The Great Divide - Tommy Shaw's Bluegrass Album site

[masque]

I saw both bands in their heyday, many times.

Styx: 77, 78, 80 (2 shows), 81 (two shows), Edge, 96, 97, BNW
Journey: 79, 80, 83, 86, Revelation Tour

With Styx:
They were a great rock band. With Dennis they were great and without him, they still are. It takes nothing away from DeYoung if I patronize and enjoy what NewStyx is. The fact is, I got very burned out on hearing Babe redone so many times (Babe, First Time, Don't Let It End, Show Me the Way, It Takes Love, While there's Still Time, Carry Ann, etc.). Dennis used to write great, and usually, politically motivated rock stuff. I very much missed that when Dennis decided to chase the hit song. Don't get me wrong - the slow tunes are good too, but they became his main focus and that got boring for me. Not a big fan of the Fender Rhoades sound, and he used it on everything after Babe. Now that 100 Years From Now is out, I see some of the old Dennis (thank God). I think he needed a challenge. The worst tracks on his new album are the love songs. The best are those that deal with politically-driven stuff. The guy's super intelligent and to hear him waste that brain on "Don't be afraid of Love..." was insulting. Would I like to see Dennis with Styx again? You Bet. Can I appreciate Gowan? For sure. Is the new version better than the old? It depends... It's not ALL the hits. But that's okay. The only ones that aren't being played are Roboto and Babe. Big deal. Would I go see Dennis? For sure. I love Dennis. Doesn't sound like it, but I do. Dennis is doing what he wants now. Styx is doing what they want. Everybody wins.

With Journey:
Perry was a friggin' idol of mine. For sure. I looked up to the guy's talent forever. However, the fact that he kept the band in limbo for years, then screwed them when he killed the TBF tour, and also kicked out Steve Smith (and valory) really didn't sit well with me. Lemme get this straight- Perry, you kicked out Steve Smith and hired... MICHAEL BAIRED??? Are you an idiot??? Then, Perry also led them down the ballad road with Jon Cain. Okay- so Perry bails and the band replaces him. Augeri's recorded output was good. Not Steve Perry good, but I liked it. Live was another story. Augeri's pitch was terrible and he couldn't handle the touring. I still supported him. JSS? Was never into that as Journey. He's fine on his own. The bootlegs I heard him of him doing Journey stuff were not good at all.
Then, they find Pineda... This guy can friggin sing! He doesn't sound like Perry, but he can nail his songs live BETTER than Perry could at the end of his days with Journey. He sounds close enough to 83 Perry (without the rasp) and I can enjoy it. He's also very cool to the fans and RESPECTS THE GIG. He's ready to do the work while Steve sits and watches baseball. If Perry can't sing anymore, that's fine. But let those who want to work move on. For the most part, he has, but he also was paid a FULL share during Augeri's time with the band (not sure about with Arnel). And I think that's crap. Royalties are one thing, but he's not out there bustin his a$$ and yet collects a full share....?
Wow, what a great guy. If Perry wants to ever sing again, I'll buy it. But Arnel is a hungry dude and he's got a great voice. I've only noticed the accent once really and that was the superbowl thing, which wasn't a good performance from him. I saw him after that live (in the front row- THANKS ST. JOHN!!) and he ABSOLUTELY kicked a$$.

I can still enjoy both bands. It's not "The real deal" but it's close enough.

i agree nearly 100% with your post.....the only thing I would add is that current styx not doing babe and roboto is fine with me....but there are a few dennis songs that I miss in the set and I think hurts them a little that with fans that come.....for me no styx set is complete without "the best of times" and "rockin the paradise". i also think "suite madame blue" should be a staple as well....and I know that they do madame blue occasionally but it dissapears for long periods of time as well.

the main problem with adding these three songs to their sets means three more gowan songs and I think that is the primary reason they dont do them....they know lady, come sail away and grand illusion must be done....so to add 3 more tunes for gowan to sing would be too much. but i personally would be fine with them dropping grand illusion or lady for a while and adding best of times and rockin the paradise. but that's just me.

