Submit a question for James Young - he will answer them!

[NealIsGod]

USAToday is featuring a chat with JY. Submit questions here:

http://cgi1.usatoday.com/mchat/20050531002/tscript.htm

If that link doesn't work, go to usatoday.com and click on the Life section. You will see a link to it somewhere on that page. Hurry, I think the deadline is noon today (Tuesday, May 31).

[Zan]

Hmmmm....I submitted a question (twice), but I'm not sure it actually went through. There was no indication that anything was accepted...Just took me to the same page again. Huh...Oh well, we shall see!

I asked him what he thought of Dennis' business tactics.

No, I'm not serious.

[Guest]

JY, why did you throw out the guy who carried you for parts of 3 decades?

[froy]

JY, why did you throw out the guy who carried you for parts of 3 decades?

We threw him out because he was sick
You can't be sick when I need money
Only Chuck can be sick we like him,
We don't like Dennis he has all the money.
Now about that legend question .

[DarrenUK]

Question...

Hey JY how does it feel to not have to play Babe anymore ?

[Monker]

JY, is there any truth to the rumor that Styx is going to reform with Dennis and perform at Live Aid 2?

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Well, all the questions with the answers have been posted. Click on the link here to view:


http://cgi1.usatoday.com/mchat/20050531002/tscript.htm


What do you all seriously think about any of them (questions or answers or both)? No flame wars, just honest opinions.

[ek88]

Talk Today
05/31/2005 - Updated 11:23 AM ET
James "JY" Young

Music: James "JY" Young of Styx

Tuesday, May 31, noon ET

The '70s rock group Styx, who are famous for songs such as Mr. Roboto and Come Sail Away, have resurfaced with their latest album Big Bang Theory. It's their first studio album since 2003's Cyclorama. Listen to a clip from I Am the Walrus off their new album.

Guitarist James "JY" Young answers your questions about the band's latest work.

Las Vegas, NV: JY, you are the tall, blonde haired, rock guitar God, to quote a certain keyboard player you've been know to hang out with. But how do you personally want to be remembered, and how do you want Styx to be remembered?

James Young of Styx: Just getting the hang of this webchat business.
I really do not concern myself with how we shall be remembered. We bring the wonder of great music to the concert stage and the recording studio.
We have obviously touched and influenced many people's lives. That we have brought comfort and joy to many, many people is enough for me.
If we continue to do this as long as a Bo Diddley or a Johnnie Johnson has, then we shall be remembered fondly by a great many people.

Lake Zurich, IL: What is the conceptual idea behind the album cover, booklet and CD?

James Young of Styx: The 'Big Bang Theory' is a scientific theory of how the universe began. In the context of the latest Styx album, it is about the creation of our career, and what songs helped influence us to become what we are.
We had come up with a number of visual concepts to resonate with this notion, but the final one is a wonderful color-added image of what I believe is a circular nebula. (astronomical term).
The explosion of rock and roll in the sixties that led to the formation of the Styx galaxy!

Campbell, California: Are you surprised with the success of Big Bang Theory to date? And if so why?

James Young of Styx: I am pleasantly surprised and delighted with the initial success of 'BBTheory.' We knew 'Walrus' had captured radio and the public's imagination, but were not sure of what the reaction would be to a full CD of us performing others songs.
In the end, this CD shows the amazing range that Styx has, and this notion has impressed many, many fans and industry people.

Lusby, MD: JY, Is there a plan to release another single from BBT? Personally I believe "Summer in the City" has the best chance at real commercial success. You guys "rocked it up" a bit while still retaining it's "pop" sound. Of course, I thought "Kiss Your A@@ Goodbye" was going to be, or should have been, released from Cyclorama so what do I know! Thanks and hope to see you guys in the fall, Dave, aka pcs_of_8 @ Styxworld

James Young of Styx: There will be another single from 'BBT' release probably at the beginning of August, or perhaps sooner.
Can't find my way home is the leading contender, and we will be shooting video footage all over Europe in the next four weeks that will be cut into a video for that song.

North Conway, New Hampshire: Ok, I've got to ask, but which of the Styx albums (including compilations) have gone at least gold or platinum? I am trying to settle an argument.

