Chuck on Dennis: No reason for animosity

[Rockwriter]

Another interesting interview showing a little bit of softening between the guys. NOT that it means a reunion will ever happen, but it's better to read than the bitter stuff ever was.

http://www.examiner.com/classic-hard-ro ... -animosity

Thanks I hope everyone is having a Happy New Year!

Sterling

[Ash]

"since he left"?

wtf sterling... why'd you let him get away with that. Dennis didn't leave... he was evicted.

I think even you recognize that.

[Toph]

"since he left"?

wtf sterling... why'd you let him get away with that. Dennis didn't leave... he was evicted.

I think even you recognize that.

Agree. You weren't a true journalist on that one Sterling. You needed to call him on that bs.

[Ash]

Note: I am not being critical of Sterling as a journalist... just wondering (from my opinion) why that wasn't corrected.

[Rockwriter]

I'm not sure if you guys recognized I was quoting from another article as the source. That's what Chuck said in the exact manner that he said it. To then add the context, "That's not true," would be me stating an opinion rather than quoting what got said. My job in writing an abstraction of someone else's interview is to report what was said in context.

Now, if this had been my interview I might have said as diplomatically as possible, "Dennis has always maintained that he was fired, what's your response to that?" But that wasn't possible in this instance.


Sterling

[mr.v]

I'm not sure if you guys recognized I was quoting from another article as the source. That's what Chuck said in the exact manner that he said it. To then add the context, "That's not true," would be me stating an opinion rather than quoting what got said. My job in writing an abstraction of someone else's interview is to report what was said in context.

Now, if this had been my interview I might have said as diplomatically as possible, "Dennis has always maintained that he was fired, what's your response to that?" But that wasn't possible in this instance.


Sterling

Things might be softening a bit in between the guys but here at Melodicrock.com the battle of "I must defend Dennis" fights on....

[Ash]

Then you have my apologies Sterling. It came across as an interview. Sorry about that. Carry on!

[bugsymalone]

Part of the new history of Styx is Dennis left Styx voluntarily. I don't see much changing that now.


Bugsy

[Toph]

I'm not sure if you guys recognized I was quoting from another article as the source. That's what Chuck said in the exact manner that he said it. To then add the context, "That's not true," would be me stating an opinion rather than quoting what got said. My job in writing an abstraction of someone else's interview is to report what was said in context.

Now, if this had been my interview I might have said as diplomatically as possible, "Dennis has always maintained that he was fired, what's your response to that?" But that wasn't possible in this instance.


Sterling

Thanks for the clarification. Thought you had been doing the interviewing. My bad. Apologies!

[Toph]

Part of the new history of Styx is Dennis left Styx voluntarily. I don't see much changing that now.


Bugsy

Will the website be edited with that inforrmation? Now that is place with some good fictional content!!

[Toph]

I'm not sure if you guys recognized I was quoting from another article as the source. That's what Chuck said in the exact manner that he said it. To then add the context, "That's not true," would be me stating an opinion rather than quoting what got said. My job in writing an abstraction of someone else's interview is to report what was said in context.

Now, if this had been my interview I might have said as diplomatically as possible, "Dennis has always maintained that he was fired, what's your response to that?" But that wasn't possible in this instance.


Sterling

Things might be softening a bit in between the guys but here at Melodicrock.com the battle of "I must defend Dennis" fights on....

No, just willing to call out the complete BS and fabrications that come from TS, JY, and CP that some of you want to just overlook because your nose is so far up their asses.

[brywool]

I'm not sure if you guys recognized I was quoting from another article as the source. That's what Chuck said in the exact manner that he said it. To then add the context, "That's not true," would be me stating an opinion rather than quoting what got said. My job in writing an abstraction of someone else's interview is to report what was said in context.

Now, if this had been my interview I might have said as diplomatically as possible, "Dennis has always maintained that he was fired, what's your response to that?" But that wasn't possible in this instance.