[Everett]

i agree nearly 100% with your post.....the only thing I would add is that current styx not doing babe and roboto is fine with me....but there are a few dennis songs that I miss in the set and I think hurts them a little that with fans that come.....for me no styx set is complete without "the best of times" and "rockin the paradise". i also think "suite madame blue" should be a staple as well....and I know that they do madame blue occasionally but it dissapears for long periods of time as well.

the main problem with adding these three songs to their sets means three more gowan songs and I think that is the primary reason they dont do them....they know lady, come sail away and grand illusion must be done....so to add 3 more tunes for gowan to sing would be too much. but i personally would be fine with them dropping grand illusion or lady for a while and adding best of times and rockin the paradise. but that's just me.

Well with the upcoming 30th anniversary of paradise theater, hopefully they will add some songs like rockin the paradise, half penny etc.

[brywool]

I saw both bands in their heyday, many times.

Styx: 77, 78, 80 (2 shows), 81 (two shows), Edge, 96, 97, BNW
Journey: 79, 80, 83, 86, Revelation Tour

With Styx:
They were a great rock band. With Dennis they were great and without him, they still are. It takes nothing away from DeYoung if I patronize and enjoy what NewStyx is. The fact is, I got very burned out on hearing Babe redone so many times (Babe, First Time, Don't Let It End, Show Me the Way, It Takes Love, While there's Still Time, Carry Ann, etc.). Dennis used to write great, and usually, politically motivated rock stuff. I very much missed that when Dennis decided to chase the hit song. Don't get me wrong - the slow tunes are good too, but they became his main focus and that got boring for me. Not a big fan of the Fender Rhoades sound, and he used it on everything after Babe. Now that 100 Years From Now is out, I see some of the old Dennis (thank God). I think he needed a challenge. The worst tracks on his new album are the love songs. The best are those that deal with politically-driven stuff. The guy's super intelligent and to hear him waste that brain on "Don't be afraid of Love..." was insulting. Would I like to see Dennis with Styx again? You Bet. Can I appreciate Gowan? For sure. Is the new version better than the old? It depends... It's not ALL the hits. But that's okay. The only ones that aren't being played are Roboto and Babe. Big deal. Would I go see Dennis? For sure. I love Dennis. Doesn't sound like it, but I do. Dennis is doing what he wants now. Styx is doing what they want. Everybody wins.

With Journey:
Perry was a friggin' idol of mine. For sure. I looked up to the guy's talent forever. However, the fact that he kept the band in limbo for years, then screwed them when he killed the TBF tour, and also kicked out Steve Smith (and valory) really didn't sit well with me. Lemme get this straight- Perry, you kicked out Steve Smith and hired... MICHAEL BAIRED??? Are you an idiot??? Then, Perry also led them down the ballad road with Jon Cain. Okay- so Perry bails and the band replaces him. Augeri's recorded output was good. Not Steve Perry good, but I liked it. Live was another story. Augeri's pitch was terrible and he couldn't handle the touring. I still supported him. JSS? Was never into that as Journey. He's fine on his own. The bootlegs I heard him of him doing Journey stuff were not good at all.
Then, they find Pineda... This guy can friggin sing! He doesn't sound like Perry, but he can nail his songs live BETTER than Perry could at the end of his days with Journey. He sounds close enough to 83 Perry (without the rasp) and I can enjoy it. He's also very cool to the fans and RESPECTS THE GIG. He's ready to do the work while Steve sits and watches baseball. If Perry can't sing anymore, that's fine. But let those who want to work move on. For the most part, he has, but he also was paid a FULL share during Augeri's time with the band (not sure about with Arnel). And I think that's crap. Royalties are one thing, but he's not out there bustin his a$$ and yet collects a full share....?
Wow, what a great guy. If Perry wants to ever sing again, I'll buy it. But Arnel is a hungry dude and he's got a great voice. I've only noticed the accent once really and that was the superbowl thing, which wasn't a good performance from him. I saw him after that live (in the front row- THANKS ST. JOHN!!) and he ABSOLUTELY kicked a$$.

I can still enjoy both bands. It's not "The real deal" but it's close enough.

i agree nearly 100% with your post.....the only thing I would add is that current styx not doing babe and roboto is fine with me....but there are a few dennis songs that I miss in the set and I think hurts them a little that with fans that come.....for me no styx set is complete without "the best of times" and "rockin the paradise". i also think "suite madame blue" should be a staple as well....and I know that they do madame blue occasionally but it dissapears for long periods of time as well.

the main problem with adding these three songs to their sets means three more gowan songs and I think that is the primary reason they dont do them....they know lady, come sail away and grand illusion must be done....so to add 3 more tunes for gowan to sing would be too much. but i personally would be fine with them dropping grand illusion or lady for a while and adding best of times and rockin the paradise. but that's just me.

