Styx Bandmates Share Their Thoughts on Dennis DeYoung | The Big Interview

Styx band members Tommy Shaw and James Young recount what it was like to work with Dennis DeYoung and the series of events that led to him leaving the band.
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[@georgewodicka4839]

Full respect to Gowan here. But Dennis is always the lead man to this legendary band in my mind, and i still can't picture Styx in any other way

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

Well said. Gowan has always been respectful of Dennis. I wish I could say the same of the others.

[@mikedavison3400]

@classicarcademuseum Gowan didn’t have to personally put up with Dennis. The others did. As Tommy said he just wants to be happy at this stage of his life. JY replied “Amen brother Tommy”. They don’t owe anybody their happiness just to fulfill some fan’s obsession with Dennis. You wanna see Dennis? Then go. You don’t wanna see Styx without him? Then don’t go.

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

@@mikedavison3400 They wouldn't be selling tickets if it hadn't been for Dennis. They own him big time, and stole his band from under him when he was sick. He founded the band many years before anyone else in Styx was there. It was his life's work. We wouldn't know who Tommy or JY were if it hadn't been for Dennis. Tommy was playing bowling alleys when Dennis asked him to join. It's downright unbelievable this kind of thing could happen. But then again, the Little River Band had their name stolen from them, and there is nothing they can do about it.

[@willhorting5317]

Honestly, I never understood why Tommy and JY became the defacto leaders of the group, (when they broke up), instead of the Panozzo brothers and JY. After all, the brothers were there from day one.

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

@@willhorting5317 The reason was..... John was no longer living, and Chuck was no longer able to tour when the band opted to throw Dennis out of the band. Tommy & JY wanted to turn the band into a non-stop, touring machine "literally" living their lives on the road because that's the life style they wanted, playing every carnival or small venue they could possibly find, and as an opening act for other bands too (who didn't tour as often and played bigger venues), instead of DDY's approach of playing large venues, keeping the Styx name as a big deal for touring, but playing fewer shows. Chuck sided with Tommy & JY for two reasons. Although I'm sure he felt some loyalty to Dennis for all the fortunes he had brought him, and that they were childhood friends, Chuck was no longer able to tour. Chuck basically had his choice of leaving Styx, or helping cast the winning vote to over throw Dennis and still get paid something even without touring and have some kind of career still, and play a few songs at shows whenever he felt up to it. The choice was loose everything, or go along with Tommy & JY. I really doubt it was Chuck's idea to toss Dennis. However, another factor too. When they recorded Brave New World, Chuck's health was poor and he was unable to play on the record. In the day of age an old band is going to record a new album in 1998 or so, it's no where near the lucrative payout it was in the 70s or 80s. They were probably just barely getting paid for their efforts. Not like the old days. Dennis didn't want Chuck to get paid to not play on the album. Again, I tend to think.....it was just barely worth their time to even record it financially. Against his wishes, Chuck feeling ill played on Brave New World instead of sitting this one out. I don't think he was being tossed from Styx or anything, but sitting this one out. But when it came down to deciding if he should side with Dennis or Tommy & JY, he sided with the guys that were ok with paying him if he didn't play on a note on Brave New World. I can kind of understand both DDY's and Chuck's point of view on in their situation. But I can say, Chuck said a lot of nice things about Dennis in his book I didn't expect. For example, when they got the big pay checks, instead of Dennis getting a much larger portion being the "star" of the band, primary singer, instrumentalist, song writer and producer, the band split their money equally. Chuck said he was amazed by that. Other bands were not doing that. Also, Chuck over the years has made a few comments indicating that he was open to a reunion with Dennis. They were after all, childhood friends. And also, Dennis has commented that they have talked since the split, at least via email. I doubt Tommy or JY have had any interest in speaking to Dennis in any form since the split. Read Chuck's book, it reveals a lot. This is my take on the situation observing since the split. If Chuck wants to comment, I'd love to hear from him.

[@jamescarter3196]

Lawrence Gowan sure said some of the smartest and most-respectful things he possibly could here. Seems like a very cool dude.

[@cliffkilpatrick7430]

Lawrence Gowan was big in Canada in the same time period that Styx gained fame and he was a perfect fit to replace DeYoung.

