Styx/Charlie Brusco drama @ the Leftsetz Letter

[fsutall]

Industry commentator Bob Lefsetz recently posted a blog regarding the slump that the concert industry is in and made a passing reference to the current Styx tour that didn't exactly go over well with Charlie Brusco. Here's the initial comment from Bob:

http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.php/ ... the-truth/

1. The shit has finally hit the fan in the touring world. From big to little, from the Eagles to Country Throwdown, from has-beens like Bizkit to Top Forty artists like Christina Aguilera, cancelled shows and tours have become de rigueur instead of the exception. And then there are those dates where the show still goes on, but you can get in free, with oldsters like Foreigner, Styx and Kansas, and even Bon Jovi is offering two for one

Next is the chain of emails between Lefsetz and Brusco. Sounds like Lefsetz hit a sensitive spot!!

http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.php/ ... a-manager/

Dealing With A Manager

From: Charlie Brusco
Subject: RE: Kevin Lyman Speaks The Truth
To: Bob Lefsetz
Cc: Tommy Shaw, James Young, Phil Carson, Stewart Young, Rod Essig, Rob Light, Danny Zelisko, Larry Vallon, Ryan Young, Taki Pappas, Mark Campana

Bob… I continually hear you talk about acts charging too much and ticket prices being too high and you lumped the Styx, Foreigner, Kansas tour into that guilt by association in this rant of yours. If you ask Live Nation (they have about 20 of our 36 dates) or any of the independent promoters doing dates on this package you will find their are three very happy participants in the tour. The tour is priced reasonably by today’s standards so the promoter, the artists and the fans are all winning. The show has high production values with a 70′ video screen and great sound and lights. Probably more hit songs played in one night than any other tour on the road and from the faces we see f the fans some very happy fans everywhere we go. The business is not all about sellouts and premium tickets it can also be about fair deals for everyone. By the way this is the 11th year in a row of Styx doing over 100 shows a year and millions of dollars in tickets and merch sales so someone out there must like what we are doing. Nothing wrong with offering fans two for one deals every once and a while.

Charlie

From: Phil Carson
Subject: RE: Kevin Lyman Speaks The Truth
To: Bob Lefsetz
Cc: Tommy Shaw, James Young, Charlie Brusco, Stewart Young, Rod Essig, Rob Light, Danny Zelisko, Larry Vallon, Ryan Young, Taki Pappas, Mark Campana

Good words Charlie!

Bob, we wanted to give the fans a great show at an affordable price. We offered tickets for $15 or less in pretty well every market right from the onsale date. You might find that worthy of mention.

You could always ask one of the twelve thousand or so people who saw the bands last night in Billings, or anyone from the sold out crowd for tonight in Red Rocks what they think.

Best,

Phil Carson

From: Bob Lefsetz
Subject: RE: Kevin Lyman Speaks The Truth
To: Phil Carson
Cc: Tommy Shaw, James Young, Charlie Brusco, Stewart Young, Rod Essig, Rob Light, Danny Zelisko, Larry Vallon, Ryan Young, Taki Pappas, Mark Campana

Oh come on guys, the bottom line is you gave tickets away for free.
And that’s got nothing to do with the quality of the music, but it does speak to demand. And that’s all I commented on.
You can stop the spin.

From: Charlie Brusco
Subject: RE: Kevin Lyman Speaks The Truth
To: Bob Lefsetz
Cc: Tommy Shaw, James Young, Phil Carson, Stewart Young, Rod Essig, Rob Light, Danny Zelisko, Larry Vallon, Ryan Young, Taki Pappas, Mark Campana

Bob…no one said we didn’t do 2 for 1’s I said the the acts, The promoters and the fans were all happy…good business. The only one who is bitching is you and frankly no one really gives a fuck what you think. Lets see if you are still around and doing business 35 years from now …good Luck.

Charlie

From: Bob Lefsetz
Subject: RE: Kevin Lyman Speaks The Truth
To: Charlie Brusco
Cc: Tommy Shaw, James Young, Phil Carson, Stewart Young, Rod Essig, Rob Light, Danny Zelisko, Larry Vallon, Ryan Young, Taki Pappas, Mark Campana

Wow, you’re showing your true colors. Won’t serve you well as a manager… I’m just reciting facts and you want to reinterpret them like a politician to make a point that’s got nothing to do with what i said.

Didn’t comment a single word on these acts’ music, or what a good time the fans had. Just that you gave away tickets for free, not 1/2 price (although people did have to pay service fees!)