They've done Madame, and RTP. Not sure about BOT

[Everett]

I saw both bands in their heyday, many times.

Styx: 77, 78, 80 (2 shows), 81 (two shows), Edge, 96, 97, BNW
Journey: 79, 80, 83, 86, Revelation Tour

With Styx:
They were a great rock band. With Dennis they were great and without him, they still are. It takes nothing away from DeYoung if I patronize and enjoy what NewStyx is. The fact is, I got very burned out on hearing Babe redone so many times (Babe, First Time, Don't Let It End, Show Me the Way, It Takes Love, While there's Still Time, Carry Ann, etc.). Dennis used to write great, and usually, politically motivated rock stuff. I very much missed that when Dennis decided to chase the hit song. Don't get me wrong - the slow tunes are good too, but they became his main focus and that got boring for me. Not a big fan of the Fender Rhoades sound, and he used it on everything after Babe. Now that 100 Years From Now is out, I see some of the old Dennis (thank God). I think he needed a challenge. The worst tracks on his new album are the love songs. The best are those that deal with politically-driven stuff. The guy's super intelligent and to hear him waste that brain on "Don't be afraid of Love..." was insulting. Would I like to see Dennis with Styx again? You Bet. Can I appreciate Gowan? For sure. Is the new version better than the old? It depends... It's not ALL the hits. But that's okay. The only ones that aren't being played are Roboto and Babe. Big deal. Would I go see Dennis? For sure. I love Dennis. Doesn't sound like it, but I do. Dennis is doing what he wants now. Styx is doing what they want. Everybody wins.

With Journey:
Perry was a friggin' idol of mine. For sure. I looked up to the guy's talent forever. However, the fact that he kept the band in limbo for years, then screwed them when he killed the TBF tour, and also kicked out Steve Smith (and valory) really didn't sit well with me. Lemme get this straight- Perry, you kicked out Steve Smith and hired... MICHAEL BAIRED??? Are you an idiot??? Then, Perry also led them down the ballad road with Jon Cain. Okay- so Perry bails and the band replaces him. Augeri's recorded output was good. Not Steve Perry good, but I liked it. Live was another story. Augeri's pitch was terrible and he couldn't handle the touring. I still supported him. JSS? Was never into that as Journey. He's fine on his own. The bootlegs I heard him of him doing Journey stuff were not good at all.
Then, they find Pineda... This guy can friggin sing! He doesn't sound like Perry, but he can nail his songs live BETTER than Perry could at the end of his days with Journey. He sounds close enough to 83 Perry (without the rasp) and I can enjoy it. He's also very cool to the fans and RESPECTS THE GIG. He's ready to do the work while Steve sits and watches baseball. If Perry can't sing anymore, that's fine. But let those who want to work move on. For the most part, he has, but he also was paid a FULL share during Augeri's time with the band (not sure about with Arnel). And I think that's crap. Royalties are one thing, but he's not out there bustin his a$$ and yet collects a full share....?
Wow, what a great guy. If Perry wants to ever sing again, I'll buy it. But Arnel is a hungry dude and he's got a great voice. I've only noticed the accent once really and that was the superbowl thing, which wasn't a good performance from him. I saw him after that live (in the front row- THANKS ST. JOHN!!) and he ABSOLUTELY kicked a$$.

I can still enjoy both bands. It's not "The real deal" but it's close enough.

i agree nearly 100% with your post.....the only thing I would add is that current styx not doing babe and roboto is fine with me....but there are a few dennis songs that I miss in the set and I think hurts them a little that with fans that come.....for me no styx set is complete without "the best of times" and "rockin the paradise". i also think "suite madame blue" should be a staple as well....and I know that they do madame blue occasionally but it dissapears for long periods of time as well.

the main problem with adding these three songs to their sets means three more gowan songs and I think that is the primary reason they dont do them....they know lady, come sail away and grand illusion must be done....so to add 3 more tunes for gowan to sing would be too much. but i personally would be fine with them dropping grand illusion or lady for a while and adding best of times and rockin the paradise. but that's just me.

They've done Madame, and RTP. Not sure about BOT

They did bot acoustic in '99

[Saint John]

I saw both bands in their heyday, many times.