[@coppulor6500]

they all did. no slights, just tactfully delivered facts. smart fellas

[@tonygoldfinger7859]

First time I started listening to Styx was back in 78 at the age of 6 with the "Pieces of Eight" album. Got hooked on "Blue Collar Man" and "Renegade". Seen Styx 3 times in 2003, 2015 and 2022. Didn't get to see Styx with Dennis DeYoung and John Panozzo because I was too busy getting high school and college done. But I enjoyed all 3 of my Styx shows with Lawrence Gowan and Todd Sucherman. Chuck Panozzo was not at the 2003 concert in Las Cruces, NM, but he was at the 2015 concert at the Forum in Inglewood. And he was at the 2022 Concert at FivePoint in Irvine. At the 2022 concert at FivePoint was very happy to get a drumhead signed by Tommy, James JY, Chuck Panozzo, and Todd. The guys sounded incredible playing Renegade, Grand Illusion, Come Sail Away, and Lady at these 3 shows. My only tiny disappointment was that the guys did not play my favorite Styx song, "Suite Madame Blue" from Equinox in 75 at any of those 3 shows. "Suite Madame Blue" is Dennis song, but it is a cooking rocker bordering on heavy metal which one would not believe was from 75. Unbelievable guitar work from JY and original guitarist John Curulewski on that song. Dennis usually plays "Suite Madame Blue" at his concerts, so not sure if the reasoning for Tommy, JY and the guys not doing it at Styx concerts is because of copyright issues or if it is because "Suite Madame Blue" is a pre-Tommy song. Second guessing at this point, so I will stop. Point being is that like many others, I like all lineups of Styx. All members, past and present have their contributions to the band, so definitely in agreement with Lawrence on that one. Great concerts, just would love to see Tommy, JY, Lawrence, Todd, etc tackle "Suite Madame Blue" at one of their concerts.

[@squonk86]

Lawrence Gowan couldn't sing Suite Madame Blue because he can't hit the high notes like DDY and would butcher the classic song like he does all the rest.

[@piscesempress1978]

The only person I want to hear sing Suite Madame Blue is DDY.@@squonk86

[@micaelsv]

Im sure many says this...But I would so love to see and hear new music from Styx, which was big part of my youth and grownup life as well...wish you guys best of luck..

[@repentnow1720]

Saw them last year outside of Detroit with the current lead singer of Boston (RIP Brad Delp) doing a dual show. Amazing show - they were all 100% spot ! : )

[@johnrinck4883]

Styx is an incredible band with nothing but gushes of talent. Too bad they couldn't all agree on things, but the entirety of their work is unequaled. I grew up in the late 70s and early 80s and Styx music is a huge part of the soundtrack of my life.

[@hillbillyjimbo1732]

well said!

[@davejohnson3822]

spit on your face

[@jimlittle5769]

Going to see them in concert next month. Saw them once before and they were awesome.

[@hillbillyjimbo1732]

@@jimlittle5769 slighty jealous, I hope its as good as Ive seen on youtube!! please report back where and how it was!! So, I can kick myself in the ass for not going myself!

[@jimlittle5769]

@@hillbillyjimbo1732 i just saw Reo Speedwagon with my wife a couple months ago. I figured we had to see Styx to get the bad taste out of our mouths from that horrible experience.

[@Greg_In_SoCal]

I still love Styx and have seen the current lineup live. They are incredible and sound great. I do still miss Dennis DeYoung. It’s like the Journey situation. The new singer is great and has been there longer than Steve Perry. However, like Lawrence, Arnel didn’t contribute to all of those songs we sing along with.

[@nelsonhelmutt5076]

I could never stand Dennis. and Styx without him Instantly was a Much Much Better Band With Lawrence, Who's 10 times More Talented.

[@GmanftpG59]

i can’t say much for the new albums because i truly don’t know how much Lawrence contributed. However, i just saw Styx last Friday and they were absolutely stellar. Lawrence brought the heat and his and the entire band’s stage presence was incredible

[@veltonmeade1057]

No kidding, last Friday? I had no idea that they were touring. @@GmanftpG59

[@HeathenRenegade]

It's sad because I think in both cases there are also plenty of newer songs that we would have sung along to with the newer singers if they had been able to be heard. Sadly, that's not how the music industry works, especially with rock music, so albums like Revelation (Journey) and The Mission (Styx) are largely unknown by their own intended audiences. I think both bands do a great job at not ignoring their more recent work in concert, but of course, many supposed fans like to criticize them for this. One of the more disappointing bands of that era for me is Foreigner, despite ironically being one of the only bands to bring back their original singer on tour part-time, as Dennis would like to do with Styx. I just don't understand why they can't manage to play even a single song live from their ONE album with Kelly Hansen, which is almost 15 years old now.

[@Debbie-m7f]

@@nelsonhelmutt5076 saw Dennis and his band perform a few years ago and he was awesome !! He sounded great .. it was like being at a Styx concert. It was the second time I had seen them.

