Styx and its Future

[brywool]

Okay, so has ANYONE heard ANYTHING about Styx doing anything other than touring in future? I've heard nothing about new albums, new songs, new plans or anything for a few years now. The band REALLY REALLY needs to do an album of new music....

[Zan]

Okay, so has ANYONE heard ANYTHING about Styx doing anything other than touring in future? I've heard nothing about new albums, new songs, new plans or anything for a few years now.

YES. JY and TS have both said time & time again that STYX will not be recording any new material in the near future.

[brywool]

that completely blows.

[Higgy]

that completely blows.

Well good songs don't grow on trees and the good songwriter is out being liberally light sensitive.

[Everett]

that completely blows.

Well good songs don't go on trees and the good songwriter is out being liberally light sensitive.

You get the eye roll higgy

[kansas666]

YES. JY and TS have both said time & time again that STYX will not be recording any new material in the near future.

What about

Just Be
Everything All The Time
Can't Stop Rockin

[bugsymalone]

Thread No. 5,202 on this topic.

Styx and Its Future. Pretty much what you are seeing now is what you will be getting from here on until the nursing home circuit. Maybe they will slow down then. Or not.


Bugsy

[hurricane #1]

Too bad....maybe when Dennis comes back they'll do another LP.

Apparently those shows i found on wolfgangs vault will have to sustain me for awhile..

[Grotelul]

Dennis only comes back to do a short series of shows. They could do 3 or 4 nights in Chicago playing all the hits plus a ton of obscure stuff. Maybe one night they could do an acoustic show. Record it for DVD/CD and maybe record 2 or 3 new songs to put on there. That would be a great ending for those guys. Of course current Styx could go on it's merry way after playing the hits tours and Dennis could do his thing.

[StyxCollector]

What incentive does Styx - or Dennis for that matter - have to record an album that will not sell all that well? Even if they do a new album/re-recorded hits/DVD package exclusive at a WalMart or Target, it's not going to be the second coming of Grand Illusion. Styx is not AC/DC or Kiss, and if Styx did the aforementioned WalMart deal at some point, it'd probably sell more like the REO collection.

And of the newer songs they've done post-Cyclorama, clearly everyone has their opinion on them. I know mine have been well stated, but they didn't help sell the albums they were on. Even top selling artists don't sell like they used to.

They don't owe us anything, and the majority of people just want to hear the hits they know. People forget Styx is a daily business concern, so why would they upset the apple cart for something that would have little reward? It may be good personally - but I don't get the impression any of them are gung ho to do it even for that reason. Dennis had something to say (and arguably, something to prove) when he did 100 Years, but I think even he knew it wouldn't sell millions in the US. I think that could very well be the last new Styx-related release of new material we may see in the near future, if ever.

EDIT: You think Styx fans are bad? Check out this thread over at Counterparts: http://www.rushmessageboard.com/cpmb/in ... opic=33316

Neil talks about potential new stuff (OK, so Rush + orchestra) and you'd think he said the worst thing ever. So put it all in perspective folks. Fans nitpick. These bands can't satisfy everyone.

[brywool]

that completely blows.

Well good songs don't grow on trees and the good songwriter is out being liberally light sensitive.

jeez, does every thread have to turn into this? I don't agree. They all had something to add. Personally, I think Shaw is the better writer, but it's really beside the point.

I shoulda known before I asked I guess.

[brywool]

What incentive does Styx - or Dennis for that matter - have to record an album that will not sell all that well? Even if they do a new album/re-recorded hits/DVD package exclusive at a WalMart or Target, it's not going to be the second coming of Grand Illusion. Styx is not AC/DC or Kiss, and if Styx did the aforementioned WalMart deal at some point, it'd probably sell more like the REO collection.

And of the newer songs they've done post-Cyclorama, clearly everyone has their opinion on them. I know mine have been well stated, but they didn't help sell the albums they were on. Even top selling artists don't sell like they used to.

They don't owe us anything, and the majority of people just want to hear the hits they know. People forget Styx is a daily business concern, so why would they upset the apple cart for something that would have little reward? It may be good personally - but I don't get the impression any of them are gung ho to do it even for that reason. Dennis had something to say (and arguably, something to prove) when he did 100 Years, but I think even he knew it wouldn't sell millions in the US. I think that could very well be the last new Styx-related release of new material we may see in the near future, if ever.

