill's Friday and there's one song you are guaranteed not to hear: "Mr. Roboto."

The oddball novelty song from 1983 was part of a rock opera formulated by former Styx frontman Dennis DeYoung. It became one of the band's biggest hits, memorable for that robotic-sounding chorus, "Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto."

Styx has staying power: 'We've seeped into too many corners,' says guitarist/vocalist John 'J.Y.' Young, an original member.


"I have a love/dislike for that song," said guitarist/vocalist John "J.Y." Young, an original member who has been with the band for more than 30 years. (DeYoung hasn't toured with the band in a decade.) "It alienated the first generation of Styx fans. But a lot of young kids bought the single and ended up buying all the old albums, too."

Styx songs have popped up in film ("Big Daddy," "Shrek 2"), TV commercials ("Renegade" in a Heineken ad, "Mr. Roboto" in a recent VW ad where two guys lip-sync the song) and TV shows (Cartman crooning "Come Sail Away" on "South Park").

"We're part of pop culture," Young said. "I don't think we could be gotten rid of. We've seeped into too many corners."

Will DeYoung ever tour with Styx again? "I'll repeat what I said on VH1's 'Behind the Music' a few years back: 'When they're playing hockey on the River Styx.' My role is to re-establish Styx as a legitimate progressive-rock force. I think bringing back the creator of 'Babe' and 'Mr. Roboto' will destroy eight years of hard work."

Tour schedule: "We did 109 shows last year. We'll probably do about the same this year. We hit the U.K. last year. We will tour Canada more extensively this year."

Who are the fans? "It's people who really care about rock music, people clinging to their misspent youth. We still give them that."

And how did things go at Wild Bill's a year ago? "They had to turn people away. And in a general admission setting, you get the die-hards in the front instead of the VIPs. It's a different energy."

How's original Styx member Chuck Panozzo, who said in 2001 that he was gay and had AIDS, doing? "His health is an issue. And he has a significant other who has a more advanced case of AIDS. So he comes out occasionally, plays three or four songs. He gives the show a lift."

• THE 411: Styx will perform at Wild Bill's, 2075 Market St., Duluth, at 9:30 p.m. Friday. $20 general admission, $30 reserved seating, $100 VIP, Ticketmaster, 404-249-6400, www.ticketmaster.com.

Do us all a favor sadie don't post anymore JY articles
The man is sick

[brywool]

kind of stupid that the interviewers just wanna talk about the things the band is no longer about...
dumb.

[RedWingFan]

Will DeYoung ever tour with Styx again? "I'll repeat what I said on VH1's 'Behind the Music' a few years back: 'When they're playing hockey on the River Styx.' My role is to re-establish Styx as a legitimate progressive-rock force. I think bringing back the creator of 'Babe' and 'Mr. Roboto' will destroy eight years of hard work."

Sad! The "Return to Paradise" and "Grand Illusion" tour's in '97 & '98 were amazing. Paradise specifically because it was the first time I got to see them. DeYoung completely blew me away. Hockey? River Styx? Thanks JY!

[styxfanNH]

Awful interview by the writer.

JY is consistent and on his message.

Dennis doesn't give these type of interviews, but is also consistent with his message when in an interview.

They all say the same thing they have each said for the past 4 or 5 years.

And for God's Sake, it isn't like they only play Dennis penned songs. Nor were they lipsynching or playing air guitar when they recorded the album. They all had a part in the sound and success of the song.

<======== Dennis perfoming Babe, Lady, and Roboto (Original Studio picture during recording)

Carry On.....

[Zan]

Can this guy be more of an ass?

After three years of reading some of the asinine posts here, I'm gonna go with a resounding: Absolutely.

However, I think the broken record syndrome JY seems to be suffering from is partially due to his interviewers' complete lack of creativity with their questions. They all seem to want to hear his view on the Styx os days past compared to what they are today. I have to wonder if in the back of mind he thinks, Geez people, do some research before bringing me here. But I digress...why throw logic into the fray? It only mucks it all up.

