A true tale of two Styx

[Archetype]

More pictures and a detailed review/comparison will come after I have more energy.

JUNE 24th



JUNE 25th

[Everett]

[G.I.Jim]

Looks like they saved the best show for last!

[Archetype]

Looks like they saved the best show for last!

There is a bit of truth to that statement.

[G.I.Jim]

Looks like they saved the best show for last!

There is a bit of truth to that statement.

I know!

[chickenbeef]

one looks like a rock band and the other looks like a white lionel richie holding a robot head...

[Everett]

Looks like they saved the best show for last!

You mean styx playing after foreigner?

[G.I.Jim]

Looks like they saved the best show for last!

You mean styx playing after foreigner?

Go grab your damn Tommy Shaw pillow and give it a bug hug you homo!

[Archetype]

one looks like a rock band and the other looks like a white lionel richie holding a robot head...

Your disdain for Dennis is completely unreasonable and unfounded. Styx is getting a very serious run for their money right now from Dennis and his band. August Zadra and Jimmy Leahy are absolutely phenomenal performers and Dennis hasn't lost it at all. This was my first time seeing Dennis and my seventh time seeing Styx. Don't get me wrong; Styx always puts on a fantastic show and Thursday's show was no exception. However, Dennis has one of the tightest bands in the industry. August just nailed every solo and like Todd Sucherman does to John Panozzo's parts, adds a lot more intricacy and virtuosity to them. Jimmy Leahy is a shredding animal. Those two guys are arguably the best guitar duo in the industry right now. The set list was just killer. Dennis's version of Suite Madame Blue just beats the shit out of the current Styx version. His band is tighter and their energy is higher. Styx was really good, but Dennis and his band was a true rock and roll experience. Absolutely top-notch.

I really hope that this lights a fire under Styx and gets them to strive for even higher levels of excellence. They need to change things up or Dennis and his band are going to take over the Styx market. They need to write new songs, play different songs live, etc. The talent is definitely there to do it, I want to see Gowan doing a full version of Mr. Roboto.

[ChicagoSTYX]

one looks like a rock band and the other looks like a white lionel richie holding a robot head...

Your disdain for Dennis is completely unreasonable and unfounded. Styx is getting a very serious run for their money right now from Dennis and his band. August Zadra and Jimmy Leahy are absolutely phenomenal performers and Dennis hasn't lost it at all. This was my first time seeing Dennis and my seventh time seeing Styx. Don't get me wrong; Styx always puts on a fantastic show and Thursday's show was no exception. However, Dennis has one of the tightest bands in the industry. August just nailed every solo and like Todd Sucherman does to John Panozzo's parts, adds a lot more intricacy and virtuosity to them. Jimmy Leahy is a shredding animal. Those two guys are arguably the best guitar duo in the industry right now. The set list was just killer. Dennis's version of Suite Madame Blue just beats the shit out of the current Styx version. His band is tighter and their energy is higher. Styx was really good, but Dennis and his band was a true rock and roll experience. Absolutely top-notch.

I really hope that this lights a fire under Styx and gets them to strive for even higher levels of excellence. They need to change things up or Dennis and his band are going to take over the Styx market. They need to write new songs, play different songs live, etc. The talent is definitely there to do it, I want to see Gowan doing a full version of Mr. Roboto.

Styx is on a national tour playing 10,000 plus seat arenas with a cast of full time employees. DDY is a part time band with part time fill in weekend warriors playing small venues and local small town family festivals. Facts are facts!

[ChicagoSTYX]

one looks like a rock band and the other looks like a white lionel richie holding a robot head...