[@craigphillips6308]

It says a lot that these guys still perform many of the the songs that Dennis wrote, including Come Sail Away, The Grand Illusion and Lady. Say what you will, he was the main force in the band and when he left, I left with him as a fan.

[@Curious_Party]

I was 12 when they made Behind The Music and totally bought JY and Tommys BS, ie they want to ROCK and Dennis wants to sing about robots(nonsense). Now 25 years later, I find both of them to be dickeads and want nothing more than to see Dennis and Tommy sing together again.

[@squonk86]

Agreed 110%,dude and Lawrence Gowan ruins all the Styx songs he sings and can't hit the high notes that DDY did

[@MrDoneboy]

Me too!

[@kermitfrog1897]

ditto

[@roberteltze4850]

@korbondallas2062 Tommy is too talented, he would have found success with another band if he didn't join Styx. Don't forget that it was only after Tommy joined that the band found real success. Don't get me wrong, I love a lot of their older prog music, even a lot of the John Curulewski songs. But that version of the band only had a couple minor hits, and were going nowhere commercially.

[@DuaLeaD]

Let me be CRYSTAL💎CLEAR on something. For those of us who prefer the classic Styx lineup, the issue is NOT Lawrence Gowan (Keyboards) or Todd Sucherman (Drums) at all. Both of them are world-class musicians and Styx was incredibly lucky to find them to replace two classic members in order to continue touring. Styx always was and will be a phenomenal live band. It's the way Tommy and J.Y. have continued to attack and diminish Dennis DeYoung's legacy for decades while deliberately ignoring the fans' wishes for DDY songs in their setlists when they owe their fucking careers to him as the principle songwriter of Styx. As a serious musician of 30 years, I can tell you that great PLAYERS are a dime a dozen. There will always be some kid on KZbin who does nothing but practice all day and can play rings around you. But you know what is incredibly rare? GREAT COMPOSERS / SONGWRITERS and ICONIC VOICES. That is what the world truly lost when Dennis DeYoung was ousted from Styx! Dennis, Tommy, and J.Y. made each other better as songwriters and musicians. Any band could only dream to have just ONE of them in their band and Styx had all three. Their songwriting chemistry was absolute magic that has stood the test of time. Don't take my word for it, just listen to all the classic Styx albums in their entirety, the quality is undeniable. The last hits Styx had were "Show Me the Way" and "Love at First Sight" in 1990/1991 with Dennis DeYoung MORE THAN THIRTY YEARS AGO. Their 2017 album "The Mission" sold a pathetic 15,000 copies and this KZbin video from yesterday already has 4x as many listens. In those thirty years since, Styx has released 3 studio albums and an album of covers. All the current lineup can do is tour the state fair, auditorium, and casino circuits profiting from the hits from Styx's golden era. If you call that being "better off" without Dennis, then you're fooling yourself.... If Dennis rejoined the Styx lineup, you would have droves of Styx fans coming out of the woodwork who haven't cared in decades. It would be earth-shattering (on the level of Steve Perry coming back to Journey) and they would be back in massive stadiums for one last hurrah. It's pathetic these guys still have bad blood and axes to grind after 40 years while Dennis DeYoung has said repeatedly of a Styx reunion, "My bags have been packed for 20 years". He's one of the few singers from the 70s who still can belt it out like no time has passed. He wants to tour one last time "To say 'thank you' to the people most responsible for your Mercedes Benz"....the fans. Time waits for no one, my friends.

[@5664788]

Very very well said ,....from another life long musician to you DualeaD

[@danwilson9530]

You nailed it

[@Jeffrey.Seelman]

I understand your position but how do you intend to make any of this happen? I also grew up on this band and first saw them in 1974 when I was just 14 years old. People have been asking the same question about my favorite band: Yes. If only Jon Anderson would get together with Steve Howe. Simply not going to happen. I think we as fans of the band have to accept that there are irreconcilable differences. We can think about this stuff all day long or we can simply go see both bands in concert. It's just amazing that these guys are playing at all after these years. DeYoung has not had any hit albums either lately. I think part of this is due to an era gone by. I am a teacher and most of my students who are young have never even heard of Yes or Styx. They are not going to sell out arenas anymore no matter who is in the band. But I do thank you for your professional opinion as a musician. There is much validity as to what you have written. There is certainly anger behind the words during any of these interviews that I have heard from any of these great bands. Divorced people rarely get back together.