[bugsymalone]

As long as the questions remain the same, JY's answers will remain the same. Been there. Done that. Did NOT buy the T-shirt.


Bugsy

[LordofDaRing]

If you have a sit down with Paul McCartney, are you not going to reference that band (the name escapes me) he was in? The artists themselves fall into that same trap, they play one, two and sometimes three songs off of the new album and the rest is all the hits. Why wouldn't an interviewer talk mostly about the past. That is where the greatest sucess of this band was. His answers have been consistent, I noticed he added the bit about destroying what they have accomplished over the last 8 years. Keep in mind, I think the Eagles called their first reunion tour the hell freezes over tour, because that was the response to reunion questions at one point.

For the record I never stated that they ONLY play DDY penned songs. "A lot of songs written by that guy", was the exact quote. Sooooooooooooo that creator of Babe/Roboto also penned Come Sail Away (arguably the group anthem and most anticipated tune), Grand Illusion, Lady (written about that same Babe), etc. All songs that the band suffers through each night. JY must have been asleep when the vote went in to include Roboto in the Medley bit of the show.

Now I remember the band Paul was in....Wings. "Paul can you ever see touring with Denny Laine again"?

[chowhall]

Not one of JY's better moments.

[Zan]

If you have a sit down with Paul McCartney, are you not going to reference that band (the name escapes me) he was in? The artists themselves fall into that same trap, they play one, two and sometimes three songs off of the new album and the rest is all the hits. Why wouldn't an interviewer talk mostly about the past. That is where the greatest sucess of this band was. His answers have been consistent, I noticed he added the bit about destroying what they have accomplished over the last 8 years. Keep in mind, I think the Eagles called their first reunion tour the hell freezes over tour, because that was the response to reunion questions at one point.

...and JY knows that too, which made his answer all that much more satirical. To some of us, anyway.

I'm not seeing anything other than his "hockey on the river Styx" remark that would qualify him as being top notch asshole, and that's the part of interview I'm talking about. The guy asked him a question that's been asked a thousand times, and the answer never changes. So why ask it?

For the record I never stated that they ONLY play DDY penned songs. "A lot of songs written by that guy", was the exact quote. Sooooooooooooo that creator of Babe/Roboto also penned Come Sail Away (arguably the group anthem and most anticipated tune), Grand Illusion, Lady (written about that same Babe), etc. All songs that the band suffers through each night. JY must have been asleep when the vote went in to include Roboto in the Medley bit of the show.

You could be more right than you know (about him being asleep during the Roboto vote) LOL

But, I think it's all in comprehension of the text. I don't think JY is dismissing all of Denny's contributions (or even most of them), or forgetting that he wrote some of the "better" Styx anthems. I think he's implying that even though he wrote great tunes like CSA and Lady, he's also (since that time) written songs that (in JY's mind) played a part in tarnishing the band's image, and therefore, would not be a good mix for the band anymore given the direction they want to go (or stay in). Furthermore, what he says isn't entirely false. There were lots of people who liked Styx back in the day that found them to be a laughingstock after they put out Kilroy Was Here (I, however, am one of those fans who discovered them because of KWH and bought the albums prior, much to JY's shock, LOL).

Hell, back in 1993, when JYG was touring, he used to give a speech before Heavy Metal Poisoning where he said he was going to play a song from the album that "ultimately ruined Styx's career," so this "bitterness" you all seem to be sensing is not a NEW thing for him. He's not re-writing history now that DeYoung's gone. He's been consistent for over 2 decades.

Now I remember the band Paul was in....Wings. "Paul can you ever see touring with Denny Laine again"?

Right, and if a thousand people asked him the same question in every new interview he did, I doubt very much his answer would change.

Yet, in fairness, I'm sure there would be fans, like yourself, who would continue to be surprised and/or upset by it each time she or he heard it.

[stabbim]

There were a few things in this interview that made my eyes roll, but none of them had to do with DDY.

If he chose to say "Sorry, I don't discuss that song/time period/band member anymore," would he come off less jerky to some folks? Cause that's the only other legit answer I can think of to such questions.

