DDY Interview

[Cassie May]

Here's yet another Rolling Stone interview; aren't these guys getting more coverage there now than they ever have during their careers? I remember a quote from many years ago in which someone (Dennis, maybe?) said Styx wanted to be the darlings of RS; Jann Wenner wouldn't allow that, of course. Anyway, dig in.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ ... n-20110727

[Toph]

Here's yet another Rolling Stone interview; aren't these guys getting more coverage there now than they ever have during their careers? I remember a quote from many years ago in which someone (Dennis, maybe?) said Styx wanted to be the darlings of RS; Jann Wenner wouldn't allow that, of course. Anyway, dig in.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ ... n-20110727

DDY's story hasn't changed. Pinochio's changes every week.

[Archetype]

LOVE this part:

Some fans suggest one problem is that Tommy wanted a harder sound than you wanted, and that caused lots of problems.
Here's what I would say to you. [pause] "Renegade" would arguably be Tommy's biggest rock song. It wasn't a rock song when he brought it in. It was my idea to make it into a rock song.

So that perception of your musical differences is just totally wrong?
The perception is wrong. Tommy's a great songwriter. And his greatest strength is that acoustic guitar. He can write any kind of song. And my philosophy has always been if you got five songs, choose the one that's great, regardless of style.

Tommy's so full of shit.

[Boomchild]

LOVE this part:

Some fans suggest one problem is that Tommy wanted a harder sound than you wanted, and that caused lots of problems.
Here's what I would say to you. [pause] "Renegade" would arguably be Tommy's biggest rock song. It wasn't a rock song when he brought it in. It was my idea to make it into a rock song.

So that perception of your musical differences is just totally wrong?
The perception is wrong. Tommy's a great songwriter. And his greatest strength is that acoustic guitar. He can write any kind of song. And my philosophy has always been if you got five songs, choose the one that's great, regardless of style.

Tommy's so full of shit.

At least from his recollection of the past, it seems.

[bugsymalone]

Here's yet another Rolling Stone interview; aren't these guys getting more coverage there now than they ever have during their careers? I remember a quote from many years ago in which someone (Dennis, maybe?) said Styx wanted to be the darlings of RS; Jann Wenner wouldn't allow that, of course. Anyway, dig in.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ ... n-20110727

"Where are you calling from?
I'm calling from a telephone."

LULZ!!!

Dennis is pretty full of vinegar in this one, but I don't blame him. RS has treated Styx, and him, horribly over the years.

Thanks for posting it, C.M.

Bugsy

[Toph]

LOVE this part:

Some fans suggest one problem is that Tommy wanted a harder sound than you wanted, and that caused lots of problems.
Here's what I would say to you. [pause] "Renegade" would arguably be Tommy's biggest rock song. It wasn't a rock song when he brought it in. It was my idea to make it into a rock song.

So that perception of your musical differences is just totally wrong?
The perception is wrong. Tommy's a great songwriter. And his greatest strength is that acoustic guitar. He can write any kind of song. And my philosophy has always been if you got five songs, choose the one that's great, regardless of style.

Tommy's so full of shit.

DDY is right. Pinochio is best on acoustic.

[Boomchild]

Here's yet another Rolling Stone interview; aren't these guys getting more coverage there now than they ever have during their careers? I remember a quote from many years ago in which someone (Dennis, maybe?) said Styx wanted to be the darlings of RS; Jann Wenner wouldn't allow that, of course. Anyway, dig in.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ ... n-20110727

"Where are you calling from?
I'm calling from a telephone."

LULZ!!!

Dennis is pretty full of vinegar in this one, but I don't blame him. RS has treated Styx, and him, horribly over the years.

Thanks for posting it, C.M.

Bugsy

I am surprised that he even returned the call knowing it was RS.

[Boomchild]

LOVE this part:

Some fans suggest one problem is that Tommy wanted a harder sound than you wanted, and that caused lots of problems.
Here's what I would say to you. [pause] "Renegade" would arguably be Tommy's biggest rock song. It wasn't a rock song when he brought it in. It was my idea to make it into a rock song.

