Behind The Vinyl: "Come Sail Away" with Dennis DeYoung from STYX

Founder/Former Lead Singer/Songwriter of STYX Dennis DeYoung dropped by the boom 97.3 studios to play "Come Sail Way" on vinyl! He talks about the process when writing the song, how this song was the launch into what STYX is today, how The Who inspired part of the song and more! Watch as Dennis goes Behind The Vinyl!
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[@musiqueprestige9504]

My first album; Grand Illusion, I was blown away by this song. 1977, great year for music; Boston ,Styx, Floyd and Supertramp..

[@jamesmoritz3584]

Dennis has a personality. He puts me in a good mood just by hearing his voice.

[@joanmerritt3607]

One of the greatest Styx songs ever hands down .

[@macsnafu]

Dennis is right: Come Sail Away has it all, the pop ballad beginning, the cosmic, spacey interludes, and the hard rocking.

[@kschindle1]

Yes!

[@bigorange000]

7 7 77 was a great time to be alive. Just turned 16 then. The music was unbeatable.

[@chiefscheider]

I was 12 and it was the summer before....grade 7! Totally agree, btw -- music, TV, movies...things just seemed better then. They probably weren't, but that's how I remember it 🤟

[@davebasch5995]

I turned 16 less then 5 weeks before that

[@leanneelliott6818]

I was 13 and what a great time for music.

[@ndav5677]

It was the same week I started dating the girl who became my wife, and here we are still together 47 years later....wow where did that time go!?

[@tylerexperience8704]

I remember I was in the car with my father and he turned this on and he sang this song start to finish and he screamed the ending and I was blown away by the tune and my old man😂. I then had to have this song. So throughout high school I had this on my headphones, and I slowly started exploring the Styx catalog, Crystal Ball, Equinox, Cornerstone, Pieces of Eight etc. This man built dreams. He NEEDS more recognition.

[@donmcc6573]

That "prog rock" break in the middle features five distinct rhythm patterns, happening at once, and all working together. Nobody else does that.

[@robert2948]

Kansas my friend

[@Heidi328]

Rush too

[@seanbrou-bj9ob]

Kansas.journey.rush.

[@jeffsimon9594]

@@seanbrou-bj9ob Yeah but Gentle Giant pioneered it though. Much as I love all those US & Canadian acts mentioned.

[@robertwhite7071]

So, I’m 54, grew up on Queen, The Who, the Cars, Styx, Boston. Then Rush, Iron Maiden, Pink Floyd. Bands back then had analog equipment, you had to learn how to become creative in the studio, etc, and to embrace and learn Synths, etc. Plus they wrote great songs and were/are monster musicians.

[@N3G4T1V3_]

Dont need to start the sentence with "so". Dont understand why this is a thing, it's the closest thing to zombies that we've seen so far. So abuse.

[@rcncableguy]

@@N3G4T1V3_ www.npr.org/2015/09/03/432732859/so-whats-the-big-deal-with-starting-a-sentence-with-so

[@rcncableguy]

@@N3G4T1V3_Because of blue collar job requirements for boys like myself, english and communication weren't encouraged as much as studying mathematics and the physical sciences. This is a good thing for further separating the masses from the management (less competition). So life is truly beautiful when trivia such as Waistbook and Boubtube is paramount; it's just simply enjoyable for me.

[@dougg1075]

Funny how these old guys feel about the legendary songs they wrote that I remember in my youth, and I’m 51.

[@ten5487]

Between 69 and 73 they used to play at my high school every few weeks for Friday night dances. They were called TW4 back then. I think one of the band members was from our neighborhood. Anyways, we all thought that TW4 was the best band on the south side of Chicago. I am not sure how old they were back then but they were all excellent musicians even back then.

[@terryrollins1973]

This isnt a song, it's a journey ⛵️🛸

[@Jamie-1985]

Dennis has a great sense of humour! Love him in Canada 🇨🇦

[@TheRjb2010]

It is interesting to note that, throughout the years of the Styx legacy, Tommy and JY are the only ones left. This was a GREAT band.

[@Pandburger]

They should totally reunite!! But chuck is still in the band too, he makes an appearance every one in a while ^^

[@michaelosborne4050]

Thanks sir …. Yes Canadians are smart …. I saw STYX at the forum in Montreal in the 80’s …. A brilliant band ….. and very cooooool …..