EDIT: You think Styx fans are bad? Check out this thread over at Counterparts: http://www.rushmessageboard.com/cpmb/in ... opic=33316

Neil talks about potential new stuff (OK, so Rush + orchestra) and you'd think he said the worst thing ever. So put it all in perspective folks. Fans nitpick. These bands can't satisfy everyone.

The incentive is that it's CREATIVE. Jesus, people can record albums in their freakin homes. They could sell it through their site if there's no label interest. I am very interested in hearing new material from them AND DeYoung actually. I think CASUAL fans will not care. Real fans will. I can't imagine Shaw or Gowan NOT wanting to write and create new music. It's pretty sad to me.

[brywool]

YES. JY and TS have both said time & time again that STYX will not be recording any new material in the near future.

What about

Just Be
Everything All The Time
Can't Stop Rockin

That's cool and I welcomed those tracks. However, they're old at this point. I want a new ALBUM of NEW Styx material.

[Abitaman]

Same here, even if it was only sold on their web site

[Toph]

YES. JY and TS have both said time & time again that STYX will not be recording any new material in the near future.

What about

Just Be
Everything All The Time
Can't Stop Rockin

Yeah, those were just great...

[Toph]

What incentive does Styx - or Dennis for that matter - have to record an album that will not sell all that well? Even if they do a new album/re-recorded hits/DVD package exclusive at a WalMart or Target, it's not going to be the second coming of Grand Illusion. Styx is not AC/DC or Kiss, and if Styx did the aforementioned WalMart deal at some point, it'd probably sell more like the REO collection.

And of the newer songs they've done post-Cyclorama, clearly everyone has their opinion on them. I know mine have been well stated, but they didn't help sell the albums they were on. Even top selling artists don't sell like they used to.

They don't owe us anything, and the majority of people just want to hear the hits they know. People forget Styx is a daily business concern, so why would they upset the apple cart for something that would have little reward? It may be good personally - but I don't get the impression any of them are gung ho to do it even for that reason. Dennis had something to say (and arguably, something to prove) when he did 100 Years, but I think even he knew it wouldn't sell millions in the US. I think that could very well be the last new Styx-related release of new material we may see in the near future, if ever.

EDIT: You think Styx fans are bad? Check out this thread over at Counterparts: http://www.rushmessageboard.com/cpmb/in ... opic=33316

Neil talks about potential new stuff (OK, so Rush + orchestra) and you'd think he said the worst thing ever. So put it all in perspective folks. Fans nitpick. These bands can't satisfy everyone.

They would have to almost be guaranteed that it would sell. I.e. they link up with a major motion picture that guarantees to release one of their songs as the main part of the movie's soundtrack or a song becomes the theme to a TV show or something like that. Beyond that, I agree, why bother?

If (and this is a 1 in a million chance), Dennis comes back, they get some director that was a huge Styx fan as a kid use a new song in a major move, and somehow by chance get a record company that cares to invest, then maybe...just maybe...they could have another hit record. But this is such a long shot that I am confident to say that the last Styx presence on the Billboard Top 100 singles chart will go down as "Love At First Sight" peaking at 25 in 1991.

[hurricane #1]

I thought they were supposed to make albums and tour because they are artists/musicians and that's what they have to do...if they aren't into it anymore than they shouldn't even be touring (even though I want them to).

No one wants to see anybody pretend they're having a good time.

If they were actually into music they'd be more concerned about making new albums rather than playing the same set for 9 years.

[StyxCollector]

The incentive is that it's CREATIVE. Jesus, people can record albums in their freakin homes. They could sell it through their site if there's no label interest. I am very interested in hearing new material from them AND DeYoung actually. I think CASUAL fans will not care. Real fans will. I can't imagine Shaw or Gowan NOT wanting to write and create new music. It's pretty sad to me.

Yes, but as has been stated 1,001 times the casual fans pay the bills. And what if - heaven forbid - they just don't have the fire to write new material as Styx? The creative incentive is horseshit if they don't want to do it. This has nothing to do with where they record the album - 7DZ was done pretty much completely in Tommy's own studio. And if you look at Tommy's output for the past, oh, 6 years since Cyclorama it's pretty dry. I'm sure he writes, but maybe he just doesn't feel it's good. I don't know, and personally, I don't care. No use psychoanalyzing these guys. If they're happy just doing what they do, what concern of it is yours?

[StyxCollector]

I thought they were supposed to make albums and tour because they are artists/musicians and that's what they have to do...if they aren't into it anymore than they shouldn't even be touring (even though I want them to).

