GOWAN

[kansas666]

From Cyclorama, his song Fields Of The Brave

Was copied right from Show Me The way

That is interesting. I have never heard anyone say that. But I have always noticed similarities between the 2 songs.

They have similar refrains and are both in 3/4 time.

[kansas666]

if you don't like Dennis, DON'T go to his concerts and, I assume, "pretend" you are having a good time?

Sorry, Dave, but you riled up this Texan.

Bugsy

I have seen the "new" STYX about a dozen times. I saw Denny once. And while I enjoyed the show, I do not plan on seeing him again.

I have said this before - I can't deny he has a great voice and has written some great songs. But his stage presence just rubs me the wrong way. He comes across as a preening fop.

He was this way when I saw him in February and he was this way when I saw STYX in 1977. The difference being in 1977 there were 4 other guys on stage pretending to smile at all his antics. Now there are 4 other guys and a girl on stage getting paid to smile at all his antics. Oh, I almost forgot. His wife is up there too. What is that all about?

I prefer rock and roll.

[Monker]

No its foolish to once again bring Steve Perry into this

It's a very valid comparison - you just don't want to recognize it.

Dennis will NOT be remembered for his solo songs. He'll be remembered for his time in Styx. Just as Steve Perry will be remembered for his time in Journey.

Once again you need to learn how to read
I said remembered buy true die hard Dennis Fans not the mass audience

You need to learn how to read too. As I said, there is NO DIFFERENCE in how Dennis fans (those who go to his concerts) will remember his solo songs, and how Current Styx fans (those who go to their concerts) will remember their songs. It's is very foolish and arrogant for you to say there is.

[kansas666]

I can promise you WAAAYYYYY more people have heard These Are The Time, Kiss Your Ass Goodbye, One With Everything, Waiting For Our Time To Come than EVER has heard the above Tennessee Hillbilly Theartre reject songs you just noted.

That's funny on so many levels!

[kansas666]

Nobody cares about Kiss Your Ass Goodbye believe me.

You may be right. But here is an interesting quote from Glen:

I didn't have a whole lot of say regarding the production of Cyclorama, but to be fair, that might've been by my own choice. Winston Churchill once said “A camel is a horse designed by a committee” and I believe there's nothing more inefficient than too many
chefs in the kitchen when it comes to making an album.
I feel Cyclorama is a strong record, but I knew “Kiss Your Ass Goodbye” could sound punchier than the Styx version. Everyone played great on it, and Tommy came
up with a nice guitar counter-point. But the Styx production philosophy is a bit restrictive, and for a reason. Whereas they feel a need to make records that sound “LIKE STYX” - music that will to a certain extent fit in with their past “sound” - I am free of such considerations. I don't need to limit myself or 'live up to' some preconceptions. Hardly anybody buys my records!
Another thing was that I felt “Kiss Your Ass Goodbye” was one of the best songs on Cyclorama. Of course, you'd know I'd feel that way, since it's my song. But still, it seemed to me that if there were a snowball's chance in hell that Styx were to reach the mass market ­ which is necessary to the band's future if they wanna grab the brass ring again - “Kiss Your Ass Goodbye” was the obvious track to release as a single.
Alas, it wasn't and never would be. I understand the band's dilemma, in that they're trying to bridge their old audience with the current marketplace, but I also came to the realization that it'll never matter HOW good a song anyone came up with, it wasn't gonna get a shot if it weren't written and/or sung by Tommy Shaw or Dennis DeYoung.
Knowing that there were more people who HADN'T heard “Kiss Your Ass Goodbye” than those who had, I wanted to record it right ­ as potent as the current punk band records ­ and the song's story fit in more on my own album. The bottom line is that song doesn't suck. Why NOT re-record it myself?

[Monker]

I have seen the "new" STYX about a dozen times. I saw Denny once. And while I enjoyed the show, I do not plan on seeing him again.

I have said this before - I can't deny he has a great voice and has written some great songs. But his stage presence just rubs me the wrong way. He comes across as a preening fop.

He was this way when I saw him in February and he was this way when I saw STYX in 1977. The difference being in 1977 there were 4 other guys on stage pretending to smile at all his antics. Now there are 4 other guys and a girl on stage getting paid to smile at all his antics. Oh, I almost forgot. His wife is up there too. What is that all about?

I prefer rock and roll.

EXACTLY...and I don't even mind him being a 'preening fop'. But, having a short bit of stand up comedy after certain songs KILLS the rythm of the set. I hated it when Kevin Cronin did it for REO, and I hate it when Dennis does it too. They should BOTH know better.

If he cut out all the bits with his son on lights, his encouraging the crowd to 'boo' the name of Styx, his jokes about his white hair, and his wife giving a comercial for Finesse...and instead concentrated on the MUSIC - he would have an awesome show.

[sadie65]

And I hear you were fawning like a little girl over that "fop" at a Valentine's concert, Dave.

???

Did you read my review?

You mean this one. I don't see "preening fop" in there.



