DJ Heard Band in a PIZZA JOINT… Played ‘em NEXT DAY…Went from Obscurity to #1! | Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the GREATEST Power Ballad of all time?

[@catherine6653]

Up Where We Belong, Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes

[@Lam_3-22-23]

Magic Power - Triumph Waiting for a Girl Like You- Foreigner Hold on to Me- Wrabit ( not one of the greatest, but one of my favorites)

[@stephenbrown4211]

Have to go with Kayleigh again. Waiting For a Girl Like You Purple Rain

[@oldmanfunky4909]

All of them! There are so many great ones it is impossible to pick just one!

[@freezer8530]

I will nominate "When I'm With You" by Sheriff.

[@jmw689]

Styx is great. I had my 12 year old grandson with me in a motorcycle shop, a couple of years ago, when a Styx song came on. My g-son started quietly singing along. The owner came over and asked him how he knew this music and asked him what other groups he liked. He replied that he came to like the music from his time with me and named several groups, including Led Zepplin that he liked. Long story short, the owner gave him a flash drive with every known Zepplin song and lots of other music. Music brings us together like nothing else.

[@jessehayes486]

True story: LADY was for my younger brother and his girlfriend, their song. On the night when it came time to propose, he built a snowman in the backyard which was holding the engagement ring. I was hidden in the garage and at my brother's signal, pushed 'play' and LADY came on and he dropped to one knee as the snowman presented the ring. Six kids and more than 25 years later and still together. Way to go brother. Styx magic.

[@wishingb5859]

That is such a great story.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Now that's a cool story! Will you email that to me? [e-mail] I'd like to try and share it with Dennis!

[@MrPhilm00r]

Great story, man. Styx wasn't my thing, but imagining witnessing that marriage proposal makes me smile. Way to go little brother indeed 😊

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Now, THAT’s a superb proposal.

[@tedbecker4051]

Great story

[@dianewilliams1125]

Back in the 70s our local very small and upstart cable station,had a slot for local DJs to do live shows. My friend Charlie was one of them. Since my parents were the only one with cable our den was full of our buddies. Last sound of the night was "Lady" and Charlie dedicated the song to me! A lot of ooohs and ahhhhs from our crowd and finger pointing! I was tickled pink but unfortunately we were just friends. Remember that 50 years later! I hope all those beautiful people are still doing well!❤❤❤

[@bakstabbath]

Dennis is a pretty modest guy. He doesn't consider himself a piano player but has crafted some of the best piano and keyboard sections ever!

[@ronhall5395]

For real

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I applaud him immensely for that.

[@tylermorrison7051]

He started on accordion. He transitioned to keyboards and piano. Dennis' chops on those solos were actually quite good.

[@jamespetrey5814]

My wife's name is Debbie. The first time I saw her I was 14 years old. Literally, as she stood across the room! She has held my heart and every fiber of my being since that moment! And, this Mr. DeYoung is our song. This, 'Lady', is the definitive love song in my opinion. And one of the most beautiful that I have ever heard! In fact only one other compares, in my opinion, and that is 'Thank you' by Led Zeppelin... Thank you! And professor, thank you for sharing!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Debbie, when she’s with you you’re smiling 🙂

[@PikesvilleAl]

Dennis' lyrics are masterful. thoughtful, optimistic and spiritual

[@stevengilleyOU812]

I like Dennis. He’s very interesting in his honesty. I was afraid to look away thinking I’d miss a beautiful anecdote!

[@KomaTimeKev]

If you’ve ever heard Joe Walsh talk, especially during his Analog Man release, he’s saying the same thing Dennis is. Just go play and even if you have to fake it, act like you know what your doing and everyone will think you do! 😂 Great humans and what a humble attitude. Great interview Professor!

[@Nickyeyes]

I've racked my brain and I can't think of any other song that grabs you immediately in the way that Lady does. The second that you hear Dennis belt out "Lady", you know that you're about to hear an amazing song.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

When you’re with me I’m smiiiiliiiinggg…

[@scootover7]

Such an interesting listen . Styx deserves to be in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame .

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Right!

[@davidmcgahan5328]

Styx was inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame June 5 2022 last year.

[@davidtexter913]

Dennis is one of the true down to earth song writers that is due respect for his contributions to rock music. Again, a great interview from POR Adam!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks David!