Does a nice guy like Tommy Shaw know you deal with people this way?

From: Charlie Brusco
Subject: RE: Kevin Lyman Speaks The Truth
To: Bob Lefsetz

Bob… You are making it sound like the only tours that are successful are sellouts. I think shows that average 6000 people a night and are suceesful for the artists, promoter and the fans are successful especially when we try to do it at an affordable price to the promoter and the fans alike. Come out and see a show and see why people like tour. Lots of bang for the buck and you would be surprised at the demo of the crowds…it is all ages. It is a tough summer but we are still trying to entertain people..someone has to.

Charlie

[Toph]

Industry commentator Bob Lefsetz recently posted a blog regarding the slump that the concert industry is in and made a passing reference to the current Styx tour that didn't exactly go over well with Charlie Brusco. Here's the initial comment from Bob:

http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.php/ ... the-truth/

1. The shit has finally hit the fan in the touring world. From big to little, from the Eagles to Country Throwdown, from has-beens like Bizkit to Top Forty artists like Christina Aguilera, cancelled shows and tours have become de rigueur instead of the exception. And then there are those dates where the show still goes on, but you can get in free, with oldsters like Foreigner, Styx and Kansas, and even Bon Jovi is offering two for one

Next is the chain of emails between Lefsetz and Brusco. Sounds like Lefsetz hit a sensitive spot!!

http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.php/ ... a-manager/

Dealing With A Manager

From: Charlie Brusco
Subject: RE: Kevin Lyman Speaks The Truth
To: Bob Lefsetz
Cc: Tommy Shaw, James Young, Phil Carson, Stewart Young, Rod Essig, Rob Light, Danny Zelisko, Larry Vallon, Ryan Young, Taki Pappas, Mark Campana

Bob… I continually hear you talk about acts charging too much and ticket prices being too high and you lumped the Styx, Foreigner, Kansas tour into that guilt by association in this rant of yours. If you ask Live Nation (they have about 20 of our 36 dates) or any of the independent promoters doing dates on this package you will find their are three very happy participants in the tour. The tour is priced reasonably by today’s standards so the promoter, the artists and the fans are all winning. The show has high production values with a 70′ video screen and great sound and lights. Probably more hit songs played in one night than any other tour on the road and from the faces we see f the fans some very happy fans everywhere we go. The business is not all about sellouts and premium tickets it can also be about fair deals for everyone. By the way this is the 11th year in a row of Styx doing over 100 shows a year and millions of dollars in tickets and merch sales so someone out there must like what we are doing. Nothing wrong with offering fans two for one deals every once and a while.

Charlie

From: Phil Carson
Subject: RE: Kevin Lyman Speaks The Truth
To: Bob Lefsetz
Cc: Tommy Shaw, James Young, Charlie Brusco, Stewart Young, Rod Essig, Rob Light, Danny Zelisko, Larry Vallon, Ryan Young, Taki Pappas, Mark Campana

Good words Charlie!

Bob, we wanted to give the fans a great show at an affordable price. We offered tickets for $15 or less in pretty well every market right from the onsale date. You might find that worthy of mention.

You could always ask one of the twelve thousand or so people who saw the bands last night in Billings, or anyone from the sold out crowd for tonight in Red Rocks what they think.

Best,

Phil Carson

From: Bob Lefsetz
Subject: RE: Kevin Lyman Speaks The Truth
To: Phil Carson
Cc: Tommy Shaw, James Young, Charlie Brusco, Stewart Young, Rod Essig, Rob Light, Danny Zelisko, Larry Vallon, Ryan Young, Taki Pappas, Mark Campana

Oh come on guys, the bottom line is you gave tickets away for free.
And that’s got nothing to do with the quality of the music, but it does speak to demand. And that’s all I commented on.
You can stop the spin.

From: Charlie Brusco
Subject: RE: Kevin Lyman Speaks The Truth
To: Bob Lefsetz
Cc: Tommy Shaw, James Young, Phil Carson, Stewart Young, Rod Essig, Rob Light, Danny Zelisko, Larry Vallon, Ryan Young, Taki Pappas, Mark Campana

Bob…no one said we didn’t do 2 for 1’s I said the the acts, The promoters and the fans were all happy…good business. The only one who is bitching is you and frankly no one really gives a fuck what you think. Lets see if you are still around and doing business 35 years from now …good Luck.