So that perception of your musical differences is just totally wrong?
The perception is wrong. Tommy's a great songwriter. And his greatest strength is that acoustic guitar. He can write any kind of song. And my philosophy has always been if you got five songs, choose the one that's great, regardless of style.

Tommy's so full of shit.

I can see Dennis' point. I think he was not trying to put boundaries on the types or styles of songs that Styx could do and it seems JY and Tommy wanted to put boundaries on the material. One would think that a person that is open to all types of material would be easier to work with then someone who is not.

[Boomchild]

LOVE this part:

Some fans suggest one problem is that Tommy wanted a harder sound than you wanted, and that caused lots of problems.
Here's what I would say to you. [pause] "Renegade" would arguably be Tommy's biggest rock song. It wasn't a rock song when he brought it in. It was my idea to make it into a rock song.

So that perception of your musical differences is just totally wrong?
The perception is wrong. Tommy's a great songwriter. And his greatest strength is that acoustic guitar. He can write any kind of song. And my philosophy has always been if you got five songs, choose the one that's great, regardless of style.

Tommy's so full of shit.

DDY is right. Pinochio is best on acoustic.

So if Tommy is Pinocchio, does that make JY Gepetto?

[RedWingFan]

Wow. After reading this, I have to side with DDY. It sounds like Shaw and JY just want to whore out in front of however many people show up to wring out as much cash out of the fanbase as they can.

I'd rather see them put out a new cd and tour every 2 or 3 years rather than be a traveling jukebox.

[gr8dane]

LOVE this part:

Some fans suggest one problem is that Tommy wanted a harder sound than you wanted, and that caused lots of problems.
Here's what I would say to you. [pause] "Renegade" would arguably be Tommy's biggest rock song. It wasn't a rock song when he brought it in. It was my idea to make it into a rock song.

So that perception of your musical differences is just totally wrong?
The perception is wrong. Tommy's a great songwriter. And his greatest strength is that acoustic guitar. He can write any kind of song. And my philosophy has always been if you got five songs, choose the one that's great, regardless of style.

Tommy's so full of shit.

DDY is right. Pinochio is best on acoustic.

So if Tommy is Pinocchio, does that make JY Gepetto?

....and Dennis could be John Worthington Foulfellow AKA Honest John
and Larry could be Stromboli and Chuck could be the Blue Fairy and Froy gets to pick who Ricky is.That' the least we can do.

[Cassie May]

It's always fascinating to get different viewpoints on things. One thing I have always wanted to know, and would absolutely love to ask Dennis about, is: There were a lot of comments made in the past about stifling creativity. I recall interviews in which Dennis says he would plead to the other guys, who "wanted to rock," to not stifle creativity and allow him to try other things (like the poppy stuff, for example). So my question to Dennis would be, if you didn't want your creativity stifled, why did you stifle everyone else's by insisting they follow your concept on KWH?

I have thought about that for years, and I would love to know how Dennis would respond--hell, what any of them would say.

[Baron Von Bielski]

There shoud never be boundaries on music or creativity. You write a bunch of songs and you pick the best... that simple. Dennis is a good guy... I'm gonna leave it at that.

[Zan]

LOL! He meant "don't stifle *his* creativity."

That said, I think Tommy did some of his best work on KWH. Double Life is pretty awesome too.

[Zan]

There is a dirty joke in that Pinocchio strand somewhere.

Hi-diidly-dee!

[froy]

LOL! He meant "don't stifle *his* creativity."

That said, I think Tommy did some of his best work on KWH. Double Life is pretty awesome too.

I agree only Cold War sucks the rest is fantastic.

[bugsymalone]

LOL! He meant "don't stifle *his* creativity."

That said, I think Tommy did some of his best work on KWH. Double Life is pretty awesome too.

I agree only Cold War sucks the rest is fantastic.

Agreed. The best songs on KWH are definitely the Tommy/JY ones.

