Tommy Shaw interview with The A.V. Club

[Boomchild]

Yeah, we don't need Dennis back

And who are you with your 9 posts?

9 posts doesn't make me less of a Styx fan. At least in my opinion...

No offense, but IMO a true Styx fan WOULD want DDY back in the band. I am neither pro Dennis or pro Styx, I support both like I have said many times. I believe they belong together.

While in my opinion it would be better if Dennis was still in the band, it's not going to happen. At least for anything long term. All of these guys have proven that they cannot let go of the problems from their past together. That is what will keep a full fledged reunion from occurring. Other then that it would be easy since Gowan has done nothing to make his mark in the band.

[gr8whitehope]

Yeah, we don't need Dennis back

And who are you with your 9 posts?

9 posts doesn't make me less of a Styx fan. At least in my opinion...

No offense, but IMO a true Styx fan WOULD want DDY back in the band. I am neither pro Dennis or pro Styx, I support both like I have said many times. I believe they belong together.

While in my opinion it would be better if Dennis was still in the band, it's not going to happen. At least for anything long term. All of these guys have proven that they cannot let go of the problems from their past together. That is what will keep a full fledged reunion from occurring. Other then that it would be easy since Gowan has done nothing to make his mark in the band.

I'm sure the 10 million people who have seen him with Styx would disagree.

[pinkfloyd1973]

While in my opinion it would be better if Dennis was still in the band, it's not going to happen. At least for anything long term. All of these guys have proven that they cannot let go of the problems from their past together. That is what will keep a full fledged reunion from occurring. Other then that it would be easy since Gowan has done nothing to make his mark in the band.

I'm sure the 10 million people who have seen him with Styx would disagree.

That's a pretty overblown estimate.....besides "Cyclorama," what else has Gowan done to leave his mark in the band? He's been singing and playing someone else's music for the last 12 years

[Monker]

Tommy did an interview with The A.V. Club.

http://www.avclub.com/articles/tommy-sh ... tyx,53366/

Sure would be nice if Tommy could get through an interview without having to talk about his drug usage. Yes, you were really cool with all your drug use Tommy....loser.

At least he's honest about it. Dennis smoked pot at one time but he hides it.

Really, please explain to me how Dennis hides this? Your source for Dennis use of pot is from where\whom?

I think Denis himself admitted it in an interview from years ago.

[gr8whitehope]

While in my opinion it would be better if Dennis was still in the band, it's not going to happen. At least for anything long term. All of these guys have proven that they cannot let go of the problems from their past together. That is what will keep a full fledged reunion from occurring. Other then that it would be easy since Gowan has done nothing to make his mark in the band.

I'm sure the 10 million people who have seen him with Styx would disagree.

That's a pretty overblown estimate.....besides "Cyclorama," what else has Gowan done to leave his mark in the band? He's been singing and playing someone else's music for the last 12 years

Almost one million people see Styx every year. Over 12 years that gets close to 10 million. Gowan has brought many new fans to the band as well as keeping the flame of Styx music on fire when other people weren't willing too.

[masque]

Yeah, we don't need Dennis back

And who are you with your 9 posts?

9 posts doesn't make me less of a Styx fan. At least in my opinion...

No offense, but IMO a true Styx fan WOULD want DDY back in the band. I am neither pro Dennis or pro Styx, I support both like I have said many times. I believe they belong together.

While in my opinion it would be better if Dennis was still in the band, it's not going to happen. At least for anything long term. All of these guys have proven that they cannot let go of the problems from their past together. That is what will keep a full fledged reunion from occurring. Other then that it would be easy since Gowan has done nothing to make his mark in the band.

I'm sure the 10 million people who have seen him with Styx would disagree.

it's actually going to be more accurate to say the 3-5 million people that have seen them.....10 million hasnt happened.....they average about 110 shows per year and if you give them an average attendance of 2500 per night which would be close cause there are times they dont draw that and many times they are part of a package tour that draws considerably higher and muliplty that average over the past 12 years you get about 3.3 million.....so i could see it being higher due to the package tours.....but no where near 10 milion.

[gr8whitehope]

Yeah, we don't need Dennis back

And who are you with your 9 posts?

9 posts doesn't make me less of a Styx fan. At least in my opinion...