[@meistudiony]

This guys belongs in the Saturday night live skit 'DA BEARS'. Love it! Thats a guy that has some real humility. So many rock legends are all up their own arse with their genius. He knows the reality of the process and is honest about it. Great interview!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He’s so entertaining!

[@markglabinski526]

Having spent my first 60 years of my life in Chicago, Styx was a huge part of it. Thanks Prof for a great interview! Huge thanks to Dennis for sharing his gift with us!!

[@TerryBollinger]

Great interview on how creativity seems to pop up out of nowhere! In-spired, en-thused, even a-mused and in-sight, all say the same thing: Sometimes, when we are most creative, we have no idea where it comes from. It is as if the spirit (“spire”) of creativity - literally one of the Muses in Greek mythology - enters us (“in”) and tells us what to write. When it happens, you feel like nothing more than a scribe, writing down music, words, and ideas beyond your understanding.

[@Whisper_292]

I love Dennis DeYoung sitting there and insisting that he doesn't know what he's doing. That's not false humility; it's someone who has no clue how brilliant he is, and that makes it even _more_ brilliant. Watching interviews with him is always entertaining because he has so much spirit. He doesn't think, talk, or act like a rock start. He talks like a 73-yo man with a cynical but humorous view of the world that's contagious. Incidentally, I adore the porkpie hat. I'm trying to get the hubby to get one.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool! Thanks for the comment!

[@bobfurman2739]

Love him, but he Was a music teacher ...so he did / does know what he is doing.Those happy accidents , are how we learn and grow!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He’s so witty and always makes me beam with joy. That’s how a lot of older people are. My grandpa is the same way.

[@donf3739]

That's what I was thinking. One more example of how the most amazing people are the ones who don't know they are amazing.

[@durandaldevil]

I believe this hat is a trilby.

[@sillililli01]

Adam, this has got to be the most honest, grounded (down-to-earth) discussion on the creative process of lyrics/music that I've ever heard. Dennis DeYoung shared his journey with no pretense about how the hits became hits, he understands that it's so much more than any of us can imagine, that ideas, lyrics, and music is pulled out of the ether; as that which is unbound and all-pervasive and that element of potentiality permeates our existence. There are those, like Dennis DeYoung using their connection to spirituality and intuition to create, not only their "hits", but more importantly connect with us the listener. P.S. It was interesting to watch your reaction when he went that direction with the interview, I could see that someone like you who likes to dissect the music/lyrics found yourself with a re-direction, and handled it very well, by the way. Excellent interview.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I love it!

[@richardsmith4187]

Another absolutely amazing interview !!! Dennis DeYoung is a great story teller and his mention of liking the Italian Braciole made me google the recipe. Win Win on both counts. Keep up the great interviews as you are the best !

[@miketeeveedub5779]

Damn - Randy Bachman and Dennis DeYoung need to do a podcast together - both are masters of telling life stories. What a great interview from a rock legend! Thanks Professor!

[@michaelgeisdorf6641]

Geezus Mike ….. we must think alike because I had said essentially the exact same thing AND THEN I read down and saw your post! Lol …. Those two together, EPIC storytelling!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Good idea! “Guess Who’s Talking About Music?”

[@socalltd]

could we add Steve miller to this roundtable. .

[@MarkLipka]

*Sorry to be a bummer; but, let's not forget that a lot of what Bachman says is disputed by everyone around him.*

[@michaelgeisdorf6641]

@@MarkLipka ….. lol, you miss the point! It’s not the veracity of the stories being told, it’s always about the ability of the storyteller to engage you in the story! The most entertaining and fun stories told around the campfire are likely embellished at best and at worst, outright fabrications at times. Who cares? We laugh and get caught up in the story! Kinda like a movie, mostly untrue but wildly entertaining!

[@christyhubbard8074]

Tommy Shaw, one of my fav rockers from Sweet Home Alabama!! I’m glad you’re showing STYX the respect and love they deserve Professor!!

[@TheSlowoldman]

Tommy Shaw is amazing and criminally underrated.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Christy!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love both Tommy and Dennis. Tommy is a funny dude.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Yes that’s right!