[sadie65]

Regardless of JY's comments I think what the "interview" makes clear is the inevitable. The band is clearly categorized as a nostalgia band. They are only being recognized for what they had during their heyday. More and more they (including Dennis) are asked about that era and less and less of what they do now is considered worth asking about. I am not suggesting that's fair, merely a reflection of their circumstances. How each side chooses to handle the same tired questions is what most of us here focus on.

Carry on

[Zan]

Regardless of JY's comments I think what the "interview" makes clear is the inevitable. The band is clearly categorized as a nostalgia band. They are only being recognized for what they had during their heyday. More and more they (including Dennis) are asked about that era and less and less of what they do now is considered worth asking about. I am not suggesting that's fair, merely a reflection of their circumstances. How each side chooses to handle the same tired questions is what most of us here focus on.

Very true. The days of anyone caring about new stuff are over.

(Unless you're Shaw-Blades, that is)

BTW, I forgot to mention that I DO think JY could say, "not in the foreseeable future" when asked if DeYoung will ever return, if he cared about sounding less bitter. Although, it's likely that it wouldn't make a bit of difference to many of the hard core folks who just don't like the guy regardless.

[classicstyxfan]

"Styx has staying power: 'We've seeped into too many corners,' says guitarist/vocalist John 'J.Y.' Young, an original member. "I have a love/dislike for that song," said guitarist/vocalist John "J.Y." Young, an original member who has been with the band for more than 30 years. "


Is John 'J.Y' Young James 'J.Y' Young's evil twin ???? what a slap in the face for the interviewer to talk to the evil twin ! ( or did he just get the name wrong ? ) either way.........

I wonder how Timmy Shaw feels about all of this ?

[Roboto750]

For the record I never stated that they ONLY play DDY penned songs. "A lot of songs written by that guy", was the exact quote. Sooooooooooooo that creator of Babe/Roboto also penned Come Sail Away (arguably the group anthem and most anticipated tune), Grand Illusion, Lady (written about that same Babe), etc. All songs that the band suffers through each night. JY must have been asleep when the vote went in to include Roboto in the Medley bit of the show.

I agree with the medley statement. This interview (as well as another I saw earlier this morning for another show, which was almost an exact copy of this one) made a big deal of "Roboto" not being in the set, but yet the band includes it in the medley. It may not be the whole song, but its presence is still felt. Wouldn’t this contradict the reason for not playing it in the first place? I mean, you’re still brining the song to people’s attention during the concert, aren’t you?

On another note, I will say that while the current line up may not like those particular two songs (Babe and Mr. Roboto, among others), they are missed by a large number of fans. I have seen the current Styx line up several times now and I always hear people talking after the show, naming songs that the band didn't do. "Mr. Roboto" is always at the top of their list, followed by "Babe" and "Best of Times." The band may or may not be able to pull off full versions of these songs, though I could see a new rocked-up version of "Roboto" being a Gowan show stopper.

I will also say, as JY pointed out, that "Roboto" has introduced a whole generation to Styx (myself being among them). "Mr. Roboto" is known as one of the band's signature songs among younger fans. I D.J. from time to time for younger crowds and Styx is always part of my play list. If I don't play "Roboto," I at least hear the song mentioned by someone in attendance. In either case, all of the band's songs are enjoyed as much as "the-song-that-must-not-be-played."

Anyway, I'll be at this show at Wild Bills on Friday (the show the interview was conducted for). I can't wait, as I always enjoy a Styx show with any song in or out of the set list!

[StyxCollector]

Is John 'J.Y' Young James 'J.Y' Young's evil twin ???? what a slap in the face for the interviewer to talk to the evil twin ! ( or did he just get the name wrong ? ) either way.........

I was waiting for someone else to pick up on that. Made me crack up. It's not even like he uses John just once.

I wonder how Timmy Shaw feels about all of this ?

Personally, I think Darren DeYoung may be more pissed.

