New Styx Article

[ChicagoSTYX]

With a little help from some friends, Styx has it covered


Sunday, May 1, 2005




By Steve Metsch
Staff writer


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Driving in Chicago's South Loop last year, Styx guitarist James "JY" Young found himself in front of a famous address.
It was 2120 S. Michigan Ave., site of the Chess Records studio where blues greats Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Buddy Guy, Chuck Berry and others recorded music. The place was so legendary that British blues fans such as the Rolling Stones and Yardbirds traveled to record there in the 1960s.

The musical history was not lost on Young, who grew up on Chicago's South Side and now lives in the western suburbs. His band, Styx, got its start in Chicago back in 1970.

"I noticed, and shame on me for not knowing this, that it's now the home of Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation," Young said.

The foundation raises money to promote and support the blues. Styx decided not only to record one of the songs for its new CD, "Big Bang Theory," there, but also to donate a portion of the CD's profits to the foundation.

"I felt it was time, as a band, for us to give something back to the city of Chicago. And I convinced everybody else in the band that we should go record there," Young said.

Young recruited Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Johnnie Johnson, Berry's former piano player, to play piano on a new version of "Blue Collar Man," which the band first recorded in 1978. It was fortunate timing — Johnson died on April 13 at the age of 80.

"We were honored that he agreed to perform with us," Young said. "He's seen so much. This guy played with Chuck Berry."

Also joining in was Koko Taylor, known as Chicago's "Queen of the Blues" and a friend of Dixon's widow, Marie. Taylor sang backup vocals to lead singer and guitarist Tommy Shaw.

The new "Blue Collar Man @ 2120" has a "swampy, blues feel," Young said, "with more emotion of the lament of someone who has lost his job and is trying to find one."

"Big Bang Theory," which will hit stores May 10, includes 13 cover versions of other bands' songs.

The Who's "I Can See for Miles," the Lovin' Spoonful's "Summer in the City," Jimi Hendrix's "Manic Depression," and Jethro Tull's "Locomotive Breath" are in the mix, as is a version of the Beatles' "I Am the Walrus."

"I never would have had the chutzpah to think that we should ever record something like (a Beatles song)," Young said with a laugh.

But Styx's version of "I Am the Walrus," recorded at a concert in Lincoln City, Ore., last September, leads off the CD. It should — the song, produced as a single, was No. 2 on the classic radio charts in 2004.

Young credits Greg Solk, vice president of programming for Bonneville Radio in Chicago, for that success. Bonneville owns three local stations, including classic rock WDRV-FM (97.1), on which Styx is a staple.

"(Styx) played an incredible version of the song last year in a show at the Vic (Theater), and the crowd went crazy," Solk said. "I told the band that if they recorded it, I'd put it on the radio. They looked at me as if I were nuts, maybe I am, but the listeners responded."

Young was floored by Solk's offer.

"That happens virtually never in this day and age," Young said. "It's like 'Lady,' back in 1974, when we walked into WLS Radio to promote our fourth album and Bob Sirott said he really liked the song and was going to play it every day."

The constant play made "Lady" the band's first hit and ignited a career that included four consecutive triple platinum albums, each selling more than 3 million copies, in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

For "Big Bang Theory," band members chose songs special to them. That's why Young sings lead on "Locomotive Breath" and "Manic Depression."

"I wouldn't have believed it if you had told me a year ago that we'd be recording an album of other people's music. Why would we do that? But then, I wouldn't have expected our cover of 'I Am the Walrus' to hit No. 2 on the charts," Young said.

Re-recording classics is dangerous, he acknowledged, because some fans don't like their favorite songs touched.

"I've seen other people pay tribute to other artists and, many times, I've felt that the large majority of covers don't measure up to the original," he said. "Our collective goal was to have everything measure up, if not exceed the originals. It's tough."

"Blue Collar Man @ 2120" was the only song recorded at Chess. The others were recorded at studios around the country.

Young hopes longtime fans find the results intriguing.

They will hear Young and Shaw trade guitar licks on the Allman Brothers' "One Way Out." And Styx's harmony shines on "Find the Cost of Freedom," a Crosby, Stills & Nash song.

"Harmony has always been known as one of our signature things. The blend is unique," Young said.

Young promised Dixon's widow that he'd record Dixon's "It Don't Make Sense (You Can't Make Peace)."

"That song was near and dear to his heart. He felt that music has an incredible power to heal, and I believe it does," Young said.

The album is the 15th released by various incarnations of Styx, which saw its first wave of popularity dwindle in the mid-1980s. Dennis DeYoung, the band's original founder, singer and keyboardist, was still with the group then.

A bitter breakup ensued in the 1990s. While DeYoung played a huge role in the band's success, with songs such as "Lady," "Come Sail Away," and "Grand Illusion," he also steered his bandmates toward more theatrical productions they did not care for, with the campy "Kilroy Was Here" tour of the early 1980s prime example.