Charlie

From: Bob Lefsetz
Subject: RE: Kevin Lyman Speaks The Truth
To: Charlie Brusco
Cc: Tommy Shaw, James Young, Phil Carson, Stewart Young, Rod Essig, Rob Light, Danny Zelisko, Larry Vallon, Ryan Young, Taki Pappas, Mark Campana

Wow, you’re showing your true colors. Won’t serve you well as a manager… I’m just reciting facts and you want to reinterpret them like a politician to make a point that’s got nothing to do with what i said.

Didn’t comment a single word on these acts’ music, or what a good time the fans had. Just that you gave away tickets for free, not 1/2 price (although people did have to pay service fees!)

Does a nice guy like Tommy Shaw know you deal with people this way?

From: Charlie Brusco
Subject: RE: Kevin Lyman Speaks The Truth
To: Bob Lefsetz

Bob… You are making it sound like the only tours that are successful are sellouts. I think shows that average 6000 people a night and are suceesful for the artists, promoter and the fans are successful especially when we try to do it at an affordable price to the promoter and the fans alike. Come out and see a show and see why people like tour. Lots of bang for the buck and you would be surprised at the demo of the crowds…it is all ages. It is a tough summer but we are still trying to entertain people..someone has to.

Charlie

Charlie Brusco is one of the worst things to happen to this band...ever....big part of the DDY "firing" and is all about the cash...

[Archetype]

Isn't it his job to be all about the cash?

[chickenbeef]

Industry commentator Bob Lefsetz recently posted a blog regarding the slump that the concert industry is in and made a passing reference to the current Styx tour that didn't exactly go over well with Charlie Brusco. Here's the initial comment from Bob:

http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.php/ ... the-truth/

1. The shit has finally hit the fan in the touring world. From big to little, from the Eagles to Country Throwdown, from has-beens like Bizkit to Top Forty artists like Christina Aguilera, cancelled shows and tours have become de rigueur instead of the exception. And then there are those dates where the show still goes on, but you can get in free, with oldsters like Foreigner, Styx and Kansas, and even Bon Jovi is offering two for one

Next is the chain of emails between Lefsetz and Brusco. Sounds like Lefsetz hit a sensitive spot!!

http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.php/ ... a-manager/

Dealing With A Manager

From: Charlie Brusco
Subject: RE: Kevin Lyman Speaks The Truth
To: Bob Lefsetz
Cc: Tommy Shaw, James Young, Phil Carson, Stewart Young, Rod Essig, Rob Light, Danny Zelisko, Larry Vallon, Ryan Young, Taki Pappas, Mark Campana

Bob… I continually hear you talk about acts charging too much and ticket prices being too high and you lumped the Styx, Foreigner, Kansas tour into that guilt by association in this rant of yours. If you ask Live Nation (they have about 20 of our 36 dates) or any of the independent promoters doing dates on this package you will find their are three very happy participants in the tour. The tour is priced reasonably by today’s standards so the promoter, the artists and the fans are all winning. The show has high production values with a 70′ video screen and great sound and lights. Probably more hit songs played in one night than any other tour on the road and from the faces we see f the fans some very happy fans everywhere we go. The business is not all about sellouts and premium tickets it can also be about fair deals for everyone. By the way this is the 11th year in a row of Styx doing over 100 shows a year and millions of dollars in tickets and merch sales so someone out there must like what we are doing. Nothing wrong with offering fans two for one deals every once and a while.

Charlie

From: Phil Carson
Subject: RE: Kevin Lyman Speaks The Truth
To: Bob Lefsetz
Cc: Tommy Shaw, James Young, Charlie Brusco, Stewart Young, Rod Essig, Rob Light, Danny Zelisko, Larry Vallon, Ryan Young, Taki Pappas, Mark Campana

Good words Charlie!

Bob, we wanted to give the fans a great show at an affordable price. We offered tickets for $15 or less in pretty well every market right from the onsale date. You might find that worthy of mention.

You could always ask one of the twelve thousand or so people who saw the bands last night in Billings, or anyone from the sold out crowd for tonight in Red Rocks what they think.

Best,

Phil Carson

From: Bob Lefsetz
Subject: RE: Kevin Lyman Speaks The Truth
To: Phil Carson
Cc: Tommy Shaw, James Young, Charlie Brusco, Stewart Young, Rod Essig, Rob Light, Danny Zelisko, Larry Vallon, Ryan Young, Taki Pappas, Mark Campana

Oh come on guys, the bottom line is you gave tickets away for free.
And that’s got nothing to do with the quality of the music, but it does speak to demand. And that’s all I commented on.
You can stop the spin.