[@rubbersoul3723]

Magnificent. Thank you Boom. Thank you Dennis. This is STYX's "Sairway To Heaven".

[@fasteddie777666]

Suite Madame Blue , I would say is their Stairway to Heaven !!!

[@krisscanlon4051]

I need this deep dive thing with DD! Love him!

[@jake105]

I saw Styx at the San Diego Sports Arena in the summer of 78 with a buddy of mine. The Cars opened for them. What a great concert. People you had never met passing joints around.

[@dukecraig2402]

Oh man, I had a similar experience in Nijmegen Holland, I was stationed in Germany and a team I was on went to participate in a function in Holland that the last day, Friday, always turns into the biggest party in Holland every year, that night me and my buddy were walking around the city enjoying everything (19 years old at the time in 1984) when we stumbled into the city square which was full of people and we saw a stage set up at one end with a mixing board about 50 feet in front of it, when we made our way over to the mixing equipment we saw "Golden Earring" stenciled on the equipment, turns out it was a free concert put on by them, so we hung out and in a little while don't you know it really was Golden Earring, we got to hang out with a bunch of locals our age and traded American beers for some of their local brew (we got the better end of that deal) and they broke out some hash that they had, WOW what a night that was!!! If anyone who ever reads this gets the chance go to Nijmegen Holland on the last day of the 4 day 100 mile annual march they have there, the last day is a Friday and that night people have come from all over Holland for the celebration, EPIC!!!

[@mikemercer5808]

You can never really appreciate this song until you see it live. It's one of the best live songs I have ever seen.

[@McRocket]

Man, you people are really getting some big names from back when. First you got big Canadian artists. Now you seem to be getting big artists period. Congrats.

[@Beachrockgirl]

Dennis, I definitely think you and Styx were one of the best bands of the 80s! You are a very talented musician! I love your music!

[@devonboulden2496]

I always knew Styx for the keyboard and guitar work. Then when I came back to them years later, I was amazed by the drum work. In the 70s every band had a great drummer then the 80s came along with their drum machines.

[@crisprtalk6963]

1978 Wisconsin saw Styx live . I will never forget Tommy Shaw in the bright lights, standing on podium playing the lead to come sail away. It is what made me pick up guitar.

[@jneusbaum3697]

I was there too...great times.

[@cartreks5053]

I had these songs with me for 12 years. Kindergarten through 12th grade...everyday...in class... before school..after school. They all facilitated my learning and subliminally shaped my career more than my actual education.

[@meyeboy2]

i've seen him twice and he kills it every time

[@Enid2Sacramento]

Great monologue! Thanks for posting these!

[@Mission2Transition641]

great clip! Funny and smart , and energetic guy! I loved the Grand Illusion Album in junior high, when it came out...MY Favorite STYX album

[@doughaynes8771]

This is by far, my favorite Styx song. I watched it live in 1977, as they opened for KISS, the album was going to be released very soon. They played this live and blew the place up, no one had heard it before. KISS had a phenomenal show, and this was a highlight.

[@masonmcdixon9294]

love their music and love this guy, always has a good word for his fans

[@michaelvaladez3012]

Dennis Is Such A Legend 👏.It be nice if he collaborated with some of the new artists of today on stage!

[@bradcrawford1998]

I LOVED this song. A few members of the varsity basketball team and I my junior year, we JAMMED to this song before games. I mean loud and hard. Then to go out and play, start on Varsity like I did and average 10 points a game was SO COOL AND JACKED UP 😉

[@number1bobo]

Cracked my steering wheel on my 67 VW Bus hammering this one out. Friggin amazing.

[@scottray1265]

one of the best on this series of shows.....a pleasant and to be honest, an unexpected surprise...very honest and heartfelt.....thanks dennis

[@bmartin2112]

Anyone else notice that the album on the turntable is actually "Kilroy Was Here"?

[@Darrin.Crawford]

At first yes but when he's being interviewed it's the actual Grand Illusion album.

[@ifuckinghatewhales7320]

They actually got their shots mixed up. In this video the opening shot is of him placing down the stylus on Kilroy Was Here, while in the video for Mr Roboto he places the stylus on The Grand Illusion.

[@MarkWilson-rn8tx]

This was our graduation theme song Cave Spring High School class of 1979 Roanoke VA. It started out some what classical, and ended rocking the house! Still love it 41 years later!