[@alfonsomunoz4424]

Lady was pre Tommy Shaw

[@kellyswieca4863]

I was 13 when this came out and in a Catholic school in Chicago where every kid had this album. This was a monster! I saw them at St Pats HS in my stocking feet as shoes weren’t allowed in the gym. One kid was carried out on a stretcher. Girls cried at this song. They prayed someday a boy would feel this way about them. It was huge!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s so cool!

[@edflintlaw]

Watched Dennis DeYoung as Pontius Pilate in JCS on stage. Awesome performer.

[@JoeinIndiana]

I heard the song way before it was a hit. TW4, turning into Styx, jammed in my parent's basement once. My late brother was trying to be part of the band. It was a special moment to remember back then. You just knew they were going to make it. Talent!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It must have been so exciting.

[@happycamper4thewin]

Wow, the Trade Winds! I would have loved to have seen the embryonic Styx!

[@michaelgregory2231]

Love this, Adam! Sadly, the days when a regional jock could break a record and have it catch fire nationally are long gone. Corporate consolidation and strict digitized playlists killed the possibility of that spontaneity happening now.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s 100x easier thanks to TikTok.

[@mfar3016]

😒

[@BettyHorn]

Styx should be in the Hall of Fame. I love Lady (among all their other songs). His voice is pleasantly unique, as is the band's style. You hear anything of theirs on the radio and almost at the first chord, you know it's them. I am a musician, classically trained. My husband will sing Lady to me in as far off key as one can get without creating harmony. But it's music to my ears, as the saying goes. It's a beautiful anthem. Truly a classic.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You can tell it’s Dennis singing from just a few seconds.

[@ianchandley]

You’re husband’s lucky….my wife made me promise to NEVER sing to her…. I can do anything but that! (When I sing, alley cats throw garbage at me!!!)

[@BettyHorn]

@@ianchandley my husband's the same! Lol! Perhaps the two of you could create a band! Lol! Might just sell these days...

[@markrobertdevison1227]

I first saw STYX in 1979. I have seen them with and without DeYoung about 10 times. Love the music, wish bands could get along even if it's just long enough to do a tour.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I agree.

[@dantierney3301]

Equinox was a great album. Think I just might buy the cd.

[@RadioLaPrincess]

Styx is from my area and I attended school with Dennis DeYoung's daughter CarrieAnn. I've even seen them in local stores. Yes, they should be in the Hall of Fame. I used to hear them on WLS and on Sundays' (I think) they played a show with local acts who became popular and Styx was one of them (so were acts like the Jackson 5, Gary considered a part of the Chicago area). Btw Styx was always down to earth and so was CarrieAnn DeYoung.

[@josephwaters2792]

This is definitely my favorite "Professor of Rock" Interview. Dennis is an OG and he even got a tangible meaningful backstory out of the Professor. That was a display of the creative art he was talking about right there.

[@fjcrod]

Who knew the Professor was a big Styx fan? I absolutely love Styx. Was introduced to them through the album The Grand Illusion. From there a I got acquainted with their back catalog and the song Lady. Saw them a few times in the seventies and they quickly became one of my favorite bands. They were a great rock n roll band and never get the credit they deserve. To this day, I still hope for a Styx reunion. I'd love to see the original band together in concert. As it is, the current version of Styx, still sounds amazing in concert, as does Dennis DeYoung. Both Tommy Shaw and Dennis sound exactly like they did all those years back. So glad to hear you're as passionate about Styx, as I am, Professor. Definitely should be in the Rock and Roll hall of fame.

[@jasonmoquin]

Styx is in my top 5 rock bands of all time. I've seen them perform 4 times and they simply blew me away. Some of their songs sound even BETTER live than they do on the albums.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They’re an excellent live act.

[@trex5145]

Great interview. . . It was a pleasure listening to Dennis reminisce with honesty, humility, & humor. From one "Braciole" to another - thanks for your [and the band's] music.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I am now craving some Braciole.

[@lanedelker9161]

Man, Dennis DeYoung is a hoot. I am still a huge Styx fan. However, radio formats have ruined Styx music for many listeners. Thinking all they ever had was come sail away, too much time on my hands and renagade. Dig deep into a Styx album, any of them, and enjoy some of the best rock made in the 70's and early 80's. It's a travesty they are not in the H.O.F. That was a great interview, Adam. Loved it!

[@mgratk]

GREAT interview. DeYoung is so humble too. Thanks Prof!