From: Charlie Brusco
Subject: RE: Kevin Lyman Speaks The Truth
To: Bob Lefsetz
Cc: Tommy Shaw, James Young, Phil Carson, Stewart Young, Rod Essig, Rob Light, Danny Zelisko, Larry Vallon, Ryan Young, Taki Pappas, Mark Campana

Bob…no one said we didn’t do 2 for 1’s I said the the acts, The promoters and the fans were all happy…good business. The only one who is bitching is you and frankly no one really gives a fuck what you think. Lets see if you are still around and doing business 35 years from now …good Luck.

Charlie

From: Bob Lefsetz
Subject: RE: Kevin Lyman Speaks The Truth
To: Charlie Brusco
Cc: Tommy Shaw, James Young, Phil Carson, Stewart Young, Rod Essig, Rob Light, Danny Zelisko, Larry Vallon, Ryan Young, Taki Pappas, Mark Campana

Wow, you’re showing your true colors. Won’t serve you well as a manager… I’m just reciting facts and you want to reinterpret them like a politician to make a point that’s got nothing to do with what i said.

Didn’t comment a single word on these acts’ music, or what a good time the fans had. Just that you gave away tickets for free, not 1/2 price (although people did have to pay service fees!)

Does a nice guy like Tommy Shaw know you deal with people this way?

From: Charlie Brusco
Subject: RE: Kevin Lyman Speaks The Truth
To: Bob Lefsetz

Bob… You are making it sound like the only tours that are successful are sellouts. I think shows that average 6000 people a night and are suceesful for the artists, promoter and the fans are successful especially when we try to do it at an affordable price to the promoter and the fans alike. Come out and see a show and see why people like tour. Lots of bang for the buck and you would be surprised at the demo of the crowds…it is all ages. It is a tough summer but we are still trying to entertain people..someone has to.

Charlie

Charlie Brusco is one of the worst things to happen to this band...ever....big part of the DDY "firing" and is all about the cash...

I will say this one time,,,,the reason dennis deyoung is not in styx is dennis deyoung...it's that simple..get over it

[froy]

chickenbeef"

I will say this one time,,,,the reason dennis deyoung is not in styx is dennis deyoung...it's that simple..get over it

[/quote]

And I will say this one time also You are the biggest loser to come to this board next to your 2 other aliases.
This will be my last response to anything you have to say,
Get lost loser,

[froy]

"Toph"

Charlie Brusco is one of the worst things to happen to this band...ever....big part of the DDY "firing" and is all about the cash..

Charlie Brusco is scum worse than Gowan. There is no question the tickets are free just go to the show and they will let you walk in for free just to make you buy a few beers and maybe a shirt, STYX is all about the money not the music that is what ya calla sell out,
Great Job Chuck.

[chickenbeef]

"Toph"

Charlie Brusco is one of the worst things to happen to this band...ever....big part of the DDY "firing" and is all about the cash..

Charlie Brusco is scum worse than Gowan. There is no question the tickets are free just go to the show and they will let you walk in for free just to make you buy a few beers and maybe a shirt, STYX is all about the money not the music that is what ya calla sell out,
Great Job Chuck.

yeah blame the guys who's sick with aids and finds out his childhood friend is suing him from the newpaper

[StyxCollector]

"Toph"

Charlie Brusco is one of the worst things to happen to this band...ever....big part of the DDY "firing" and is all about the cash..

Charlie Brusco is scum worse than Gowan. There is no question the tickets are free just go to the show and they will let you walk in for free just to make you buy a few beers and maybe a shirt, STYX is all about the money not the music that is what ya calla sell out,
Great Job Chuck.

yeah blame the guys who's sick with aids and finds out his childhood friend is suing him from the newpaper

Chuck = Charles, and in this case, Froy is referring to Charlie Brusco ... not Chuck the bass player.

Did you seriously not know that?

This is much ado about nothing. Rock shows have had 2-for-1 and similar deals for the past few years for slow selling shows.

People tour to make money even if they LOVE the music, even Dennis.

If I remember correctly Leftsetz went up against Gene Simmons a year or two ago.

[chickenbeef]

"Toph"

Charlie Brusco is one of the worst things to happen to this band...ever....big part of the DDY "firing" and is all about the cash..