"One man's dream, and everyone else's nightmare," said Young, who has not spoken with DeYoung since June 1999.

But Styx prevails.

The band will perform in England, Germany, Sweden, Belgium and Holland in June.

"It's our first visit to England in over 20 years," Young said. "Last time, our timing was off. We got there when it was all about punk and new wave."

He sees his band as filling a need for anyone turned off by the "negative message" of rap lyrics.

"I knew that if we waited long enough, the pendulum would swing back to our territory," Young said.

Styx will play at WDRV's fourth birthday concert May 25 at the Rosemont Theatre. The radio station bought all 4,400 tickets and will distribute them to randomly selected listeners who register at www.wdrv.com. More than 16,000 fans already have registered.

"You'd be surprised at how many kids you'll see at Styx shows these days," " Solk said. "It happens all the time — high school kids who discover the Beatles or the Doors or Credence Clearwater Revival."

The concert will feature cover versions and Styx songs.

"We signed our first record contract in 1972. Now, 33 and one-third years later, here comes the 'Big Bang Theory,' " Young said. "We've profoundly affected a couple of generations. I'm amazed."

[ChicagoSTYX]

So... over 16,000 people have signed up to win the free Styx tickets. It sounds to me like there is a lot of intrest in Styx these days.

[yogi]

Come on Froy and You Give Love a Bad Name,

I am waiting for your response that 2 people have both registered over 8,000 times for the Styx tickets!!!

You guys are REALLY slipping!!!!!!!!

[SuiteMadameBlue]

LOL - actually on a few of the other boards people have registered more than once.

ChicagoStyx - thanks for posting the article

[ChicagoSTYX]

[quote="SuiteMadameBlue"]LOL - actually on a [color=blue]few[/color] of the other boards people have registered more than once.

ChicagoStyx - thanks for posting the article [/quote]

Your Welcome.

I just tried to sign up again to win tickets and I was unable to. It said only one entry per person.

Maybe if I had another email address it might work.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Yes, they signed up with other email addresses, Yahoo, Hotmail, their own, work emails, etc. Also I know a few asked their spouses, friends and co-workers to sign up too, more chances.

I think it would be very funny if Froy and I won tickets

[Adam]

Good article. At least for the Froys of the world to read.

"Styx prevails."
Out of FAIRNESS, it is the relentless mantra of Froy that the current band is 'dried up' or has less & less fans that turns me off, so I go after that kind of simplistic "my God can beat up your God" mentality. Te article says "16,000 fans already have registered." If this is true, I'm doing a little celebration two-step knowing that Froy and BadMedicine must digest this. At least Froy, who claims no one goes to see Styx anymore.

Do I care who "prevails"? Not at all. I think Dennis is doing everything he wants to do finally, without argument from equals (or semi-equals if you like). And so are Tommy and JY.

"One man's dream, and everyone else's nightmare"
Here's the way I see it. James Young continues slamming DDY because it is the hot question that is probably asked about in each and every interview he does (and he does just about ALL the Styx promo single handed). Combine that with the probability that he carrioes resentment from his years working DeYoung. For better or for worse, JY must've felt submissive to Dennis and he still is getting it outa his system.

[bugsymalone]

Thanks Chicago, for the article. It was nice reading an interview with JY where he does not slam Dennis when given the opportunity.

"One man's dream, and everyone else's nightmare"

Well, ok, a small slam. And I know how upset JY was as he went to cash his Kilroy checks at the bank. It must have been soooo hard. But I digress....

For those of you who signed up, I hope you win! And GO! And then post a review here.

That includes you and Froy, Suite!

Bugsy

[froy]

Yes, they signed up with other email addresses, Yahoo, Hotmail, their own, work emails, etc. Also I know a few asked their spouses, friends and co-workers to sign up too, more chances.

I think it would be very funny if Froy and I won tickets

If I win tickets Im selling them for 250 each and if no buyers right in the garbage
I signed up 5 times

[froy]

For those of you who signed up, I hope you win! And GO! And then post a review here.

That includes you and Froy, Suite!

No it doesn't

[froy]

So... over 16,000 people have signed up to win the free Styx tickets.

We all know the last Styx show at the VIC did not even sell out
If 16000 people were asked to pay for the tickets then you would see about 2000 just like the Vic ,.





It sounds to me like there is a lot of intrest in Styx these days.

There is allot of intrest in free things these days
Don't be fooled by the radio the tv or the magazines

[kansas666]

I think Dennis is doing everything he wants to do finally

I don't think so. After seeing him in February and listening to his comments. He still seems bitter.

[sadie65]

Perspective is everything. Some feel JY is overly bitter, some say his remarks are justified. Some say Dennis is classy and has moved on, others say he still sounds bitter.