[@RC32Smiths01]

Absolutely love Styx. Was a huge influence on my musical upbringings and tastes early on in my life. Cheers for these stories and histories!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks RC32! Always appreciate your 2 cents!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@ProfessorofRock Thank you for those words! Always great to see new and profound stories man!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Awesome, cheers 🍻

[@quickgm32]

I enjoy the stories. I just wanted to say that I discovered this channel last year when I was in bed sick with Covid. The funny thing is watching this channel, and old soap opera clips from the 1980s, actually kind of got me through. Isn’t that funny?

[@DebiG1057]

I remember that song well. I was in a sad place back then but it gave me the idea what kind of husband wanted and enough courage to leave my abusive husband.

[@wishingb5859]

I looked up their songs wanting to understand what the HOF was thinking but there were immediately 12 songs that I love. Plus, they were so distinct and original. They had their own sound. Nope, no excuses. It isn't even close.

[@ProfessorofRock]

HOF needs to get it together.

[@kahlacarriveau8993]

@@ProfessorofRock

[@kahlacarriveau8993]

HOF is a joke ..... it is not about the music but all about politics !!! they use a format now .... 1 country star, 1/2 rappers, some crap from the 90s , and then maybe they actually put 1/2 in that really deserve it

[@brianamback578]

RRHOF is a F-ing joke. 2 of our local former Rock station DJ's now host a 3 hour program. Had director of RRHOF on for in depth interview. When the guy didn't like the direction of the questions, he terminated the interview early and refuses to go back on their show. What a putz.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m still confounded over how they easily let in Missy Elliott on her FIRST year of eligibility but left Styx, Foreigner, Cummings/Bachman, in the dust.

[@danielmcnulty8736]

“That proggy crap that was floating around for a number of years…” Great line.

[@eltronics]

I have enjoyed various interviews with Dennis on KZbin. He IS the most engaging personality I have experienced. Genuine feelings and opinions. It's never a boring conversation. He was interviewed on the Sea of Tranquility channel and didn't want to leave. It turned into 2 parts, which I believe was nearly three hours total. I was hanging on every word. It is a crime Styx and the aforementioned bands aren't in the RRHoF. But in the scheme of things, I'm sure he'd accept the notoriety from his adoring fans over the years over the administration call the Hall of Fame who have no idea what rock and roll truly is. Bless them all, and let the rants continue!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He’s a fun guy!

[@danielwolski873]

Suite Madame Blue is my favorite song from Styx but they have many good ones.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good call!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Renegade and Rockin’ the Paradise are ones I highly recommend.

[@danielwolski873]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 They're classics as well.

[@MarkLipka]

*Suite Madam Blue is clearly their greatest.*

[@randominsights1012]

Dennis DeYoung, master philosopher! Great interview, Professor Adam!

[@PerryTamte]

I love how this channel fills in the backstory of my youth, teaching me things I didn’t know, and altering my understanding of my history.. When I first became aware of STYX (1976-77), I had been listening to my sisters albums (Animal Tracks, Sgt. Peppers, Carpenters) for a little while, but hadn’t had a desire/need to buy any myself - until Grand Illusion. That was my first album. I didn’t buy it, but had asked for and received it for Christmas. I loved STYX, and never realized they weren’t always a mega band. I lived out in the country in Northern Minnesota, and things could be a little insular. I remember how driving around on Friday and Saturday nights my friends and I would hope for good atmospheric conditions so we could tune in WLS. That was one advantage of AM radio! If conditions were right, you could get stations from far away. By the time I was paying attention to popular music (later than most), Lady was already in heavy rotation, and then Come Sail Away came out, and became a smash hit, and I just thought they had always been a hugely successful band. I have to say that as I got older, and my tastes matured, I was somewhat shamed into seeing them as a less-serious, teeny-bopper band that real rockers looked down on (I still liked them just as much, but didn’t advertise that). Still remember the guy that lived across the hall in my dorm at college making fun of some of the stuff in my record collection. He listened to bands like the Dead Kennedys, and told me that REO Speedwagon wasn’t a “real” band. Really enjoyed this video. What am I saying? I love them all. Helps me to unashamedly admit to liking what I like. Thanks for reviving my memories.