Far be it from me to find these now, but I believe Dennis has said in past interviews that he regretted the pressure he put on the band over this concept album, but, of course, at the time, he was not to be dissuaded and no doubt he was heavy-handed.

As to this RS interview, the prickly side of DDY certainly came out, but, honestly, I don't blame him one bit for giving the interviewer, and by extension the magazine, a hard time.

I do applaud the magazine for at least recognizing that the other side to this story needed to be heard from and for contacting Dennis for his side.


Bugsy

[Baron Von Bielski]

LOL! He meant "don't stifle *his* creativity."

That said, I think Tommy did some of his best work on KWH. Double Life is pretty awesome too.

I agree only Cold War sucks the rest is fantastic.

Really? I actually like that song. The main riff is great.

[StyxCollector]

That said, I think Tommy did some of his best work on KWH. Double Life is pretty awesome too.

Side two of that album has some great songs - some of the best in the Styx canon in my opinion. And I ain't talking about "Don't Let It End (Reprise)"

[StyxCollector]

So my question to Dennis would be, if you didn't want your creativity stifled, why did you stifle everyone else's by insisting they follow your concept on KWH?

I have thought about that for years, and I would love to know how Dennis would respond--hell, what any of them would say.

DDY has addressed KWH in many places, including my interview. http://styxcollector.com/DDY-2009-1.html

That said, Styx has always been about diversity in its music. I mean, Cornerstone is one of the most diverse things Styx has ever done with songs like "Boat on the River" on it. KWH is one thing where everyone pandered to a single idea, but if you look at the body of work for Styx with DDY, it's not all one note.

[Monker]

Here's yet another Rolling Stone interview; aren't these guys getting more coverage there now than they ever have during their careers? I remember a quote from many years ago in which someone (Dennis, maybe?) said Styx wanted to be the darlings of RS; Jann Wenner wouldn't allow that, of course. Anyway, dig in.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ ... n-20110727

Dennis comes off like a whiny baby in this interview, IMO.

He can't understand why the rest of the band was miserable? The rest of the band wanted to tour, he had Hunchback commitments and thought they were taking a year off the road - that is according to HIM. He was putting Hunchback at the same or higher priority as Styx. That is going by HIS OWN INTERVIEW...and not just this one. That is what the entire issue was with Dennis. He was splitting his time between Styx and a solo career - and the rest of the band were tired of it.

If it had been anybody else, they would have been axed. If Tommy had tried to split his time between Styx and DY, he would be forced to make a choice. In fact, that happened, and he chose to leave DY and commit to Styx. So, Dennis got axed because he wouldn't commit to a tour - good for Styx for finally standing up to him.

Then he sues the band because he wanted them to all come together. WTF kind of moronic decision is that? You have a better chance of that happening by signing froyline's point petition from years ago.

Then his fucking arrogance astounds me. Does he have to claim ever damn song that had success was because of him and HIS INPUT? Renegade is the way it is because of Dennis. I mean, come on, give me a break....get over yourself already. It is a band and he had some input...but it is STILL TOMMY's SONG. It just amazes me that he thinks he has some kinda Midas touch but then has to put Hunchback songs on BNW...which is the entire issue the band has with his directing of things...just retarded.

And, comparing a band to a family is bullshit. How many times do people here say it's a business. Comparing it to a family is a complete misrepresentation of what is going on. If you are in a business with a team of four other people, and one of them is a complete asshole that makes life miserable for everybody...but that business is earning you millions of dollar a year, you smile and you let Capt. Dunsel. But, after it crashes and the money is in the tens of thousands, you no longer need to put up with someone who makes your business a huge headache to run...so you axe Capt. Dunsel cuz his contributions are no longer worth the rest of the baggage he brings to the team.

THAT is what happened....you DDY fans are in denial, and so is Dennis himself.

[Mr JY Roboto]

Who really cares anymore. What's done is done and been tread over too many times. Tommy and JY are FOS, Dennis is not a rocker, blah, blah blah. Enjoy the good times ('75-'81) and let it be.

