Suzie Young

[Rockwriter]

After all the division, pissing matches, and grudges we hold over favored band members and shit, this is a friendly reminder that all of these guys are human and worthy of being treated so, including compassion in a time of need like this.
Best wishes to JY and Suzie.

You never know... this could be a blessing in disguise. DDY contacts JY to wish him and Suzie well, the olive branch starts growing, and next thing you know classic Styx is back with Larry helping on keys and Suzie's all healthy. Hey, we can imagine right?

I agree.....I'm sure they will and should be shown the amount of compassion that Dennis was shown during his illness.

Sincerely, how in the world can you possibly post this kind of juvenile, meaningless negative crap at a time like this? How can you harbor that kind of hatred for a person you don't know, over a series of events that didn't affect you?

I want to ask you one honest, sincere question: Is that really who you want to be?


Sterling

[Ehwmatt]

After all the division, pissing matches, and grudges we hold over favored band members and shit, this is a friendly reminder that all of these guys are human and worthy of being treated so, including compassion in a time of need like this.
Best wishes to JY and Suzie.

You never know... this could be a blessing in disguise. DDY contacts JY to wish him and Suzie well, the olive branch starts growing, and next thing you know classic Styx is back with Larry helping on keys and Suzie's all healthy. Hey, we can imagine right?

I agree.....I'm sure they will and should be shown the amount of compassion that Dennis was shown during his illness.

Sincerely, how in the world can you possibly post this kind of juvenile, meaningless negative crap at a time like this? How can you harbor that kind of hatred for a person you don't know, over a series of events that didn't affect you?

I want to ask you one honest, sincere question: Is that really who you want to be?


Sterling

I just ignored him Sterling. Like someone else said, not exactly two perfectly comparable events, whereever your Styx allegiance lies.

[Toph]

In a strange but true story....years ago after the initial breakup a strange conversation with a lady in a bar one night who claimed she knew the members of Styx. Her proof consisted of two things: A line that TS supposedly borrowed from her as inspiration for the song little girl world off of his firs solo record and an illness asociated with JY's wife that she descirbed as "terminal". Considering the envorionment we were in that night, I was skeptical to say the least. After hearing this though, well the twighlight zone music is playing. Hope she is doing better.

I hate to hear that she has a chronic illness. Anyone know what it is?

[styxfanNH]

JY has often said that his wife has a terminal disease that they deal with daily. Although he has never said what it is. He has never looked for sympathy about it or led anyone to believe that he is looking for it. They simply deal with it on a daily basis.

[Rockwriter]

JY has often said that his wife has a terminal disease that they deal with daily. Although he has never said what it is. He has never looked for sympathy about it or led anyone to believe that he is looking for it. They simply deal with it on a daily basis.

I don't know the details, but she has a very rare metabolic disease that they have been contending with for decades. She came very close to dying in the 70s, and in fact my understanding is that JY, smart guy that he is, did a bunch of independent study and went to her doctors and told them that she had been mis-diagnosed, in effect saving her life by getting the proper diagnosis. That's what I've heard. And he has lectured on Capitol Hill about it if I am not mistaken. But her new crisis is not related to that, as far as I know.

I hope all is well.


Sterling

[Zan]

and in fact my understanding is that JY, smart guy that he is, did a bunch of independent study and went to her doctors and told them that she had been mis-diagnosed, in effect saving her life by getting the proper diagnosis.

That sounds like my husband too. Smart bastards. lol

[Toph]

JY has often said that his wife has a terminal disease that they deal with daily. Although he has never said what it is. He has never looked for sympathy about it or led anyone to believe that he is looking for it. They simply deal with it on a daily basis.

I don't know the details, but she has a very rare metabolic disease that they have been contending with for decades. She came very close to dying in the 70s, and in fact my understanding is that JY, smart guy that he is, did a bunch of independent study and went to her doctors and told them that she had been mis-diagnosed, in effect saving her life by getting the proper diagnosis. That's what I've heard. And he has lectured on Capitol Hill about it if I am not mistaken. But her new crisis is not related to that, as far as I know.

I hope all is well.