Your disdain for Dennis is completely unreasonable and unfounded. Styx is getting a very serious run for their money right now from Dennis and his band. August Zadra and Jimmy Leahy are absolutely phenomenal performers and Dennis hasn't lost it at all. This was my first time seeing Dennis and my seventh time seeing Styx. Don't get me wrong; Styx always puts on a fantastic show and Thursday's show was no exception. However, Dennis has one of the tightest bands in the industry. August just nailed every solo and like Todd Sucherman does to John Panozzo's parts, adds a lot more intricacy and virtuosity to them. Jimmy Leahy is a shredding animal. Those two guys are arguably the best guitar duo in the industry right now. The set list was just killer. Dennis's version of Suite Madame Blue just beats the shit out of the current Styx version. His band is tighter and their energy is higher. Styx was really good, but Dennis and his band was a true rock and roll experience. Absolutely top-notch.

I really hope that this lights a fire under Styx and gets them to strive for even higher levels of excellence. They need to change things up or Dennis and his band are going to take over the Styx market. They need to write new songs, play different songs live, etc. The talent is definitely there to do it, I want to see Gowan doing a full version of Mr. Roboto.

Styx is on a national tour playing 10,000 plus seat arenas with a cast of full time employees. DDY is a part time band with part time fill in weekend warriors playing small venues and local small town family festivals. Facts are facts!

with his wife standing on stage at every show!

[ChicagoSTYX]

Always wondered why I never saw them together!!

[G.I.Jim]

one looks like a rock band and the other looks like a white lionel richie holding a robot head...

Your disdain for Dennis is completely unreasonable and unfounded. Styx is getting a very serious run for their money right now from Dennis and his band. August Zadra and Jimmy Leahy are absolutely phenomenal performers and Dennis hasn't lost it at all. This was my first time seeing Dennis and my seventh time seeing Styx. Don't get me wrong; Styx always puts on a fantastic show and Thursday's show was no exception. However, Dennis has one of the tightest bands in the industry. August just nailed every solo and like Todd Sucherman does to John Panozzo's parts, adds a lot more intricacy and virtuosity to them. Jimmy Leahy is a shredding animal. Those two guys are arguably the best guitar duo in the industry right now. The set list was just killer. Dennis's version of Suite Madame Blue just beats the shit out of the current Styx version. His band is tighter and their energy is higher. Styx was really good, but Dennis and his band was a true rock and roll experience. Absolutely top-notch.

I really hope that this lights a fire under Styx and gets them to strive for even higher levels of excellence. They need to change things up or Dennis and his band are going to take over the Styx market. They need to write new songs, play different songs live, etc. The talent is definitely there to do it, I want to see Gowan doing a full version of Mr. Roboto.

Styx is on a national tour playing 10,000 plus seat arenas with a cast of full time employees. DDY is a part time band with part time fill in weekend warriors playing small venues and local small town family festivals. Facts are facts!

And he sounds much better. Give me a DDY show at a local bar ANY day over a stadium gig with Styx.

[Everett]

one looks like a rock band and the other looks like a white lionel richie holding a robot head...

Your disdain for Dennis is completely unreasonable and unfounded. Styx is getting a very serious run for their money right now from Dennis and his band. August Zadra and Jimmy Leahy are absolutely phenomenal performers and Dennis hasn't lost it at all. This was my first time seeing Dennis and my seventh time seeing Styx. Don't get me wrong; Styx always puts on a fantastic show and Thursday's show was no exception. However, Dennis has one of the tightest bands in the industry. August just nailed every solo and like Todd Sucherman does to John Panozzo's parts, adds a lot more intricacy and virtuosity to them. Jimmy Leahy is a shredding animal. Those two guys are arguably the best guitar duo in the industry right now. The set list was just killer. Dennis's version of Suite Madame Blue just beats the shit out of the current Styx version. His band is tighter and their energy is higher. Styx was really good, but Dennis and his band was a true rock and roll experience. Absolutely top-notch.

I really hope that this lights a fire under Styx and gets them to strive for even higher levels of excellence. They need to change things up or Dennis and his band are going to take over the Styx market. They need to write new songs, play different songs live, etc. The talent is definitely there to do it, I want to see Gowan doing a full version of Mr. Roboto.