No one wants to see anybody pretend they're having a good time.

If they were actually into music they'd be more concerned about making new albums rather than playing the same set for 9 years.

Not necessarily. Some people just love to play live. It's not all about writing. Again, if what they love to do now is tour and not write, what does it really matter? And where is written they need to write and record and then tour? This isn't the 70s where it was album-tour (repeat infinitum). This is a new musical landscape. I'm not sure where you think they must do albums and tour.

[Higgy]

The incentive is that it's CREATIVE. Jesus, people can record albums in their freakin homes. They could sell it through their site if there's no label interest. I am very interested in hearing new material from them AND DeYoung actually. I think CASUAL fans will not care. Real fans will. I can't imagine Shaw or Gowan NOT wanting to write and create new music. It's pretty sad to me.

Yes, but as has been stated 1,001 times the casual fans pay the bills. And what if - heaven forbid - they just don't have the fire to write new material as Styx? The creative incentive is horseshit if they don't want to do it. This has nothing to do with where they record the album - 7DZ was done pretty much completely in Tommy's own studio. And if you look at Tommy's output for the past, oh, 6 years since Cyclorama it's pretty dry. I'm sure he writes, but maybe he just doesn't feel it's good. I don't know, and personally, I don't care. No use psychoanalyzing these guys. If they're happy just doing what they do, what concern of it is yours?

I think the bottom line is that Tommy Shaw is just not that prolific of a songwriter. During classic Styx Tommy was good for 2 or 3 songs an album (the last 2 real Styx albums the quality and quantity of his input was very limited). For his solo career, Tommy would put 2 or 3 good songs on an album with a bunch of filler (Come in and Explain, Bad Times, Need Water, etc). Tommy's strength lies in his performance, not the quantity of his songwriting. The real problem with losing DDY for Tommy is he is now saddled with being the main songwriter of Styx and I don't think he likes that responsibility. This is probably why you haven't seen much product out of him in the last 10 years as far a songwriting goes.

[Everett]

I agree with you higgy. I as well as the next guy want's new material as well. But we have to face facts 99.5% of the people that see the band today just want to hear the hits and that's who they cater to. Until they actually want to go into the studio and record something new than that's when it will happen. Just stating the facts. Also over the last year or so i have e mailed todd about what there future plans are and i've gotten the same response: he just plays the drums and he doesn't make the calls.

[Zan]

Oh yes, sure, uh huh, absolutely.

Damnit, I miss Adam.

[DerriD]

Between Shaw, Young and Gowan there should be enough songwriting talent to write a solid release every other year.

[FormerDJMike]

Personally, instead of new music I would rather they re-do the A&M catalog. New everything, re-master, new packaging, bonus cuts, that live disc that was shelved with the Grand Illusion re-issue. Oh well, I can only hope. Would rather have this stuff than new stuff.

[Rockwriter]

Personally, instead of new music I would rather they re-do the A&M catalog. New everything, re-master, new packaging, bonus cuts, that live disc that was shelved with the Grand Illusion re-issue. Oh well, I can only hope. Would rather have this stuff than new stuff.

I agree that overhauling the hit catalog is long overdue, and there really is plenty of great unreleased stuff despite what everyone says to the contrary. Don't forget the full concert on Armed Forces Radio, or the unreleased live album the band recorded. Or the lost track from Po8. Or the demo version of "Chain Me Down" from TGI. The fact that none of that is out there as part of either a boxed set or proper stateside remasters is lunacy. It's money just sitting there waiting to be earned, and on top of that it's all relatively passive profit instead of money earned the hard way. I am mystified by this situation continuing this way. Let me get this straight: Gentle Giant can find a way to re-do its catalog profitably, but not Styx? WTF?!

Sterling

[yogi]

Not the mention of 'The Clapper ' version of Blue Collar Man!!!

P.S. - Did you know that in 1979 The Clapper had its Styx version out and you could only turn your lights on by clapping to the tune of Blue Collar Man. This is one of the rarest Styx items out there. You can link it at www.styxbluecollarclap.gov

[Toph]

Personally, instead of new music I would rather they re-do the A&M catalog. New everything, re-master, new packaging, bonus cuts, that live disc that was shelved with the Grand Illusion re-issue. Oh well, I can only hope. Would rather have this stuff than new stuff.

TOTALLY AGREE!! There is something wrong in the world when you can get Girls With Guns remastered but can't get Paradise Theatre or The Grand Illusion remastered.