Sterling

Things might be softening a bit in between the guys but here at Melodicrock.com the battle of "I must defend Dennis" fights on....

No, just willing to call out the complete BS and fabrications that come from TS, JY, and CP that some of you want to just overlook because your nose is so far up their asses.

Yes, because it matters... why? exactly? What matters is, they no longer work together. For Chuck to say "Yeah, we fired him" would basically negate the purpose of the article. The FACT is Dennis could not commit to Styx and the touring schedule they wanted to follow. When you do that at work, they let you guy. It's the same as any job. Dennis was a prime creative force (if not THE prime creative force) in the band, but the majority didn't want to wait for him. Dennis said something like "Give me 6 months or a year" or whatever. That amount of time can kill a record or a tour. The band certainly could've (and I say should have) waited to finish BNW and tour with Dennis, but as the band has stated many times now, Styx was all over the place and the band wanted to capitalize on that fact. As a business, that is exactly what they should've been thinking. Dennis wasn't able to hold up his end and after so many other problems between he and the band, the band decided to move on without him. Now, they are reaping the rewards of that, both good and bad. They do not appear unhappy with the decision. Dennis can work at his own pace and with Suzanne up on stage with him.

Why is this such a big deal to people? Everyone in both camps is happy doing what they want? It's not like a reunited Styx could fill a 60,000 seat arena. If you're thinking that, you're nuts. Dennis doesn't and never has liked to tour. EVER. The rest of the band, on the other hand LOVES to be on the road.

Think back to yer Sesame Street "One of these things is not like the other... so let's fire it".

It happens in the business world all the time. I'm sure the band does not HATE Dennis (though maybe Jy, not sure), they just moved on as a business decision. Happens every day.

[Boomchild]

Part of the new history of Styx is Dennis left Styx voluntarily. I don't see much changing that now.


Bugsy

Will the website be edited with that inforrmation? Now that is place with some good fictional content!!

I think they would rather completely erase the existence of Dennis in the history of Styx if they could.

[brywool]

Part of the new history of Styx is Dennis left Styx voluntarily. I don't see much changing that now.


Bugsy

Will the website be edited with that inforrmation? Now that is place with some good fictional content!!

I think they would rather completely erase the existence of Dennis in the history of Styx if they could.

which is just stupid of them. My god, the guy made huge contributions to their success, why the erasing of Dennis?
Just say Dennis and the band parted ways in year x and now Lawrence Gowan has taken over his spot. Big friggin' deal. Would it kill them to (or hurt them AT ALL) to acknowledge the guy's contributions. It totally hurts them with their fans NOT to mention him. You have to wonder, is that management's decision? The band's? Dennis's lawyers? It's just absolutely dumb.

I haven't looked on Dennis' site. Does he mention Shaw and Young and Panozzo a lot over there? I would think he would too.

[cittadeeno23]

Dennis mentions the other guys almost every time I see his show. He is very proud of what the 5 of them accomplished together.

[brywool]

Dennis mentions the other guys almost every time I see his show. He is very proud of what the 5 of them accomplished together.

That's cool. Styx should do the same.

[Archetype]

I'm not sure if you guys recognized I was quoting from another article as the source. That's what Chuck said in the exact manner that he said it. To then add the context, "That's not true," would be me stating an opinion rather than quoting what got said. My job in writing an abstraction of someone else's interview is to report what was said in context.

Now, if this had been my interview I might have said as diplomatically as possible, "Dennis has always maintained that he was fired, what's your response to that?" But that wasn't possible in this instance.


Sterling

Things might be softening a bit in between the guys but here at Melodicrock.com the battle of "I must defend Dennis" fights on....

No, just willing to call out the complete BS and fabrications that come from TS, JY, and CP that some of you want to just overlook because your nose is so far up their asses.