[StyxCollector]

BTW, I forgot to mention that I DO think JY could say, "not in the foreseeable future" when asked if DeYoung will ever return, if he cared about sounding less bitter. Although, it's likely that it wouldn't make a bit of difference to many of the hard core folks who just don't like the guy regardless.

JY has achieved something most members of Styx haven't been always able to do: tell a consistent story for years lol

Seriously, at this point, who does JY have to appease by softening what he says? No one really. Some here may not like it, but the real question is why is it still getting under their skin 8 years later?

While JY may never like "Babe" or "Roboto", he knows what success it brought him. I don't think anyone on this board who has a day job and it pays them enough loves every moment of every day. Do you expect all members of a band to love every song equally?

JY could kiss DDY's ass and people here would find fault with it.

[Zan]

JY could kiss DDY's ass and people here would find fault with it.

I'm already finding fault with it, and it hasn't even happened!

(Does DDY even HAVE an ass?)

[Barbara]

Is John 'J.Y' Young James 'J.Y' Young's evil twin ???? what a slap in the face for the interviewer to talk to the evil twin ! ( or did he just get the name wrong ? ) either way.........

I was waiting for someone else to pick up on that. Made me crack up. It's not even like he uses John just once.

I wonder how Timmy Shaw feels about all of this ?

Personally, I think Darren DeYoung may be more pissed.

I love the way J.Y. "speaks" and gets everyone here in an uproar! Fascinating...

[blt man]

So the man does not want to play with Dennis again and uses a play on the bands name to repeat it. Whats the big deal? Is anyone really surprised?

I was much more surprised when JY in his recent interview on a Toronto radio station (the one Sterling was on) indicated that Greatest Hits has sold much less copies than other big rock bands greatest hits packages because of Deyoung's songs.

[Higgy]

BTW, I forgot to mention that I DO think JY could say, "not in the foreseeable future" when asked if DeYoung will ever return, if he cared about sounding less bitter. Although, it's likely that it wouldn't make a bit of difference to many of the hard core folks who just don't like the guy regardless.

JY has achieved something most members of Styx haven't been always able to do: tell a consistent story for years lol

Seriously, at this point, who does JY have to appease by softening what he says? No one really. Some here may not like it, but the real question is why is it still getting under their skin 8 years later?

While JY may never like "Babe" or "Roboto", he knows what success it brought him. I don't think anyone on this board who has a day job and it pays them enough loves every moment of every day. Do you expect all members of a band to love every song equally?

JY could kiss DDY's ass and people here would find fault with it.

I think the problem that many of us "who find fault" with JYs constant nastiness is that it brings the Styx name down to a bad level. JYs total lack of class brings him down to, say David Lee Roth's 28 year old level. Styx are elder statesman and they (actually just JY) acts like a bratty child who has JUST gotten his way after 40 years. And before the inevitable, more-tactful-than-thou posts about MY comments on Styx and JY come about - I am a FAN, I'm supposed to act like this. JY, as a member of the band is supposed to show some class. We ALREADY know how he feels. He showed his skid marked underwear to the whole world in Behind The Music. Why does he repeat it every 15 days?

Look at a band that actually HAS some class. The members of Asia have all hated each other since about 1983. Did fans ever hear them throw shit at each other during this time? No. The fans threw shit at each other - they are supposed to. Thats what fans do. But the members themselves, being class acts, held themsleves to a certain level to the press.

As for finding fault with what JY says. I have never found fault with Tommy's comments on the subject, because Tommy is a class act (as is DDY). You don't hear them going on and on about the other side twice a month. I wouldn't find fault with JY if he said, honestly, "I suffered though professional jealousy being third fiddle to DDY and Tommy for years. Yeah, I fucked over Dennis and then spent the next 10 years blasting his lifetime of work, but I finally got to be what I always wanted - a rock star. Sure, Tommy uses the band as a cash cow to fund his real projects, but I still care about Styx. Finally I can play more than just Miss America and Snowblind in concert!"