No offense, but IMO a true Styx fan WOULD want DDY back in the band. I am neither pro Dennis or pro Styx, I support both like I have said many times. I believe they belong together.

While in my opinion it would be better if Dennis was still in the band, it's not going to happen. At least for anything long term. All of these guys have proven that they cannot let go of the problems from their past together. That is what will keep a full fledged reunion from occurring. Other then that it would be easy since Gowan has done nothing to make his mark in the band.

I'm sure the 10 million people who have seen him with Styx would disagree.

it's actually going to be more accurate to say the 3-5 million people that have seen them.....10 million hasnt happened.....they average about 110 shows per year and if you give them an average attendance of 2500 per night which would be close cause there are times they dont draw that and many times they are part of a package tour that draws considerably higher and muliplty that average over the past 12 years you get about 3.3 million.....so i could see it being higher due to the package tours.....but no where near 10 milion.

800,000 a year.

[Babyblue]

While in my opinion it would be better if Dennis was still in the band, it's not going to happen. At least for anything long term. All of these guys have proven that they cannot let go of the problems from their past together. That is what will keep a full fledged reunion from occurring. Other then that it would be easy since Gowan has done nothing to make his mark in the band.

I'm sure the 10 million people who have seen him with Styx would disagree.

That's a pretty overblown estimate.....besides "Cyclorama," what else has Gowan done to leave his mark in the band? He's been singing and playing someone else's music for the last 12 years

Almost one million people see Styx every year. Over 12 years that gets close to 10 million. Gowan has brought many new fans to the band as well as keeping the flame of Styx music on fire when other people weren't willing too.

That is another reason why i love Styx."Gowan" is a showman plain & simply. I get to see Styx 2 times this year life is good

[bugsymalone]

While in my opinion it would be better if Dennis was still in the band, it's not going to happen. At least for anything long term. All of these guys have proven that they cannot let go of the problems from their past together. That is what will keep a full fledged reunion from occurring. Other then that it would be easy since Gowan has done nothing to make his mark in the band.

I'm sure the 10 million people who have seen him with Styx would disagree.

That's a pretty overblown estimate.....besides "Cyclorama," what else has Gowan done to leave his mark in the band? He's been singing and playing someone else's music for the last 12 years

Almost one million people see Styx every year. Over 12 years that gets close to 10 million. Gowan has brought many new fans to the band as well as keeping the flame of Styx music on fire when other people weren't willing too.

Or, of course, the reverse could be true. A generous portion of that "10 million" could have left various concerts swearing they would never, ever go to another concert where someone with that bad a voice is allowed to decimate classic Styx songs.


Bugsy

[gr8whitehope]

While in my opinion it would be better if Dennis was still in the band, it's not going to happen. At least for anything long term. All of these guys have proven that they cannot let go of the problems from their past together. That is what will keep a full fledged reunion from occurring. Other then that it would be easy since Gowan has done nothing to make his mark in the band.

I'm sure the 10 million people who have seen him with Styx would disagree.

That's a pretty overblown estimate.....besides "Cyclorama," what else has Gowan done to leave his mark in the band? He's been singing and playing someone else's music for the last 12 years

Almost one million people see Styx every year. Over 12 years that gets close to 10 million. Gowan has brought many new fans to the band as well as keeping the flame of Styx music on fire when other people weren't willing too.

Or, of course, the reverse could be true. A generous portion of that "10 million" could have left various concerts swearing they would never, ever go to another concert where someone with that bad a voice is allowed to decimate classic Styx songs.


Bugsy

Yet the same number of people are still coming back every year.

[Rockwriter]

Tommy did an interview with The A.V. Club.

http://www.avclub.com/articles/tommy-sh ... tyx,53366/

Sure would be nice if Tommy could get through an interview without having to talk about his drug usage. Yes, you were really cool with all your drug use Tommy....loser.

At least he's honest about it. Dennis smoked pot at one time but he hides it.

Really, please explain to me how Dennis hides this? Your source for Dennis use of pot is from where\whom?

Actually Dennis did smoke pot for a while, and he does not hide it. He has talked about it in a public interview. I can't remember the source right now, but he said something along the lines of, "I'm not saying I never took a drug in my life. I smoked marijuana, the last time I did was in 1976." Something like that.

He blamed pot for his breakdown and he stopped cold right then.