Styx is on a national tour playing 10,000 plus seat arenas with a cast of full time employees. DDY is a part time band with part time fill in weekend warriors playing small venues and local small town family festivals. Facts are facts!

And he sounds much better. Give me a DDY show at a local bar ANY day over a stadium gig with Styx.

Go grab your DDY pillow and...... ah nevermind

[Babyblue]

one looks like a rock band and the other looks like a white lionel richie holding a robot head...

Your disdain for Dennis is completely unreasonable and unfounded. Styx is getting a very serious run for their money right now from Dennis and his band. August Zadra and Jimmy Leahy are absolutely phenomenal performers and Dennis hasn't lost it at all. This was my first time seeing Dennis and my seventh time seeing Styx. Don't get me wrong; Styx always puts on a fantastic show and Thursday's show was no exception. However, Dennis has one of the tightest bands in the industry. August just nailed every solo and like Todd Sucherman does to John Panozzo's parts, adds a lot more intricacy and virtuosity to them. Jimmy Leahy is a shredding animal. Those two guys are arguably the best guitar duo in the industry right now. The set list was just killer. Dennis's version of Suite Madame Blue just beats the shit out of the current Styx version. His band is tighter and their energy is higher. Styx was really good, but Dennis and his band was a true rock and roll experience. Absolutely top-notch.

I really hope that this lights a fire under Styx and gets them to strive for even higher levels of excellence. They need to change things up or Dennis and his band are going to take over the Styx market. They need to write new songs, play different songs live, etc. The talent is definitely there to do it, I want to see Gowan doing a full version of Mr. Roboto.

Styx is on a national tour playing 10,000 plus seat arenas with a cast of full time employees. DDY is a part time band with part time fill in weekend warriors playing small venues and local small town family festivals. Facts are facts!

And he sounds much better. Give me a DDY show at a local bar ANY day over a stadium gig with Styx.

Go grab your DDY pillow and...... ah nevermind

Its so nice to see that you & GI Jim, love each other.

[Babyblue]

one looks like a rock band and the other looks like a white lionel richie holding a robot head...

Your disdain for Dennis is completely unreasonable and unfounded. Styx is getting a very serious run for their money right now from Dennis and his band. August Zadra and Jimmy Leahy are absolutely phenomenal performers and Dennis hasn't lost it at all. This was my first time seeing Dennis and my seventh time seeing Styx. Don't get me wrong; Styx always puts on a fantastic show and Thursday's show was no exception. However, Dennis has one of the tightest bands in the industry. August just nailed every solo and like Todd Sucherman does to John Panozzo's parts, adds a lot more intricacy and virtuosity to them. Jimmy Leahy is a shredding animal. Those two guys are arguably the best guitar duo in the industry right now. The set list was just killer. Dennis's version of Suite Madame Blue just beats the shit out of the current Styx version. His band is tighter and their energy is higher. Styx was really good, but Dennis and his band was a true rock and roll experience. Absolutely top-notch.

I really hope that this lights a fire under Styx and gets them to strive for even higher levels of excellence. They need to change things up or Dennis and his band are going to take over the Styx market. They need to write new songs, play different songs live, etc. The talent is definitely there to do it, I want to see Gowan doing a full version of Mr. Roboto.

Styx is on a national tour playing 10,000 plus seat arenas with a cast of full time employees. DDY is a part time band with part time fill in weekend warriors playing small venues and local small town family festivals. Facts are facts!

with his wife standing on stage at every show!

Whats the deal with her standing on stage????

[Babyblue]

one looks like a rock band and the other looks like a white lionel richie holding a robot head...

That is to funny.

[Boomchild]

one looks like a rock band and the other looks like a white lionel richie holding a robot head...

