Former Styx Singer-Leader Dennis DeYoung Talks the Hits & His Status With the Band

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[@cremersalex]

It's amazing that Dennis still can sing like he never aged.

[@keithmulkey3352]

He will always be the heart and soul of Styx

[@terryarowcavage3215]

Dennis is STYX. I went through a lot of tough times growing up and the words and music of STYX helped me make it through. I met Dennis and his wife (with my wife) in Carmel In. concert. I have an awesome picture with all of us. It meant the world to me. Dennis and all of us deserve 1 last STYX tour. But it will never happen.

[@scotabot7826]

I can listen to Dennis talk all day long. I like the guy, and I really like his attitude!!!

[@davemacpherson4752]

YES, WE MISS DENNIS DEYOUNG! Styx IS NOT Styx without him!

[@richardalderson7603]

Dennis wrote Suite Madame Blue.. that's really all that needs to be said

[@seanmurphy3753]

I'll take Crystal Ball by Tommy Shaw all day long. Merci

[@JoeyP322]

An incredible song. One of my all time favorites

[@RKDriver]

Dennis sounds like any guy you'd meet on the street, your neighbor or co-worker. Then that voice comes out of him and it's like something created with magic and gold. He was The Voice of Styx.

[@pepperdog2039]

deyoung is a hoot. too many rock fans can't handle the reality and truth behind their idols and are happier accepting the grand illusion they create. deyoung doesn't care about cool it's the "real'' he's after and is willing to pull back the curtain and offer us a look at our wizards.

[@charlesgates4387]

Yeah, I dug his music too, but he comes off like a turd. You start to see why the other guys get on so well without him.

[@josephzaranto5044]

Styx played at our 6th. Grade sock hop in Woodstock, IL in 1973. It was just about the time WLS started playing Lady. It was my first live performance experience from a Rock and Roll band. I was blown away! That is a memory that is emblazoned in my mind!

[@jrneff1]

This is a great interview.

[@mikerivera7509]

Dennis DeYoung is a national treasure

[@ZenyattaFan1]

That line about the gated community was hilarious! DeYoung and Peterik are both legends, two of the greatest musician/singer/songwriters ever.

[@shabadoo24]

I was a little fella when Mr. Roboto came on the radio. I liked it.

[@River_Rat_Rich]

This may be the most entertaining interview I have ever heard. Dennis tells it like he feels the way it is to him.

[@sandbuck]

Good to hear someone of his stature not playing into the "grand illusion" that's been given to us since forever but especially 2020. He doesn't gaf what people think of him. I relate !

[@luisvillar8320]

Dennis is the most genuine person in the business.

[@LesPaulVOS]

Awesomeness! Equinox by far my favorite. Vocals and synths.

[@staylor537]

Great memories of STYX and when Lady came out, I saw them at Kings Island amusement park in the mid 70's and the song still sounds as good today! Dennis incorporated keys and synth into those great albums like no other!

[@richj011]

Dennis doesn't need to say anything his talent speaks for itself.

[@timothyhilton3408]

Saw Paradise theater live in 1981 in Seattle.. Got in line the night before so we could be right on the barricade.....which we were. Billy Squire opened. Stroke me, stroke me. Incredible show. Blew me away. 2 years later I have tickets for Killroy was here. Can't wait for the show. CANCELLED!!! Wow....really?? Yep....really. Never saw Styx again. Will never forget the Paradise Theater show. It was perfection from beginning to end. I must have played that Paradise Theater cassette 500 times. Half penny two penny, Gold krugerrand........

[@logankirby8105]

👍 got you beat. Listened at least 800 times, lol. Best when listening through headphones 👍

[@jerzaw]

Always a fan of Styx. But now I’m a SUPER FAN of Dennis. Great interview. Mad respect Dennis and thanks for lifting my spirits and filling my heart and soul

[@rubicon-oh9km]

This dude is a legend. Styx is so much less without him.

[@mikerivera7509]

They aren't Styx without him

[@davidrose8842]

Styx stynx without Dennis.

[@drumz700]

THE VOICE...PERIOD

[@blackfender100]

saw Styx so many times in the 70's I was a Kid . super Band every time.

[@msmegs93]

We ❤ you Dennis!

[@raybussard9102]

Dennis is absolutely right about songwriting. You're in a state of receivership from the Universe and momentarily you become a portal of wisdom and these words just flow into your instantly. You don't know what they are or where they're coming from, they just come and you're as surprised at the outcome and everyone else who reads them or sings them It's a deep, but beautiful mystery. Thanks Dennis!

[@mrwhamisrick]

Oh brother.

