What If...

[styxfanNH]

What if Tommy, JY and Chuck didn't "kick" Dennis out of Styx and formed another band that played music from their musical careers including their contributions to songs they had a part in creating? Would the issue of Dennis not being there be an issue for you? Even if they performed using the tagline: performing the music of Styx?

[Guest]

Of course not. That's a completely different scenario. They're really just living off the name now.

It's quite different that they tour under the name Styx with only 2 guys that were a part of the classic line-up... and have a guy up onstage singing Dennis' songs... playing Dennis songs while advertising the show... and making money off songs from a guy they admitedly can't stand.

The fact that same fans eat this stuff up... some even going as far as to say it's just as good as their 70s heyday (which is mind boggling!)... just goes to show... some people that will settle for anything.

[Ash]

All of the guys in Guns And Roses formed a new band called Velvet Revolver... went out and made a record - and sold a ton. If they had called themselves Guns & Roses, they'd have been laughed at.

If Tommy & JY had formed another band... perhaps brought in Jack Blades, I'd likely have been enthusiastic about buying their records and seeing them in concert - because "IN MY WORLD VIEW" what is touring now as Styx does not represent Styx to me.

There is more (IMO) to being a band than just showing up and playing the music. It's much more personality based/attachment based and less about a bunch of guys standing up and playing the old (and new) songs.

A new band trying to push new material... if those guys wanted to break out and get new fans - they'd likely be wise to do it. The Styx fans (who like them now) would go to see them and guys like me who don't like them touring as Styx would likely be more willing to give them a chance. But as it is, they keeep dragging all of this BAGGAGE around with them everywhere they go.

The Styx name has become a polarizing thing. Just read all of the foum threads. If they had formed a new band - I venture to say that just about everyone on this forum would be talking about them in better terms and making plans to see them.

[Zan]

Of course not. That's a completely different scenario. They're really just living off the name now.

It's quite different that they tour under the name Styx with only 2 guys that were a part of the classic line-up... and have a guy up onstage singing Dennis' songs... playing Dennis songs while advertising the show... and making money off songs from a guy they admitedly can't stand.

The fact that same fans eat this stuff up... some even going as far as to say it's just as good as their 70s heyday (which is mind boggling!)... just goes to show... some people that will settle for anything.

As opposed to being "Styx," not touring and not "living off the name" at all, except for royalties from the "GH" compilations.

Just goes to show...some people will bitch about anything.

[Ash]

omg... I think I violated my own ALL CAPS post I did earlier... just wanted to say I'm not a psycho.

[bugsymalone]

I SAW THAT, ASH! But I didn't say anything. You know, in case you might be, oh, possibly ----- PSYCHO!!



Bugsy

[Guest]

As opposed to being "Styx," not touring and not "living off the name" at all, except for royalties from the "GH" compilations.

Just goes to show...some people will bitch about anything.[/color][/b]

Would it still be Styx to you if J.Y. and/or Tommy left... or both? Where do you draw the line?

Sorry, I care too much about a band I grew up with to swallow some no talent singing songs he had nothing to do with in front of fans who act like these are the glory days of the band and can't accept when informed otherwise.

[Zan]

As opposed to being "Styx," not touring and not "living off the name" at all, except for royalties from the "GH" compilations.

Just goes to show...some people will bitch about anything.[/color][/b]

Would it still be Styx to you if J.Y. and/or Tommy left... or both? Where do you draw the line?

Tommy DID leave once, and yes, it was still Styx to me. John C. left, and it was still Styx. John Panozzo passed away, and yes, it was still Styx to me. DDY is gone, and yes, it is still Styx to me. Glen left, and guess what? It's still Styx to me. There have been line-ups I've preferred over others, but It's always been Styx. You can get hung up on a name and sit home and listen to your old records, or you can accept what is and what will never be and have a good time anyway.

Sorry, I care too much about a band I grew up with to swallow some no talent singing songs he had nothing to do with in front of fans who act like these are the glory days of the band and can't accept when informed otherwise.

I'm sure they're very grateful for your concern, but what I think you meant is that you care too much about what YOU want to be concerned with what's good for all parties involved and not JUST Dennis (aka: more "Styx" to you than the band with 3 classic members still actively supporting it)?

Somebody's ill-informed alright, but I don't think it's anyone in or formerly in Styx.

[Guest]

Tommy DID leave once, and yes, it was still Styx to me. John C. left, and it was still Styx. John Panozzo passed away, and yes, it was still Styx to me. DDY is gone, and yes, it is still Styx to me. Glen left, and guess what? It's still Styx to me.

Then why not go see a tribute band... apparently as long as they play songs by Styx... it is Styx to you.