[Mr JY Roboto]

Here's yet another Rolling Stone interview; aren't these guys getting more coverage there now than they ever have during their careers? I remember a quote from many years ago in which someone (Dennis, maybe?) said Styx wanted to be the darlings of RS; Jann Wenner wouldn't allow that, of course. Anyway, dig in.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ ... n-20110727

Dennis comes off like a whiny baby in this interview, IMO.

He can't understand why the rest of the band was miserable? The rest of the band wanted to tour, he had Hunchback commitments and thought they were taking a year off the road - that is according to HIM. He was putting Hunchback at the same or higher priority as Styx. That is going by HIS OWN INTERVIEW...and not just this one. That is what the entire issue was with Dennis. He was splitting his time between Styx and a solo career - and the rest of the band were tired of it.

If it had been anybody else, they would have been axed. If Tommy had tried to split his time between Styx and DY, he would be forced to make a choice. In fact, that happened, and he chose to leave DY and commit to Styx. So, Dennis got axed because he wouldn't commit to a tour - good for Styx for finally standing up to him.

Then he sues the band because he wanted them to all come together. WTF kind of moronic decision is that? You have a better chance of that happening by signing froyline's point petition from years ago.

Then his fucking arrogance astounds me. Does he have to claim ever damn song that had success was because of him and HIS INPUT? Renegade is the way it is because of Dennis. I mean, come on, give me a break....get over yourself already. It is a band and he had some input...but it is STILL TOMMY's SONG. It just amazes me that he thinks he has some kinda Midas touch but then has to put Hunchback songs on BNW...which is the entire issue the band has with his directing of things...just retarded.

And, comparing a band to a family is bullshit. How many times do people here say it's a business. Comparing it to a family is a complete misrepresentation of what is going on. If you are in a business with a team of four other people, and one of them is a complete asshole that makes life miserable for everybody...but that business is earning you millions of dollar a year, you smile and you let Capt. Dunsel. But, after it crashes and the money is in the tens of thousands, you no longer need to put up with someone who makes your business a huge headache to run...so you axe Capt. Dunsel cuz his contributions are no longer worth the rest of the baggage he brings to the team.

THAT is what happened....you DDY fans are in denial, and so is Dennis himself.

AMEN!

[froy]

"Monker

Tommy comes off like a whiny baby in this interview, IMO.

He can't understand why the rest of the band was miserable? The rest of the band wanted to tour, he had Damn Yankees commitments and thought they were taking a year off the road - that is according to HIM. He was putting Ted Nugent and Jack Blades at the same or higher priority as Styx. That is going by HIS OWN INTERVIEW...and not just this one. That is what the entire issue was with Tommy. He was splitting his time between Damn Yankees and a solo career - and the rest of the band were tired of it.


Now what Monkey should they have kicked Shaw out forever ? He did the same thing pal

[Archetype]

"Monker

Tommy comes off like a whiny baby in this interview, IMO.

He can't understand why the rest of the band was miserable? The rest of the band wanted to tour, he had Damn Yankees commitments and thought they were taking a year off the road - that is according to HIM. He was putting Ted Nugent and Jack Blades at the same or higher priority as Styx. That is going by HIS OWN INTERVIEW...and not just this one. That is what the entire issue was with Tommy. He was splitting his time between Damn Yankees and a solo career - and the rest of the band were tired of it.


Now what Monkey should they have kicked Shaw out forever ? He did the same thing pal

Exactly. Tommy did the exact same thing with Damn Yankees as Dennis did with Hunchback and they got Glen to replace Tommy. Then when Tommy wanted back in Styx, Dennis let him back in Styx. So why couldn't they do a year or two with Lawrence and then let Dennis back in?

That's how Dennis treated Tommy. Now look how Tommy treats Dennis.

[froy]

EK EK said.

If it had been anybody else, they would have been axed. If Tommy had tried to split his time between Styx and DY, he would be forced to make a choice. In fact, that happened, and he chose to leave DY and commit to Styx.