[@edwardbliss8931]

I love the middle part where it feels like you're bobbing up and down on the waves while soaring through the windswept ocean

[@josephschepis7258]

I have appreciated your music for decades. I sure appreciated many of the lyrics, ie Pieces of Eight is just one example. Thanks Dennis.

[@davidarmitage289]

So amazing to hear the stories behind the hits …. Thanks so much yet again for sharing this … really made my day watching this …

[@johnwillard6198]

Glad you came to Butte MT ❤ saw ya around 76-77

[@raythackston1960]

I remember being the only person who knew anything about Styx before Babe came our. I loved their early stuff that was so different than anything out there. If you can find them...get them. hard to come by now days.

[@AudiophileTubes]

Rock music was GREAT back then! 60's through 80's hands down, are the best years for pop/rock music! 90's started the decline...

[@ytsejam58]

I feel like it's coming back in the 2010s. Like a comeback. But yeah, 90s and 00s were very low for Rock.

[@David_Downs]

okay grandpa.

[@AudiophileTubes]

That's MR. Grandpa to you!

[@79tazman]

So much talent in the 60's and 70's and today's stuff I don't even call it music I can't stand the crap

[@toddinthemiddle]

@@ytsejam58 no, it's not coming back. ever.

[@debradonato7363]

Beautiful SONG Thanks Dennis ♥️🤩🌟♥️🤩🌟♥️🌟♥️🌟♥️🌟♥️🤩🌟

[@JoeBetro]

Beautiful and love your sense of humour!

[@markrushton1516]

saw the grand Illusion tour in the UK. They were stunning - fabulous performance by a (then) relatively unknown band. i can hear that Who thing now he points it out.

[@rhymeandreasoning]

I LOVE Dennis DeYoung / STYX ..SO MUCH -Kirk

[@malamuteaerospace6333]

And God bless him for writing it. I crank it everyday and love it.

[@bossfan49]

EVERY day??

[@jamesmoritz3584]

@@bossfan49 for me it is every day.

[@134590174]

Why all the hate for Dennis? Me no gets. StyX was awesome with him, in fact, it isn't StyX without Dennis. Light Up & Enjoy.🔥 🚬 👍

[@N324F]

Light Up. I see what you did there

[@imuttoo]

Excellent! Enjoyed this one - thanks.

[@gash06]

Ok, so this is the weirdest thing ever. This was the first song from Styx i ever heard and made me love them straight away. After watching this, I've just found out that the album was released on my birthdate 22 years before i was born. 7/7/77

[@HiroForever]

As soon as he started to speak on having been In Hawaii..... I knew. Lol. The beauty and enormity of the ocean, beach is transformative.... I can only imagine how that would affect an artist. Oh wait.

[@penzman]

Funny what he said about the Canadian and especially Québec early successful market sales. Genesis and others said the same.

[@buckeyetater7540]

The Tragically Hip was the greatest band in music’s history and I’m from Ohio.

[@ILikeStyx]

Love Dennis, and Styx! Only seen him in concert once, really need to see him more (I live near Toronto)

[@amtwhite]

He's coming to Belleville in July :)

[@ILikeStyx]

Which is 300KM from where I live so unfortunately, infeasible for me to go :(

[@LesSmith45]

I have been lucky I grew up with this band as a mid teen in the late 70's. I have seen them 8 times with and without Dennis! They are still good without Dennis. But the are GREAT with Dennis!

[@fritzcolburn]

You need to change that profile pic. Giving me Simon flashbacks...

[@hkshahidi2794]

Love this music. What music used to be!

[@WrayEllis]

Great stuff.

[@cindyhimes8597]

I remember this song, nice to know what inspired it.

[@stockjonebills]

what a cool story.

[@mrcali68]

Such an awesome song!

[@generay6807]

Just discovered this channel. This is awesome. Gonna binge watch every episode.

[@boom973Toronto]

Great to hear, thank you! It's also a podcast, fyi. www.boom973.com/behind-the-vinyl-the-podcast/

[@mikeysuzefour]

Any STYX' song is Dennis' genius...What a great voice and dynamic songwriter!

[@O_Towne_Bear]

Wrong!

[@cthumann]

Mikey_Suze Four Clueless

[@composerdave68]

Sure, Fooling Yourself, Blue Collar Man, Renegade, Too Much Time On My Hands...all Dennis' genius. LOL

[@msmegs93]

I like Gowan, but trying to get DDY's incredible and distinctive voice out of your head after 40 + years, and seeing him sing live with the original Styx lineup multiple times, sure makes it hard to 'unhear' Dennis' voice in your head.