[@porcupinecraig]

If people don't get along, then why force it? Dennis and Styx do not get along. They completely disagree and don't have the same music tastes. And what is wrong with that? Styx seem happy and at peace. They still get to tour and they still get crowds coming to see them. Dennis can do whatever he wants. If you don't want to see the current Styx, then don't go. They will still keep playing to audiences and that is all they want to do. It's no fun playing songs you dont' like with someone you don't get along with.

[@porcupinecraig]

How many hits has Dennis had in 30 years? Uh-huh

[@minsterhill]

Jy being the boss. But the thing is if it wasn't for DY then TS. there is NO absolutely NO Styx. No JY. More respect would be appropriate. And new Styx doesn't even come close to the old one!

[@minsterhill]

Won't go see the now ever again because of this interview it made me sick!

[@jpg5038]

I really wish we could get along before it's all over. Each of you are so great and together you were magic.

[@ronpacheco7736]

well said. life is to short

[@imacmill]

​@@ronpacheco7736_life is to short_ As is your spelling of the word 'to'. 😊

[@imacmill]

@marshmcclory487 _I would never pay to see Styx without Dennis DeYoung. I did it once..._ Ummm...OK.

[@imacmill]

@marshmcclory487 😊

[@alwilson3204]

@marshmcclory487 He was taking over their basic sound with less and less rock and I don't blame the other guys for not wanting to go that far down his rabbit hole.

[@scottboettcher]

I had the pleasure to hang with JY at Universal when I worked there. A super kind and nice fellow that would talk to me like I was his pal. One day, I was at Starbucks next door to the Santa Monica office, and I hear "Hey Scott" - I looked around and it was JY. I'm a nobody, but that guy remembered me and my name. I've loved the band since Wooden Nickel days, and while Dennis was an amazing singer, the band still lives on and rocks hard. Like Journey, there's life after a lead singer leaves. Styx will always be one of my favorite bands and one that I can play and make me happy when the world is a bucket of Continued success fellas.

[@berliner0]

Awesome

[@0nehalo59]

Styx, Journey, The Replacements, The Smiths, Oasis & Depeche Mode: all iconic bands that deserve 1 more go with Original members involved!

@@0nehalo59 You DO know Depeche Mode is still together with the two remaining original members.............................right?

[@mglenn7092]

‘Kilroy Was Here’ was not a failure - look at its numbers, sold quite a bit, introduced a lot of people to Styx. But noooooo…… according to JY & Tommy, it was a flop. Then JY & Tommy insist on taking the band out when Dennis is dealing with health problems and can’t go… convenient of Tommy to also forget that when he left Styx for years and then ran into financial trouble, Dennis pulled Styx back together with Tommy and the resulting tour and etc got Styx going again and got Tommy’s problems fixed. No guilt, no regret about shutting Dennis out of the band and trying to screw him over legally and financially. Dennis sued them because they were slagging his name and reputation in the press every chance they had during that period and trying to cut him out of his royalties while playing his songs every night. JY & Tommy have selective memories and there is no honesty or integrity in them when the subject of Dennis and his contributions to Styx comes up. And, I’ve seen tapings of ‘Dennis DeYoung & the Music of Styx’, and have also seen videos of Styx performing live without Dennis DeYoung. Dennis and his band are doing the music better. Dennis also has a good sense of humor and much better rapport with his audience. I’m just disgusted and done with watching the JY & Tommy band. Yes, they both contributed good songs to Styx during the lifespan of the band, but that only shows you can be a real prick with no loyalty to friends and peers, and still make good art.

[@lonestarwolverine7398]

Don't Let it End...

[@Saint5555]

Kilroy Was Here wasn't successful? It's the last Styx album to go Platinum. They haven't been anywhere close to their success with Dennis.

[@jesset3360]

Amen!

[@davidm6256]

Growing up during the 70’s Styx was a huge part of my life, but it seems when you have talented people who have different ideas on the future of the band, they break up! Every time I hear there music I always wonder what could of happened if they didn’t split up, anyway I’m glad to have the opportunity to enjoy the works of Styx! Rock on

[@Kodeekat]

Yeah, they were a big part of my high school soundtrack even when I had kind of walked away from Rock. In fact they played a roll in pulling me back.

[@jamescon55]

Well, Deyoung SAW the writing on the wall kinda, with the whole "Made in Japan" thing but , yeah....NOT necessarily something that the fans really WANNA hear.....And "like" it DID, come out...🤨😶😒 Lol. 😎🤘🔥🤘

[@maximumblue8394]

It's sad that so many great bands end up forever separated, unable to perform together the music that made them legends.