Yes, because it matters... why? exactly? What matters is, they no longer work together. For Chuck to say "Yeah, we fired him" would basically negate the purpose of the article. The FACT is Dennis could not commit to Styx and the touring schedule they wanted to follow. When you do that at work, they let you guy. It's the same as any job. Dennis was a prime creative force (if not THE prime creative force) in the band, but the majority didn't want to wait for him. Dennis said something like "Give me 6 months or a year" or whatever. That amount of time can kill a record or a tour. The band certainly could've (and I say should have) waited to finish BNW and tour with Dennis, but as the band has stated many times now, Styx was all over the place and the band wanted to capitalize on that fact. As a business, that is exactly what they should've been thinking. Dennis wasn't able to hold up his end and after so many other problems between he and the band, the band decided to move on without him. Now, they are reaping the rewards of that, both good and bad. They do not appear unhappy with the decision. Dennis can work at his own pace and with Suzanne up on stage with him.

Why is this such a big deal to people? Everyone in both camps is happy doing what they want? It's not like a reunited Styx could fill a 60,000 seat arena. If you're thinking that, you're nuts. Dennis doesn't and never has liked to tour. EVER. The rest of the band, on the other hand LOVES to be on the road.

Think back to yer Sesame Street "One of these things is not like the other... so let's fire it".

It happens in the business world all the time. I'm sure the band does not HATE Dennis (though maybe Jy, not sure), they just moved on as a business decision. Happens every day.

Styx's rush to capitalize sure didn't get them anywhere. Brave New World is their worst selling record to date and the first tour they went on with Gowan had them playing House of Blues type venues. Someone sucks at business.

[brywool]

I'm not sure if you guys recognized I was quoting from another article as the source. That's what Chuck said in the exact manner that he said it. To then add the context, "That's not true," would be me stating an opinion rather than quoting what got said. My job in writing an abstraction of someone else's interview is to report what was said in context.

Now, if this had been my interview I might have said as diplomatically as possible, "Dennis has always maintained that he was fired, what's your response to that?" But that wasn't possible in this instance.


Sterling

Things might be softening a bit in between the guys but here at Melodicrock.com the battle of "I must defend Dennis" fights on....

No, just willing to call out the complete BS and fabrications that come from TS, JY, and CP that some of you want to just overlook because your nose is so far up their asses.

Yes, because it matters... why? exactly? What matters is, they no longer work together. For Chuck to say "Yeah, we fired him" would basically negate the purpose of the article. The FACT is Dennis could not commit to Styx and the touring schedule they wanted to follow. When you do that at work, they let you guy. It's the same as any job. Dennis was a prime creative force (if not THE prime creative force) in the band, but the majority didn't want to wait for him. Dennis said something like "Give me 6 months or a year" or whatever. That amount of time can kill a record or a tour. The band certainly could've (and I say should have) waited to finish BNW and tour with Dennis, but as the band has stated many times now, Styx was all over the place and the band wanted to capitalize on that fact. As a business, that is exactly what they should've been thinking. Dennis wasn't able to hold up his end and after so many other problems between he and the band, the band decided to move on without him. Now, they are reaping the rewards of that, both good and bad. They do not appear unhappy with the decision. Dennis can work at his own pace and with Suzanne up on stage with him.

Why is this such a big deal to people? Everyone in both camps is happy doing what they want? It's not like a reunited Styx could fill a 60,000 seat arena. If you're thinking that, you're nuts. Dennis doesn't and never has liked to tour. EVER. The rest of the band, on the other hand LOVES to be on the road.

Think back to yer Sesame Street "One of these things is not like the other... so let's fire it".

It happens in the business world all the time. I'm sure the band does not HATE Dennis (though maybe Jy, not sure), they just moved on as a business decision. Happens every day.

Styx's rush to capitalize sure didn't get them anywhere. Brave New World is their worst selling record to date and the first tour they went on with Gowan had them playing House of Blues type venues. Someone sucks at business.