This was a great way to spend Valentines Day. I went with my wife and sister and brother in-law. We bought the complete package. Dinner at the Dream Dance was a very fine experience and the show in an intimate theater with Champaign was superb. And the women were even given long stem roses at dinner and before the show. Walking out into the drone of the slot machines afterward was a jolt however. We gambled a little. But I had the most fun throwing 35 cents directly into a trash can and watching the look on everyone’s face. That was much better than putting it into a slot machine.

Now, on to the show. I must admit it was better than I expected. It wasn’t perfect, but pretty good.

The show didn’t get off to a very good start. Dennis began with a couple of rockers; Rocking the Paradise and The Grand Illusion. These two openers made it painfully obvious that Dennis isn’t a rocker. From there we were treated to a couple of essential but not great songs with Lady and Lorelei, although the bolero in Lady was a nice touch. We also got Desert Moon. I have two problems with this song. This concert was billed as “The Music of STYX”. I don’t recall Desert Moon being on any STYX album. And why didn’t he play this song about two thirds of the way through the show when I reeeeaaallllyyy had to use the men’s room.

After that, the show took off. I was really impressed with Pieces of Eight. Hall of the Mountain King in the middle of it was a real treat. Show Me The Way was done acapella and brought chills down my spine. Clair de Lune/Don’t Let it End really showed off the orchestra. Mr. Roboto was much better than I expected it to be. His bass player wore some really interesting headgear during this song. Castle Walls was the best song of the evening. Light Up was a surprise. And Sweet Madam Blue is a classic.

Finally he played Babe and I was able to step out for a moment.

Best of Times and Come Sail Away were the perfect ending to a great evening.

Notes:

How did they get all those people on that stage?
I thought the orchestra was under-utilized.
Dennis’ backup band isn’t nearly as talented as the musicians in STYX
Why was his wife on stage trying to sing and dance?
I wish he had played I’m Okay.
The sound system was only average.
Was that chick looking at me?


I left the show with the feeling that Dennis is a great performer. He has a spectacular voice and has written some wonderful songs that I have enjoyed listening to over the past 30 years or so. But it became painfully obvious that Dennis is doing very well where he is and STYX is doing very well where they are. And the two are diametrically opposed.

I knew that Dennis would crack a few jokes on stage. But he was a regular comedian. And it wasn’t just canned material. He was topical and interacted well with the audience. When he mentioned that the drive from Chicago to Milwaukee was really nice if you like cheese, porno and guns, not to mention the Bong Recreational Area “wink wink nudge nudge” I about fell out of my seat. I have driven that stretch of highway a number of times and knew exactly what he was talking about.

I have to admit, and this is not a put down, that I think his show would go over very well in Las Vegas.

I only saw the classic lineup of STYX a couple of times, once in 1978 and again in 1996. And each time there seemed to be a dichotomy on stage. The rest of the band rocked and Dennis didn’t. Don’t get me wrong. Dennis tried to rock and the rest of the band tried to smile when he treated them like children. But they couldn’t quite pull it off.

I have come to the conclusion that the split was a good thing. Each faction has gone further in the direction they wanted to go. And they each have done very well in their pursuits. STYX is a well oiled concert machine and has become classic rock all-stars, and Dennis is a great entertainer and lounge singer. I don’t see the two acts getting back together. And I don’t think they should.

I have been a fan of this band since I first heard Equinox. And I have to admit that it is somewhat of a guilty pleasure. STYX/Dennis has never been hip or cool and the critics have never liked them. But I will continue to go see both acts and buy all their albums, even after STYX becomes the next Spinal Tap and Dennis DeYoung becomes the next Engelbert Humperdinck.
_________________
Dave

Last edited by kansas666 on Wed Feb 16, 2005 12:42 pm; edited 2 times in total

[kansas666]

And I hear you were fawning like a little girl over that "fop" at a Valentine's concert, Dave.

???

Did you read my review?

You mean this one. I don't see "preening fop" in there.

Well, everyone has an opinion. I thought that was a very balanced review.

[sadie65]

And I hear you were fawning like a little girl over that "fop" at a Valentine's concert, Dave.

???

Did you read my review?

You mean this one. I don't see "preening fop" in there.

Well, everyone has an opinion. I thought that was a very balanced review.

I actually agree it was a fair review. My observation was that you enjoyed the show overall, and yet, you seem to go to pains to sound like that isn't the case. I believe that is what Bugsy was referring to. Now, honestly, I could be wrong here. Not looking to flame at all. Just trying to present what I believe the appearance of your review to be in comparison to your posts.

Peace

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Okay, I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, but what the heck is a "fop"? Did I miss something, like usual?

[bugsymalone]

Well, everyone has an opinion. I thought that was a very balanced review.

That WAS a good review, Dave. That was my EXACT point. You enjoyed yourself, speak of Dennis in glowing terms and then turn around and dis him as a "fop" a couple of months later.

Seems you have short term memory loss, you really hate the guy, or you are just being disingenuous. Or maybe you were trying to be "funny."