You can get hung up on a name and sit home and listen to your old records, or you can accept what is and what will never be and have a good time anyway.

That's how you faux-Styx fans always paint it... that anyone not supporting this line-up is a bitter old bastard sitting home playing Equinox on repeat while sitting in their rocking chair knitting a sweater.

Sorry, some of us are just discriminating consumers... while others accept sh** served on a silver platter. To each their own honey.

Now Zan, it's ok to admit you got hot and bothered the first time you heard Tommy's "One With Everything" but don't let that cloud your judgement.

[Ash]

** dons flame retardant vest and promptly runs the other way yelling "FIRE!!!!" **

[bugsymalone]

Ash says:

** dons flame retardant vest and promptly runs the other way yelling "FIRE!!!!" **

Bugsy: Running for cover right behind.

[yogi]

Tipper, I am actually not down with the bitter, knitting, rocking chair Equinox listening picture.

BUT.... What I actually am seeing is a vision of you wearing a Hunchback T shirt(gut hanging out), with Bon Jovi knee torn jeans(ass crack showing when bending over) drinking a Schlitz, looking at the picture section of 'A Love Foretold, while listening to the 8 track of Kilroy Was Here wondering where in the hell your going to get a new muffler for that damn broken down Pacer!!

Please pass the silver platter Dr. Rightous!!!!!!!!

[Zan]

That's how you faux-Styx fans always paint it... that anyone not supporting this line-up is a bitter old bastard sitting home playing Equinox on repeat while sitting in their rocking chair knitting a sweater.

Not all. Just the ones bitching and moaning repeatedly.

Sorry, some of us are just discriminating consumers... while others accept sh** served on a silver platter. To each their own honey.

Now Zan, it's ok to admit you got hot and bothered the first time you heard Tommy's "One With Everything" but don't let that cloud your judgement.

If I were one to accept shit on a silver platter, I would enjoy your posts more. Maybe a few more listens to "High Crimes and Misdemeanors" will cure me.

[Monker]

Then why not go see a tribute band... apparently as long as they play songs by Styx... it is Styx to you.

That is no different then sitting at home playing old Styx records. Styx is not on stage pretending it's 1978. Styx performs for the future, not the past. Styx performs new songs. Styx records new songs. You can't be a tribute band and do that.

Sure, Styx performs the 'classic' songs. But, compared to most other 'classic' rock bands, Styx performs more new songs.

In fact, I think those who do NOT like the new lineup will be more happy with a tribute band...Because they will get some Dennis lookalike/soundalike performing the songs as close to the 25+ yr old sound as possible. That will make those craving the past happy. The rest know that such things are fantasies that will never come true.

That's how you faux-Styx fans always paint it... that anyone not supporting this line-up is a bitter old bastard sitting home playing Equinox on repeat while sitting in their rocking chair knitting a sweater.

Well, that's a nice exageration for affect...and it's a good way to ignore the fact that you DO sit around listing the old songs and do nothing but whine and complain that everything Styx is not the way you want it.

Sorry, some of us are just discriminating consumers... while others accept sh** served on a silver platter. To each their own honey.

I don't think so. I think some people don't care what is served them. They'll look at sugar and call it vinegar simply out of spite. Since they ignore what is front of them for completely irrelevant reasons - why should their opinions be taken seriously?

Now Zan, it's ok to admit you got hot and bothered the first time you heard Tommy's "One With Everything" but don't let that cloud your judgement.

Why shouldn't she? It's an awesome song. So is "These Are the Times". "I Am the Walrus" isn't too bad either. Dennis has not been involved in the recording of songs so close to the Styx sound is about 25yrs.

[Guest]

Why shouldn't she? It's an awesome song. So is "These Are the Times". "I Am the Walrus" isn't too bad either. Dennis has not been involved in the recording of songs so close to the Styx sound is about 25yrs.

Yes, that's why it's a forgery. A calculated attempt to sound like the Styx of 'ole.

That particular sound you speak of was Dennis' contribution... afterall he is the one who played the keyboards.

Heck.. even Dennis moved on from that style... as times changed so did he... but now it strikes me as a desperate attempt at legitimacy so much so that they're resorting to mimicking the classic 70s Styx sound. Funny because for years Tommy and J.Y. tried NOT to sound like Styx.

Burtnik even alluded to this in his comments that were mentioned here.

[classicstyxfan]

Quote:

............a bitter old bastard sitting home playing Equinox on repeat while sitting in their rocking chair knitting a sweater.........



If I knew how to knit........THAT WOULD BE ME !!!!!!!!!!