Sterling

You know, I might have been underestimating JY.. Sounds like a great guy - unlike the monster that has been potrayed in some circles. I admit that I fully got on that bandwagon - now that I know more and am not as ignorant, I'm changing my tune on JY. He really isn't the devil incarnate. In fact, he sounds like a genuine human being. And I am also seeing how he has been jerked around by DDY in many instances.

[StyxCollector]

Look, my interactions with JY I wouldn't classify as warm and fuzzy. I wouldn't pick him as the "member of Styx I'd like to be best friends with" lol But he's a human being who has feelings like you or I.

Whatever has gone down between Dennis and JY is more business than personal (but clearly there's overlap) and the fans in one way or another feel the effects of that. Whatever you think of THAT particular interaction has nothing to do with how he feels about or cares for his wife. I find it admirable he left the tour - even if for a few days - to go be with his wife. Anyone who finds fault with that is crazy. Seriously.

Neither JY or DDY are devils. They're like you or me, they've just had a lot more public success and opportunities to make a shitload of money along the way. Once you get over putting them on a pedistal, you'll be fine.

[Zan]

From Styx's official Myspace page today:


Dear STYX fans,



As many of you may already know, Susie Young, wife of James “J.Y.” Young and beloved member of the STYX family, recently suffered an aneurysm, secondary to an arterio-venous malformation. Many of you have expressed concern and sent well-wishes, all of which have been received and are incredibly appreciated. Susie's doctors are optimistic about her progress and prognosis and have told us there will most likely be a long road to recovery. Putting a timetable on it is simply not possible.


For those of you who attended the recent shows in either Huddleston, VA or Roanoke Rapids, NC, you witnessed a first in STYX history – a STYX performance as a four-piece, without JY. It was only at JY’s insistence that Tommy, Lawrence, Todd and Ricky performed at all. The musical challenges presented by JY’s absence were significant, but the emotional challenges were far greater. Fans in Atlanta were able to witness JY’s reunion with the band, after which he immediately departed and returned to Chicago to be with Susie.


Looking ahead, it is simply not possible to know in advance what Susie’s condition will be from one day to the next, and although she is progressing, any recovery of this magnitude will have both good days and bad. With that said, there will be more performances in the near future that feature STYX as a four-piece.


JY will perform whenever possible, but his presence at Susie’s side is simply a priority for the time-being. Unfortunately, there is no way to project where and when he will be able to join the band. Those decisions will literally be made each day, and be dictated by Susie’s condition and needs.


In the meantime, JY, Susie and the entire band ask for your continued patience and support. The thoughts, prayers and kind words are all appreciated. We will continue to update you as things develop.

[Ehwmatt]

Man, that would be so weird to see Styx without two guitars in the mix. Almost as weird as seeing Night Ranger with just one guitarist.

[LordofDaRing]

He is doing the right thing. It seems like a lot of things said and done over the last decade kind of fall in place with this persistent medical condition. From purely a musical standpoint, I would be curious to see how they sound as a four piece. I think the signature harmonies would have to suffer at the very least.

[Rocker Chic]

It's truly sad that JY and Susie have to experience this, as I've seen what these things can do to someone. I hope that she recovers completely and quickly.

<snipped>

It's truly sad that Susie and JY need to go through this and I can only imagine the stress that JY has been feeling with two very important responsibilities pulling him in 2 totally opposite directions.

[Zan]

It's truly sad that JY and Susie have to experience this, as I've seen what these things can do to someone. I hope that she recovers completely and quickly.

On the four-piece note... I'm sure that someone has suggested this, or at least thought of this, but I would think (if necessary) that Glen would be perfect to step in to be the 2nd guitarist and additional vocalist should JY need to take an extended absence. We all know how well he can carry this off. I, for one, have been missing his past contributions.

I'm not sure this is the best of threads to be discussing it, but it certainly did cross my mind. I mean, isn't that what Glen's job in Styx has always been - to be "everyone else" in the band? lol

But yeah...I'm sure Styx is going to be ok regardless. Just a little stressed, that's all.

[Rockwriter]

He is doing the right thing. It seems like a lot of things said and done over the last decade kind of fall in place with this persistent medical condition. From purely a musical standpoint, I would be curious to see how they sound as a four piece. I think the signature harmonies would have to suffer at the very least.