James Young of Styx: 'Styx II' is a gold album. I believe 'Equinox' and 'Crystal Ball' are at least gold if not platinum.
'Grand Illusion,' 'Pieces of Eight,' 'Cornerstone,' and 'Paradise Theatre' are triple platinum. 'Grand Illusion' is perhaps five or six times platinum.
'Kilroy' and 'Styx Greatest Hits' are platinum, and 'Return to Paradise' is gold. That may not be completely up to date, but it's the best I can do. Hope it helps with your bet.

Houston, Texas: JY... How would you describe the band and your music today, compared to the band and its music during the late 1970's? Also, what unknown facts would you like to share about BIG BANG THEORY?

James Young of Styx: Styx music in 2005 very much resonates with the music we recorded from 1975 through 1978. Progressively rocking, but less theatrical than let's say 'Kilroy.'
It may not have been widely publicized that a portion of the artist royalties on each 'BBT' goes to Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation.

Waltham, MA: Do you feel Styx deserves to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and if so - why?

James Young of Styx: Styx absolutely deserves to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in the same way that Martin Scorsese deserves to win an Academy award.
I guess Marty and us will just have to keep working.

Misawa, Japan: Do you feel that Styx is still as strong without Deyoung singing lead for the group? Some groups are not the same without the original line up, now of course this is talking strickly when it comes to vocalists.

James Young of Styx: Tommy Shaw sang lead vocals on 'Renegade,' 'Too Much Time on my Hands,' 'Blue Collar Man,' 'Crystal Ball,' 'Fooling Yourself,' etc.
I sang lead vocals on 'Snowblind,' 'Miss America,' 'Midnight Ride,' 'Half Penny Two Penny,' 'Heavy Metal Poisoning,' etc.
I now sing the lead vocals on 'Lorelei,' which I co wrote.
Whether or not you like DDY's vocals is a matter of taste.
I think the current lineup of Styx is the strongest lineup ever to take the stage. We are in the process of showing the world just how great we now are as a recording act with 'Big Bang Theory.'

Twentynine Palms, Calif.: I loved your song "Show Me the Way." How did it feel when radio adopted the song to rally support for U.S. servicemembers during the first Gulf War in the early '90s?

James Young of Styx: 'Show Me The Way' was truly an inspired song. It was indeed a great honor to have a Styx song bring comfort to many people who were affected by the Gulf War back then.

99603: any chance you will tour through Alaska?

James Young of Styx: We played the Alaska State Fair last August. We had a great time even though it rained. What a great audience!
Looking forward to coming back soon!

Alton, VA: I heard from a pretty reliable source that Tommy is anxious for Dennis DeYoung to re-unite with your group and wants to start negotiations. Is this correct?

James Young of Styx: You had better get two sources for all your information, because I think the last thing Tommy is anxious for is to ever stand on stage with Dennis DeYoung again.

Waterloo, Ontario, Canada: Will the medley of past songed that the band plays in concert ever be put onto a future album?

James Young of Styx: We toyed with the idea of putting the medley on 'Big Bang Theory,' but it got vetoed in favor of what eventually happened.
There will, however, at some point probably be a video of us performing some new version of that medley. And it would then also find its way on to an album.

Frankfort, Indiana: JY, you've always been my favorite of the band! (With Todd, and Tommy coming in at a close second.) What was it like to do 'Manic Depression'? (One of my favorites on the BIg Bang Theory' CD.) Which of the songs, is your personal favorite? One last question - the song 'Southern Woman', who was it about? (It's my favorite song, tied with 'Lorelei'!) Thanks! Keep up the great work, JY! It'd make a lot of fans happy, if you could come to Indianapolis, Indiana! ~*~Dee~*~

James Young of Styx: It was a daunting task to try and live up to my idol, Jimi Hendrix, as we performed our version of 'Manic Depression.' Hendrix had such a profound influence on not only my guitar playing, but my life in general, that it took me a long time to get comfortable with the solo I played on here.
People I respect, though, have complimented me on my work on this track, so I guess I have done Jimi proud.
I think 'Wishing Well' is my personal favorite on here.
'Southern Woman' was not about a specific person, but more about just how charming the ladies south of the Mason Dixon line can be.