Sterling

[gr8whitehope]

Tommy did an interview with The A.V. Club.

http://www.avclub.com/articles/tommy-sh ... tyx,53366/

Sure would be nice if Tommy could get through an interview without having to talk about his drug usage. Yes, you were really cool with all your drug use Tommy....loser.

At least he's honest about it. Dennis smoked pot at one time but he hides it.

Really, please explain to me how Dennis hides this? Your source for Dennis use of pot is from where\whom?

Actually Dennis did smoke pot for a while, and he does not hide it. He has talked about it in a public interview. I can't remember the source right now, but he said something along the lines of, "I'm not saying I never took a drug in my life. I smoked marijuana, the last time I did was in 1976." Something like that.

He blamed pot for his breakdown and he stopped cold right then.




Sterling

What's wrong with pot?

[Boomchild]

Yeah, we don't need Dennis back

And who are you with your 9 posts?

9 posts doesn't make me less of a Styx fan. At least in my opinion...

No offense, but IMO a true Styx fan WOULD want DDY back in the band. I am neither pro Dennis or pro Styx, I support both like I have said many times. I believe they belong together.

While in my opinion it would be better if Dennis was still in the band, it's not going to happen. At least for anything long term. All of these guys have proven that they cannot let go of the problems from their past together. That is what will keep a full fledged reunion from occurring. Other then that it would be easy since Gowan has done nothing to make his mark in the band.

I'm sure the 10 million people who have seen him with Styx would disagree.

As a lot of people like to point out, it's not really about the members of the band to a wide section of casual fans. All they are concerned about is hearing the songs they know from the band. So it's a stretch to state those numbers are because Gowan is a part of Styx. Other then touring with the band and playing someone else's popular material he hasn't made a substantial contribution to the band.

[Boomchild]

Tommy did an interview with The A.V. Club.

http://www.avclub.com/articles/tommy-sh ... tyx,53366/

Sure would be nice if Tommy could get through an interview without having to talk about his drug usage. Yes, you were really cool with all your drug use Tommy....loser.

At least he's honest about it. Dennis smoked pot at one time but he hides it.

Really, please explain to me how Dennis hides this? Your source for Dennis use of pot is from where\whom?

Actually Dennis did smoke pot for a while, and he does not hide it. He has talked about it in a public interview. I can't remember the source right now, but he said something along the lines of, "I'm not saying I never took a drug in my life. I smoked marijuana, the last time I did was in 1976." Something like that.

He blamed pot for his breakdown and he stopped cold right then.


Sterling

Interesting and not surprising. I just had to chuckle that someone would compare Dennis' experiences with pot to Tommy Shaw's full blown drug addiction.

[Monker]

Yeah, we don't need Dennis back

And who are you with your 9 posts?

9 posts doesn't make me less of a Styx fan. At least in my opinion...

No offense, but IMO a true Styx fan WOULD want DDY back in the band. I am neither pro Dennis or pro Styx, I support both like I have said many times. I believe they belong together.

While in my opinion it would be better if Dennis was still in the band, it's not going to happen. At least for anything long term. All of these guys have proven that they cannot let go of the problems from their past together. That is what will keep a full fledged reunion from occurring. Other then that it would be easy since Gowan has done nothing to make his mark in the band.

I'm sure the 10 million people who have seen him with Styx would disagree.

As a lot of people like to point out, it's not really about the members of the band to a wide section of casual fans. All they are concerned about is hearing the songs they know from the band. So it's a stretch to state those numbers are because Gowan is a part of Styx. Other then touring with the band and playing someone else's popular material he hasn't made a substantial contribution to the band.

NOBODY has made a "significant contribution" to Styx in almost 20yrs. So, the reality is your point means absolutely nothing.

[Archetype]

While in my opinion it would be better if Dennis was still in the band, it's not going to happen. At least for anything long term. All of these guys have proven that they cannot let go of the problems from their past together. That is what will keep a full fledged reunion from occurring. Other then that it would be easy since Gowan has done nothing to make his mark in the band.

I'm sure the 10 million people who have seen him with Styx would disagree.

That's a pretty overblown estimate.....besides "Cyclorama," what else has Gowan done to leave his mark in the band? He's been singing and playing someone else's music for the last 12 years

Almost one million people see Styx every year. Over 12 years that gets close to 10 million. Gowan has brought many new fans to the band as well as keeping the flame of Styx music on fire when other people weren't willing too.