Styx: 77, 78, 80 (2 shows), 81 (two shows), Edge, 96, 97, BNW
Journey: 79, 80, 83, 86, Revelation Tour

With Styx:
They were a great rock band. With Dennis they were great and without him, they still are. It takes nothing away from DeYoung if I patronize and enjoy what NewStyx is. The fact is, I got very burned out on hearing Babe redone so many times (Babe, First Time, Don't Let It End, Show Me the Way, It Takes Love, While there's Still Time, Carry Ann, etc.). Dennis used to write great, and usually, politically motivated rock stuff. I very much missed that when Dennis decided to chase the hit song. Don't get me wrong - the slow tunes are good too, but they became his main focus and that got boring for me. Not a big fan of the Fender Rhoades sound, and he used it on everything after Babe. Now that 100 Years From Now is out, I see some of the old Dennis (thank God). I think he needed a challenge. The worst tracks on his new album are the love songs. The best are those that deal with politically-driven stuff. The guy's super intelligent and to hear him waste that brain on "Don't be afraid of Love..." was insulting. Would I like to see Dennis with Styx again? You Bet. Can I appreciate Gowan? For sure. Is the new version better than the old? It depends... It's not ALL the hits. But that's okay. The only ones that aren't being played are Roboto and Babe. Big deal. Would I go see Dennis? For sure. I love Dennis. Doesn't sound like it, but I do. Dennis is doing what he wants now. Styx is doing what they want. Everybody wins.

With Journey:
Perry was a friggin' idol of mine. For sure. I looked up to the guy's talent forever. However, the fact that he kept the band in limbo for years, then screwed them when he killed the TBF tour, and also kicked out Steve Smith (and valory) really didn't sit well with me. Lemme get this straight- Perry, you kicked out Steve Smith and hired... MICHAEL BAIRED??? Are you an idiot??? Then, Perry also led them down the ballad road with Jon Cain. Okay- so Perry bails and the band replaces him. Augeri's recorded output was good. Not Steve Perry good, but I liked it. Live was another story. Augeri's pitch was terrible and he couldn't handle the touring. I still supported him. JSS? Was never into that as Journey. He's fine on his own. The bootlegs I heard him of him doing Journey stuff were not good at all.
Then, they find Pineda... This guy can friggin sing! He doesn't sound like Perry, but he can nail his songs live BETTER than Perry could at the end of his days with Journey. He sounds close enough to 83 Perry (without the rasp) and I can enjoy it. He's also very cool to the fans and RESPECTS THE GIG. He's ready to do the work while Steve sits and watches baseball. If Perry can't sing anymore, that's fine. But let those who want to work move on. For the most part, he has, but he also was paid a FULL share during Augeri's time with the band (not sure about with Arnel). And I think that's crap. Royalties are one thing, but he's not out there bustin his a$$ and yet collects a full share....?
Wow, what a great guy. If Perry wants to ever sing again, I'll buy it. But Arnel is a hungry dude and he's got a great voice. I've only noticed the accent once really and that was the superbowl thing, which wasn't a good performance from him. I saw him after that live (in the front row- THANKS ST. JOHN!!) and he ABSOLUTELY kicked a$$.

I can still enjoy both bands. It's not "The real deal" but it's close enough.

Great post, Bry. I agree. The guys that replaced DeYoung and Perry aren't as good, but, God, who is?!?! And you're very welcome for the front row upgrade, but the real thanks goes to the wonderful lady you met that night. What an absolute gem of a person.

[Boomchild]

http://thegreatdividemusic.com/

The Great Divide - Tommy Shaw's site

3 Songs. At the end of each song click the arrow on the right to go to the next song

Interesting. Styx as group says that they don't release new music because it's not cost effective, yet one of it's members seems to find a way to do it for himself. Seems like Styx' answer to why they are not producing new music (i.e. a whole album) is just just an excuse for another reason.

The band has never been honest they just spin everything in there favor. On the front page they say they are doing shows with Foreigner and Journey fact is they are the opening act, Just another example of Styxaganda

That's because JY thinks Styx' relevance in the classic rock circuit is bigger then it actually is.

you know that's one statement out of all the bullshit that is spewed on this message board that I actually 100% agree with. it's also the very reason I am surprised that folks on here complain about them opening for journey or foreigner or both....or they do a co-headlining tour with foreigner in the states. their popularity is what it is.....while I think if dennis came back it would help for sure and maybe put them back of ahead of foreigner at least in the states they would still be behind journey and maybe a few others....most of these band's places in history are set for life....their is not much they can do to help it or hurt it at this point.

let's face it.....the new foreigner is a kick ass band...awesome band....but other than mick jones they do not have one classic member of the band with them.....but their place on the touring circuit is determined by the fact that a) they have a good band capable of pulling off the "foreigner" sound and b) by where they stand historically. same for styx.

dennis with styx would not make styx suddenly more popular than "fake journey"....and trust me I love "fake journey" the phillipino can sing his ass off. the pecking order for today was mostly established from 1975 thru 1985.....not withstanding some surges do to movies and the soprano's.

