When did you become a Styx fan?

[SuiteMadameBlue]

I changed the picture for those who were sick of looking at Johnny Depp

I'll change my picture after every 100 posts, so I guess you'll be seeing a new picture weekly - JUST KIDDING

Okay, here's the question of the week.

When did you become a Styx fan?

Around 1972/73 (I was 7), my first record (45) "You Need Love". I've been a fan for about 31 years and still enjoy listening to all my Styx cd's (weekly-LOL). I think my first album was "Grand Illusion" and then I ended up backtracking a few years later.

I hope you all have a great night

[gr8dane]

Hi Suite.
Is that a picture of your local postoffice guy.??nuyk nuyk
Anyways,back to the question.
In 75 I walked in to a little record shop(in Denmark) and Equinox was playing and I was floored and purchased it on the spot.
Now,, if I had not walked into that shop at that exact time,would i have ever been a mega fan.I doubt it.I never heard Styx once in Danish radio, ever.I thought I was the only fan.But somehow they managed to pull a couple of thousand people to the 2 shows they ever did there.Cornerstone tour and Paradise theatre tour.
Again,if I had not walked into that store that day at that time,would i be here with you good folks on this great site.I doubt it.

[classicstyxfan]

Suite,

Happy 1,000th post !.........when I reached it , an image of William Shatner at the Star Trek convention telling them all to GET A LIFE flashed through my head ! ( I wonder why......)

My Brother Brought home a copy of The Grand Illusion, and I went down to his room to give it a listen....I was hooked right then and there !

I also heard the song Crystal Ball as part of a Multi media presentation at my high school ( probably on self-esteem, but all I remember about it was the cool AV, and the song ) Didnt know it was Styx at the time, but knew I really liked the song !

and thats my story.

[Abitaman]

1977 Heard my rock song (country up till then), Come Sail Away. I have been hooked ever since. But I was over at a friends house, and that song came on when I walked into the house. I liked it, he said he had the record, I borrowed it, within a week, used my allowance, to buy it, and every record before that over the next few months. Each one was a new adventure for me. An adventure I hope doesn't end anytime soon-ERIC

[onestilllearning]

1977 - when CSA hit the radio I was 16 and I bought the album along with all the previouse albums - Went one a double date with my best friend to see the POE concert at the now gone Boston Garden in 1978-79

[classicstyxfan]

ah, the Bawston Gaahden........

I loved to hate that place ever since the Celtics beat Kareem and the Milwaukee Bucks in 7 games in 1974 for the NBA championship !

It was the Wrigley Field ( Fenway Park ) Lambeau Field of pro Basketball
though....a shame they had to tear it down.

[bugsymalone]

Cheers, to your 1000th post, Suite! You Industry Moguls need to be careful how you run this company.

(And BTW, Suite, Rob Thomas has buzz cut his hair.)

I first heard Styx when I heard "Lady" on the radio. I was stunned by the lead singer's voice and those airtight harmonies. I was hooked then and there.

I remember hearing our album rock station play Styx cuts from their albums, like "Light Up" and "Suite Madame Blue". Those were the days you could hear such things on radio. I could not believe how cool "Grand Illusion" and "Come Sail Away" were.

I never got to see Classic Styx live, which I regret to this day since that group no longer exists . Dennis is as close as I can come.

Bugsy

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Thanks Classic & Bugsy, I didn't think I'd make it to 1,000 posts and yet be called an "Industry Mogul". I didn't think I talked that much - LOL

Yeah, I know Rob has a buzz cut, I like his hair a little longer. I need something to look at when I read the posts

onestilllearning - You are SO lucky!!!! Do you remember the songs played or the concert?

Eric, I hope the adventure doesn't end either

gr8dane, (you're funny) I'm glad you were at the right place at the right time. Just remember Milwaukee is 13 hours away

[kansas666]

My sister bought Equinox. I "borrowed" it from her. I then went out and bought STYX ll on 8-track. I didn't like it nearly as much.

[ChicagoSTYX]

In 1978 when Styx played Chicago in December they broadcast the concert live on WLS AM or it might have been WCFL AM I’m not sure which it was but I do know that I recorded it on real to real tape and still have it somewhere. I remember Dennis being on the radio just before the start of the concert saying something about the live broadcast being a Christmas present to the fans of Chicago. I think I may have transferred it to cassette tape but I’ll have to see if I can find it. I haven’t heard it in years and with the new technology that I have I may be able to clean it up although it is in mono.

[DeeJaySTYX]

Became a fan When I heard Come Sail Away back on the radio (I don't know if Tommy Shaw and Jim Cahill were in town) and purchased Grand Illusion in late 1977...

DeeJay.....

BTW, Happy late 1000 to Suite, Classic, and Froy....