Anyway, I was just pointing out the contradictions in your assessments past and now.

Gowan "rawks." Go see him.

Bugsy

[Abitaman]

And I will take the good looking guy with the fantastic voice, the one you call a fop, over that sad, tiny, little unattractive keyboard spinner who cannot sing.

Sorry to let you know this...

But, Steve Perry doesn't play keyboards.

Yea Steve Perry doesn't do anything anymore , but Dennis does -ERIC

[froy]

Okay, I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, but what the heck is a "fop"? Did I miss something, like usual?

Full Of Prunes?

[froy]

No its foolish to once again bring Steve Perry into this

It's a very valid comparison - you just don't want to recognize it.

No it isn't Perry did not even write the song

Dennis will NOT be remembered for his solo songs. He'll be remembered for his time in Styx. Just as Steve Perry will be remembered for his time in Journey.

Thats a different story and I agree.

[ek88]

But still, it seemed to me that if there were a snowball's chance in hell that Styx were to reach the mass market ­ which is necessary to the band's future if they wanna grab the brass ring again - “Kiss Your Ass Goodbye” was the obvious track to release as a single.

Glen's the man. And he's absolutely right. It was a missed opportunity.

[Guest]

It's comical how far the fake-Styx fans around here go to give Dennis backhanded compliments.

I guess Tommy's ass is nicer.

[Zan]

I guess Tommy's ass is nicer.

You GUESS?!?!? lol...

[Victim Of My Own Design]

And I will take the good looking guy with the fantastic voice, the one you call a fop, over that sad, tiny, little unattractive keyboard spinner who cannot sing.

Bugsy

that's classic.........umm I hope you're female

[Guest]

I guess Tommy's ass is nicer.

You GUESS?!?!? lol...

I rest my case.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Victim of my Own Design says:

umm I hope you're female

Yep, Bugsy is 100% female

Thank you to everyone that emailed me offline to explain to me what FOP means. Dave, I think that's mean to say that about him

As to who has the nicest ass, I'm going to have to pass on the Styx boys (past, present and probably future). They're too skinny, when they wear jeans, their jeans are too baggy by their bums - not good. During the summer concerts I'll have to check out all the guys on stage (from all the bands around). I always thought Kip Winger filled out his jeans pretty good way back when. Hmmm, I'll have to think about this more. Thanks for making my more weekend interesting

[Zan]

I guess Tommy's ass is nicer.

You GUESS?!?!? lol...

I rest my case.

You're so funny! Well, it's not like there was much competition there, dude. (Thank you, Captain Obvious - and my response was meant to be a joke, in case you missed it) What does one have to do with the other anyway? Are we back to assuming those of us who prefer Tommy to DDY are only about his ass? Are we aupposed to apologize for the guy being asthetically (more) pleasing? That speaks more volumes than your little analogy. It must suck to be so uptight.

[bugsymalone]

Are we supposed to apologize for the guy being asthetically (more) pleasing?

Oh my is THAT ever subjective!!!!!



Bugsy

[Zan]

Are we supposed to apologize for the guy being asthetically (more) pleasing?

Oh my is THAT ever subjective!!!!!

Well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, natch. In this case, however, subjective leans heavily to the left.

Still, not the point, and FTR, I'm not the one who made this MUSICAL debate about Tommy's ass.

[classicstyxfan]

..........this MUSICAL debate about Tommy's ass........

I'm sure if he cuts down on the Fiber, his ass will be much less "MUSICAL"!!!!

Fortunately, I've never been close enough to any of them to know this kind of highly personal info about them !



( sorry, feeling kind of sophmoric in my humor this morning ! )

[bugsymalone]

.........this MUSICAL debate about Tommy's ass........

I'm sure if he cuts down on the Fiber, his ass will be much less "MUSICAL"!!!!

Fortunately, I've never been close enough to any of them to know this kind of highly personal info about them !

Thanks for that, Classic. Reality check there. I am STILL laughing!

Bugsy

[sadie65]

..........this MUSICAL debate about Tommy's ass........

I'm sure if he cuts down on the Fiber, his ass will be much less "MUSICAL"!!!!

Fortunately, I've never been close enough to any of them to know this kind of highly personal info about them !



( sorry, feeling kind of sophmoric in my humor this morning ! )

SPLURT!!!! Warn a person will ya before launching such a great comeback. LMAO

[Ash]

Well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, natch. In this case, however, subjective leans heavily to the left.

Eh... I prefer to think of beatuy being in the eye of the beer holder.

[gr8dane]

You guys are on a roll today.
Good to see.

[Guest]

You're so funny! Well, it's not like there was much competition there, dude. (Thank you, Captain Obvious - and my response was meant to be a joke, in case you missed it) What does one have to do with the other anyway? Are we back to assuming those of us who prefer Tommy to DDY are only about his ass? Are we aupposed to apologize for the guy being asthetically (more) pleasing? That speaks more volumes than your little analogy. It must suck to be so uptight. [/b]

The Styx fan club soccer mom contingent strikes again!