I think that DDY not binging in Styx does hurt the band when it comes to their current relevance in the classic rock circuit. That being said I don't believe that if he was still there that Styx would have a huge attendance change at their concerts. I think it would affect them having to play "fifth wheel" at these multiple bill concerts and they would be able to do more Styx only shows.

[Boomchild]

Here is a fact that few people know: In their 37 year history AC/DC has had over 26 members, and only 2 are orginal group members.

I'm sure this is the case. But these line up changes affect each band differently. Some have success with the changes while others crash and burn or just fade away. In the case of Styx, it's my feeling that Dennis brought so many things to the table that it leaves a huge gap in the current Styx. In terms of his voice it provided that signature Styx sound along with TS and JY. The current Styx has not been able to reproduce that signature sound in my opinion. Neither has Dennis' current band. Additionally the current Styx is avoiding some of the DDY songs because Gowan can't pull them off in the way DDY has. I'm not saying this as a put down on Gowan. but his voice just is not suited for those songs. Therefore it limits some of the popular songs that Styx was known for.

[masque]

I saw both bands in their heyday, many times.

Styx: 77, 78, 80 (2 shows), 81 (two shows), Edge, 96, 97, BNW
Journey: 79, 80, 83, 86, Revelation Tour

With Styx:
They were a great rock band. With Dennis they were great and without him, they still are. It takes nothing away from DeYoung if I patronize and enjoy what NewStyx is. The fact is, I got very burned out on hearing Babe redone so many times (Babe, First Time, Don't Let It End, Show Me the Way, It Takes Love, While there's Still Time, Carry Ann, etc.). Dennis used to write great, and usually, politically motivated rock stuff. I very much missed that when Dennis decided to chase the hit song. Don't get me wrong - the slow tunes are good too, but they became his main focus and that got boring for me. Not a big fan of the Fender Rhoades sound, and he used it on everything after Babe. Now that 100 Years From Now is out, I see some of the old Dennis (thank God). I think he needed a challenge. The worst tracks on his new album are the love songs. The best are those that deal with politically-driven stuff. The guy's super intelligent and to hear him waste that brain on "Don't be afraid of Love..." was insulting. Would I like to see Dennis with Styx again? You Bet. Can I appreciate Gowan? For sure. Is the new version better than the old? It depends... It's not ALL the hits. But that's okay. The only ones that aren't being played are Roboto and Babe. Big deal. Would I go see Dennis? For sure. I love Dennis. Doesn't sound like it, but I do. Dennis is doing what he wants now. Styx is doing what they want. Everybody wins.

With Journey:
Perry was a friggin' idol of mine. For sure. I looked up to the guy's talent forever. However, the fact that he kept the band in limbo for years, then screwed them when he killed the TBF tour, and also kicked out Steve Smith (and valory) really didn't sit well with me. Lemme get this straight- Perry, you kicked out Steve Smith and hired... MICHAEL BAIRED??? Are you an idiot??? Then, Perry also led them down the ballad road with Jon Cain. Okay- so Perry bails and the band replaces him. Augeri's recorded output was good. Not Steve Perry good, but I liked it. Live was another story. Augeri's pitch was terrible and he couldn't handle the touring. I still supported him. JSS? Was never into that as Journey. He's fine on his own. The bootlegs I heard him of him doing Journey stuff were not good at all.
Then, they find Pineda... This guy can friggin sing! He doesn't sound like Perry, but he can nail his songs live BETTER than Perry could at the end of his days with Journey. He sounds close enough to 83 Perry (without the rasp) and I can enjoy it. He's also very cool to the fans and RESPECTS THE GIG. He's ready to do the work while Steve sits and watches baseball. If Perry can't sing anymore, that's fine. But let those who want to work move on. For the most part, he has, but he also was paid a FULL share during Augeri's time with the band (not sure about with Arnel). And I think that's crap. Royalties are one thing, but he's not out there bustin his a$$ and yet collects a full share....?
Wow, what a great guy. If Perry wants to ever sing again, I'll buy it. But Arnel is a hungry dude and he's got a great voice. I've only noticed the accent once really and that was the superbowl thing, which wasn't a good performance from him. I saw him after that live (in the front row- THANKS ST. JOHN!!) and he ABSOLUTELY kicked a$$.