[Zan]

This is kinda long...you were warned. LOL

1983, my friend invited me over to listen to her new Styx album, Kilroy Was here. We watched the video for heavy metal Poisoning, and she was screaming, "Look at that guitar player! isn't he GORGEOUS??"

To which I think my answer was "he's ok."

I do remember loving the album and went out and bought it immediately. I wore grooves into my vinyl record so much that I had to go out and buy another one. Within days after buying the album, I found myself completely and totally obsessed with this band, particularly that "ok looking" guitar player from Alabama. I started collecting every Styx album I could find, and within a couple of months, I had just about every album they ever made. I was stunned at how MANY songs were actually Styx's that I was unaware of.

September 13th, 1983, Hollywood Sportatorium. My very first Styx concert. I sat in the balcony and thought I had died and gone to Heaven (balcony???? lol). It wasn't long after that, Styx disbanded and I was receiving those form letters (well, maybe not "form letters," but something similar) from Tommy Shaw, explaining how the guys in Styx were persuing solo projects, and how his horses were doing, etc. At 13 years old, that was like getting a million dollars today.

At the time, it didn''t reallyphase me too much that Styx was disbanding - maybe because I had only been a "fan" for about a year, even though it seemed I had been my whole life. I bought all the solo CDs (except Boomchild and Out on a day Pass - OOADP I still do not own).

Things change, shit happens, and teenagers are teenagers. As time went by, my interests "shifted." LOL...listening to more Zeppelin, Floyd, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Metallica, The Doors, yada yada (some of them I can't stand anymore). But when 1990 rolled around, and I found out Styx was reuniting, I was elated. Then I found out Tommy Shaw wasn't going to be included, and I was not elated...but I was still happy to have Styx back together.

I was skeptical about the new guy, and I was not in "love with the Ritual," to say the least (weren't we just discussing songs that we hated but now LOVE?), but when I heard him and saw him perform live? OMG. Between them and Damn Yankees, I was a very happy camper. This was the tour(s) that I got to meet Tommy, DDY, and John Panozzo. Dennis and John signed my Kilroy LP, which I thought was appropriate, since it started this 'whole train a runnin."

By the time 1995 rolled around, I was so happy to see Styx again, buut I must admit, I was sad about Glen being gone. I REALLY liked him in that role, and I REALLY liked Tommy with Damn Yankees, but I understand things change, shit happens, and musicians are musicians. LOL...What I was kind of irked by was the fact that Johnny wasn't touring - and neither he nor the guy they had filling in for him were on promo pictures or memorabelia. WTF? was I imagining 5 guys on stage? Did John suddenly not exist anymore? That whole bit left me with a bad taste in my mouth altogether. I know it was an awkward situation, but to ignore both of them seemed a bit ridiculous. There are creative ways to work around that stuff. They chose to avoid the issue altogether, IMO. Ick. (that was a rant!)

Here's something kinda creepy: When I was 12, listening to these records over & over, having my own little fantasy world, I used to picture myself, much later in life, hearing the news of someone in Styx's death. The really strange part is that Johnny was always the one I pictured to go. There was no rhyme or reason to it (the person or why I had these thoughts), but it was always there. One day at work, one of my co-workers called in to let me know that one of the guys in Styx had died, and she didn't know which one it was. I frantically (yes, frantically) called BIG 106, our local classic rock station to ask them if they knew who it was, and after several minutes of being put on hold, the guy finally came back and blankly said, 'It's the drummer." My first thought was: Yeah, I know. My second thought was: OMG. followed by a feeling of someone stomping on my chest.

When I read that Chuck and DDY would not be joining Styx for their "1999" tour, I about fell over dead. When I read Glen Burtnik would be filling in for Chuck, I don't think I've ever smiled so hard. In fact, I remembering being almost teary with happiness, if that isn't corny enough for you. My very first Styx show without Dennis was awkward and uncomfortable. I missed Dennis and his voice. The second show of that tour (New Years Eve 1999) was a different story. It was probably the best Styx show I had personally ever watched.

You know, different versions of this band have come & gone throughout the history of MY fandom, and I have rarely, if ever, been disappointed. Maybe I'm not one of those who have been a fan since dinosaurs roamed the earth like some of you, and maybe that's why I have less trouble adjusting to the current line-up, I don't know. What I DO know is that when my mind is closed, I usually miss out. And since 1983, I have tried very hard not to miss anything.

Styx rules. period.

[sadie65]

In 1978 when Styx played Chicago in December they broadcast the concert live on WLS AM or it might have been WCFL AM I’m not sure which it was but I do know that I recorded it on real to real tape and still have it somewhere. I remember Dennis being on the radio just before the start of the concert saying something about the live broadcast being a Christmas present to the fans of Chicago. I think I may have transferred it to cassette tape but I’ll have to see if I can find it. I haven’t heard it in years and with the new technology that I have I may be able to clean it up although it is in mono.