110 shows a year, and I'll average 3,000 per show, which makes 330,000 people a year. Not even halfway to a million.

Now, factor in how many of those 330,000 fans are not new fans, but people who see Styx every year...probably about half. So 115,000 new people see Styx each year (which is a very liberal estimate) And I am sure that these 115,000 people have heard of Styx before, and just never got around to seeing them until a particular year because of scheduling, finances, etc. I am absolutely certain that there isn't anyone out there who hated Styx before, and now loves them because of Lawrence. He hasn't done anything to get recognition outside of already established Styx fans.

[Keiferb]

While in my opinion it would be better if Dennis was still in the band, it's not going to happen. At least for anything long term. All of these guys have proven that they cannot let go of the problems from their past together. That is what will keep a full fledged reunion from occurring. Other then that it would be easy since Gowan has done nothing to make his mark in the band.

I'm sure the 10 million people who have seen him with Styx would disagree.

That's a pretty overblown estimate.....besides "Cyclorama," what else has Gowan done to leave his mark in the band? He's been singing and playing someone else's music for the last 12 years

Almost one million people see Styx every year. Over 12 years that gets close to 10 million. Gowan has brought many new fans to the band as well as keeping the flame of Styx music on fire when other people weren't willing too.

110 shows a year, and I'll average 3,000 per show, which makes 330,000 people a year. Not even halfway to a million.

Now, factor in how many of those 330,000 fans are not new fans, but people who see Styx every year...probably about half. So 115,000 new people see Styx each year (which is a very liberal estimate) And I am sure that these 115,000 people have heard of Styx before, and just never got around to seeing them until a particular year because of scheduling, finances, etc. I am absolutely certain that there isn't anyone out there who hated Styx before, and now loves them because of Lawrence. He hasn't done anything to get recognition outside of already established Styx fans.

To think that Gowan brought in enough fans to count is ridiculous. The only one I've heard of is BabyBlue, and she was having thigh sweats over Larry before he came to Styx. He Rocks!

[Monker]

While in my opinion it would be better if Dennis was still in the band, it's not going to happen. At least for anything long term. All of these guys have proven that they cannot let go of the problems from their past together. That is what will keep a full fledged reunion from occurring. Other then that it would be easy since Gowan has done nothing to make his mark in the band.

I'm sure the 10 million people who have seen him with Styx would disagree.

That's a pretty overblown estimate.....besides "Cyclorama," what else has Gowan done to leave his mark in the band? He's been singing and playing someone else's music for the last 12 years

Almost one million people see Styx every year. Over 12 years that gets close to 10 million. Gowan has brought many new fans to the band as well as keeping the flame of Styx music on fire when other people weren't willing too.

110 shows a year, and I'll average 3,000 per show, which makes 330,000 people a year. Not even halfway to a million.

Now, factor in how many of those 330,000 fans are not new fans, but people who see Styx every year...probably about half. So 115,000 new people see Styx each year (which is a very liberal estimate) And I am sure that these 115,000 people have heard of Styx before, and just never got around to seeing them until a particular year because of scheduling, finances, etc. I am absolutely certain that there isn't anyone out there who hated Styx before, and now loves them because of Lawrence. He hasn't done anything to get recognition outside of already established Styx fans.

To think that Gowan brought in enough fans to count is ridiculous. The only one I've heard of is BabyBlue, and she was having thigh sweats over Larry before he came to Styx. He Rocks!

What is ridiculous is anybody taking any of these numbers seriously. All people are doing is pulling numbers out their own ass to support whatever argument they want.

The bottom line is that Styx is still out there, with Gowan, and there is NOTHING anybody in this forum can do about it...Well, except continuously whine, of course.

[Toph]

Yeah, we don't need Dennis back

And who are you with your 9 posts?

9 posts doesn't make me less of a Styx fan. At least in my opinion...

No offense, but IMO a true Styx fan WOULD want DDY back in the band. I am neither pro Dennis or pro Styx, I support both like I have said many times. I believe they belong together.

While in my opinion it would be better if Dennis was still in the band, it's not going to happen. At least for anything long term. All of these guys have proven that they cannot let go of the problems from their past together. That is what will keep a full fledged reunion from occurring. Other then that it would be easy since Gowan has done nothing to make his mark in the band.