Did I say it got them anywhere? Read the post- I said they should've waited. The fact is (and this is what the Styx haters just can't deal with) they did not wait and moved on. Dennis had kept them waiting already. They wanted to move and GAMBLE that losing Dennis was okay as long as they "hit" at the time peeps were talking so much about Styx. Now FOR BETTER OR WORSE they are reaping what they've sown. They gambled at the time that Styx was prevalent in America's consciousness and because the album wasn't a coherent and good album, they pissed that away and they gambled and lost. HOWEVER- Dennis was still in the band at that time of BNW, so Gowan had NOTHING to do with it, so your argument for against BNW lies on Styx and DENNIS' shoulders. In the end, it DID get them somewhere- it got them on the road and it got them to Cyclorama. Cyclo was a great step for the band to my mind and many others. THEN they blew any kind of momentum they might've had by doing what came after. That album should've done better but they needed a real record company behind them. They didn't have that. BNW was just a crappy album. Dennis shares the blame there. Between Hip Hop Hypocracy and Just Fell In, you have to go "WHAT were these guys thinking??

[pinkfloyd1973]

I'm not sure if you guys recognized I was quoting from another article as the source. That's what Chuck said in the exact manner that he said it. To then add the context, "That's not true," would be me stating an opinion rather than quoting what got said. My job in writing an abstraction of someone else's interview is to report what was said in context.

Now, if this had been my interview I might have said as diplomatically as possible, "Dennis has always maintained that he was fired, what's your response to that?" But that wasn't possible in this instance.


Sterling

Things might be softening a bit in between the guys but here at Melodicrock.com the battle of "I must defend Dennis" fights on....

No, just willing to call out the complete BS and fabrications that come from TS, JY, and CP that some of you want to just overlook because your nose is so far up their asses.

Yes, because it matters... why? exactly? What matters is, they no longer work together. For Chuck to say "Yeah, we fired him" would basically negate the purpose of the article. The FACT is Dennis could not commit to Styx and the touring schedule they wanted to follow. When you do that at work, they let you guy. It's the same as any job. Dennis was a prime creative force (if not THE prime creative force) in the band, but the majority didn't want to wait for him. Dennis said something like "Give me 6 months or a year" or whatever. That amount of time can kill a record or a tour. The band certainly could've (and I say should have) waited to finish BNW and tour with Dennis, but as the band has stated many times now, Styx was all over the place and the band wanted to capitalize on that fact. As a business, that is exactly what they should've been thinking. Dennis wasn't able to hold up his end and after so many other problems between he and the band, the band decided to move on without him. Now, they are reaping the rewards of that, both good and bad. They do not appear unhappy with the decision. Dennis can work at his own pace and with Suzanne up on stage with him.

Why is this such a big deal to people? Everyone in both camps is happy doing what they want? It's not like a reunited Styx could fill a 60,000 seat arena. If you're thinking that, you're nuts. Dennis doesn't and never has liked to tour. EVER. The rest of the band, on the other hand LOVES to be on the road.

Think back to yer Sesame Street "One of these things is not like the other... so let's fire it".

It happens in the business world all the time. I'm sure the band does not HATE Dennis (though maybe Jy, not sure), they just moved on as a business decision. Happens every day.

Styx's rush to capitalize sure didn't get them anywhere. Brave New World is their worst selling record to date and the first tour they went on with Gowan had them playing House of Blues type venues. Someone sucks at business.

Did I say it got them anywhere? Read the post- I said they should've waited. The fact is (and this is what the Styx haters just can't deal with) they did not wait and moved on. Dennis had kept them waiting already. They wanted to move and GAMBLE that losing Dennis was okay as long as they "hit" at the time peeps were talking so much about Styx. Now FOR BETTER OR WORSE they are reaping what they've sown. They gambled at the time that Styx was prevalent in America's consciousness and because the album wasn't a coherent and good album, they pissed that away and they gambled and lost. HOWEVER- Dennis was still in the band at that time of BNW, so Gowan had NOTHING to do with it, so your argument for against BNW lies on Styx and DENNIS' shoulders. In the end, it DID get them somewhere- it got them on the road and it got them to Cyclorama. Cyclo was a great step for the band to my mind and many others. THEN they blew any kind of momentum they might've had by doing what came after. That album should've done better but they needed a real record company behind them. They didn't have that. BNW was just a crappy album. Dennis shares the blame there. Between Hip Hop Hypocracy and Just Fell In, you have to go "WHAT were these guys thinking??