[@LadyCin611]

What a great interview! This was so much fun. Thank you for helping me relive my life through music.

[@ProfessorofRock]

You're welcome!

[@christineml1476]

I bought my own music after I started working as a teen. The first album I bought was "Paradise Theatre" and the first 45 was "The Best of Times". After that, I bought Styx's other albums. Loved their rockin'/theatrical sound and the lyrics were brilliant. Even had their poster in my bedroom. Was, is, will always be one of my very favorite bands.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Christine!

[@rogerhuggettjr.7675]

I had the 45 which led to getting all their stuff too.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Rocking theatrical has always been something to reel me in.

[@Finnegan6674]

Love this one. Being from Chicago I remember Styx playing Sock hops at schools. John Records Landecker his tag line was "records is truly my middle name" and it is. It is his mothers maiden name and was used as his middle name. Anyway this is such a great throw back for this Chicago boy.

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

Dennis is a great storyteller. This is another fun conversation with him, Prof.

[@jeanahill9303]

I live in tiny town middle TN and WLS would come in clear at night. I would listen to John Records Landecker every night. I heard Styx on his show and fell in love with this band. Thanks Adam for your show.

[@timorean320]

I love hearing Professors passion, and love for Music.

[@FrancesBraam-et1wx]

Growing up in the Milwaukee area, I listened to WLS all the time. They used to play some great tunes. I remember walking down our country roads at night with my little transistor radio and when Lady came on, I couldn't crank that radio loud enough. What memories! Another special song is Lorelei. That song meant a lot to me when I was dating someone I really liked. And off of that same album, Equinox, was the Ever Fantastical SUITE MADAME BLUE! I tried so hard to sing like Dennis and hit those same notes - No Chance! "Red white and blue, gaze in your looking glass, You're not a child anymore Red, white, and blue, the future is all but past So lift up your heart, make a new start And lead us away from here." Wow, how appropriate even today and it still blows me away! Yep, they had a sound that truly belonged to them, and them alone. When you heard Dennis sing, you knew it was a Styx song! Even if they didn't make it into a Hall of Fame, they are in the hearts of their fans!

[@howardosden3112]

I never was a fan of the ballad, and now it's all you ever hear on singing competitions, but I've got to say after hearing Dennis DeYoung that I LOVE that guy!! He's so freaking REAL! I ❤️ him!

[@brentgardner5103]

Great interview! Dennis is the kind of interview where you open with "What's going on?". And 30 minutes later, you close with "Thank you!" 😀👍

[@markdakel9253]

Styx was such an important and influential group of musicians and their music is iconic. Pieces of eight- Cornerstone- Crystal Ball- Paradise Theatre are excellent albums. Hard Rock at its finest

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s like the second coming of Bach.

[@tylermorrison7051]

Don't forget Equinox and The Grand Illusion.

[@jimmyjothemojoofficialyout7854]

This is 1 of my favorite interviews , Everything Dennis was saying today was like a transistor radio to me . I have felt all these feelings just like him and where did that stumble chord or lyric come from . Myself being from the Chicago area remember when these guys made it big . Hell , They played at my sisters prom before they made it big . I have had all these feelings just like him about songs and have been played on radio and a song not take off and you scratch your head and say maybe Im not that good . He just gave me hope like he was talking right at me like a angel talking through him right to my ears . The Honesty about not being a piano player blew me away and he sure had me fooled on that one . Same thoughts again . Makes me want to just hang out with him and pick his brain about stuff and learn from him . Wow Fantastic job Professor . I am always going to remember this one . Extremely Grateful

[@timothyosborn1697]

We were living in Rantoul, IL (Dad was stationed at Chanute AFB) during 1973, and would always listen to WLS (Worlds Largest Station...). I remember as a teen when this song, LADY, by Styx, was first played, and then played, and played. Great times! Later on had the great opportunity to work the Styx Concert, at the Salt Palace, as Event Security, in 1981. Even better times!

[@adamlane73]

Amazing that the guy who wrote/played Come Sail Away and so many others says he's not pianist. DDY is a legend.

[@BriantheLionNZ]

I love that guy now, I loved this episode. To me that was inspirational. Thanks so much, from Big Bri in New Zealand.