Charlie Brusco is scum worse than Gowan. There is no question the tickets are free just go to the show and they will let you walk in for free just to make you buy a few beers and maybe a shirt, STYX is all about the money not the music that is what ya calla sell out,
Great Job Chuck.

yeah blame the guys who's sick with aids and finds out his childhood friend is suing him from the newpaper

Chuck = Charles, and in this case, Froy is referring to Charlie Brusco ... not Chuck the bass player.

Did you seriously not know that?

This is much ado about nothing. Rock shows have had 2-for-1 and similar deals for the past few years for slow selling shows.

People tour to make money even if they LOVE the music, even Dennis.

If I remember correctly Leftsetz went up against Gene Simmons a year or two ago.

no shit sherlock

[Boomchild]

[/quote]

Charlie Brusco is one of the worst things to happen to this band...ever....big part of the DDY "firing" and is all about the cash...[/quote]

Can you tell me what Briusco had to do with the firing of DDY?

[Babyblue]

Isn't it his job to be all about the cash?

That is part of his job.Always has been & will always be that way.So get over it.

[Babyblue]

chickenbeef"

I will say this one time,,,,the reason dennis deyoung is not in styx is dennis deyoung...it's that simple..get over it

And I will say this one time also You are the biggest loser to come to this board next to your 2 other aliases.
This will be my last response to anything you have to say,
Get lost loser,[/quote]

You need to back the truck up & think about that one

[kansas666]

...The only one who is bitching is you and frankly no one really gives a fuck what you think... Charlie

I found this quote interesting. Evidently Charlie "gives a F!@#" what this guy thinks.

[Toph]

Charlie Brusco is one of the worst things to happen to this band...ever....big part of the DDY "firing" and is all about the cash...[/quote]

Can you tell me what Briusco had to do with the firing of DDY?[/quote]

Brusco was the one that was telling them that they needed to tour NOW! And get out a half finished album in Brave New Flop. He was the one that was whispering in JY/Tommy's ear to can Dennis and replace him and that he would still be able to get them on decent tours. It was Brusco who didn't want to wait for Dennis and was pushing them to move forward without him. Why they had to be in such a hurry right then when they had spent the previous year doing stuff like 7 Deadly Zens and Hunchback, who knows? Maybe Brusco gets more with DeYoung out of the band....

[bugsymalone]

...The only one who is bitching is you and frankly no one really gives a fuck what you think... Charlie

I found this quote interesting. Evidently Charlie "gives a F!@#" what this guy thinks.

No joke.

I also agree with Allan here. Much ado about nothing indeed. These shows are what they are and gather the audiences in any manner that will bring in a bit of profit.

Who really cares anymore, well, other than apparently Charlie Brusco.


Bugsy

[StyxCollector]

Brusco was the one that was telling them that they needed to tour NOW! And get out a half finished album in Brave New Flop. He was the one that was whispering in JY/Tommy's ear to can Dennis and replace him and that he would still be able to get them on decent tours. It was Brusco who didn't want to wait for Dennis and was pushing them to move forward without him. Why they had to be in such a hurry right then when they had spent the previous year doing stuff like 7 Deadly Zens and Hunchback, who knows? Maybe Brusco gets more with DeYoung out of the band....

To be fair, they were hitting a bit of lightning in a bottle with the VW commercial and such. Let's face facts and look at history post-1981: Dennis didn't love to do very extended tours. I think their biggest was the PT tour in terms of scope and size (although Cornerstone went overseas to Europe, too). Fast forward to the late 90s where Dennis is older and was going through some stuff (including his father dying ... let's not forget that). I'm definitely not making any excuses, but I'm sure I'll hit a point in life where I want to slow down a bit and get off the road. I think Dennis has always liked touring and playing live, just not to the extent of the other guys. Dennis makes more on publishing, so he doesn't NEED to tour, whereas someone like JY most likely makes more money off of publishing than royalties and such. That's simple math when you get right down to it. There's clearly more to it than that, but if you're only looking at money, those who love and/or need to tour have the possibility of making more scratch on the road.

[Monker]

Fast forward to the late 90s where Dennis is older and was going through some stuff (including his father dying ... let's not forget that).

Oh, please. You sound like a Perry fan making excuses for his actions.

I'm definitely not making any excuses

Yes, you are.

but I'm sure I'll hit a point in life where I want to slow down a bit and get off the road.

And, if you are in a band with four other people then you alone should not be the one determining the future of the band.