Franklin,TN: My dad loves Styx, I love Styx, I think everyone does. How do you come up with such great beats?

James Young of Styx: Having a great drummer is how we do it. John Panozzo was an incredibly powerful man, and did an incredible drum solo live on 'Renegade,' which I believe helped launch that song back in 1978.
Sadly, John passed away back in 1996, so now we have the amazing Todd Sucherman, who in my humble opinion may be the best drummer in rock & roll.

atlanta, ga.: I'm a big fan and have been since Styx II album. I recently saw the group in Peachtree City, Ga. TWO nights and you guys haven't missed a beat, the current lineup is great. I understood that the late john panazzo was a bit of a film (movie/stills) during Styx's rise to stardom, any chance of those pics/movies being made into something for the public/stygian fans ? - jesse Medina

James Young of Styx: I'm sure when we get a break in the action some time it would be fun to get Chuck to drag out some of John's old films.
John, in my humble opinion, could have been a great comedic actor. He could do Jackie Gleason, Rodney Dangerfield, or John Belushi.
He always got mad at me when I told him he should pursue that as a side career. He still makes us laugh with a number of the things that he did way back when.

Lancaster, NY: I noticed many of the songs you wrote or co wrote for Styx had a harder edge to them. Were you the "rocker" in the group ?

James Young of Styx: I am guilty of having the narrowest taste when it comes to music of probably anyone who is now or has ever been in Styx.
I like it powerful and heavy. I guess that makes me a rocker. Everybody in Styx now loves to rock. It's a great feeling.

Sterling Heights, MI: JY, With the success of Cyclorama what are the bands plans to record another orginal song album ?

James Young of Styx: We will begin work on a new studio album of original material very soon.

Bel Air, MD: What criteria did you use in selecting the songs to cover on your new CD, "Big Bang Theory"?

James Young of Styx: They had to be great songs, preferably first released prior to Styx first album in 1972. Someone in the band had to be able to do justice to the lead vocal, and in no instance would we put out anything that did not at least live up to the original,

Ringgold, Georgia: What's your favorite kind of music these days?

James Young of Styx: As I punch buttons on the car radio, I still wind up on the heavy rock station more often than not.

Merrimack, NH: Have you done any writing and recording yet for your next album?

James Young of Styx: We had just started last year when radio started playing 'Walrus.' We have been sidetracked ever since, but about to restart the process for the next original studio CD.

Clarksville, Maryland: Hi JY. How have you and the other band members managed to "mesh" personalities for so many years? By their very nature musicians tend to be quite eccentric & emotional. Do you have an official "leader" who has the final say in matters? What's the secret with Styx? Thanks---Chris Howell

James Young of Styx: The band has evolved over the years in to quite the democracy. I call Tommy the "Alpha Dog", and then he says, no, JY, you're the Alpha Dog! So we are the ALPHA DOG TAG TEAM!
But every band member's opinions are considered in the Brave New Styx.
The secret is flexibility and adaptability, as change is the only constant.

Dallas, TX: What are your plans for an upcoming tour and what type of venues will you be playing?

James Young of Styx: We will be doing many indoor venues in the fall of this year, starting in mid-September, although we will be in Europe the whole month of June, and then in Canada and selected U.S. dates in July and August.

Madison, WI: Is it likely that STYX will ever release any early live concerts?

James Young of Styx: We have dug deep into the archives and found one for Germany in 1981 that may yet see the light of day. I just can't say how soon.

Montrose, MI: Styx has been my favorite group since around 1975 when I first heard the music of Styx. I think it is great what you and Tommy Shaw have done keeping the band going. But, I was wondering has there been any conversation between you and Tommy Shaw about possibly bringing back Dennis DeYoung? Thanks for all the great tunes Styx has turned out through the decades. Rock-On Tom Mc

James Young of Styx: Dennis is out playing shows on his own. You can find him on his Web site.
As I said in the VH1 'Behind the Music,' Dennis will be back in the band when they are playing hockey on the river Styx. Which is to say, never, as far as I am concerned.
I wish Dennis well, though, in all he does. May he find his own happiness.