[@PikesvilleAl]

Dennis songs are personal. Govan did have the dreams.

[@JoeyP322]

One of the BEST songs in rock... Dennis DeYoung is an awesome singer, musician and songwriter...

[@4985boo]

Get your ears checked!

[@jamesmoritz3584]

Also one of the best human beings

[@ryanlenihan427]

“I’m ripping off Townshend but don’t tell him he’s got enough money”🤣

[@sdafasdfasdfsda]

Best high school graduation song eva!

[@BeeBumper]

You guys produced a ton of great songs and I definitely put the style more in a prog rock vein than he suggests, if only in the sense of they built a distinct sound, and only great bands can do this, that is so distinctly their own that all you need us a few notes to identify a Styx song. You may not be a part of styx today but you are ingrained in their legacy and no one can take that from you.

[@bossfan49]

I think he means in terms of song structure. Their stuff is easier to follow and sing along with as opposed to a lot of stuff from bands like Yes, Rush, etc..

[@ArcadeDude44]

Best song ever written...this one definitely did it, thank you sir!:)

[@DarrenSemotiuk]

Love this series. Love his Chicago accent.

[@simonmadi1177]

I wish he would narrate the story behind Suite Madam Blue. That's a good song.

[@robinmarshall4858]

I bet no one else has this comment. This was the class song for the 1980 graduating class of Sissonvill High School in Sissonville, WV. Literally played at my graduation. Later on, in College at Fairmont State College, me and a group of friends saw the Mr Roboto tour. Exceptional! I've never seen another concert like it. It will never be duplicated. And I have to say, I went with the absolute love of my life John Frame, who I was into playing games with at the age of 19 or 20, and never told him how I felt about him. Biggest regret in my life. He went on to become a doctor and married someone else. I have never felt that way about anyone since.

[@robertwhite7071]

He’s great, enthusiastic, referencing Townsend. Awesome.

[@susansparks4763]

Styx came to Russellville, AR to Arkansas tech and played. It was basically a freebie and hardly anyone knew them. Needless to say, they've been on my playlist ever since.

[@pwhit59]

This is great storytelling about music that these guys came upon to. Its interesting.

[@boom973Toronto]

Thank you.

[@broncodeviltexas]

Love to hear how songs come about .

[@KOLDBLU3ST33L]

🤘Was fortunate enough to see the original line-up. When I tell you they put-on a helluva show! 2.5hrs of blazing rock by some of the most talented musicians ever. Being from that era/70's I've been fortunate to have seen tons of the classic rock bands. STYX is in the top 3.😎

[@McRocket]

I saw Styx in concert when they were big in T.O. at MLG. Great concert and a great band, IMO. They were - to me - a rock group with a bit more heart/positiveness than your average rock band. I always seemed to feel a little better about the world/my life when I heard them play.

[@PikesvilleAl]

I remember Come Sailing Away fighting We are the Champions neck to neck in Casey Kasem''s Top 40 countdown

[@rcncableguy]

Beautiful honesty of a shooting star sharing his inspirations to make music. Everyone should be so creative rather than simply critical. Hope to see Hawaii some day...

[@psykodj67]

I just tripped on this due to a Vinyl Channel on here called Nazz Nomad brought this channel up..I have one on here called Psyko's Platters when anyone has time please check it out.I really like this show...and love the way its presented..I definitely will be seeing more of these and mentioning this channel on my next episode.Take Care

[@donniemoder1466]

Unique dude. Unique song.

[@arabiasantigo4870]

I luv this song....You R a brilliant writer..Very talented...

[@rmcellig]

I remember seeing Styx open for Bad Company at the forum in Montreal. they blew Bad Company off the stage and Bad Company is still one of my favorite bands ever!

[@brianralph5036]

I saw Styx in Springfield Il at an ice skating rink in I think 1974! What a trip.

[@toddinthemiddle]

i saw billy squier, bad company and styx (in that order) in reno in 2001. was a great show from start to finish that got progressively better as it went on. i think that there was a total of two songs (both by styx) that i did not recognize.