In any case, would I want JY to kiss DDY's ass? No. Should JY act like the 60 year old rock veteran that he is instead of some less important version of Axl Rose? Yes.

And if you don't think JYs assholishness can hurt the band's reputation - look at what Mike Love did to the Beach Boys name in all those years of being a shithead about Brian Wilson's music.

[Higgy]

I love the way J.Y. "speaks" and gets everyone here in an uproar! Fascinating...

That hook a little empty, Barbara?

[LordofDaRing]

Then again if the interviews were not posted and the replies that follow, what would we have to discuss? Oh well since we are repeating ourselves and cannot agree: How is the weather in your area today? Its raining and cold down in Bayou Country this morning. Tomorrow is garbage day, need to set that out tonight. My little girl has cheerleading practice tonight. I have to help my son study tonight with his homework. I have to return those blockbuster videos from the other day, don't want to get a late fee on my account.
Hmmmm the litter box needs emptying this morning, better take care of that. Our new Govenor was sworn in yesterday. Well off to work I go, got to make a living and pay the bills, the house note is due this month.

Come on join in, this is so much better than discussing the forum

[Zan]

and they (actually just JY) acts like a bratty child who has JUST gotten his way after 40 years.

That's a bit contradictory, since anyone waiting 40 years for something isn't a child.

And before the inevitable, more-tactful-than-thou posts about MY comments on Styx and JY come about - I am a FAN, I'm supposed to act like this.

Really? You're supposed to? lol...

And if you don't think JYs assholishness can hurt the band's reputation - look at what Mike Love did to the Beach Boys name in all those years of being a shithead about Brian Wilson's music.

Um. Well, to that I can only offer some consolation by informing you that after 1983, the only "reputation" Styx ever had wasn't one that could be "hurt." lol

[Zan]

Then again if the interviews were not posted and the replies that follow, what would we have to discuss? Oh well since we are repeating ourselves and cannot agree: How is the weather in your area today? Its raining and cold down in Bayou Country this morning. Tomorrow is garbage day, need to set that out tonight. My little girl has cheerleading practice tonight. I have to help my son study tonight with his homework. I have to return those blockbuster videos from the other day, don't want to get a late fee on my account.
Hmmmm the litter box needs emptying this morning, better take care of that. Our new Govenor was sworn in yesterday. Well off to work I go, got to make a living and pay the bills, the house note is due this month.

Come on join in, this is so much better than discussing the forum

Every single other fan-based board I've been part of DOES talk about more than just Dennis vs. Styx and every micromanaging aspect of that topic. We DO discuss ourselves, our lives, and current events. Personally, I don't see that as a bad thing at all. It gives people an opportunity to feel like they are all part of something, rather than anonymous screen names with opinions about one endless subject. We also discuss other things about Styx than who fucked over who the most, who's more of an asshole this week, and who is the biggest loser in the group. We discuss how certain songs impacted our lives, particular memories we have about songs, concerts, band-member meetings, and so on. It ISN'T a constant battle of "us vs. them." Believe it or not. It CAN be done, and it's done so with relative ease. Never in my nine years of coming to Styx forums have I seen SO much dead-horse beating as I have here, and that includes AOL in 2000.

So, go ahead and make fun of the fact that we have literally nothing more to offer each other than the same ol', same 'ol. That's your right, but for the record, it *would* be a bit richer if people made even the slightest attempt to change it up a little. Hell, you might even find some of you LIKE it friendlier.

But I won't hold my breath.

[Barbara]

That hook a little empty, Barbara?

I didnt realize being consistent in "asshole-ishness" was a prerequisite for posting.

If I was to get upset about anything in that interview, it would be the "fans are people cllinging to their misspent youth" comment.
I guess if I "misspent" my youth listening to Styx, that means I am now misspending my adulthood. What a world, what a world...

[sniper16]

what would jy do if tommy and dennis decided to bury the hatchet, go reform the jy band, or kisss dennis's ass, and play whatever he was told to play.

[Zan]

I didnt realize being consistent in "asshole-ishness" was a prerequisite for posting.

You didn't?