I can still enjoy both bands. It's not "The real deal" but it's close enough.

i agree nearly 100% with your post.....the only thing I would add is that current styx not doing babe and roboto is fine with me....but there are a few dennis songs that I miss in the set and I think hurts them a little that with fans that come.....for me no styx set is complete without "the best of times" and "rockin the paradise". i also think "suite madame blue" should be a staple as well....and I know that they do madame blue occasionally but it dissapears for long periods of time as well.

the main problem with adding these three songs to their sets means three more gowan songs and I think that is the primary reason they dont do them....they know lady, come sail away and grand illusion must be done....so to add 3 more tunes for gowan to sing would be too much. but i personally would be fine with them dropping grand illusion or lady for a while and adding best of times and rockin the paradise. but that's just me.

They've done Madame, and RTP. Not sure about BOT

yeh you are right they have done those songs and I even got to see them do BOT in 1999 just months after they first got gowan......i'm just saying that for me as a styx fan those songs are ones that I really miss hearing on a regular basis in the setlist.

[masque]

http://thegreatdividemusic.com/

The Great Divide - Tommy Shaw's site

3 Songs. At the end of each song click the arrow on the right to go to the next song

Interesting. Styx as group says that they don't release new music because it's not cost effective, yet one of it's members seems to find a way to do it for himself. Seems like Styx' answer to why they are not producing new music (i.e. a whole album) is just just an excuse for another reason.

The band has never been honest they just spin everything in there favor. On the front page they say they are doing shows with Foreigner and Journey fact is they are the opening act, Just another example of Styxaganda

That's because JY thinks Styx' relevance in the classic rock circuit is bigger then it actually is.

you know that's one statement out of all the bullshit that is spewed on this message board that I actually 100% agree with. it's also the very reason I am surprised that folks on here complain about them opening for journey or foreigner or both....or they do a co-headlining tour with foreigner in the states. their popularity is what it is.....while I think if dennis came back it would help for sure and maybe put them back of ahead of foreigner at least in the states they would still be behind journey and maybe a few others....most of these band's places in history are set for life....their is not much they can do to help it or hurt it at this point.

let's face it.....the new foreigner is a kick ass band...awesome band....but other than mick jones they do not have one classic member of the band with them.....but their place on the touring circuit is determined by the fact that a) they have a good band capable of pulling off the "foreigner" sound and b) by where they stand historically. same for styx.

dennis with styx would not make styx suddenly more popular than "fake journey"....and trust me I love "fake journey" the phillipino can sing his ass off. the pecking order for today was mostly established from 1975 thru 1985.....not withstanding some surges do to movies and the soprano's.

I think that DDY not binging in Styx does hurt the band when it comes to their current relevance in the classic rock circuit. That being said I don't believe that if he was still there that Styx would have a huge attendance change at their concerts. I think it would affect them having to play "fifth wheel" at these multiple bill concerts and they would be able to do more Styx only shows.

i agree with your statement that if dennis were back in would help them with their popularity......but i dont think it would suddenly allow them to rise over bands like journey......the pecking order for the most part has been established.

[Boomchild]

http://thegreatdividemusic.com/

The Great Divide - Tommy Shaw's site

3 Songs. At the end of each song click the arrow on the right to go to the next song

Interesting. Styx as group says that they don't release new music because it's not cost effective, yet one of it's members seems to find a way to do it for himself. Seems like Styx' answer to why they are not producing new music (i.e. a whole album) is just just an excuse for another reason.