I'm sure the 10 million people who have seen him with Styx would disagree.

Everett you are clueless.

[Toph]

While in my opinion it would be better if Dennis was still in the band, it's not going to happen. At least for anything long term. All of these guys have proven that they cannot let go of the problems from their past together. That is what will keep a full fledged reunion from occurring. Other then that it would be easy since Gowan has done nothing to make his mark in the band.

I'm sure the 10 million people who have seen him with Styx would disagree.

That's a pretty overblown estimate.....besides "Cyclorama," what else has Gowan done to leave his mark in the band? He's been singing and playing someone else's music for the last 12 years

Almost one million people see Styx every year. Over 12 years that gets close to 10 million. Gowan has brought many new fans to the band as well as keeping the flame of Styx music on fire when other people weren't willing too.

110 shows a year, and I'll average 3,000 per show, which makes 330,000 people a year. Not even halfway to a million.

Now, factor in how many of those 330,000 fans are not new fans, but people who see Styx every year...probably about half. So 115,000 new people see Styx each year (which is a very liberal estimate) And I am sure that these 115,000 people have heard of Styx before, and just never got around to seeing them until a particular year because of scheduling, finances, etc. I am absolutely certain that there isn't anyone out there who hated Styx before, and now loves them because of Lawrence. He hasn't done anything to get recognition outside of already established Styx fans.

Most are there to see the band that Styx is opening up for.

[Boomchild]

Yeah, we don't need Dennis back

And who are you with your 9 posts?

9 posts doesn't make me less of a Styx fan. At least in my opinion...

No offense, but IMO a true Styx fan WOULD want DDY back in the band. I am neither pro Dennis or pro Styx, I support both like I have said many times. I believe they belong together.

While in my opinion it would be better if Dennis was still in the band, it's not going to happen. At least for anything long term. All of these guys have proven that they cannot let go of the problems from their past together. That is what will keep a full fledged reunion from occurring. Other then that it would be easy since Gowan has done nothing to make his mark in the band.

I'm sure the 10 million people who have seen him with Styx would disagree.

As a lot of people like to point out, it's not really about the members of the band to a wide section of casual fans. All they are concerned about is hearing the songs they know from the band. So it's a stretch to state those numbers are because Gowan is a part of Styx. Other then touring with the band and playing someone else's popular material he hasn't made a substantial contribution to the band.

NOBODY has made a "significant contribution" to Styx in almost 20yrs. So, the reality is your point means absolutely nothing.

Maybe your right. They are not relevant anymore. Just like a traveling circus coming through your town.

[Toph]

If you read Sterling's book, Bob Garcia of A&M (who as the A and R guy should know) basically says/implies the account that Tommy and Cahill state on BTM (and consequently this interview) that CSA only hit high on the charts because of their pushing of coke to DJs, a load of b.s.....imagine that...Tommy Shaw spouting bs.....

[froy]

"gr8whitehope"

Almost one million people see Styx every year.

No almost 1 million people don't see them every year,

Over 12 years that gets close to 10 million.

Or not even close.

Gowan has brought many new fans to the band

About 6 to be exact

as well as keeping the flame of Styx music on fire when other people weren't willing too.

Lets hope he gets burned

[gr8whitehope]

"gr8whitehope"

Almost one million people see Styx every year.

No almost 1 million people don't see them every year,

Over 12 years that gets close to 10 million.

Or not even close.

Gowan has brought many new fans to the band

About 6 to be exact

as well as keeping the flame of Styx music on fire when other people weren't willing too.

Lets hope he gets burned

You are a sad petty little man.

[Baron Von Bielski]

If you read Sterling's book, Bob Garcia of A&M (who as the A and R guy should know) basically says/implies the account that Tommy and Cahill state on BTM (and consequently this interview) that CSA only hit high on the charts because of their pushing of coke to DJs, a load of b.s.....imagine that...Tommy Shaw spouting bs.....

They didn't claim that's the "only" reason. They said they went to work for the song because it had stopped rising in the charts. You make it sound as if they're boasting that they made an otherwise unsuccessful song successful by pedaling coke to program directors.