Hollywood, FL: Hi JY! Long time, long time. First of all, let me say how much I love BBT and especially your version of "Locomotive Breath." I was wondering: Which of the covers off "Big Bang Theory" was your favorite to record and why? -Zan in Hollywood

James Young of Styx: 'Walrus,' 'Locomotive,' 'Doctor,' 'It Don't Make Sense,' 'I Can See for Miles,' 'Blue Collar @ 2120.'

Phoenix, Arizona: JY, Phoenix loves you and Styx. It is always great to hear you on the radio when you are in town talking sports. My questios is, is there a common denominator when it comes to lead singers and their strained relationship with the rest of the band. All my favorite bands come into town without their lead singers, such as Styx, Journey and Ambrosia? Thanks for all the great music! Ted.

James Young of Styx: The greater the ego, the greater the insecurity there is to disguise.
USATODAY.com partners: USA Weekend Sports Weekly Education Space.com

[ek88]

What do you all seriously think about any of them (questions or answers or both)? No flame wars, just honest opinions.

I enjoyed reading them, as I do most Styx interviews/chats. The questions about Dennis, while expected, really were not very enlightening. I wish people would quit asking. I thought JY's answer to the Show Me The Way question was very classy. I was kind of holding my breath before reading his answer

[ek88]

BTW, NealIsGod, thanks for posting the link!

[bugsymalone]

I thought JY's answer to the Show Me The Way question was very classy. I was kind of holding my breath before reading his answer Very Happy

I think that as messages came through, JY probably read several of them and picked and chose which to answer. If that was the case, then I would imagine he got an earful about his public behavior towards Dennis.

Just something I am guessing at here.

This is the first time we have heard the likes of this: "I wish Dennis well, though, in all he does. May he find his own happiness" in quite some time. Well, actually, never, from JY, that I know of.

Bugsy

[froy]

I thought JY's answer to the Show Me The Way question was very classy. I was kind of holding my breath before reading his answer Very Happy

I think that as messages came through, JY probably read several of them and picked and chose which to answer. If that was the case, then I would imagine he got an earful about his public behavior towards Dennis.

Just something I am guessing at here.

This is the first time we have heard the likes of this: "I wish Dennis well, though, in all he does. May he find his own happiness" in quite some time. Well, actually, never, from JY, that I know of.

Bugsy

It would be nice if JY found his own happpiness as well.
Its amazing how much of an ass the guy has become.

[styxfanNH]

No real surprises. Whether you like his responses or not to the Dennis questions, at least he is consistent. May be to direct for some, but that is him. Give credit to the screener for passing them through and forcing a response.

Zan I see you got half an answer to your question.

[styxfanNH]

It would be nice if JY found his own happpiness as well.
Its amazing how much of an ass the guy has become.

He has found his happiness. It just isn't the same as yours or what you want it to be.

[styxfanNH]

This is the first time we have heard the likes of this: "I wish Dennis well, though, in all he does. May he find his own happiness" in quite some time. Well, actually, never, from JY, that I know of.

Bugsy

I have heard him say this before several times.

[froy]

It would be nice if JY found his own happpiness as well.
Its amazing how much of an ass the guy has become.

He has found his happiness. It just isn't the same as yours or what you want it to be.

He has found his bitterness not happiness,

[swwskj]

I gotta agree with Froy on this one. The bitterness really shows through when you hear him answer a question like that in a radio or tv interview. Not to mention he keeps going back to his "Hockey in Hell" quote from Behind the Music. Like many of you have stated before, "It's been 6 years, get over it already".

Scott

[froy]

I gotta agree with Froy on this one. The bitterness really shows through when you hear him answer a question like that in a radio or tv interview. Not to mention he keeps going back to his "Hockey in Hell" quote from Behind the Music. Like many of you have stated before, "It's been 6 years, get over it already".