Goodbye to Roseland was the best song on that album, IMO

[brywool]

I'm not sure if you guys recognized I was quoting from another article as the source. That's what Chuck said in the exact manner that he said it. To then add the context, "That's not true," would be me stating an opinion rather than quoting what got said. My job in writing an abstraction of someone else's interview is to report what was said in context.

Now, if this had been my interview I might have said as diplomatically as possible, "Dennis has always maintained that he was fired, what's your response to that?" But that wasn't possible in this instance.


Sterling

Things might be softening a bit in between the guys but here at Melodicrock.com the battle of "I must defend Dennis" fights on....

No, just willing to call out the complete BS and fabrications that come from TS, JY, and CP that some of you want to just overlook because your nose is so far up their asses.

Yes, because it matters... why? exactly? What matters is, they no longer work together. For Chuck to say "Yeah, we fired him" would basically negate the purpose of the article. The FACT is Dennis could not commit to Styx and the touring schedule they wanted to follow. When you do that at work, they let you guy. It's the same as any job. Dennis was a prime creative force (if not THE prime creative force) in the band, but the majority didn't want to wait for him. Dennis said something like "Give me 6 months or a year" or whatever. That amount of time can kill a record or a tour. The band certainly could've (and I say should have) waited to finish BNW and tour with Dennis, but as the band has stated many times now, Styx was all over the place and the band wanted to capitalize on that fact. As a business, that is exactly what they should've been thinking. Dennis wasn't able to hold up his end and after so many other problems between he and the band, the band decided to move on without him. Now, they are reaping the rewards of that, both good and bad. They do not appear unhappy with the decision. Dennis can work at his own pace and with Suzanne up on stage with him.

Why is this such a big deal to people? Everyone in both camps is happy doing what they want? It's not like a reunited Styx could fill a 60,000 seat arena. If you're thinking that, you're nuts. Dennis doesn't and never has liked to tour. EVER. The rest of the band, on the other hand LOVES to be on the road.

Think back to yer Sesame Street "One of these things is not like the other... so let's fire it".

It happens in the business world all the time. I'm sure the band does not HATE Dennis (though maybe Jy, not sure), they just moved on as a business decision. Happens every day.

Styx's rush to capitalize sure didn't get them anywhere. Brave New World is their worst selling record to date and the first tour they went on with Gowan had them playing House of Blues type venues. Someone sucks at business.

Did I say it got them anywhere? Read the post- I said they should've waited. The fact is (and this is what the Styx haters just can't deal with) they did not wait and moved on. Dennis had kept them waiting already. They wanted to move and GAMBLE that losing Dennis was okay as long as they "hit" at the time peeps were talking so much about Styx. Now FOR BETTER OR WORSE they are reaping what they've sown. They gambled at the time that Styx was prevalent in America's consciousness and because the album wasn't a coherent and good album, they pissed that away and they gambled and lost. HOWEVER- Dennis was still in the band at that time of BNW, so Gowan had NOTHING to do with it, so your argument for against BNW lies on Styx and DENNIS' shoulders. In the end, it DID get them somewhere- it got them on the road and it got them to Cyclorama. Cyclo was a great step for the band to my mind and many others. THEN they blew any kind of momentum they might've had by doing what came after. That album should've done better but they needed a real record company behind them. They didn't have that. BNW was just a crappy album. Dennis shares the blame there. Between Hip Hop Hypocracy and Just Fell In, you have to go "WHAT were these guys thinking??