Your disdain for Dennis is completely unreasonable and unfounded. Styx is getting a very serious run for their money right now from Dennis and his band. August Zadra and Jimmy Leahy are absolutely phenomenal performers and Dennis hasn't lost it at all. This was my first time seeing Dennis and my seventh time seeing Styx. Don't get me wrong; Styx always puts on a fantastic show and Thursday's show was no exception. However, Dennis has one of the tightest bands in the industry. August just nailed every solo and like Todd Sucherman does to John Panozzo's parts, adds a lot more intricacy and virtuosity to them. Jimmy Leahy is a shredding animal. Those two guys are arguably the best guitar duo in the industry right now. The set list was just killer. Dennis's version of Suite Madame Blue just beats the shit out of the current Styx version. His band is tighter and their energy is higher. Styx was really good, but Dennis and his band was a true rock and roll experience. Absolutely top-notch.

I really hope that this lights a fire under Styx and gets them to strive for even higher levels of excellence. They need to change things up or Dennis and his band are going to take over the Styx market. They need to write new songs, play different songs live, etc. The talent is definitely there to do it, I want to see Gowan doing a full version of Mr. Roboto.

I agree with your statements about DDY's current band. The line up changes have made a huge positive impact on the show. Not that I had anything against the previous performers in DDY's band.

[Boomchild]

one looks like a rock band and the other looks like a white lionel richie holding a robot head...

Your disdain for Dennis is completely unreasonable and unfounded. Styx is getting a very serious run for their money right now from Dennis and his band. August Zadra and Jimmy Leahy are absolutely phenomenal performers and Dennis hasn't lost it at all. This was my first time seeing Dennis and my seventh time seeing Styx. Don't get me wrong; Styx always puts on a fantastic show and Thursday's show was no exception. However, Dennis has one of the tightest bands in the industry. August just nailed every solo and like Todd Sucherman does to John Panozzo's parts, adds a lot more intricacy and virtuosity to them. Jimmy Leahy is a shredding animal. Those two guys are arguably the best guitar duo in the industry right now. The set list was just killer. Dennis's version of Suite Madame Blue just beats the shit out of the current Styx version. His band is tighter and their energy is higher. Styx was really good, but Dennis and his band was a true rock and roll experience. Absolutely top-notch.

I really hope that this lights a fire under Styx and gets them to strive for even higher levels of excellence. They need to change things up or Dennis and his band are going to take over the Styx market. They need to write new songs, play different songs live, etc. The talent is definitely there to do it, I want to see Gowan doing a full version of Mr. Roboto.

Styx is on a national tour playing 10,000 plus seat arenas with a cast of full time employees. DDY is a part time band with part time fill in weekend warriors playing small venues and local small town family festivals. Facts are facts!

Thats because they are teamed up with other bands not because it's Styx. As others have pointed out in other threads, they wouldn't draw the same size crowds on their own. DDY is performing when he wants to and there is nothing wrong with that. Besides that really has nothing to with the subject on the performance of DDy's current band.

[styxfanNH]

one looks like a rock band and the other looks like a white lionel richie holding a robot head...

Your disdain for Dennis is completely unreasonable and unfounded.

Styx is getting a very serious run for their money right now from Dennis and his band.

While I would say that there could be potentiol for this to happen amongst the core fans, I would have a hard time saying this in general. Dennis just doesn't do enough shows.

August Zadra and Jimmy Leahy are absolutely phenomenal performers and Dennis hasn't lost it at all.

No disagreement here.


This was my first time seeing Dennis and my seventh time seeing Styx. Don't get me wrong; Styx always puts on a fantastic show and Thursday's show was no exception.

No disagreement here either


However, Dennis has one of the tightest bands in the industry. August just nailed every solo and like Todd Sucherman does to John Panozzo's parts, adds a lot more intricacy and virtuosity to them.

This is where I disagre with you and I think you loose credibility on this. While I believe Jimmy and August are much beter than Jimmy and Tommy; and Craig gives a different dimension than Hank they are not a tight band. They just don't play enough together. IF they were that tight, you wouldn't have to see Dennis giving timing cues/directing the band.

Jimmy Leahy is a shredding animal. Those two guys are arguably the best guitar duo in the industry right now.