[Boomchild]

If you read Sterling's book, Bob Garcia of A&M (who as the A and R guy should know) basically says/implies the account that Tommy and Cahill state on BTM (and consequently this interview) that CSA only hit high on the charts because of their pushing of coke to DJs, a load of b.s.....imagine that...Tommy Shaw spouting bs.....

They didn't claim that's the "only" reason. They said they went to work for the song because it had stopped rising in the charts. You make it sound as if they're boasting that they made an otherwise unsuccessful song successful by pedaling coke to program directors.

I feel that if anyone feels a song's performance on the charts is based on the merit of the song itself is naive. I think that things are more fabricated now then they were back then.

[Boomchild]

While in my opinion it would be better if Dennis was still in the band, it's not going to happen. At least for anything long term. All of these guys have proven that they cannot let go of the problems from their past together. That is what will keep a full fledged reunion from occurring. Other then that it would be easy since Gowan has done nothing to make his mark in the band.

I'm sure the 10 million people who have seen him with Styx would disagree.

That's a pretty overblown estimate.....besides "Cyclorama," what else has Gowan done to leave his mark in the band? He's been singing and playing someone else's music for the last 12 years

Almost one million people see Styx every year. Over 12 years that gets close to 10 million. Gowan has brought many new fans to the band as well as keeping the flame of Styx music on fire when other people weren't willing too.

That is another reason why i love Styx."Gowan" is a showman plain & simply. I get to see Styx 2 times this year life is good

Gowan certainly is a plain and simple showman. In this economy you would be better off filming the first show and skip the second. After all, it will be exactly as the first one.

[Rockwriter]

If you read Sterling's book, Bob Garcia of A&M (who as the A and R guy should know) basically says/implies the account that Tommy and Cahill state on BTM (and consequently this interview) that CSA only hit high on the charts because of their pushing of coke to DJs, a load of b.s.....imagine that...Tommy Shaw spouting bs.....

They didn't claim that's the "only" reason. They said they went to work for the song because it had stopped rising in the charts. You make it sound as if they're boasting that they made an otherwise unsuccessful song successful by pedaling coke to program directors.

I feel that if anyone feels a song's performance on the charts is based on the merit of the song itself is naive. I think that things are more fabricated now then they were back then.

The "merits" of a song are purely in the ears of the beholder. If you like it, then you think it's good. What makes one song better than another? It's completely subjective.

That said, I will say that in all likelihood you have never heard a song on commercial radio in your entire life that wasn't bought and paid for. That's just how it works. You can pay to get a song exposure, but you can't make people buy it once they've heard it. For a song like "Babe" to sell 500,000 singles, for instance, that means that not only were people getting exposed to it, they were responding by choosing to own their own copy. Does that make it "better" than another song? Apparently to those people it did.


Sterling

[Toph]

If you read Sterling's book, Bob Garcia of A&M (who as the A and R guy should know) basically says/implies the account that Tommy and Cahill state on BTM (and consequently this interview) that CSA only hit high on the charts because of their pushing of coke to DJs, a load of b.s.....imagine that...Tommy Shaw spouting bs.....

They didn't claim that's the "only" reason. They said they went to work for the song because it had stopped rising in the charts. You make it sound as if they're boasting that they made an otherwise unsuccessful song successful by pedaling coke to program directors.

It's clearly implied, night bull.

They say - it lost its bullet so we gave some djs some coke and guess what? it got its bullet back. Complete and total bs. Correlation does not equal causation. CSA was a hit because its a great song. Not because 2 coked out losers decided to share their stash with a few djs.

[Monker]

If you read Sterling's book, Bob Garcia of A&M (who as the A and R guy should know) basically says/implies the account that Tommy and Cahill state on BTM (and consequently this interview) that CSA only hit high on the charts because of their pushing of coke to DJs, a load of b.s.....imagine that...Tommy Shaw spouting bs.....

They didn't claim that's the "only" reason. They said they went to work for the song because it had stopped rising in the charts. You make it sound as if they're boasting that they made an otherwise unsuccessful song successful by pedaling coke to program directors.

It's clearly implied, night bull.

They say - it lost its bullet so we gave some djs some coke and guess what? it got its bullet back. Complete and total bs. Correlation does not equal causation. CSA was a hit because its a great song. Not because 2 coked out losers decided to share their stash with a few djs.

for you to so emphatically believe such crap, you must be thoroughly coked out yourself.

Ridiculous.