I think Dennis has always liked touring and playing live, just not to the extent of the other guys. Dennis makes more on publishing, so he doesn't NEED to tour, whereas someone like JY most likely makes more money off of publishing than royalties and such.

Dennis was also dedicating himself to Hunchback. He was spending at least as much time on that project as he was in Styx. He could not choose between the two. The bottom line is he allowed his solo work to interfere with the band...and as a side affect, the entire conflict between the two may have affected his health as well. So, he couldn't make the choice between the two...so the choice was made for him. Good for Styx for doing that...and, in the long run, it was probably good for Dennis too.

[StyxCollector]

Fast forward to the late 90s where Dennis is older and was going through some stuff (including his father dying ... let's not forget that).

Oh, please. You sound like a Perry fan making excuses for his actions.

I'm thankful I've never lost a parent, but I don't imagine rolling over the next day and saying, "Well, that's that. Let's get on with it." I doubt you ever get over that unless you're a heartless bastard. We don't know how that was communicated to the rest of the band at the time and what they may have said to him with regards to his commitment to the band. They may have stood by him like they did recently for JY and his wife. We will probably never know. Maybe they said, "FU, man, get back to work." I doubt that, though. It's clear something changed between the time Tommy was promoting 7DZ and showed up at the Chicago Borders and the BNW fiasco. And therein lies the seeds of discontent that has divided many Styx fans for the better part of 10+ years.

Dennis was also dedicating himself to Hunchback. He was spending at least as much time on that project as he was in Styx. He could not choose between the two. The bottom line is he allowed his solo work to interfere with the band...and as a side affect, the entire conflict between the two may have affected his health as well. So, he couldn't make the choice between the two...so the choice was made for him. Good for Styx for doing that...and, in the long run, it was probably good for Dennis too.

And Tommy did 7DZ and toured for that. Big deal. I will still contend that the 1997 Styx tour was a mistake. I've said it in the past. Had they taken a year off, maybe the outcome in the short term would have been different. Maybe not. I also don't think Styx would be together today with Dennis if they just did sporadic touring and what happened in 1999 may have been inevitable, although I bet it may have been a less acrimonious split.

We can agree on one thing: I believe the split has been good for both sides. It's the fans that really have the issue at this point.

[Boomchild]

Fast forward to the late 90s where Dennis is older and was going through some stuff (including his father dying ... let's not forget that).

Oh, please. You sound like a Perry fan making excuses for his actions.

I'm definitely not making any excuses

Yes, you are.

but I'm sure I'll hit a point in life where I want to slow down a bit and get off the road.

And, if you are in a band with four other people then you alone should not be the one determining the future of the band.

I think Dennis has always liked touring and playing live, just not to the extent of the other guys. Dennis makes more on publishing, so he doesn't NEED to tour, whereas someone like JY most likely makes more money off of publishing than royalties and such.

Dennis was also dedicating himself to Hunchback. He was spending at least as much time on that project as he was in Styx. He could not choose between the two. The bottom line is he allowed his solo work to interfere with the band...and as a side affect, the entire conflict between the two may have affected his health as well. So, he couldn't make the choice between the two...so the choice was made for him. Good for Styx for doing that...and, in the long run, it was probably good for Dennis too.

I feel that the DDY doesn't want to really tour was not the real issue in '99. It was more over that he needed to delay it's start because he was ill. That is when the other members saw an opening to hijack the band since DDY was at a weak point and maybe did not have the energy to fight back. I also think that it is silly to think that DDY was any less committed to Styx because of his Hunchback project. All things are timing in the entertainment industry and DDY did not want to lose an opening on a project that he had worked on for years while Styx was not doing anything. Not to mention the fact that originally Styx was not suppose to tour in '97 but DDY agreed to do it anyway since he was informed that another member of the band needed the money. Yeah, that's really the actions of a person who cares only about himself and is not committed to a band that he was so "controlling" over.

[kansas666]

I feel that the DDY doesn't want to really tour was not the real issue in '99. It was more over that he needed to delay it's start because he was ill. That is when the other members saw an opening to hijack the band since DDY was at a weak point and maybe did not have the energy to fight back. I also think that it is silly to think that DDY was any less committed to Styx because of his Hunchback project. All things are timing in the entertainment industry and DDY did not want to lose an opening on a project that he had worked on for years while Styx was not doing anything. Not to mention the fact that originally Styx was not suppose to tour in '97 but DDY agreed to do it anyway since he was informed that another member of the band needed the money. Yeah, that's really the actions of a person who cares only about himself and is not committed to a band that he was so "controlling" over.