This is where I disagree with you and I think you loose credibility on this. The best in the industry? You have to be kidding.

The set list was just killer. Dennis's version of Suite Madame Blue just beats the shit out of the current Styx version.

I would agree with you on this. The addition of August, gives Dennis a wider access to the catalog

His band is tighter and their energy is higher.

I can't agree with you on this either. While Dennis has more energy and life that he has demonstrated with other lineups, Styx still has a higher energy level hands down. And again, I wouldn't call Dennis' band tight. It's a good band, rock's harder than other versions, but not tight based on all the things I said above.

Styx was really good, but Dennis and his band was a true rock and roll experience. Absolutely top-notch.

The shows are completely different. Dennis gives you wider access to the catalog including most of the hits, while Styx gives you more of the rockers. Styx's show is a much higher energy show, inpart because they skip over the ballads. Just look at the audience in the pictures you provided. With Styx, the audience is on their feet (actually for the whole show) and for Dennis they are in their seats. Styx has this massive 70 foot screen, Dennis has a carousel backdrop. The 3 principle lead singers in Styx interact directly with the audience, In Dennis' band it is only Dennis. My point is the shows are completely different.

I really hope that this lights a fire under Styx and gets them to strive for even higher levels of excellence.

At best, one could hope that we get a new album at some point and a different set list. But higher levels of excellence? Come on, they are a very tight band and put on a great show. That doesn't mean they aren't watching what Dennis does. But any pressure from Dennis is most likely hoped for by the die hards not the general concert goer.

They need to change things up or Dennis and his band are going to take over the Styx market.

Dennis will never take over Styx's market. He will make in roads into certain markets like he is currently doing within New England, but over all he will never take over their market. The Styx machine is just to big. And Dennis still hasn't played in some major markets at all. Dennis will continue to expand his base as he expands the places he brings the show, but 40 US dates and 10-15 Canadian dates will never do it. He needs to do a formal tour during Styx's down times, then you can compare the inroads Dennis is making. Right now he is a compliment to Styx. That is it.

They need to write new songs, play different songs live, etc. The talent is definitely there to do it, I want to see Gowan doing a full version of Mr. Roboto.

You are asking Styx to play Roboto in its entirety? You are kidding right? You're lucky they played 15 seconds of it. They may do some things differently, but this will never happen.

Let's get a real review about the band's performances. You had a unique opportunity with them being back to back. Let's hear about that.

[styxfanNH]

one looks like a rock band and the other looks like a white lionel richie holding a robot head...

Actually, I would go see Lionel Richie and Dennis doing an Elton John/Billy Joel style Face to Face tour.

That would easily fill a 10,000 seat venue. But I think it would be more weighted towards Lionel Richie's fans.

90 minute sets each with 30 minutes of music together. This would give Dennis access to new fans and push the envelope with Styx.

[bugsymalone]

I think Archetype was posting an interesting take on these two concerts. Apparently the DDY concert brought forth a lot of enthusiasm, which I find very nice to read, indeed.

Thanks for the photos and the positive response to the new DDY lineup, Archetype. I know you enjoyed seeing these two concerts back-to-back.

Would love to hear a bit more of what you thought if you have the time

Bugsy

[Archetype]

It has been extremely busy past few days with the Styx concert in Pittsburgh, Dennis in Niagara Falls the next night, a wedding the night after that, and an all day kayak trip today. I'll definitely share more detailed thoughts as soon as I've got more energy and the time to select the best photos out of the several hundred that I took between the shows.

[Boomchild]

The 3 principle lead singers in Styx interact directly with the audience, In Dennis' band it is only Dennis. My point is the shows are completely different.

I would have to disagree with you here. When I saw DDY a few months back, the other members were interacting with the audience.

[styxfanNH]

The 3 principle lead singers in Styx interact directly with the audience, In Dennis' band it is only Dennis. My point is the shows are completely different.

I would have to disagree with you here. When I saw DDY a few months back, the other members were interacting with the audience.