I have that show. It's a wonderful trip down memory lane.

[sadie65]

The first time I recall hearing Styx at all was Lorelei on the radio. I was 10. Two years later my sister had GI on her record player. I walked into her room and was hooked.

So, to a small degree, I've been a fan for 30 years.

[kansas666]

In 1978 when Styx played Chicago in December they broadcast the concert live on WLS AM

I have that show. It's a wonderful trip down memory lane.

Can you tell us what is on it?

[DarrenUK]

I was in a record store and i heard DDY say the words "Hey everybody its Music Time" and I was hooked........but seriously it was in 1976 listening to a rock show on the raio and it was around 11pm at night and i was listening to my radio under the bed covers as i was only 11 at the time and mummy would confiscate my transistor radio if she knew, even if it was a Friday and there was no school the next day, anyway the 2 songs I heard were Crystal Ball and This Old Man and I thought this is the music for me so I added Styx to my David Bowie, Faces, Supertramp, Led Zep, Uriah Heep, Deep Purple ...etc collection and have been a fan ever since. I skipped school in 1981 to go and see Styx on the Paradise tour......my friends dad was cool he called the school and next day wrote a letter to them pretending to be my dad saying I had a bad cold and my friend and i went to Styx, I stayed at my friends house that night and went to school the next day, the hardest part was sneaking my jeans and denim jacket into my school bag on the morning of the show without my dad suspecting anything.
What a rebel eh.....A rebel with a cause to see the mighty Styx.....

[yogi]

Growing up my older brother had purchased the 45 of Lady/Children Of The Land. When he wasnt around I would go in his room, sneak it out and put it on my record player. It was the most incredible sound I had ever heard. I was probably in about the 4th or 5th grade at the time.

Then in the summer going into my 8TH grade year, we were partying on the golf course( had just discovered the party scene) and all of a sudden the song Come Sail Away came on the radio. For over a week I tried to find out who sung that song. When I found out I went and purchased The Grand Illusion at Cheapo records in St.Paul. I bet I played it non stop listening to virtually nothing else for the next 6 months. I was obsessed.

In the mean time I figured out the song that I had liked sooo very much that my older brother had came from the same group. At Christmas time that year I purchased my second Styx album which was Equinox. I had never heard of any of the songs, but I loved the album cover and I knew the music would be awesome.

I honestly liked it even better than The Grand Illusion. When Pieces Of Eight came out, I bought it right away, along with a used copy of Equinox because I had worn out Side 2 of that album.

That summer I saw Styx( Main Event Tour) along with New England at the Minnesota State Fair. It was the most AWESOME thing I had EVER seen!!!!

P.S. Any of you out there ever go green sliding??????

[classicstyxfan]

Quote:

I bet I played it non stop listening to virtually nothing else for the next 6 months. I was obsessed.



Yogi, nice to know some things never change........

( Welcome to Hoolywood ! )

[yogi]

Damn aint that the truth!!!!!

You know Gowan came up with one line that totally describes me...

' and why is it I buy the shit no one else wants to'

[Abitaman]

In 1978 when Styx played Chicago in December they broadcast the concert live on WLS AM or it might have been WCFL AM I’m not sure which it was but I do know that I recorded it on real to real tape and still have it somewhere. I remember Dennis being on the radio just before the start of the concert saying something about the live broadcast being a Christmas present to the fans of Chicago. I think I may have transferred it to cassette tape but I’ll have to see if I can find it. I haven’t heard it in years and with the new technology that I have I may be able to clean it up although it is in mono.

If you want, I think I have a cd of that concert. email me at abitaman205@yahoo.com And Suite, did you ever get my email?-ERIC

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Eric, my PM box is full, I'll clean it out. Thanks

[sadie65]

In 1978 when Styx played Chicago in December they broadcast the concert live on WLS AM

I have that show. It's a wonderful trip down memory lane.

Can you tell us what is on it?

I'll have to listen to it again and get back to you. I do remember enjoying it very much. And of course all the material was pre-Cornerstone.

[ek88]

I posted this on another thread, but it's applicable here and explains my personal Styxstory:

The first Styx song I ever heard was Mr. Roboto and I thought it sucked. Then came Don't Let It End, which didn't thrill me very much. Shortly after, a friend of mine bought Caught In The Act and played it constantly. Of course, the first song he ever played was Music Time (groan). However, at his insistance I listened to the rest of the tracks and even ended up borrowing it at one point in time, and then eventually grew from there into the Styx fan I currently am.