[@-.Steven]

Styx was so hot 🔥 when I was in high school in the late 70's and early 80's. I can remember right after a high school assembly had just ended (probably 1979) I had started to walk away, when the song Renegade started to play, and I stopped and just stood there listening to the song till it ended. In 1984, after I enlisted in the Navy, I remember sharing the words to the song, Come Sail Away, come sail away, come sail away with me... And to this day I smile everytime I hear the words, we thought that they were angles, but much to our surprise, we climbed aboard their starship and headed for the skies. Great memories, great music. Thanks Professor! Thanks Styx!

[@JavyGwaltney3]

Styx and Boston were my favorites as a teenager. You are right, its absolutely criminal that neither are in the Rock Hall!

[@tedbecker4051]

Love Styx. Saw them in concert a few times. Paradise Theater was one of the first concerts I attended. "Lady" has always been my favorite Styx song even though I was barely in elementary school when I first heard it.

[@flyswryan]

As someone who grew up in Lake Geneva in the seventies, I remember STYX playing in local clubs, like the Top Deck. There was a perfume out then called Styx, and the joke was you could get in without paying a cover if you were wearing it. When Dennis made the video for Desert Moon, he played a kid from Santa Paula, CA coming home for a high school reunion. He learns his old flame moved to Chicago, so in the end of the video, he mentions heading to Chicago. I laughed a lot at that line: A Chicago kid is going home where his love life lives...in Chicago. Great circle!

[@TheBillyKmusic]

There was also a perfume called "Babe", too!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I think my grandma had the Styx perfume.

[@brendah.6366]

Styx...The most underrated rock band ever!!!❤❤❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen Brenda!

[@mariagandcompany]

At the time, Styx was popular but was thought to be more for the ladies.

[@ssnerd583]

I was there...and there was the stoned, drugged out cretins who didn't understand anything but head banging BS....and then there were those who KNEW.... Those who KNEW just did and knew STYX for what it was. True music of the day and forever.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Along with countless others!

[@PikesvilleAl]

13;54 Dennis talking about Tommy Shaw,. A talented guitarist and songwriter who failed to understand he needed Dennis' or other producers help

[@joebeastyg5686]

Oh. My. God. I've never been able to relate to anybody in one of your interviews more than I just did. "I make shit up". "I try to make people think I'm better than I am." That describes 99% of everything I've ever recorded while playing my guitar and uploaded on my stupid SoundCloud channel. I can't even replay most of what I've made up. One and done recordings are my best works. Amazing what you learn here. Wow.

[@robster7316]

Quite the story. I think Lady is his best vocal. The thing about Dennis is that you'd never guess it was him singing based on his speaking voice! Thanks, Adam!

[@ProfessorofRock]

So true! Good observation my friend!

[@headlibrarian1996]

Age has deepened his voice, probably better to compare to his speaking voice 1973.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He definitely takes on a unique acting role as a singer.

[@tylermorrison7051]

I saw Dennis again in early 2020. He was still singing the songs in the original key.

[@rogerdeahl9629]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Ah yes, Styx. The Panazzo brothers little Chicago band. Should be in the joke of the RRHOF. Add Kansas to the important late 70s band that should be inducted. Tommy Shaw has gone on record as saying Kansas' music was his inspiration to opening up his creative mind. Lady was indeed a great ballad. And how many times has a great song not gotten any traction, until a DJ has salvaged it. Thanks for this Professor. Dennis DeYoung is a great guy and doesnt deserve the hate he gets. Great songwriter. And your show is like Forrest Gumps box of chocolates....... we never know what we will get on any given day. 👍👀

[@mournblade1066]

Who hates Dennie DeYoung?

[@rogerdeahl9629]

​@@mournblade1066 A lot of people. They blame him single handedly for the breakup of Styx.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love it! It's true... We go from Styx to the Grateful Dead to Neil Diamond to Dead or Alive! ha ha.

[@ProfessorofRock]

How own band.

[@petercena9497]

@@mournblade1066 Tommy Shaw.

[@mrjefe8927]

I’m not huge into Styx but I’m a fan now. Great interview!

[@act.13.41]

Dennis just comes off as any other grandpa out there. He doesn't seem full of himself. He doesn't see himself as a star. A humble man.

[@laurietanigawa7373]

This is my all time favorite Styx song , I’m in love with this song!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Laurie!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Awww.