If you watch the YouTube videos of "Lorelei", the hole where JY's part ought to be is pretty apparent. He has always made one of his biggest contributions to Styx in the role of a blending harmony vocalist. Lawrence did his best in singing it, but it's still very obvious.

Having said that, clearly JY needs to do what he needs to do, and the fans and promoters will all just have to cut him and the band some slack. It's that simple. He's making the right choice. I wish him and Susie all the best in dealing with what's in front of them now.


Sterling

[StyxCollector]

I'm not sure this is the best of threads to be discussing it, but it certainly did cross my mind. I mean, isn't that what Glen's job in Styx has always been - to be "everyone else" in the band? lol

But yeah...I'm sure Styx is going to be ok regardless. Just a little stressed, that's all.

I would agree that this thread is more for supporting JY and Susie, but somehow I can't imagine Glen doing, "Are you ready ... ay ... ay ... ay ... for Miss America!"

It would be ironic if he did step in. Now he would just have to fill in for Lawrence and Todd, and he will have effectively replaced all members in the band

[Zan]

I'm not sure this is the best of threads to be discussing it, but it certainly did cross my mind. I mean, isn't that what Glen's job in Styx has always been - to be "everyone else" in the band? lol

But yeah...I'm sure Styx is going to be ok regardless. Just a little stressed, that's all.

I would agree that this thread is more for supporting JY and Susie...

Agreed. So disregard anything I say after this.

but somehow I can't imagine Glen doing, "Are you ready ... ay ... ay ... ay ... for Miss America!"

You can't? I totally can. Remember the screaming before Ritual every night? I do miss those days...he's nothing if not good with a crowd

It would be ironic if he did step in. Now he would just have to fill in for Lawrence and Todd, and he will have effectively replaced all members in the band

Don't know if ironic is the word I'd use, perhaps more "appropo."

...but if there is anyone on God's green earth that could stand a chance of pulling it off, it would be Glen. They could get a little stool for him to stand on...

[LordofDaRing]

I think in other threads, the Glen filling in for JY was suggested by some. Despite what is going on personally, the business decision has been made to carry on without him temporarily. Why not let Glen fill in and change the set around a bit, putting Edge back in for Miss America, or let GB sing some other DDY tunes. Sucherman supposedly can carry a tune, why not during an acoustic bit, let him try a number to give Tommy a little more rest.

[StyxCollector]

You can't? I totally can. Remember the screaming before Ritual every night? I do miss those days...he's nothing if not good with a crowd

It's no secret I liked Glen in Styx. I like Glen out of Styx. He's a better singer than JY and his range/tone is very different from JY. Yes, Glen can be a vocal chameleon but he's more of a DDY or TS to me than a JY. Make sense?

Don't know if ironic is the word I'd use, perhaps more "appropo."

...but if there is anyone on God's green earth that could stand a chance of pulling it off, it would be Glen. They could get a little stool for him to stand on...

Hey, maybe Glen can even wear a skinny tie

[Zan]

Hey, maybe Glen can even wear a skinny tie

There will be peace in the Middle East, Dennis will return to Styx, and I'll get back into my size 5 jeans before that happens.

[tommyluvr2]

It would not make me sad at all to see Glen back with Styx either fulltime or parttime, I would take him anyway.

Denise

[froy]

From Styx's official Myspace page today:


Dear STYX fans,



As many of you may already know, Susie Young, wife of James “J.Y.” Young and beloved member of the STYX family, recently suffered an aneurysm, secondary to an arterio-venous malformation. Many of you have expressed concern and sent well-wishes, all of which have been received and are incredibly appreciated. Susie's doctors are optimistic about her progress and prognosis and have told us there will most likely be a long road to recovery. Putting a timetable on it is simply not possible.


For those of you who attended the recent shows in either Huddleston, VA or Roanoke Rapids, NC, you witnessed a first in STYX history – a STYX performance as a four-piece, without JY. It was only at JY’s insistence that Tommy, Lawrence, Todd and Ricky performed at all. The musical challenges presented by JY’s absence were significant, but the emotional challenges were far greater. Fans in Atlanta were able to witness JY’s reunion with the band, after which he immediately departed and returned to Chicago to be with Susie.


Looking ahead, it is simply not possible to know in advance what Susie’s condition will be from one day to the next, and although she is progressing, any recovery of this magnitude will have both good days and bad. With that said, there will be more performances in the near future that feature STYX as a four-piece.