Thank goodness my buddy had CITA!!!!!!!!!!! That album always has a special place in my heart because it's the one that hooked me!

[classicstyxfan]

That 78 show sounds awesome ! Too bad they don't have it on video too.....that show on DVD would be nothing short of awesome !

even a re-mastered audio of such a show would be pretty cool.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

The sound board guys (or gals) copy the performance at the concerts. I don't know how long they've been doing this, but I wish I could have copies from all the concerts. The Chicago HOB, would be very, very, very nice. Oooooooh and to have the "Pieces of Eight" from Green Bay (2005) would be really, really awesome. I really, really want to hear that song again live with the orchestra!! I think I need to go to another show!!

To add, my kids have been Styx/Dennis fans since they were born (and before-LOL). Right now all of their favorite songs are "Mr. Roboto" and "Suite Madame Blue". In addition, my 4 year old prefers the live version of "Suite Madame Blue", he likes the "note" LOL My 6 year old loves "Lady" and "Paradise" (from Hunchback). My 8 year old also enjoys "Lorelie" and "Crystal Ball". We listened to it these songs over the weekend

[Guest]

I first got into Styx when I was 9 years old and an older friend had "Paradise Theatre". I really liked it and eventually got my own copy of it. I always thought the album was cool... especially the design etched into the vinyl (or whatever that was exactly).

I got "Kilroy Was Here" later when it came out and got into that also... really liked the whole concept thing even though I could never really figure it all out at that age. I picked up Cornerstone too eventually but then I drifted away from Styx for a few years.

It wasn't until around 1988 or when I got a CD player that I got into the band again. I picked up "Styx Classics" on CD and was instantly hooked. It had some great songs that I'd not heard before and I loved the CD from start to finish. I played that over the summer nonstop and then eventually picked up some of the full discs on CD too.

When EOTC came out I picked it up immediately... I was disappointed that Tommy wasn't involved and I couldn't stand "Love Is The Ritual" (and still can't). I did enjoy "Show Me The Way" and "Love At First Sight" however, and a few other songs were ok, but it didn't stack up with the classic Styx releases.

When I heard in '95/'96 that they reunited to do the Greatest Hits version of "Lady" I was ecstatic... picked it up and then caught the band on tour in '96 for the first time ever. It was great!

The next summer I got tix through the Styx website and ended up with third row for the "Grand Illusion" Anniversary tour... I couldn't believe it. was awesome seeing the this close and that will probably never be topped.
As it turns out I ended up meeting my wife through a friend's girlfriend at this show... and the rest is history.

When I heard this lineup was recording a new album I was thrilled... however although I do like some of the stuff on that album it is missing the signature Styx sound, even moreso than EOTC.

When I later found out that Dennis DeYoung was no longer in Styx and the circumstances surrounding his ouster I was shocked beyond belief. Styx to me was largely Dennis DeYoung. He was the signature sound of the band. The other guys (Tommy and JY) were important too and are evidence that whole was greater then the sum of the parts.

Styx ended for me then. The current line-up is not Styx. Dennis DeYoung solo is more Styx to me then the band currently touring under that name. End of story.

[bugsymalone]

Styx ended for me then. The current line-up is not Styx. Dennis DeYoung solo is more Styx to me then the band currently touring under that name. End of story.

Ditto, IML.



Bugsy

[styxfanNH]

I can understand the "when Dennis was no longer a part of the band, it stopped being Styx" part, but can someone please explain to me how "the way he became no longer a member of Styx" has anything to do with your decision. Are you telling me that if he left willingly and gave Tommy, JY and Chuck his blessing that it would still be Styx to you?

[Guest]

I can understand the "when Dennis was no longer a part of the band, it stopped being Styx" part, but can someone please explain to me how "the way he became no longer a member of Styx" has anything to do with your decision. Are you telling me that if he left willingly and gave Tommy, JY and Chuck his blessing that it would still be Styx to you?

No, it still wouldn't be Styx to me... but that whole scenario just adds insult to injury.

[ChicagoSTYX]

This whole thing just baffles me. How can anyone say that Dennis is Styx. If that were the case there would be no need for any other members. Dennis was part of Styx. Styx is still alive and well without him and to me they are just as good now as they were in the 70s and better now then they were in the 90s. Of course as always that is my own opinion. It’s too bad that some of you can’t enjoy the new Styx CD’s they really are good and sound more like Styx then anything that was recorded by Styx in the 90’s. do any of the people on this board who are anti current Styx own a copy of Cyclorama? I own every CD that Dennis has put out including his newest live CD and will buy whatever he puts out next. I do like a lot of the live CD but I'm not crazy about the 3 new songs on the CD but I will keep an open mind when listening to his next CD if and when it ever comes out.