[@tamilee8872]

Shout out to the rest of the P.O.R. family who listened to WLS back in the day before you graduated to FM radio! I still call some of the old tunes "WLS music"! 😃❤️🎶

[@dolfingirl2000]

Styx is one of my absolute FAVORITE bands...actually all of the bands you mentioned are awesome. :)

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Vicki!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I can’t choose a single favorite.

[@BeSmarterFaster]

Once again a truly masterful episode. Love listening to Dennis DeYoung talk. One of my favorite interviews you've done so far Professor. Thank you.

[@JuanRodriguez-km9hl]

Dennis is a great story teller and very funny Thanks

[@efhs1970]

Awesome episode, Bring Dennis back!💫

[@kimmatura3564]

I absolutely love this song! It has always been my favorite Styx song.

[@ProfessorofRock]

He's a great interview!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s so cool.

[@bladestar2322]

Dennis is such a great interview! I have seen him get interviewed several times and he's always entertaining!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

So jolly too!

[@johnsimms4501]

Still to this day, and I'm 62 years old, when I hear the opening piano to Lady, I get chills. There's something about that melody that stops me in my tracks. I think that it somehow brings out the emotion of loving someone so much that you feel whole.

[@Adam_K_W]

That was the best Rock Star interview I believe I've ever seen! Hard to call it an interview really because you barely had to ask any questions at all, Dennis just rambled on and really let us know who he is and so much more. Excellent! Just Excellent! BTW, Styx was my very first real concert, 1978 at the Lakeland Civic Center in Lakeland Florida!

[@armondobbabone8556]

Bottom Line: No hyperbole, Dennis is a frig'n musical genius - it works for him because he doesn't know it...and we all benefit from it. Outstanding!

[@ProfessorofRock]

So true.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A very entertaining guy in general.

[@halohat2286]

I agree with every one of your cited bands that should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Love your channel and it's content. ❤

[@easleymo14]

I was one of the kids listening to WLS in southeast Kansas. Loved Lady. It was played lots.

[@brentcox7772]

Love Styx! They were the backup band for my first concert, Black Oak Arkansas in ‘74!! Awesome!🤘🔥

[@ProfessorofRock]

First concert? What a great first !

[@dwaynereeder9546]

Mine was Black Oak Arkansas, with Ozark Mountain Daredevils, in my home (and their backyard). Ft. Smith, Arkansas! 1979(?) Great show for a 10 year old! But, I was ALREADY rockin on STYX.. since mid-70s! Love em !

[@brentcox7772]

@@dwaynereeder9546 I was in OKC

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Rock on! 😊

[@tylermorrison7051]

What a show! Jim Dandy and Styx (the early years). I'd give anything to see that.

[@christophermozeleski7149]

This was a very cool interview. Thx for making it and sharing it with all of us.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching Christopher!

[@elaineh7993]

Dennis is my man! My ex was a dead ringer (alot of years ago!). Unfortunately not someone like Dennis that was a guy devoted to his "Lady". My favorite song by Dennis! Such a great song.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Elaine!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Wow.

[@jamigross5864]

Great interview! I love Dennis's humility about being a "song writer".

[@CurtTerpstra]

This was such a great song. I remember when it came out and I wondered what in the hell was a styx One of my favorite bands when I was growing up. I had multiple Styx albums in record, 8 track, cassette, CD and MP3 form.......... Loved this interview..... he was a GREAT guest

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Haha, like sticks?

[@michaelgeisdorf6641]

I’d love to hear Dennis DeYoung and Randy Bachman together in full story mode sitting around a campfire with cold beers flowing! So much life in their story telling, no wonder their music was so good!

[@mournblade1066]

Freaks and Geeks used THREE Styx songs, if I recall correctly: Lady, Come Sail Away, and Renegade. Also, my older daughter (who graduates from college this weekend) *IS* Lindsay from Freak and Geeks, and she even says so herself. (My younger daughter is Wednesday Addams. I have two great kids!)

[@metairieman55]

DeYoung is a great character! And thank you, Adam, for that revealing interview.

[@kc0lif]

great song. Dennis deyoung always seems a nice guy. i like those early styx albums.

[@GeoTactics]

He's so humble. Seems like a genuine nice guy. I wonder what type of mixing console is behind him.