Goodbye to Roseland was the best song on that album, IMO

Great song. Brave New World, Witness, and Everything is Cool were also great. Those would've made a great EP. I liked Best New Face too. The rest of the album kinda leaves me cold.

[styxfansite]

I'm not sure if you guys recognized I was quoting from another article as the source. That's what Chuck said in the exact manner that he said it. To then add the context, "That's not true," would be me stating an opinion rather than quoting what got said. My job in writing an abstraction of someone else's interview is to report what was said in context.

Now, if this had been my interview I might have said as diplomatically as possible, "Dennis has always maintained that he was fired, what's your response to that?" But that wasn't possible in this instance.


Sterling

Things might be softening a bit in between the guys but here at Melodicrock.com the battle of "I must defend Dennis" fights on....

No, just willing to call out the complete BS and fabrications that come from TS, JY, and CP that some of you want to just overlook because your nose is so far up their asses.

Yes, because it matters... why? exactly? What matters is, they no longer work together. For Chuck to say "Yeah, we fired him" would basically negate the purpose of the article. The FACT is Dennis could not commit to Styx and the touring schedule they wanted to follow. When you do that at work, they let you guy. It's the same as any job. Dennis was a prime creative force (if not THE prime creative force) in the band, but the majority didn't want to wait for him. Dennis said something like "Give me 6 months or a year" or whatever. That amount of time can kill a record or a tour. The band certainly could've (and I say should have) waited to finish BNW and tour with Dennis, but as the band has stated many times now, Styx was all over the place and the band wanted to capitalize on that fact. As a business, that is exactly what they should've been thinking. Dennis wasn't able to hold up his end and after so many other problems between he and the band, the band decided to move on without him. Now, they are reaping the rewards of that, both good and bad. They do not appear unhappy with the decision. Dennis can work at his own pace and with Suzanne up on stage with him.

Why is this such a big deal to people? Everyone in both camps is happy doing what they want? It's not like a reunited Styx could fill a 60,000 seat arena. If you're thinking that, you're nuts. Dennis doesn't and never has liked to tour. EVER. The rest of the band, on the other hand LOVES to be on the road.

Think back to yer Sesame Street "One of these things is not like the other... so let's fire it".

It happens in the business world all the time. I'm sure the band does not HATE Dennis (though maybe Jy, not sure), they just moved on as a business decision. Happens every day.

Styx's rush to capitalize sure didn't get them anywhere. Brave New World is their worst selling record to date and the first tour they went on with Gowan had them playing House of Blues type venues. Someone sucks at business.

Did I say it got them anywhere? Read the post- I said they should've waited. The fact is (and this is what the Styx haters just can't deal with) they did not wait and moved on. Dennis had kept them waiting already. They wanted to move and GAMBLE that losing Dennis was okay as long as they "hit" at the time peeps were talking so much about Styx. Now FOR BETTER OR WORSE they are reaping what they've sown. They gambled at the time that Styx was prevalent in America's consciousness and because the album wasn't a coherent and good album, they pissed that away and they gambled and lost. HOWEVER- Dennis was still in the band at that time of BNW, so Gowan had NOTHING to do with it, so your argument for against BNW lies on Styx and DENNIS' shoulders. In the end, it DID get them somewhere- it got them on the road and it got them to Cyclorama. Cyclo was a great step for the band to my mind and many others. THEN they blew any kind of momentum they might've had by doing what came after. That album should've done better but they needed a real record company behind them. They didn't have that. BNW was just a crappy album. Dennis shares the blame there. Between Hip Hop Hypocracy and Just Fell In, you have to go "WHAT were these guys thinking??

Goodbye to Roseland was the best song on that album, IMO

Great song. Brave New World, Witness, and Everything is Cool were also great. Those would've made a great EP. I liked Best New Face too. The rest of the album kinda leaves me cold.

I always like Fallen Angel as well as the ones you mentioned.