JY will perform whenever possible, but his presence at Susie’s side is simply a priority for the time-being. Unfortunately, there is no way to project where and when he will be able to join the band. Those decisions will literally be made each day, and be dictated by Susie’s condition and needs.


In the meantime, JY, Susie and the entire band ask for your continued patience and support. The thoughts, prayers and kind words are all appreciated. We will continue to update you as things develop.

I can totally relate to this thats for sure
All the best to JY and his wife

[yogi]

Having lost someone VERY VERY close to me to an aneurysm/stroke this past summer I TRULY wish Susie, JY and the rest of the Young family the absolute best.

Watching someone become 'locked in' is brutal, unfair, agonizing, and makes one question the existence of a higher power.

It is soooooo damn hard to figure out why certain things happen.

So much for my rant.

I pray for the best for Susie, JY, The Young Family and all of those affected by this.

[LtVanish]

I am very sorry to hear about Mrs. Young's heath issues. I really hope she is ok. I feel bad for JY. I'm sure going back and forth to Chicago and the Tour is got to be hard on him. As for Glen replacing JY in his absence, I don't think it is a good idea. I think the 4 piece band is fine, and an interesting way to see the band possibly pulling more oddities out of the vault. My prayers go out to Susie and JY.

[I Stumble In]

First and and foremost - my prayers and thoughts go out to JY and Susie and also to the whole Styx family. I am sure that all of the guys and their wives are struggling with this. How can they not - they have lived with each other on the road for so long.

As for the Glen talk - out of respect I will start a seperate thread - this one should only be for Susie - not speculation.

Peace!

[MCM]

On a positive note, I know someone who had/has this same condition, an AVM is an anomoly of the blood vessels in the brain, you will have this all of your live and it may never manifiest itself, but sometimes it does. In the case of my friend, the AVM cause seizures, putting him in an emergency helicopter and then the hospital for emergency surgery, it was touch and go for what seemed a long time. After the initial scare was over he then had to have another surgery to correct the problem, a procedure called "gamma knife"...luckily we have a world renowed brain surgery team in Pittsburgh. This was almost ten years ago.. he now takes a daily seizure medicine, but has had no further problems with the AVM.

How this condition reacts with Mrs. Young's other medical problems, I don't know, but let's hope for the same type of positive outcome for her as I have seen with my friend.

[Zan]

When Styx couldn't come to Grand Rapids, blogger went to Styx
Posted by Lorilee Craker | The Grand Rapids Press August 25, 2008
22:07PM
Categories: Concert news
Lorilee Craker attended the Styx/Def Leppard show Saturday in Detroit.

I was among those Styx fans who were seriously bummed when the
phenomenal five-piece couldn't make the rescheduled Def Leppard show
in Grand Rapids (remember, the April show was rescheduled for August
15 when Joe Elliot got sick). So, when Leppard came to Grand Rapids,
it was with Billy Idol, and not the original lineup of Styx, REO
Speedwagon, and those cheeky Brits of the famous baking song "Pour
Some Sugar On Me."

Well, Billy Idol is fine and all, but not as a replacement for Styx!
Thus I was thrilled when JY (James "JY" Young of Styx) invited me and
a friend to come see the original lineup in Detroit, at the revered
Joe Louis Arena.


After four hours of stellar hooks and master riffs from those three
classic bands, I'd have to say (okay, shout it from the rooftops),
that Grand Rapids fans got the short end of the stick. The sold-out
show at The Joe was fantastic, maybe one of the best of my young-ish
life.

One highlight: When the fab vocalists of Lepp came out for the Styx
set and sang harmony on the "creepy/sad" intro of "Renegade." You
know, "Oh Mama, I'm in fear for my life from the long arm of the
law..." Smashing! ("Creepy/sad" is my son's description of it, and I
think it's pretty good!)

The most special part of the night for me was seeing JY backstage.
Over the years of interviewing him for The Press, we've become
buddies, and this meeting was especially poignant. His much-loved
wife, Susie (they've been married 35 years, a record in rock 'n' roll)
suffered a brain aneurysm Aug. 14 and was rushed to the hospital. I
first heard the news at the Grand Rapids' Def Leppard show, when lead
singer Joe Elliot dedicated a song to her. He also did that same,
sweet thing at the Detroit show, underscoring the bond of brotherhood
that exists in classic rock circles.