Let's face it gang, it's our own take on the situation and how we feel about it.

I think JY is doing nothing more than PR here. As for the interest in Styx here, well, I think it's a combination, of a radio promotion, some hometown interest, and well, yes, free show. I also know that just like anyone else, whenever people are trying to win something, they usually enter more than once to increase their chances. Do I think it's all 16,000 entries? Hardly.

And when all is said and done, hopefully it's the music that we can all find some common ground on.

Peace

[froy]

"That happens virtually never in this day and age," Young said. "It's like 'Lady,' back in 1974, when we walked into WLS Radio to promote our fourth album and Bob Sirott said he really liked the song and was going to play it every day."

The constant play made "Lady" the band's first hit and ignited a career that included four consecutive triple platinum albums, each selling more than 3 million copies, in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Young forgot to mention that that band broke up 6 years ago when they decided to throw out the lead singer who sang Lady and all the other hits because they were so broke they needed to tour endlessly
Young did not want anyone to hear that because himself and Shaw pretend the current band is the same band , Thats why Young laughs when asked questions he thinks its funny fans are so nieve to keep paying his car and house payment year after year ,

"I wouldn't have believed it if you had told me a year ago that we'd be recording an album of other people's music.

I would nobody has bought any cds the current band has put out so why not try other bands music .

Why would we do that

Because you need to keep the touring bus running thats why ,

But then, I wouldn't have expected our cover of 'I Am the Walrus' to hit No. 2 on the charts," Young said.

On the charts wooo
Billboard number 2 JY ?

Re-recording classics is dangerous, he acknowledged, because some fans don't like their favorite songs touched

Yep and kicking out the leader of the group is dangerous as well
We don't want our band touched either JY
Your 2 for 2 pal
You screwed the fans twice.

I've seen other people pay tribute to other artists and, many times, I've felt that the large majority of covers don't measure up to the original," he said. "Our collective goal was to have everything measure up, if not exceed the originals. It's tough.

Its tough and it won't work
But you will need to see that for yourself.

The album is the 15th released by various incarnations of Styx, which saw its first wave of popularity dwindle in the mid-1980s. Dennis DeYoung, the band's original founder, singer and keyboardist, was still with the group then.

A bitter breakup ensued in the 1990s. While DeYoung played a huge role in the band's success, with songs such as "Lady," "Come Sail Away," and "Grand Illusion," he also steered his bandmates toward more theatrical productions they did not care for, with the campy "Kilroy Was Here" tour of the early 1980s prime example.

Funny thing this current lineup has not had a tour that comes close to a tour as big as Kilroy , The theatrical side of STYX was awesome I loved it and so did millions of other fans , Tom and Jim could not think of any other excuse but this, First its BABE then its Kilroy then its money then its touring , Whats the next excuse?


"

One man's dream, and everyone else's nightmare," said Young, who has not spoken with DeYoung since June 1999.

Must have been a nightmare to make millions for 10 years JY

But Styx prevails.

Prevails ?
Free concerts and cover cds and thats prevails ?
Thats fails man.

The band will perform in England, Germany, Sweden, Belgium and Holland in June.

Wooo

Styx will play at WDRV's fourth birthday concert May 25 at the Rosemont Theatre. The radio station bought all 4,400 tickets and will distribute them to randomly selected listeners

No the station paid the venue 5000 and the band 5000 so it cost them 10 grand wrote off as advertisment fees.

More than 16,000 fans already have registered.

Or 2000 fans registered 8 times

You'd be surprised at how many kids you'll see at Styx shows these days,"

Yea you would be surprised it was always 15 thousand now its 2
said Froy /

[We signed our first record contract in 1972. Now, 33 and one-third years later, here comes the 'Big Bang Theory,' " Young said. "We've profoundly affected a couple of generations. I'm amazed

Im amazed also that you just keep talking to yourself
Jy you have not profoundly affected anyone

[Adam]

Froy: Young forgot to mention that that band broke up 6 years ago when they decided to throw out the lead singer who sang Lady and all the other hits because they were so broke they needed to tour endlessly

Adam: Not true. None of it. You’re wrong.

Froy: nobody has bought any cds the current band has put out

Adam: Not true. Perhaps not the same number of people as TWENTY STINKIN’ YEARS AGO, but thousands have, Froy. Thousands does not equal “nobody”.

Froy: You screwed the fans twice.
Adam: Not true.

Froy: Funny thing this current lineup has not had a tour that comes close to a tour as big as Kilroy

Adam: Funny thing is it isn’t 1980. I’ll bet the 91, 96 and 97 tours didn’t do business like it was 1980 either. Funny thing. Fans move on, grow up, make babies and stop partying to their favorite band in High School.

Then again, some fans DON’T.