[brywool]

I always like Fallen Angel as well as the ones you mentioned.

It's okay. I'm not wild about the keyboard solo in it. It could use more of a rock edge to it for me. Good lyrics though. When Dennis writes 'politically', his lyrics are always good.

[ChicagoSTYX]

Dennis mentions the other guys almost every time I see his show. He is very proud of what the 5 of them accomplished together.

That's cool. Styx should do the same.

Agree

[cittadeeno23]

Dennis' material on One Hundred Years is way better than his stuff on BNW. But Goodbye Roseland is a great song.

[brywool]

Dennis' material on One Hundred Years is way better than his stuff on BNW. But Goodbye Roseland is a great song.

100 Years was a really good album. Breathe Again was dreadful though.
Save Me and Cross the Rubicon have got to be the best songs he's produced
since Paradise Theatre. Great songs. AWESOME songs there.

I just looked on Amazon.com- my version of 100 Years doesn't have "Respect Me".
I hadn't heard that before. The clip sounds great.

[yogi]

I am certain that tomorrows Behind The Music will bring out some new facts and clairify that while Dennis needed to rest and find out why he was sick the time for Tommy, JY and the rest of the gang to cash in was in the present.

In hindsight they should have waited, but had they waited there would probably be no Styx Folgers, Oh Mamma necklaces or Nancy Kerrigan skating tunes.

Could we live without any of the above rock & roll luxeries???????

[brywool]

I am certain that tomorrows Behind The Music will bring out some new facts and clairify that while Dennis needed to rest and find out why he was sick the time for Tommy, JY and the rest of the gang to cash in was in the present.

In hindsight they should have waited, but had they waited there would probably be no Styx Folgers, Oh Mamma necklaces or Nancy Kerrigan skating tunes.

Could we live without any of the above rock & roll luxeries???????

The coffee, jewelry thing is so beyond me Yogi. I don't get it at all. But all bands have their merchandising. What I think I don't get the most is that Styx builds things up like there's going to be some great new masterpiece to come out.... and it's jewelry, coffee, or whatever that's announced. I know that many here didn't like Cyclo. To me, it was a great update to the classic Styx sound and I can't believe they didn't do a follow up. THAT is what they should be doing. In hindsight, who knows? Styx may have had Dalmation mugs, hats, and Hunchback backpacks had Dennis stayed. We don't know.

BOTH camps need to get some new music out there. It's a drag to see these creative guys not being creative MUSICALLY. I don't mean re-recording old stuff, but creating new great rock music.

I AM looking forward to Styx's new DVD, but I would so welcome a new album from these guys.

[Monker]

They wanted to move and GAMBLE that losing Dennis was okay as long as they "hit" at the time peeps were talking so much about Styx. Now FOR BETTER OR WORSE they are reaping what they've sown.

I just disagree with this. It's more then a decade later. What they did for BNW is very much irrelevant now and has been for years and years. Styx is what they are TODAY, not what they were for the BNW tour or Cyclorama. That was all harvested at least 10yrs ago.

I don't think BNW had any possibility of being a great album after reading his interviews at that time and his solo direction shortly after he was castrated from Styx. He was so addicted to Hunchback that the music of Styx was lost to him at that time.

Cyclo was a great step for the band to my mind and many others. THEN they blew any kind of momentum they might've had by doing what came after. That album should've done better but they needed a real record company behind them. They didn't have that.

I also disagree with this. Cyclorama did not give them any momentum. Even YOU said it should have done better. They capitalized on that the best they could with the CYO CD and DVD. "Big Bang Theory", as much as some of the people here don't like it, at least got on the radio somewhat. They have failed since then of releasing anything of an exceptional quality (IMO)...But, to say that they did not capitalize on BNW or Cyclorama is just not true.

BNW was just a crappy album. Dennis shares the blame there. Between Hip Hop Hypocracy and Just Fell In, you have to go "WHAT were these guys thinking??