The band has never been honest they just spin everything in there favor. On the front page they say they are doing shows with Foreigner and Journey fact is they are the opening act, Just another example of Styxaganda

That's because JY thinks Styx' relevance in the classic rock circuit is bigger then it actually is.

you know that's one statement out of all the bullshit that is spewed on this message board that I actually 100% agree with. it's also the very reason I am surprised that folks on here complain about them opening for journey or foreigner or both....or they do a co-headlining tour with foreigner in the states. their popularity is what it is.....while I think if dennis came back it would help for sure and maybe put them back of ahead of foreigner at least in the states they would still be behind journey and maybe a few others....most of these band's places in history are set for life....their is not much they can do to help it or hurt it at this point.

let's face it.....the new foreigner is a kick ass band...awesome band....but other than mick jones they do not have one classic member of the band with them.....but their place on the touring circuit is determined by the fact that a) they have a good band capable of pulling off the "foreigner" sound and b) by where they stand historically. same for styx.

dennis with styx would not make styx suddenly more popular than "fake journey"....and trust me I love "fake journey" the phillipino can sing his ass off. the pecking order for today was mostly established from 1975 thru 1985.....not withstanding some surges do to movies and the soprano's.

I think that DDY not binging in Styx does hurt the band when it comes to their current relevance in the classic rock circuit. That being said I don't believe that if he was still there that Styx would have a huge attendance change at their concerts. I think it would affect them having to play "fifth wheel" at these multiple bill concerts and they would be able to do more Styx only shows.

i agree with your statement that if dennis were back in would help them with their popularity......but i dont think it would suddenly allow them to rise over bands like journey......the pecking order for the most part has been established.

I see what you mean. Styx seems to play it safe while those other bands have taken more risks to keep things fresh. To me that is just one reason why they are where they are.

[masque]

http://thegreatdividemusic.com/

The Great Divide - Tommy Shaw's site

3 Songs. At the end of each song click the arrow on the right to go to the next song

Interesting. Styx as group says that they don't release new music because it's not cost effective, yet one of it's members seems to find a way to do it for himself. Seems like Styx' answer to why they are not producing new music (i.e. a whole album) is just just an excuse for another reason.

The band has never been honest they just spin everything in there favor. On the front page they say they are doing shows with Foreigner and Journey fact is they are the opening act, Just another example of Styxaganda

That's because JY thinks Styx' relevance in the classic rock circuit is bigger then it actually is.

you know that's one statement out of all the bullshit that is spewed on this message board that I actually 100% agree with. it's also the very reason I am surprised that folks on here complain about them opening for journey or foreigner or both....or they do a co-headlining tour with foreigner in the states. their popularity is what it is.....while I think if dennis came back it would help for sure and maybe put them back of ahead of foreigner at least in the states they would still be behind journey and maybe a few others....most of these band's places in history are set for life....their is not much they can do to help it or hurt it at this point.

let's face it.....the new foreigner is a kick ass band...awesome band....but other than mick jones they do not have one classic member of the band with them.....but their place on the touring circuit is determined by the fact that a) they have a good band capable of pulling off the "foreigner" sound and b) by where they stand historically. same for styx.

dennis with styx would not make styx suddenly more popular than "fake journey"....and trust me I love "fake journey" the phillipino can sing his ass off. the pecking order for today was mostly established from 1975 thru 1985.....not withstanding some surges do to movies and the soprano's.

I think that DDY not binging in Styx does hurt the band when it comes to their current relevance in the classic rock circuit. That being said I don't believe that if he was still there that Styx would have a huge attendance change at their concerts. I think it would affect them having to play "fifth wheel" at these multiple bill concerts and they would be able to do more Styx only shows.

i agree with your statement that if dennis were back in would help them with their popularity......but i dont think it would suddenly allow them to rise over bands like journey......the pecking order for the most part has been established.

I see what you mean. Styx seems to play it safe while those other bands have taken more risks to keep things fresh. To me that is just one reason why they are where they are.

i think the reason they play it safe is because back in 2003 when they released cyclorama they had the big tour with journey and REO speedwagon....they TRIED hard to make that album relevant.....they played 4 songs from that new album live......even hard Burtnik going out into the crowd during "kiss your ass goodbye".....etc......etc... Cyclorama was a very good album.

but in the end it failed.....crowds wanted the nostalgia and the last time i heard i think cyclorama had moved about 60,000 units. they also played a ton of stuff off brave new world after that came out (all be it with mighty mouse taking over for dennis).....but in the end none of those songs stuck in the set as well.

so like a lot of bands they will continue to play what the crowd wants to hear and they will occasionally throw in a new or newer song every once in a while.

journey's latest album was very good and sold really well...BUT concert goers still want the old stuff.

foreigner's latest album was decent at best and fell flat and died quickly even with their ties to wal-mart....so styx is not alone in being a classic band trying to figure all of this out. the only sure thing is playing live and playing most of what people want to hear.