Scott

Scott exactly he's still talking the hockey story how damm lame
There has been people I have been pissed off at 5-6 years ago but through time I have chilled out abit about them
JY is telling the same damm story 6 years later
Its amazing how they have turned on a friend like this.
It shows there true colors.
If they did not have the STYX name in there pockets you could bet they would be kissing Dennis's ass, I wish he would have fought this in court.
They do not deserve the STYX name there burying it.
I just can't believe people follow this band its amazing,

[Guest]

JY is a fucking prick.

[Monker]

I gotta agree with Froy on this one. The bitterness really shows through when you hear him answer a question like that in a radio or tv interview. Not to mention he keeps going back to his "Hockey in Hell" quote from Behind the Music. Like many of you have stated before, "It's been 6 years, get over it already".

Scott

I disagree. He has accepted where Styx is today and is fine with it. He also doesn't give a damn if it upsets you when he tells you that he doesn't want Dennis in the band ever again. That is not bitterness...it is forcing YOU to deal with the reality of the situation...A situation that SOME fans do NOT want to accept. So, when those 'fans' try to force it down his, or the band's throat, he forces it right back with just as much energy. What you are seeing is a reflection of the the bitterness of the fans, not really JY.

I also completely agree with "The greater the ego, the greater the insecurity there is to disguise." That is a perfect line, whether it applies to Dennis or not.

[styxfanNH]

JY is a fucking prick.

Is this really necessary?

[NealIsGod]

[quote="ek88"]BTW, NealIsGod, thanks for posting the link![/quote]

Your welcome, ek88. I am not a huge Styx fan, but, as a Journey fan, I can sympathize with the inner-band battles that Styx fans have to deal with!

I finally got the new Styx CD. I don't care for the original versions of any of the songs they chose, but really like their versions. "Summer in the City" stands out to me -- I hate the original version, but love the Styx version! I think your band hit a home run with this one!

[NealIsGod]

[quote="Zan"]Hmmmm....I submitted a question (twice), but I'm not sure it actually went through. There was no indication that anything was accepted...Just took me to the same page again. Huh...Oh well, we shall see!

I asked him what he thought of Dennis' business tactics.

No, I'm not serious.[/quote]

Zan - did JY answer the question you submitted? Did anyone here get a question answered?

[Adam]

Froy: he's still talking the hockey story how damm lame
Adam: I'd guess there are alot of people - those who don't hang on to every word from Styx members - who hadn't learned that "hockey" line before. JY likes it because it's a colorful answer to what is probably an uncomfortable question.

Froy: There has been people I have been pissed off at 5-6 years ago but through time I have chilled out abit about them
JY is telling the same damm story 6 years later
Adam: I am glad to hear you haven't held your grudges (honest). I think the difference here is that you haven't spent the past 5-6 years being publically asked about who & why those grudges are about for the record in interviews.

[Andrew]

JY is a fucking prick.

Is this really necessary?

No...definitely NOT necessary and I ask such posts not happen again.

[froy]

I disagree. He has accepted where Styx is today and is fine with it.

Yea he thinks its the best lineup ever
He said the same thing when Burtnick was in the band a few years ago
Seems to me JY thinks any lineup without Dennis is the best ever,
Fact is he is living in a dream world
The new cd lasted less than a week
18 thousand copies means 18 thousand fans
Not very good JY .

He also doesn't give a damn if it upsets you when he tells you that he doesn't want Dennis in the band ever again.

Thats why their are only 18 thousand fans and I would bet there all Shaw fans not STYX fans ,

That is not bitterness...it is forcing YOU to deal with the reality of the situation...

Nice spin but the fact is the fans want Dennis in the band before they want JY in
He knows that and is bitter about it.
He knows Dennis is the most popular guy who was ever in STYX even today so JY has to fight back and thats why he comes off as a bitter guy,

A situation that SOME fans do NOT want to accept. So, when those 'fans' try to force it down his, or the band's throat, he forces it right back with just as much energy

.

Seems like a bad situation to be in one where a guy in the band always has to fight his fans, Thats why there are only 18 thousand left because
JY is going to force it down the fans throats , Sorry JY no fans no band .

What you are seeing is a reflection of the the bitterness of the fans, not really JY.