You're delusional

[Archetype]

JY and his wife in 2008 is a very bad analogy JY only missed like four show and told the band to go on without him. Dennis insisted that they wait for him to "get better" which held up the band and was indefinite. The other guys have to put food on the table. Tough shit for Dennis.

[Toph]

Fast forward to the late 90s where Dennis is older and was going through some stuff (including his father dying ... let's not forget that).

Oh, please. You sound like a Perry fan making excuses for his actions.

I'm definitely not making any excuses

Yes, you are.

but I'm sure I'll hit a point in life where I want to slow down a bit and get off the road.

And, if you are in a band with four other people then you alone should not be the one determining the future of the band.

I think Dennis has always liked touring and playing live, just not to the extent of the other guys. Dennis makes more on publishing, so he doesn't NEED to tour, whereas someone like JY most likely makes more money off of publishing than royalties and such.

Dennis was also dedicating himself to Hunchback. He was spending at least as much time on that project as he was in Styx. He could not choose between the two. The bottom line is he allowed his solo work to interfere with the band...and as a side affect, the entire conflict between the two may have affected his health as well. So, he couldn't make the choice between the two...so the choice was made for him. Good for Styx for doing that...and, in the long run, it was probably good for Dennis too.

I feel that the DDY doesn't want to really tour was not the real issue in '99. It was more over that he needed to delay it's start because he was ill. That is when the other members saw an opening to hijack the band since DDY was at a weak point and maybe did not have the energy to fight back. I also think that it is silly to think that DDY was any less committed to Styx because of his Hunchback project. All things are timing in the entertainment industry and DDY did not want to lose an opening on a project that he had worked on for years while Styx was not doing anything. Not to mention the fact that originally Styx was not suppose to tour in '97 but DDY agreed to do it anyway since he was informed that another member of the band needed the money. Yeah, that's really the actions of a person who cares only about himself and is not committed to a band that he was so "controlling" over.

I think that gets lost - the fact that Dennis DID GO TOUR in 1997 when they weren't supposed to - to HELP another band member out who was having financial issues. Some of you forget about that because it doesn't align with your "DeYoung is a cruel heartless bastard" stereotype that the touring band tries to sell. Facts are facts - they let JY continue with his wife being ill. Dennis asked for 6 months (which by the way could have been used to redo Brave New Flop and make it a respectable album). They didn't give it to him. So the entire Dennis won't tour line is bullshit - and yet another lie perpetrated by Styx touring version to oust him. They've changed their story so many times to make the pieces fit that it isn't funny. JY and Tommy and Brusco are the ones you should write Froy. They are the liars, cowards, and money grubbing fools - not Gowan. Gowan just is doing a job.

[froy]

Toph

I think that gets lost - the fact that Dennis DID GO TOUR in 1997 when they weren't supposed to - to HELP another band member out who was having financial issues. Some of you forget about that because it doesn't align with your "DeYoung is a cruel heartless bastard" stereotype that the touring band tries to sell. Facts are facts - they let JY continue with his wife being ill. Dennis asked for 6 months (which by the way could have been used to redo Brave New Flop and make it a respectable album). They didn't give it to him. So the entire Dennis won't tour line is bullshit - and yet another lie perpetrated by Styx touring version to oust him. They've changed their story so many times to make the pieces fit that it isn't funny. JY and Tommy and Brusco are the ones you should write Froy. They are the liars, cowards, and money grubbing fools - not Gowan. Gowan just is doing a job,

Do you know what an enabler is Toph? Gowan is an enabler plain and simple. Look at Aerosmith nobody would run to do
THE JOB of Tyler so they were forced to work it out. Gowan on the other hand ENABLED STYX to run and do 12 thousand shows,
Im sorry Gowan is a opportunistic enabler, You are correct about what you say just don't let Gowan off the hook.
If he would have declined the so called job none of this shit would be going on. If nobody would have stepped in for Dennis and they toured without anyone singing Dennis I would careless, Tour without a Dennis copycat that would be fine.

[Monker]

And Tommy did 7DZ and toured for that. Big deal.

Correct...it wasn't a big deal. How did that interrupt Styx in any way? He did his thing and went right back into Styx...and that has been his priority ever since.

Hunchback it seems has been a part of everything Dennis has done since he conceived the idea. It's on BNW, it's in his solo DVD, it was part of his solo show for years. When he did his public TV 'tour' he promoted the idea of getting a Hunchback production on public TV. When he was in Styx, he was dividing his time between the two...and he was unwilling to make one or the other his top priority.