[@kevinkozkoz4348]

This guy is very smart and in touch with life! He is a big part of Styx!

[@halbunner8899]

A Class Act. Thanks for all your words that got me through Life. I've seen every tour since Grand Illusion, the last was Brave new world. I've seen Dennis 5 times since then. He never disappoints . Come on JY, Tommy, just give us one more tour. People need this to happen. When tour is over then do whatever you like. You guys were the Best together. Please, just got to see this happen. Love and Prayers to all. Missing THUNDER John. RIP see you soon. One more. Forgiveness It would do my heart good. 💞🙏

[@bradjames264]

I'm from Tampa. I took my High School Girlfriend to see Paradise Theater in 79. It was one of the greatest concerts of my life. I am now 60..and I can remember that particular concert like it was yesterday. I love Styx....I'd give anything to see them together again...They are all great great Rockers ~~

[@GarryGriffy]

paradise theater was 81 cornerstone was 79

[@50scap3]

HEY! Shout back from Grand Rapids! You sound great! Wish you all could do it one last time for us all. Best to you Dennis.

[@NUalum82]

south sider here - 68 + years old - you played our senior prom ( gage Park HS 1972) - and saw you guys often as TW4 as well. I still love the wooden nickel years stuff - and all that followed. selfishly I would love to see as much of the original band one more time ( at least) - however everyone would have to be 'into' it to live up to the expectations. I realize it may never happen - likely never happen ( and I understand you are not the roadblock) but your original fans still hold out hope. You left us a treasure trove of songs for which I thank you - and in interviews like this I feel a south side kinship of rock n roll and the world as we grew up with it. Take care ----

[@ericredlefsen5554]

If I remember correctly, when I saw the Paradise Theater tour at Madison Square Garden here in NYC, as the crowd filed in, the "janitor" was sweeping up onstage and then the big reveal was that it was actually Dennis in disguise, and that's how the show began, with him breaking into A.D. 1928 / Rockin' The Paradise. I've always wondered if that was a roadie for the first 20 minutes or so, then replaced by Dennis when he stepped behind a PA cabinet out of site for a second. A phenomenal show and a great memory.

[@scottnickerson2]

Dennis DeYoung IS STYX as much as Mark Farner IS Grand Funk Railroad. What will it take to get their bands to believe this and give us, the fans, a last chance to see the original bands together at least one more time?!

[@TerryKrysinski]

The Eagles did it,Schon & Cain are doing it with Journey. Maybe it could happen -- Hell froze over there,so... different with Grand Funk RR tho-- Mark F. DEF was the key to Grand funk. Styx still had Tommy & JY, so it wasn't as difficult for them to carry on in reasonable fashion. Say what you want about Gowan,but-doubt it could've worked w/o him. This and..have you heard the last three Styx albums? They carry on the flame quite nicely,thank you. As well as DDY's 2 final releases...enjoy the music they've made. T

[@halbunner8899]

Well said.

[@GeoffreyGoodridge-oe6we]

Absolutely correct! The reality for me though is that it’s over really. Seeing our bands now taints what was. Besides that, even if they got back together, they still can’t stand the sight of each other!

[@billydeaton3560]

Dennis has always made sense ! Just could never understand why the unwanted drama in one of America's best rock bands could destroy a beautiful thing ! The MUSIC !!

[@brucebasile5083]

I was from the same Chicago south side neighborhood as Dennis and the Panozzo brothers. .All great guys that we all are proud of.

[@iabconsulting]

Dennis ha s one of the best voices in Music, not just Rock and Roll but even Broadway Musical. I think if he put an effort he could be the bext voice in Opera as well. I have every Styx, Dennis DeYoung and Tommy Shaw album there is, that I could find.

[@kilroy107]

Dennis DeYoung will always be Styx for me. not knocking Tommy or JY, but it was DeYoung, Shaw & Young that were the Beatles to me...I've seen both Styx and Dennis and Dennis's solo shows are more Styx then the Styx show

[@alexmeboy]

I didn't really care for him in the 80's. Now....54 year old me....I LOVE THIS GUY ! Really needs to get back in the band.

[@YAMISOOLD2009]

Thanks for posting this entire interview. I love to hear Dennis talk. I think there is a lot of wisdom in what he has to say and I like to hear him defend himself against the attacks that have come in a much more public way from the other camp. A detente would be ideal at this point and one final tour with the reunited band before time has her final say with them all.

[@dibber43]

I LOVE D.D.!!!😁👍 The only TRUE singer/songwriter/keyboardist of STYX!!!

[@seanmurphy3753]

umm... Tommy Shaw? Crystal Ball as one example.