And if the fans are bitter the band fades away ,
Just like Styx seems to be doing ,

[Zan]

Zan I see you got half an answer to your question.

LOL...Yeah, I submitted it twice too. I wasn't sure if the original went through, but I guess it did.

Couldn't agree more with what he said about Todd too.

[Monker]

Yea he thinks its the best lineup ever

Talent-wise, he is absolutely correct. Todd blows away John. Ricky is better then John and Burtnik on bass. Gowan is every bit of talented on keyboards as Dennis, and has a great voice.

He said the same thing when Burtnick was in the band a few years ago

Yeah, and Burtnik left and they picked up a better bassist. What's your point?

Seems to me JY thinks any lineup without Dennis is the best ever,

Truth is, I think he's been right each time.

Fact is he is living in a dream world

No, you're living in a world where your opinion is fact.

The new cd lasted less than a week
18 thousand copies means 18 thousand fans
Not very good JY .

Truth is that it is still on the radio. Truth is you have morphed from 10,000 to 18,000 and counting. Truth is your opinion on how well BBT is doing, or has done, has changed each time a bit more news about its success comes out.

Nice spin but the fact is the fans want Dennis in the band before they want JY in

the fact is that the fans still come whether Dennis is in the band or not. The fact is that some fans want Dennis in the band but JY doesn't care to give those fans any more respect then they give him - that makes YOU bitter.

He knows Dennis is the most popular guy who was ever in STYX even today so JY has to fight back and thats why he comes off as a bitter guy,

Fact is that it is irrelevant how popular DDY was and is. He is no longer wanted in Styx or needed to attract enough fans to continue on. THAT makes YOU a bitter guy.

Seems like a bad situation to be in one where a guy in the band always has to fight his fans,

LOL...YOU are a JY fan? What a contradiction you are.

Sorry JY no fans no band .

that is true...But, there ARE fans and the band continues on...just like your endless hatred towards JY and Styx.

And if the fans are bitter the band fades away ,
Just like Styx seems to be doing ,

Blah, blah, blah. Styx is fading away even less then Journey is. At least Styx didn't give their CD away.

[froy]

Yea he thinks its the best lineup ever

Talent-wise, he is absolutely correct. Todd blows away John. Ricky is better then John and Burtnik on bass. Gowan is every bit of talented on keyboards as Dennis, and has a great voice.

First off fill in members are not better than the originals period
As far as talent wise thats a matter of opinion so each story would be different. And Gowan with the great voice shows just how off you are in anything that you say, You can't be taken at face value.

He said the same thing when Burtnick was in the band a few years ago

Yeah, and Burtnik left and they picked up a better bassist. What's your point?

The point is you and JY are dillusional.

Seems to me JY thinks any lineup without Dennis is the best ever,


Truth is, I think he's been right each time.

MY point was just made,

The new cd lasted less than a week
18 thousand copies means 18 thousand fans
Not very good JY .


Truth is that it is still on the radio.

Not in Chicago there supposed home town

Nice spin but the fact is the fans want Dennis in the band before they want JY in

the fact is that the fans still come whether Dennis is in the band or not.

The fact is 12 thousand less fans come

The fact is that some fans want Dennis in the band but JY doesn't care to give those fans any more respect then they give him - that makes YOU bitter.

12 thousand fans per show want Dennis back and I careless about JY and his respect, Without Dennis DeYoung I would see JY playing weddings.
Like his brother did.

Fact is that it is irrelevant how popular DDY was and is. He is no longer wanted in Styx

And STYX is no longer wanted by the fans
Sounds like there the ones who lose.

Seems like a bad situation to be in one where a guy in the band always has to fight his fans,

LOL...YOU are a JY fan? What a contradiction you are.

Read the original post you goof you said JY will shove it down the fans throats , I was not the one who asked the question.

Sorry JY no fans no band .


that is true...But, there ARE fans and the band continues on...just like your endless hatred towards JY and Styx.

Yea there are fans a few thousand left I guess.

[NealIsGod]

[quote="Monker"]Styx is fading away even less then Journey is. At least Styx didn't give their CD away.[/quote]

Ouch, Monker!