[@channelserf8666]

Great interview! Love Styx, and Dennis DeYoung is just the coolest guy.Thank you!

[@thomasmartinscott]

Great Interview! I can attest to the Truth he's saying. I've awakened at 4AM with a song pouring through me, and I've also spent hours trying to write something that just never happened. It is a Gift from God that I have never had "Control" of. 38 Albums later... Nothings changed. It's either there or it isn't. A couple weeks ago I wrote two in one afternoon. Since then, Nothing.

[@ajb625]

Great episode. Interviews with Dennis are always great to listen to. I was smart enough to catch Styx twice with him (1996 & 1997) at the Star Lake Amphitheater outside of Pittsburgh. Totally blown away, both times. The 1996 show will live forever in my memory. Shortly before they took the stage, someone from the facility announced that a rather powerful thunderstorm was about to hit, so anyone wishing to go to their cars would be granted re-entry. We were on the lawn (not under the roof of the pavilion. About 3 songs in, a big lightning lit up the universe and revealed probably the biggest storm cloud in the history of Ever. We got thunderstormed on for most of the show. I remember the rain stopped as they were playing Renegade, and the crowd was just going freakin bananas. I recall that lawn portion of the venue being really packed throughout the storm. Great time. Thank You, Dennis!

[@Daviddaze]

His solo.albums ,desert moon 1985 and 100yrs from now 2010 are high quality material. His 2020 album has ' Last guitar hero' song. Great stuff.

[@hellradiolives]

This interview floored me! I have been listening to Styx for decades and always thought Dennis' voice sounded so proper, almost Victorian or British when he sang, and here he sounds like a hot dog vendor at a baseball game😁. Amazing stuff!

[@georgemathie8123]

Styx no matter what era you dig of this amazing band whether its the raw and rocking wooden nickel years or the melodic late 70s classic line up this band has something for every music fan to enjoy

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agreed! Good call George!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Even into the 80s.

[@georgemathie8123]

​@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980yes paradise theatre and even the much maligned Kilroy was here were pretty good albums even Dennis de young and especially Tommy Shaw's solo work in the 80s were decent as well my favorite of Tommy Shaw's solo albums is his 1987 effort ambition a very heavy hitting aor album produced by British aor legend terry Thomas who led the late 70s outfit Charlie a supremely underrated band very similar in style to foreigner and Styx but never made much of an impact in North America so Terry has also produced foreigner and mostly all of the Brian Howe era bad company albums and etc so it's definitely not a Styx sounding album it's more in line in what he would do with damn Yankees a couple of years later

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@georgemathie8123 Also their song Show Me the Way, from 1990. So they were able to hit in three different decades.

[@georgemathie8123]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 that's right also edge of the century is a good album and also my favorite Styx member is James young he's always been the bands rock and roll heart and every Styx album has a kick ass James young rocker my favorite James young tracks are miss america from the grand illusion, midnight ride from Equinox, homewrecker from edge of the century, half penny, two penny from paradise theatre and heavy metal poisoning and double life from Kilroy was here he has so many

[@denisewildfortune4058]

I love Dennis's outlook on life. We are Braciole flying through the universe, which shows just down to Earth he is! Great interview, Professor!

[@stephenhanft1226]

Styx's "Lady" is an excellent song. It was one of the very first songs that you could classify as a rock power ballad.

[@ProfessorofRock]

That's exactly right!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It definitely marked a transition period.

[@JJJJJVVVVVLLLLL]

@@ProfessorofRock sounds a bit like Liszt’s Spanish Rhapsody

[@thebunter]

I have always loved Styx and even though a lot of people hate it I like Kilroy Was Here album. The mix of rockers and ballads on most of their albums was great. Their concert I saw during the Kilroy tour is still one of my favorite concerts as it was over 2.5 hours long with no warm up act. How many bands CAN do that along with be willing to do that. Styx, along with Foreigner and Kansas belong in the joke hall of fame. It's sad that rappers are in before these bands. Love the interviews you've had with Dennis. He's such a great interview and a great star. My favorite Styx song would probably be Castle Walls.

[@tp5776]

He doesn't know what he's doing and has a wall of gold and platinum records on the wall behind them. A humble honest man!

[@dhpbear2]

21:27 - What's playing here is the intro to the Moody Blues' 'Nights in White Satin"!