...and the addition of a Hunchback song. That is what I will always believe Dennis was thinking about at that time, and for years after (and before). It was his baby, and more important then Styx.

[Boomchild]

I'm not sure if you guys recognized I was quoting from another article as the source. That's what Chuck said in the exact manner that he said it. To then add the context, "That's not true," would be me stating an opinion rather than quoting what got said. My job in writing an abstraction of someone else's interview is to report what was said in context.

Now, if this had been my interview I might have said as diplomatically as possible, "Dennis has always maintained that he was fired, what's your response to that?" But that wasn't possible in this instance.


Sterling

Things might be softening a bit in between the guys but here at Melodicrock.com the battle of "I must defend Dennis" fights on....

No, just willing to call out the complete BS and fabrications that come from TS, JY, and CP that some of you want to just overlook because your nose is so far up their asses.

Yes, because it matters... why? exactly? What matters is, they no longer work together. For Chuck to say "Yeah, we fired him" would basically negate the purpose of the article. The FACT is Dennis could not commit to Styx and the touring schedule they wanted to follow. When you do that at work, they let you guy. It's the same as any job. Dennis was a prime creative force (if not THE prime creative force) in the band, but the majority didn't want to wait for him. Dennis said something like "Give me 6 months or a year" or whatever. That amount of time can kill a record or a tour. The band certainly could've (and I say should have) waited to finish BNW and tour with Dennis, but as the band has stated many times now, Styx was all over the place and the band wanted to capitalize on that fact. As a business, that is exactly what they should've been thinking. Dennis wasn't able to hold up his end and after so many other problems between he and the band, the band decided to move on without him. Now, they are reaping the rewards of that, both good and bad. They do not appear unhappy with the decision. Dennis can work at his own pace and with Suzanne up on stage with him.

Why is this such a big deal to people? Everyone in both camps is happy doing what they want? It's not like a reunited Styx could fill a 60,000 seat arena. If you're thinking that, you're nuts. Dennis doesn't and never has liked to tour. EVER. The rest of the band, on the other hand LOVES to be on the road.

Think back to yer Sesame Street "One of these things is not like the other... so let's fire it".

It happens in the business world all the time. I'm sure the band does not HATE Dennis (though maybe Jy, not sure), they just moved on as a business decision. Happens every day.

Maybe it is not so much that they moved on without him but they way in which they did it. Once they made that decision, they would not return Dennis' calls and tried to walk away with Styx lock stock and barrel without giving Dennis his rightful share of things. They didn't live up to the contract that they all agreed upon. Hence one of the reasons among others that Dennis brought the lawsuit against them.

[styxfansite]

I am certain that tomorrows Behind The Music will bring out some new facts and clairify that while Dennis needed to rest and find out why he was sick the time for Tommy, JY and the rest of the gang to cash in was in the present.

In hindsight they should have waited, but had they waited there would probably be no Styx Folgers, Oh Mamma necklaces or Nancy Kerrigan skating tunes.

Could we live without any of the above rock & roll luxeries???????

The coffee, jewelry thing is so beyond me Yogi. I don't get it at all. But all bands have their merchandising. What I think I don't get the most is that Styx builds things up like there's going to be some great new masterpiece to come out.... and it's jewelry, coffee, or whatever that's announced. I know that many here didn't like Cyclo. To me, it was a great update to the classic Styx sound and I can't believe they didn't do a follow up. THAT is what they should be doing. In hindsight, who knows? Styx may have had Dalmation mugs, hats, and Hunchback backpacks had Dennis stayed. We don't know.

BOTH camps need to get some new music out there. It's a drag to see these creative guys not being creative MUSICALLY. I don't mean re-recording old stuff, but creating new great rock music.

I AM looking forward to Styx's new DVD, but I would so welcome a new album from these guys.

You actually sound like a band member(styx) i chatted with a while back. I have a feeling he doesn't care too much for the jewery thing, but he said it was merchandizing.