[@Mark-fk3ei]

Now we are left with Unstyx. No Dennis, no Styx

[@dibber43]

"The Best of Times" Our Senior Prom song in 1981. Gives me goosebumps remembering that.🤗

[@Canucklehead557]

I agree with Dennis on the Golden Rule point. "WHY?"; to leave the world better than what is was when we got here. It's not an easy task, but it's necessary.

[@DuaLeaD]

Well it's about time you released this interview in its entirety!! Now, I don't have to hunt for the 9 pieces of it. Please just post these as one big clip going forward, we can always click on chapter timestamps in the description. This is my only criticism - Fantastic interview, well done, and great questions! I love how you focused on his songwriting craft and let him talk so we can dive into his wisdom and personality! What a rock legend and class act.

[@lindasmith4171]

I will always think of Dennis when I hear Styx! 4-ever!❤ We miss you!

[@bretedwards2899]

I love honest people who are not in love with themselves, Dennis is one of them.

[@cosmicsunbeams]

I love Dennis ❤, I've been a fan since hearing LADY coming across the FM radio station back in the 70's. I've seen Styx a few times since, but it's not the same without Dennis. I love his idea doing a Tour, it would be huge.

[@jonboatwright7777]

Love Dennis. He’s a memory maker for so many of us and that is priceless. Thanks so much guys.

[@DennisAlvarezMusic]

I really enjoyed this interview,,

[@mikerivera7509]

Thank you so much for this video

[@dmimcg]

I used to think he was a jerk. Watched this and i've changed my mind. I like the guy. I still like the way Tommy Shaw plays guitar and sings, but from this interview I know now that Tommy did a lot badmouthing. Thanks for the great songs Dennis.

[@mgordon1100]

He's a Chicagoan through and through. You hear it in his voice and see it in his mannerisms. Dennis, the Panozzo Brothers, and JY were all from the city. He emodies why Hollywood used to like making movies in Chicago, because of the people. As a Chicagoan myself, I concur. Tommy Shaw was the only one, from Alabama. It's not hard to understand that some friction took place.

[@PikesvilleAl]

@@mgordon1100 JY really that not talented as a songwriting. Overestimates his guitar skills. Tommy's ego compensated for his lack of height. Thought he was a major rock star. Came crawling back to Styx. Dennis grew up along with the audience, music changed. The guitarists did not. Tried to stay young forever and expected Stxy fans to

[@demonhoopa]

I love when musicians get to a certain age and Dgaf and say whatever they want. This was gold

[@Teslafyguy]

Great interview John and Dennis!

[@wanderingrenegade771]

Ty for sharing this.

[@lazur1]

Early'70s, 950 W Wrightwood, Chicago, "Alice's Revisited", Styx, (long pre-Shaw), played 1x week. $1 cover, $0.50 military. I most remember: HIGH harmonies, PERFECTLY in tune, in spite of a club PA/NO monitors, & LOUD guitar.

[@bobbyboykin7137]

Dennis IS Styx and anyone with a functioning brain knows that. He flushes more talent down the toilet every morning than JY and Tommy ever had. Its not even close. Saw them live the first time on Sept 2nd, 1977 opening for KISS in the The Summit and have been a Dennis fan ever since. Thanks for the music Mr. DeYoung, always love hearing from you.

[@lane99]

Deserves 90% of the credit for Styx's success.

[@demonhoopa]

He’s the John Lennon of that band. I’d rather see him solo than go see Styx

[@halbunner8899]

Very well said.

[@Mysterious946]

Absolutely agree 👍🏽

[@davidburke9596]

AND 100% of the failures. Or haven't you heard Mr. Roboto ??

[@pepperdog2039]

@@davidburke9596 roboto is still played nightly live by styx x. roboto was a gold single and is the second most watched styx video on this site. failure///get real

[@lazur1]

I met Carl Palmer c'79, no longer w/ELP, trying to start a new band. The concept, as he described it: "Styx".

[@dibber43]

"The Grand Illusion" Probably THE best lyrics of ALL the Styx songs...EVER!!!

[@KevinHoganChannel]

enjoyed this, interesting insights, great singer, writer and styx was a fab band

[@afaceforradiowithrichardma4831]

Can’t help admit he comes across so much better than his persona is sold as. Very smart and funny and poignant.

[@johnperiard9594]

This is off the charts. Great intrrview

[@danielpedretti541]

We need him back in the band before it's too late. It would be magical!

[@leohernandez7193]

Love his honesty and wisdom. He’s like a honey badger, he doesn’t give a shazit.