[@drmorqWarrenProject]

Its interesting to hear you talk about being the support band for the headliners. Not only do I know what you mean on a much smaller stage than you, I have been a supporting act... a bridesmaid and never the bride so to speak... A friend of mine convinced me to go to this rock 'festival' at Century 2 in Wichita, Kansas in 1974 or 75... I knew the name Styx but didnt put it together with 'Lady' until I saw you guys perform at this 'festival'... For Wichita it was a festival because there were more than 3 bands playing, I think there were 5 this time.. and the last 2 were Styx... the supporting act and the headliner... Starcastle.... you guys blew everyone else away.... and I never heard of Starcastle again... I dont even know who was in the band,... did they move on to bigger and better things? Do you remember that gig?

[@jemwand2530]

Cartman nailed it.

[@SamIAm-kz4hg]

He actually pronounces Quebec correctly.

[@srv99gibable]

He's eccentric. A little too much for a cohesive "band". It's too bad, but most bands go thru it and eccentric causes hard feelings. Here's a great voice and his early years in Styx were the greatest.

[@TheAmtwhite]

41C68 He was passionate and determined not eccentric.

[@boydotero4239]

If Dennis is just a little "eccentric" that's "good"! Most "Rock Stars" are flat out "crazy" or they have already died from their excesses!

[@billyjean2960]

I love Dennis and all his music

[@timsacco6g694]

Pieces of eight was the best Styx album, in my opinion, had the eight track and wore that thing out!

[@MacTeee]

Here's to BIG STUFF!

[@johnnybrown7222]

Great group

[@pdunc1976]

dennis,do not sell us short here in the usa.i loved 'lady' but i still got hooked on styx w/the equinox album.i seen styx when they first picked up shaw.i did not like the crystal ball album but they came back to the top with grand illusion.to much of the rock opera almost killed the band.i seen them again (in peoria,il) the 2nd day after john died when they did the 'return to paradise' tour in support of johns family.it was the most awesome show they did in my book.i have seen dennis and his band and i will go see them again but i wont watch styx again...styx died when they moved on without dennis! dennis ''was'' styx..always will be!

[@williamb2845]

Equino and Crystal Ball are pretty good albums that not many know about.

[@raymondreid4987]

Both of those albums were what turned me on to Styx. Crystal ball was a great album for all the classical guitar playing on it and it rocked out plus the vocals were great especially the harmonies

[@EarthAltar]

The Serpent Is Rising was even earlier. Check out the song Witch Wolf.

[@CGMedia2023]

The album was released the day I was born!!!

[@sarahwentforalemonwedgeand8991]

Cheng Yuan Hong

[@Incomudro1963]

Interesting how both Dennis and Rick Emmett sight The Who.

[@anakina1]

I caught that too. These are great to view.

[@robertwhite7071]

Townshend is a god, a visionary, well read, self reflecting, a great writer, composer and musician.

[@bossfan49]

*cite. And I'm sure you can find dozens, if not hundreds that credit The Who as an influence.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

so does rush too

[@rdgurule]

Grand Illusion was just a awesome album

[@PMunkS]

You made magnificent music Mr. DeYoung. Thank you.

[@TycoVai]

I’m watching this from Hawaii. It’s here people. Just gotta say Fuck it.

[@intercommerce]

You're the man, Dennis! Great singer, songwriter, and keyboardist

[@davidstewart4310]

This man is Styx. Thank you Dennis. Seen you in Orlando....outstanding! Rock on!

[@clamshell6863]

@@witnessingobscura952 No, James Young wrote alot of songs as well. They all have writing rights. Still, Dennis wrote most of the songs.

[@Veggamattic]

My first 8 Track was Grand Illusion.

[@terrencedeagle4429]

Very composed person...I saw Styx in San Antonio, Texas and Dennis Deyoung stole the show.

[@chrisfoster9080]

Without Dennis there would be no Styx as we know them, I think every band from garage to super group are a collection of individuals that come together to form a whole, but in the end they are still individuals complete with every fault, desire and dreams all individuals have. If you deny your inner voice you are no longer you. He seems to me to be like an old circus ring master, welcoming you to the grand illusion. Theatrical to the end but well able to get you to pay the price and get your tickets for the show. He is a showman. Probably not the easiest to work with, but most creative people march to their own accordion. Styx has always held a special place in my music world. From DeYoung to Gowan, they will always be a favorite.

[@nealm6764]

This is an underrated comment. Too many comments trying to rehash the differences and breakup, just enjoy the time they were together and at their creative peak, and understand bands are like marriages, and stop trying to force people who have been divorced for over 20 years now to re-marry.

[@CBDM777]

Legend!