BWAHAHAHAHAHAAHHAHAAAAAAAAAAAA.......
( is there a better way to spell out a dimented/crazy laugh ??? )

that, and I am open minded to the new music put out by any and all current/former members of Styx.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Ash says:

The Styx name has become a polarizing thing. Just read all of the foum threads. If they had formed a new band - I venture to say that just about everyone on this forum would be talking about them in better terms and making plans to see them.

You bet!! If the circumstances were different and Dennis didn't get "kicked out" or "fired" and he left on his own and the other members weren't bashing the heck out of him, I would support both. But I wouldn't be throwing any lingerie on the stage - LOL

But that didn't happen so I'll continue to support Dennis by going to his concerts and buying his music.

It'sMyLife says:

That's how you faux-Styx fans always paint it... that anyone not supporting this line-up is a bitter old bastard sitting home playing Equinox on repeat while sitting in their rocking chair knitting a sweater.

ROTFL!!!

Good one. Actually I don't support this line-up and I don't know how to knit. I just sit on the computer playing all my Styx cd's and live in the past and I'm happy.

Classic, you're funny!!

[styxfanNH]

Has anyone noticed that since IML has joined the boards, Froy has disappeared? But then again IML can spell....

IML...other than a spin of your 78 rpm Styx albums. What other bands do you listen to?

I'll say this again. Chuck is still a part of the band. There are 3 of 4 survivng members currently associated with Styx. Don't dismiss the original founding member of the band.

And lastly, Chuck doesn't say much about the shenanigans of the band, but the fact of who he playing with should speak volumes.

[Monker]

Yes, that's why it's a forgery. A calculated attempt to sound like the Styx of 'ole.

LOL. Yeah, taking a song that Dennis refused to record and making it one of the best Styx songs in decades is a forgery. Sure it is.

That particular sound you speak of was Dennis' contribution... afterall he is the one who played the keyboards.

So what. He forgot how to write and record that sound....Tommy and JY didn't. I would rather have Tommy and JY continue recording Styx music without Dennis then Styx recording songs that sound like Dennis solo songs.

Heck.. even Dennis moved on from that style... as times changed so did he...

Yep...and you can now listen to that 'style' all you want...but not in Styx.

but now it strikes me as a desperate attempt at legitimacy so much so that they're resorting to mimicking the classic 70s Styx sound. Funny because for years Tommy and J.Y. tried NOT to sound like Styx.

Again, if you have sugar in front of you, you call it vinegar. They can't do anything without some alienated fan whining about it. Styx sounds too much like Styx...then they record "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye" and it sounds NOTHING like Styx, so you whine about that. You are just picking it apart because you don't have the lineup you want.

The bottom line is that Styx is recording some great music. Some of it is in the tradional sound, some isn't. But, it is all good. And, there will always be some whiner who finds something wrong with it.

Burtnik even alluded to this in his comments that were mentioned here.

Of course. Why wouldn't the band want to show its roots? That's fine with me. They were there as Styx grew up.

[Monker]

Has anyone noticed that since IML has joined the boards, Froy has disappeared? But then again IML can spell....

LOL!

I'll say this again. Chuck is still a part of the band. There are 3 of 4 survivng members currently associated with Styx. Don't dismiss the original founding member of the band.

And lastly, Chuck doesn't say much about the shenanigans of the band, but the fact of who he playing with should speak volumes.

The bottom line is that if Dennis werein the band today the lineup would be the same, except for Gowan. This argument is just one more way for certain people to justify their feelings.

[Guest]

Has anyone noticed that since IML has joined the boards, Froy has disappeared? But then again IML can spell....

IML...other than a spin of your 78 rpm Styx albums. What other bands do you listen to?

I'll say this again. Chuck is still a part of the band. There are 3 of 4 survivng members currently associated with Styx. Don't dismiss the original founding member of the band.

And lastly, Chuck doesn't say much about the shenanigans of the band, but the fact of who he playing with should speak volumes.

Let's be honest here... a handful of live appearances each tour doesn't constitute being in the band. It's a nice gesture and I'm sure it makes us all feel warm and fuzzy that Chuck joins the band occassionaly but for all intents and purposes he's not "in the band."

I listen to quite a wide variety of music... music is a passion of mine...

Styx would probably be somewhere in my top 10 but they're not my favorite band.

Here's some of what I like... leans toward heavier stuff...

Kiss
Alice Cooper
Led Zeppelin
The Beatles
Billy Joel
Van Halen
Iced Earth
Megadeth
Pantera
Black Sabbath
Dio
Iron Maiden
Judas Priest
Motley Crue
Ratt
Quiet Riot
Pink Floyd
Steely Dan

[kansas666]

All of the guys in Guns And Roses formed a new band called Velvet Revolver... went out and made a record - and sold a ton. If they had called themselves Guns & Roses, they'd have been laughed at.