Thank God, she is making good progress, and doctors are optimistic
about her outcome. JY has asked for and received the prayers of untold
friends and fans for his wife's healing. He also sent out word to
everyone to request the Everly Brothers' "Wake Up Little Susie" on the
radio, as a touchpoint for people to think of her and pray.

He has been singing that song to her for days, and she seems to be
responding. When I think of that wonderful guy, sitting by his wife's
side -- the person he has always come home to, all these years on the
road -- softly singing that little ditty to her like a prayer ...
well, I just about lose it. Okay, so I lose it. It's one of the most
tender things I have ever heard.

If you hear a Styx song or even "Wake Up Little Susie," please pray
for Susie's continued healing and for a spectacular outcome, that she
would be fully restored to wellness in record time!

E-mail John Gonzalez: jgonzalez@grpress.com

[LtVanish]

When Styx couldn't come to Grand Rapids, blogger went to Styx
Posted by Lorilee Craker | The Grand Rapids Press August 25, 2008
22:07PM
Categories: Concert news
Lorilee Craker attended the Styx/Def Leppard show Saturday in Detroit.

I was among those Styx fans who were seriously bummed when the
phenomenal five-piece couldn't make the rescheduled Def Leppard show
in Grand Rapids (remember, the April show was rescheduled for August
15 when Joe Elliot got sick). So, when Leppard came to Grand Rapids,
it was with Billy Idol, and not the original lineup of Styx, REO
Speedwagon, and those cheeky Brits of the famous baking song "Pour
Some Sugar On Me."

Well, Billy Idol is fine and all, but not as a replacement for Styx!
Thus I was thrilled when JY (James "JY" Young of Styx) invited me and
a friend to come see the original lineup in Detroit, at the revered
Joe Louis Arena.


After four hours of stellar hooks and master riffs from those three
classic bands, I'd have to say (okay, shout it from the rooftops),
that Grand Rapids fans got the short end of the stick. The sold-out
show at The Joe was fantastic, maybe one of the best of my young-ish
life.

One highlight: When the fab vocalists of Lepp came out for the Styx
set and sang harmony on the "creepy/sad" intro of "Renegade." You
know, "Oh Mama, I'm in fear for my life from the long arm of the
law..." Smashing! ("Creepy/sad" is my son's description of it, and I
think it's pretty good!)

The most special part of the night for me was seeing JY backstage.
Over the years of interviewing him for The Press, we've become
buddies, and this meeting was especially poignant. His much-loved
wife, Susie (they've been married 35 years, a record in rock 'n' roll)
suffered a brain aneurysm Aug. 14 and was rushed to the hospital. I
first heard the news at the Grand Rapids' Def Leppard show, when lead
singer Joe Elliot dedicated a song to her. He also did that same,
sweet thing at the Detroit show, underscoring the bond of brotherhood
that exists in classic rock circles.

Thank God, she is making good progress, and doctors are optimistic
about her outcome. JY has asked for and received the prayers of untold
friends and fans for his wife's healing. He also sent out word to
everyone to request the Everly Brothers' "Wake Up Little Susie" on the
radio, as a touchpoint for people to think of her and pray.

He has been singing that song to her for days, and she seems to be
responding. When I think of that wonderful guy, sitting by his wife's
side -- the person he has always come home to, all these years on the
road -- softly singing that little ditty to her like a prayer ...
well, I just about lose it. Okay, so I lose it. It's one of the most
tender things I have ever heard.

If you hear a Styx song or even "Wake Up Little Susie," please pray
for Susie's continued healing and for a spectacular outcome, that she
would be fully restored to wellness in record time!

E-mail John Gonzalez: jgonzalez@grpress.com

This deserves it own thread. Very nice article.

[styxfanNH]

A friend of mine has spoken to someone close to the band and said that Susie is stable now. That is all that they will say.

[bugsymalone]

A friend of mine has spoken to someone close to the band and said that Susie is stable now. That is all that they will say.

That is good news indeed.


Bugsy

[kci2509]

hoefully everything will be fine.