It's a different type of interaction. I was referring more toward speaking with the audience that with the interaction while playing. I should have been clearer.

[brywool]

Always wondered why I never saw them together!!

Okay, this is funny...

Not sure why one has to be better than the other. Enjoy both. If you're a "Music of Styx" fan, you get twice the bang for the buck. Both productions look fine. I think Styx's production looks better in photos, but I haven't seen either show in a few years and haven't seen a DeYoung show.

Why is it necessary to constantly pit one against the other? Silly.

Oh, and my dad can beat up your dad!

[cittadeeno23]

"My God can beat up your God" LOL!

That pretty much describes what is wrong with the Fu*king world!

Why can't we ALL just get along????!!!!

[chickenbeef]

one looks like a rock band and the other looks like a white lionel richie holding a robot head...

Your disdain for Dennis is completely unreasonable and unfounded. Styx is getting a very serious run for their money right now from Dennis and his band. August Zadra and Jimmy Leahy are absolutely phenomenal performers and Dennis hasn't lost it at all. This was my first time seeing Dennis and my seventh time seeing Styx. Don't get me wrong; Styx always puts on a fantastic show and Thursday's show was no exception. However, Dennis has one of the tightest bands in the industry. August just nailed every solo and like Todd Sucherman does to John Panozzo's parts, adds a lot more intricacy and virtuosity to them. Jimmy Leahy is a shredding animal. Those two guys are arguably the best guitar duo in the industry right now. The set list was just killer. Dennis's version of Suite Madame Blue just beats the shit out of the current Styx version. His band is tighter and their energy is higher. Styx was really good, but Dennis and his band was a true rock and roll experience. Absolutely top-notch.

I really hope that this lights a fire under Styx and gets them to strive for even higher levels of excellence. They need to change things up or Dennis and his band are going to take over the Styx market. They need to write new songs, play different songs live, etc. The talent is definitely there to do it, I want to see Gowan doing a full version of Mr. Roboto.

you know NOTHING about music

[chickenbeef]

one looks like a rock band and the other looks like a white lionel richie holding a robot head...

Actually, I would go see Lionel Richie and Dennis doing an Elton John/Billy Joel style Face to Face tour.

That would easily fill a 10,000 seat venue. But I think it would be more weighted towards Lionel Richie's fans.

90 minute sets each with 30 minutes of music together. This would give Dennis access to new fans and push the envelope with Styx.

wow that would be soooo gay

[Archetype]

one looks like a rock band and the other looks like a white lionel richie holding a robot head...

Your disdain for Dennis is completely unreasonable and unfounded. Styx is getting a very serious run for their money right now from Dennis and his band. August Zadra and Jimmy Leahy are absolutely phenomenal performers and Dennis hasn't lost it at all. This was my first time seeing Dennis and my seventh time seeing Styx. Don't get me wrong; Styx always puts on a fantastic show and Thursday's show was no exception. However, Dennis has one of the tightest bands in the industry. August just nailed every solo and like Todd Sucherman does to John Panozzo's parts, adds a lot more intricacy and virtuosity to them. Jimmy Leahy is a shredding animal. Those two guys are arguably the best guitar duo in the industry right now. The set list was just killer. Dennis's version of Suite Madame Blue just beats the shit out of the current Styx version. His band is tighter and their energy is higher. Styx was really good, but Dennis and his band was a true rock and roll experience. Absolutely top-notch.

I really hope that this lights a fire under Styx and gets them to strive for even higher levels of excellence. They need to change things up or Dennis and his band are going to take over the Styx market. They need to write new songs, play different songs live, etc. The talent is definitely there to do it, I want to see Gowan doing a full version of Mr. Roboto.

you know NOTHING about music

Oh. Would you please enlighten me about music, or would you like to just continually add absolutely nothing to these discussions? It's easy to make a claim--adding details is another animal. I am simply reporting what I saw. Dennis and his band kicked ass.