They wouldn't have been laughed at, they would have been sued. Axel Rose owns the name "Guns and Roses"

Incidentally it was only 3 former members that went on to form Velvet Revolver. And one of the reasons that album did so well is because it got a HUGE push from the record company.

[Adam]

Monker wins for QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"They can't do anything without some alienated fan whining about it. Styx sounds too much like Styx...then they record "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye" and it sounds NOTHING like Styx, so you whine about that. You are just picking it apart because you don't have the lineup you want."

Froy would say they don't sound anything like Styx. ItsMyLife says they are imitating themselves sonically. Use all the arguments you can, I say it comes down to who you like better: DeYoung or Shaw.

[kansas666]

Sorry, I care too much about a band I grew up with to swallow some no talent singing songs he had nothing to do with in front of fans who act like these are the glory days of the band and can't accept when informed otherwise.

I prefer the current lineup. There is more energy on stage. They rock more. They seem more like a unit.

With Denny it always seemed like there were two different bands on stage. They never quite jelled.

You can try to "inform" me all you want.

But I like what I like.

[kansas666]

Let's be honest here... a handful of live appearances each tour doesn't constitute being in the band. It's a nice gesture and I'm sure it makes us all feel warm and fuzzy that Chuck joins the band occassionaly but for all intents and purposes he's not "in the band."

Good point, but I haven't seen Chuck show up at any of Denny's shows lately. Have you?

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Dave says:

Good point, but I haven't seen Chuck show up at any of Denny's shows lately. Have you?

NEWSFLASH

Chuck is retired from the band called Styx. He makes occasional appearances and plays one or two songs. When he makes his occasional appearances he's paid per song that he plays. It is the decision up to only Shaw and Young on how many songs he's "allowed" to play. Shaw and Young have ownership of the name Styx. They are the one's who make the decisions. Sucherman, Gowan and now Phillips are paid musicians and are paid for each show, not a salary for a tour.

I'm NOT sure if this is totally accurate, this was passed on to me from a Carrot Styx "source".

[Guest]

Good point, but I haven't seen Chuck show up at any of Denny's shows lately. Have you?

Your point? Chuck doesn't like Dennis apparently. No shocker there.

It ain't easy being the leader of a band... you inevitably rub people the wrong way. That's just the way it is sometimes... bands are not democracy's.

I'm not claiming Dennis is a saint but you can't argue with the results. There aren't too many bands in history that did what Stxy did from '77-'80 under that "tyrant" Dennis DeYoung.

[Guest]

I prefer the current lineup. There is more energy on stage. They rock more. They seem more like a unit.

With Denny it always seemed like there were two different bands on stage. They never quite jelled.

You can try to "inform" me all you want.

But I like what I like.

And some people like to eat Spam.

Bands that are big happy family's are exceptions, not the rule.

There is nothing wrong with creative tension... read up on some of the biggest name bands of our time and you'll find that more often than not some of the guys hated each other at least some of the time if not all of the time.

I tend to believe a little tension and competition among bandmembers is good for the creative process.

[Adam]

I agree, there is nothing wrong with creative tension...And there is nothing wrong with mutiny of a poor leader. The United States of America was founded on the overthrowal of a dictatorship. That's just the way the cookie crumbles.

DeYoung DID lead the band. But there was a point where he tipped the pot. He had become too expensive.

He spent the band's money as he pleased ('we'll spend a million dollars on a movie starring ME!'), he demanded higher royalties, he demanded higher Publishing, he demanded being the sole Producer of the records...and once he'd amassed his kingdom he no longer wanted to tour.

So the other guys were left with less AND no way to tour or promote new product. The only way to generate income AND move AHEAD was replace the guy who'd become so expensive at a time when the band had lost momentum (momentum lost arguably due to DDY).

Love, Paul Revere

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Adam says:

He spent the band's money as he pleased ('we'll spend a million dollars on a movie starring ME!'), he demanded higher royalties, he demanded higher Publishing, he demanded being the sole Producer of the records...and once he'd amassed his kingdom he no longer wanted to tour.

Are you sure it was Dennis that spent the money (from Styx) as he pleased? I didn't know that he was in charge of the check book. I didn't know he was the accountant of the band and access to the Styx vault of money. Wow, he sure "demanded" a lot!!

So are you saying that he shouldn't be getting any royalties for the songs he wrote or co-wrote? Those songs should have been split 5 ways? Back in the 1970's (and before) in the record industry a lot of contracts were changed due to the fact that the songwriter of the song can receive the royalties. Again he "demanded" to be the "sole" producer of the records? Where did you read this?

Adam, I "think" you got your "facts" wrong on this one.