We can agree on one thing: I believe the split has been good for both sides. It's the fans that really have the issue at this point.

That is true.

[Monker]

I feel that the DDY doesn't want to really tour was not the real issue in '99. It was more over that he needed to delay it's start because he was ill. That is when the other members saw an opening to hijack the band since DDY was at a weak point and maybe did not have the energy to fight back.

I disagree with that. When Dennis got all possy he made it harder, when he sued the band, he made rejoining the band impossible.

I also think that it is silly to think that DDY was any less committed to Styx because of his Hunchback project. All things are timing in the entertainment industry and DDY did not want to lose an opening on a project that he had worked on for years while Styx was not doing anything.

Hunchback was in Dennis forte from shortly after Edge until, well, his recent solo shows. I do believe Styx was doing things during that time.

Not to mention the fact that originally Styx was not suppose to tour in '97 but DDY agreed to do it anyway since he was informed that another member of the band needed the money. Yeah, that's really the actions of a person who cares only about himself and is not committed to a band that he was so "controlling" over.

I did not say he cares only about himself. I say he did not fully commit himself to Styx because of Hunchback.

[froy]

And Tommy did 7DZ and toured for that. Big deal.

Correct...it wasn't a big deal. How did that interrupt Styx in any way? He did his thing and went right back into Styx...and that has been his priority ever since.

Oh I see when your in STYX you can't have outside projects I get it. You are to forgo your dreams of maybe a Broadway Musical
Because Tommy say's so. But when Tommy decides to snort coke and kill off the band for many years in the mid 80's that's ok.
Even though Dennis wanted him back with no questions asked in the 90's. I guess it's all about Tommy a guy who without Dennis would be cleaning bowling alleys instead of being in the music business. Tommy Shaw is a back stabber just like James Young and Chuck Panazzo.

Hunchback it seems has been a part of everything Dennis has done since he conceived the idea.

And The Lion King is still part of Eltons shows, The Hunchback soundtrack is the best from Dennis solo in that format,
You see JY doing anything like it? How about the founder Chuck is he doing musicals?

When he was in Styx, he was dividing his time between the two...and he was unwilling to make one or the other his top priority.

Yea but he helped out a broke Tommy Shaw in 97 and got stabbed in the back. I don't care what he was doing in his career.
The guy was there for Shaw and Shaw fucked him

[Everett]

I've said it before and i'll say it again: styx didn't screw dennis, dennis screwed dennis

[froy]

I feel that the DDY doesn't want to really tour was not the real issue in '99. It was more over that he needed to delay it's start because he was ill. That is when the other members saw an opening to hijack the band since DDY was at a weak point and maybe did not have the energy to fight back.

I disagree with that.

Well your wrong again. Even Todd admitted the guy was sick,

When Dennis got all possy he made it harder, when he sued the band, he made rejoining the band impossible.

He should have never gave up, He could have stopped a legacy from being destroyed.
He should sue them again

[brywool]

I did not say he cares only about himself. I say he did not fully commit himself to Styx because of Hunchback.

YUP and this is where we are today. It was years ago, the band and Dennis have apparently gotten over it (or moved on). How come peeps here are still arguing about it?

[Toph]

I feel that the DDY doesn't want to really tour was not the real issue in '99. It was more over that he needed to delay it's start because he was ill. That is when the other members saw an opening to hijack the band since DDY was at a weak point and maybe did not have the energy to fight back.

I disagree with that. When Dennis got all possy he made it harder, when he sued the band, he made rejoining the band impossible.

I also think that it is silly to think that DDY was any less committed to Styx because of his Hunchback project. All things are timing in the entertainment industry and DDY did not want to lose an opening on a project that he had worked on for years while Styx was not doing anything.

Hunchback was in Dennis forte from shortly after Edge until, well, his recent solo shows. I do believe Styx was doing things during that time.

Not to mention the fact that originally Styx was not suppose to tour in '97 but DDY agreed to do it anyway since he was informed that another member of the band needed the money. Yeah, that's really the actions of a person who cares only about himself and is not committed to a band that he was so "controlling" over.

I did not say he cares only about himself. I say he did not fully commit himself to Styx because of Hunchback.

I love how Tommy's Coke snorting idiotic decisions about singles to release and then quiting the band seem to get a pass by some in this forum and caused to break up at their height of success.