[@gurgisjones1120]

The other guys probably couldn't handle the reality and honesty of Dennis. They've got their rock star personas to maintain. That band is only a shadow of its former glory without Dennis' spunk and creativity.

[@larscederberg8564]

Dennis DeYoung was the engine in Styx and the creator and they played in the big arenas all over the world but when Dennis left Styx is now playing in casinos and small festivals

[@kc0lif]

i like Dennis deyoung cool guy. always a great show great music.

[@James-ik8yz]

'96 Live in CHICAGO WAS SO Awesome ! Withthe new drummer Tod. Was Amazing

[@kkwok9]

Loved the interview, love his honesty. 'Madam Blue' will always be my favorite Styxx song.

[@lazur1]

Dennis's persona is so different from his singing. I like it.

[@animalyze7120]

"Some Rain Some Shine!" It would be good to see a balls to the wall farewell Styx tour before all these folks are too old or gone to pull it off. Time for Tommy & James to put their big boy pants on and own up the fact that the base 3 these guys formed are what the fans Love and Remember. Grow up all and get back on that stage where you belong ;)

[@DrewHomeworld]

What a gem.

[@douglasstruthers8307]

Saw Dennis DeYoung live at Massey Hall Toronto about a decade ago. Great show and a voice that has more than survived the test of time. Also, great to listen to him share his memories and thoughts. Thanks for the great music Dennis!

[@ajb-drums]

I really like what STYX are doing now but man do I feel everything Dennis is saying here and has said. I remember watching Behind the Music when it aired and feeling real conflicted about it.

[@terryjordan9417]

DennisI like you guys from the start A great Rocker

[@haroldpruitt8207]

Mr. DeYoung is a straight shooter, something unheard of anymore. Love and respect to him.

[@83Roboto]

That is one thing I like about him. He is very what you see is what you get. He knows he has an ego and freely admits it. In the music biz if you don't have one you will not get anywhere.

[@billyjenkjr]

Dennis DeYoung is STYX

[@27cliffp]

…..if you believe history.

[@jeffgomez88]

Come on Tommy Shaw, please allow Styx to do one more tour with Dennis Deyoung for the fans!

[@STL575]

Dennis doesn't want to and that's alright.

[@27cliffp]

in the words of the Eagles,……”get over it”.

[@eternallifeable]

I still watch the live concert that Styx did in 1996 in Chicago! Happy Thanksgiving Dennis! God Bless you!

[@K3N1977]

Styx without Dennis DeYoung, Grand Funk without Mark Farner, Yes without Jon Anderson? Just cover bands. Give it up please. You can all do better. Much better.

[@neilouellette3004]

Glad I saw the Return to Paradise Tour 1997. The last w/Dennis DeYoung. Awesome concert. Saw Styx 2-3 years later, first tour w/out Dennis, my wife and I walked out. Half the fans, including me didn't know Dennis was replaced yet. We gave it a chance w/the Dennis DeYoung songs, really did. But we left early after about 80% of the concert. It wasn't good at all and never again w/out Dennis.

[@RKDriver]

I saw the Kilroy Was Here tour after that album came out. They had so many songs that featured Dennis on lead vocal and he was the voice of Styx. So many great tunes they can't play without him.

[@michaelkeudel8770]

They've been doing fine for 23 years without Dennis. Dennis himself hasn't done anything worthwhile in those last 23 years that wnt anywhere.

[@cycomiko73]

Dennis is pretty awesome, In 83 when I was 9 and watched the debut on MTV of Mr. Roboto I instantly got on board with Styx, its one of my favorite songs.

[@mglenn7092]

@@michaelkeudel8770I’ve seen/heard the JY & Tommy show (oh right, they’re still calling themselves Styx) and seen/heard Dennis DeYoung and the music of Styx…. and Dennis puts on a much better performance. Also writes better songs.

[@barcham]

There is no Styx without Dennis, there is just a cover band living on past glories without the man who created the band and made it great. I don't want to hear Dennis singing Criminal Mind any more than I want to hear Gowan sing Lady. Dennis still sells out Place des Arts in Montreal whenever he feels like coming to town. In fact, he could probably sell it out for a week if he wanted to. While 'Styx' plays bars in the Laurentians.

[@waste44]

You are the best DDY....DDY.