Froy: The theatrical side of STYX was awesome I loved it and so did millions of other fans
Adam: Fair enough, but it’s pretty safe to say that the entire Roboto/Kilroy chapter was the first nail in the preverbial coffin, like it or not. There WAS a backlash.

Froy: Must have been a nightmare to make millions for 10 years
Adam: I can imagine it being a nightmare to be controlled by an ever maniacal boss man AS you are gaining success. That would be a drag. I mean, I wouldn’t wanna work for Liza Minelli or Barbara Steisand or Courteny Love, no matter HOW GREAT a comeback they were having.

Froy: Prevails? Free concerts and cover cds and thats prevails ? Thats fails man.
Adam: Not true. It’s been 6 – count them - six years, Froy. Six years of albums, tours, shows, Superbowls, videos... In anyone’s book that’s a bonafide business. No failure. Failure is when you lose money. No one’s losing money in the current Styx equation.

Froy: No the station paid the venue 5000 and the band 5000 so it cost them 10 grand wrote off as advertisment fees.
Adam: I don’t know where you get your figures but it’s safe to say you’re wrong again.

Froy: 2000 fans registered 8 times
Adam: Let’s say you’re right. SO WHAT? That’d be 2000 zealous fans, to register EIGHT TIMES. But I’ll bet that, as usual, you’re wrong again.

Froy: Im amazed also that you just keep talking to yourself Jy you have not profoundly affected anyone

Adam: Well, YOU seem to have listened close enough to JY’s every word. And, by your OWN position, kicking out Dennis DeYoung caused nothing less than a profound affect.

So you see, you’re wrong once again.

[Guest]

Come on Froy and You Give Love a Bad Name,

I am waiting for your response that 2 people have both registered over 8,000 times for the Styx tickets!!!

You guys are REALLY slipping!!!!!!!!

Gee.. I guess I'm missed.

[Guest]

Oh what the heck...

The concert will feature cover versions and Styx songs.

And cover versions of Styx songs.

[Hippie]

Quote:
"One man's dream, and everyone else's nightmare"


Well, ok, a small slam. And I know how upset JY was as he went to cash his Kilroy checks at the bank. It must have been soooo hard. But I digress....

To be fair, I've seen even DDY comment that Kilroy wasn't the best idea. Not that he was ashamed of it, but that he'd have rethought it if he had it to do over again.

[Hippie]

Decaff Froy!
It's in the same aisle as the regular coffee!!!!

[froy]

Froy: Young forgot to mention that that band broke up 6 years ago when they decided to throw out the lead singer who sang Lady and all the other hits because they were so broke they needed to tour endlessly

Adam: Not true. None of it. You’re wrong.

Learn quotes or get lost

[Ash]

responding to every statement made by someone in an interview via quoting it and then replying is a sign of mental disease.

Some people need hearty cup of get the hell over it. Either that or a supersize glass of shut the f*** up.

[Adam]

Froy: Learn quotes or get lost
Adam: What a pleasant attitude! You must be a joy to be around.

[froy]

Froy: Learn quotes or get lost
Adam: What a pleasant attitude! You must be a joy to be around.

Learn quotes or get lost
Ask Suite about my joy.

[Ash]

honestly... my five year old is more mature than you guys.

[froy]

responding to every statement made by someone in an interview via quoting it and then replying is a sign of mental disease.

No that's called the american way
You say something stupid and Im there to shove it down your throat.

[bugsymalone]

I wondered where you had gone, Froy. Maybe I should have wondered a little longer.

Bugsy

[froy]

honestly... my five year old is more mature than you guys.

Your probably right

[froy]

I wondered where you had gone, Froy. Maybe I should have wondered a little longer.

Bugsy

Bugsy come on you know you missed me

[Ash]

responding to every statement made by someone in an interview via quoting it and then replying is a sign of mental disease.

No that's called the american way
You say something stupid and Im there to shove it down your throat.

Excuse me - Sir... you won't shove anything anywhere near me, Sir. You assume you have some kind of power that you do not. So I would suggest you keep your attitude and ego in check. This forum isn't about you - despite your (grand?) illusions to the contrary. Sir.

[Monker]

Learn quotes or get lost

Here are some that you may like:

"To the last, I will grapple with thee. From hell's heart, I stab at thee. For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee." Kahn Noonian Sung, or is that Cap'n Ahab?

"I killed them. I killed them all. They're dead, every single one of them. And not just the men, but the women and the children, too. They're like animals, and I slaughtered them like animals. I HATE THEM." Anikan Skywalker

"They're thieves! They're thieves! They're filthy little thieves! Where is it? Where is it? They stole it from us, our precious. Curse them! WE hates them! it's ours it is, and we wants it! We wants it, we needs it. Must have the precious. They stole it from us." Gollum

"What can men do against such reckless hate?" King Theoden

"Anál nathrach, orth' bhais's bethad, do chel denmha" Merlin