Really then why was Burtnick in the band in 91 you liar,

So, Dennis got axed because he wouldn't commit to a tour - good for Styx for finally standing up to him.

And Fuck you and Fuck You to Shaw and Young for destroying a once great band.

Then he sues the band because he wanted them to all come together. WTF kind of moronic decision is that? You have a better chance of that happening by signing froyline's point petition from years ago.

Your such a fool you prove it time and time again.
Man are current STYX fans stupid.

[froy]

"Monker

Tommy comes off like a whiny baby in this interview, IMO.

He can't understand why the rest of the band was miserable? The rest of the band wanted to tour, he had Damn Yankees commitments and thought they were taking a year off the road - that is according to HIM. He was putting Ted Nugent and Jack Blades at the same or higher priority as Styx. That is going by HIS OWN INTERVIEW...and not just this one. That is what the entire issue was with Tommy. He was splitting his time between Damn Yankees and a solo career - and the rest of the band were tired of it.


Now what Monkey should they have kicked Shaw out forever ? He did the same thing pal

Exactly. Tommy did the exact same thing with Damn Yankees as Dennis did with Hunchback and they got Glen to replace Tommy. Then when Tommy wanted back in Styx, Dennis let him back in Styx. So why couldn't they do a year or two with Lawrence and then let Dennis back in?

That's how Dennis treated Tommy. Now look how Tommy treats Dennis.

BULLS EYE Pal

[Babyblue]

EK EK said.

If it had been anybody else, they would have been axed. If Tommy had tried to split his time between Styx and DY, he would be forced to make a choice. In fact, that happened, and he chose to leave DY and commit to Styx.

Really then why was Burtnick in the band in 91 you liar,

So, Dennis got axed because he wouldn't commit to a tour - good for Styx for finally standing up to him.

And Fuck you and Fuck You to Shaw and Young for destroying a once great band.

Then he sues the band because he wanted them to all come together. WTF kind of moronic decision is that? You have a better chance of that happening by signing froyline's point petition from years ago.

Your such a fool you prove it time and time again.
Man are current STYX fans stupid.

Here we go all over again.

[Mr JY Roboto]

"Monker

Tommy comes off like a whiny baby in this interview, IMO.

He can't understand why the rest of the band was miserable? The rest of the band wanted to tour, he had Damn Yankees commitments and thought they were taking a year off the road - that is according to HIM. He was putting Ted Nugent and Jack Blades at the same or higher priority as Styx. That is going by HIS OWN INTERVIEW...and not just this one. That is what the entire issue was with Tommy. He was splitting his time between Damn Yankees and a solo career - and the rest of the band were tired of it.


Now what Monkey should they have kicked Shaw out forever ? He did the same thing pal

Dennis needed Tommy more than Tommy needed Dennis. It's as plain as day. The days of working only when Dennis wanted to are over. They are happy. In fact Dennis is happy. Why are you not?

[Boomchild]

"Monker

Tommy comes off like a whiny baby in this interview, IMO.

He can't understand why the rest of the band was miserable? The rest of the band wanted to tour, he had Damn Yankees commitments and thought they were taking a year off the road - that is according to HIM. He was putting Ted Nugent and Jack Blades at the same or higher priority as Styx. That is going by HIS OWN INTERVIEW...and not just this one. That is what the entire issue was with Tommy. He was splitting his time between Damn Yankees and a solo career - and the rest of the band were tired of it.


Now what Monkey should they have kicked Shaw out forever ? He did the same thing pal

Dennis needed Tommy more than Tommy needed Dennis. It's as plain as day. The days of working only when Dennis wanted to are over. They are happy. In fact Dennis is happy. Why are you not?

Ok I see. Pre Tommy Shaw, Styx which includes Dennis DeYoung had a contract with A&M, a major record label. Where was Tommy at that time? Oh, that's right he was playing in a bowling alley in Alabama. Your right, Tommy's career was on a real upswing at that time while Dennis and Styx we at an all time low. Give me a break.