[@adamlasko315]

Dennis DeYoung is honest, real and has created the greatest songs by STYX. Dennis is transparent with his ambitions with his career objectives. Took Styx to their highest level of success. While his cohorts have made a detour with his involvement in the current status of Styx At some point, Styx needs to focus on reuniting with Dennis DeYoung. It was his songs that put Styx on the map. The current band of Styx are excellent, and layered with a wall of sound. Including Dennis DeYoung back in STYX makes sense to the (Return to Paradise City). Dennis DeYoung, I want you to meet James Young & Tommy Shaw, create your magic again. Note, my first concert was (Styx) at the "Paradise Theatre" at Rosemont Horizon, sold out in (1981). It was the best concert I have ever witnessed. I had no idea Dennis was fired from Styx before the production of this album. Note, the current Styx lineup over a period of 23 years, have not made a top ten hit to save their life. The current Styx lineup is ten guys, playing the hits Dennis wrote & Tommy.

[@porkturtle8321]

To be fair: in the last 23 years or so, the music landscape has changed. Garbage is preferred. That kind of music is no longer popular. Styx with or without Dennis are past their prime and in 'greatest hits' mode too.

[@jeffreyhilliker9592]

Listening to Styx and Dennis recent interviews back to back I 💯 agree with Dennis. So he says no to replacing Tommy, yet they replace him and blame him for their separation. Dennis also gets it that the 3 were the songwriting force and the band is what made it happen. Hopefully Tommy sees this somehow

[@user-ic3mr1gq5i]

My brother (little) loved them. I knew them but never really listened. Saw "The Grand Illusion Tour" in Anaheim. Wow. Wow. Instant fan. Saw 3 or 4 more times. Never disappointed. Really loved Pieces of Eight and Paradise tours

[@lorielcastillo9496]

I listened to Radio Silence the other day. It echoes how I have been feeling lately. Man In The Wilderness has been where I found myself during a time when nothing seemed to make any sense or have any logic to it. I hope there will be another album in the future.

[@BrettHoustonTube]

Fun interview. Grand Illusion was one of the finest albums evers. I thought Babe was lame when it came out, but if it weren't for that song I would have never got my first dance and kiss from Greta McCall back in 7th grade...

[@joelabriola2493]

Ultimate Singer and performer! Good for him telling it like it is! You paid your dues. Too many personalities in Original STYX. Tommy and JY very bitter and ungrateful to Dennis and the Fortune and fame they made!🎉

[@eatmoreporkporky4342]

Saw Styx in the paradise tour and Kansas opened for them. What a show. I think it was 82 or so. Long ago!

[@timfurnier7061]

Tommy Shaw is a BIG BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Garek_George]

“One last tour for the fans.” That’s what needs to happen, not petty BS between band members. Just play … for us. 👊🏽👍🏽

[@catherineferguson7646]

I saw him, Tommy and JY on a talk show. Did a song saying they were going on a short tour. I'm sorry I have no idea what he's talking about. OMG he's an idiot to criticize the Beatles. I watched him go around Styx making sure they played properly in a performance. Gowan was a genius, but maybe Dennis was too. But why did he sue Styx.

[@warnerchandler9826]

​@@catherineferguson7646What in the world are you talking about?

[@davidrose8842]

@@catherineferguson7646 Because he wasn't being paid any royalty money when Styx were playing his songs on stage. Tommy and JY thought they could just kick Dennis out of the band without any repercussions. Then they get mad at Dennis for going after royalty money that he is legally entitled to.

[@pepperdog2039]

@@catherineferguson7646 he never criticized the beatles he reveres them

[@gerardplank3780]

I love this guy, being direct is refreshing in lieu of the pretentious cracker barrel crap we're fed everyday!

[@mikerivera7509]

Dennis DeYoung walked around the question about Gowan but got the point across.

[@1970sRacing]

Styx hits with Dennis DeYoung---around 30 Styx hits without Dennis DeYoung---zero enough said

[@mikerivera7509]

Dennis DeYoung is the American version of Jeff Lynne

[@fritztheman749]

If you can't handle truth, you can't handle Dennis. Not many like him around anymore. A gem.

[@Paul71H]

46:05 - I'm one of those "proggers" who loves long, complex songs, but I love Styx too. I agree with DeYoung that Styx was not a prog band; rather they were a prog-influenced rock band -- and a darn good one!

[@Platos-Den]

First time i heard Dennis in an interview. I enjoyed listening to him. He is very intersting person. It gives me a more axxurate picture of who he really is. He IS Styx.

[@puckgold4956]

I would buy a couple of tickets for STYX reunion with Dennis. I won't buy tickets for the current STYX line-up. And that's not a knock on Larry at all, I think he does a good job singing STYX songs. However, Tommy and JY said that door is closed so it's not going to happen. I could see them doing a one-off show that is recorded for everybody to see but a tour most likely will never happen.

[@james3282]

Styx was the music I grew up listening to, Dennis is incredibly talented. I became a fan years before Mr. Roboto. 😎🇨🇦🙏