[@BAKER22-l4u]

It's called life

[@kerzytibok3211]

Yeah it's sad but "Kilroy" was a really bad album and it killed their career --- such an awful way to end a great run for a band

[@EmmaKnightleyNo1]

​@@kerzytibok3211I may be in the minority but I love every song on Kilroy Was Here. Yes, it is a story, about music being forbidden, a bit like 1984, and Tipper Gore came after with her 'parental advisory' stickers... just sayin'. Tastes differ. Nothing after was better, was it, with or without Dennis.☮

[@JuricksEnterprise]

Pettiness and childishness!!

[@danielpaulson8838]

It's just creative differences as people grow. Dennis is a great musician and singer but he was getting the stage performance, rock opera direction he wanted the band to go. He was good at that, but it wasn't Styx anymore and it wasn't their audience. They just had creative differences. Styx was/is a great band and that was a good split.

[@joshuaschmidinger3993]

Dennis made the band with chuck and John and then the others came in, it's his hit "lady" that put them on the map(and still a fan favorite)he wrote and sang hit after hit after hit and then got kicked out of his own band by jealous add ons smh. You damn right he has the right to sue and to the royalties 👏 I saw him on harborfest a few years back in Oswego NY and he was awesome 😎👌 these guys are the has been and will never be as good as he is, end of story. That said I like Styx as a band and Tommy wrote great songs too as well as the others, just hate to see them talk about Dennis with such disrespect, and kilroy was a great album and fell right in line with the other Styx albums. Just Luke the wall from pink Floyd it is a classic and songs like "haven't we been here before", "mr. Roboto" and "don't let it end" are such great songs...it's hard to believe they hated each other with this level of greatness being produced 🤷‍♂️

[@jtmichaelson]

I might be the outlier here but Styx, to me, was Dennis, Tommy, JY and the Panozzos. I know Tommy was a replacement, but even before Tommy was not the definitive band for me. I got into Styx' music at the same time Tommy joined the band and they have been definitive to me. "Come Sail Away", "Babe", "The Best of Times", "Lady", all belong to Dennis. It's like being at a karaoke concert without him. Journey is Steve Perry and Neal. Foreigner is Lou and Mick. REO Speedwagon is Kevin and Gary. Some people just make the band what they are and no one can really take their place. Having these strangers in their place losses something. Without those originals, you really just have a Kenney Jones.

[@CHENLV-b6n]

What is Van Halen?

[@questionmanga3963]

JY is a hack compared to Dennis and Tommy and it is clear he drives this conversation. he would be no one without what they did.

[@frk75]

i love gowan, as a solo artist, and styx had put out some decent albums with him, the last one is really solid, but if they dont wanna work with dennis anymore they should get rid of the old songs written by him in the set, or keep only one or two max, you cant just ignore the guy and play full sets of deyoung signature epics , it makes no sense

[@raven12788]

They get rid of some his Songs Like the The Best of Times and Babe

[@autryhatfield2942]

Tommy Shaw was a huge influence on my playing and writing. I met him years ago in Nashville. We had a great visit and he could not have been nicer.

[@crashburn3292]

This entire interview could be summed up in three words: "Dennis is difficult."

[@DuaLeaD]

The loyal fanbase who gave Styx super stardom and several epic multi-platinum albums has been divided ever since Tommy and J.Y. put out that "VH1 Behind the Music" hit-piece 'documentary' in the 90s to discredit Dennis DeYoung personally and professionally. But you know what has been absent? You cannot find any interviews from Chuck Panozzo or John Panozzo across the years talking bad about him. They had both been completely silent....How strange! Now WHY, oh why does no one ever mention or ask about that? I believe that if John Panozzo had lived on through the 1996 reunion tour and up through the present day, the Panozzos would have stood up for Dennis. They were the old neighborhood kids from the South Side of Chicago who got this whole train a rollin'.

[@Scott_B1029]

I suspect that if Chuck were to play with Dennis that Tommy and JY would disown him.

[@acdii]

John and Chuck formed Tradewinds with Dennis. The three of them were together the longest, before JY and John Curulewski joined. If you watched a couple of Dennis latest videos, there are pictures of the three of them as a family. Thats what Dennis, Chuck and John were, Family. Tommy was the unhappy one. He quit during the Caught in the Act tour. He has the I want to be the STAR attitude and wasn't getting it. He still doesn't have it. The last Styx album, I mean the Real Styx, not the cover band today, Tommy sounds like a little cry baby. That album was not created in a studio with all members together, but at home studios. I think that right there was the downfall to the Real Styx.

[@entransify]

@@Scott_B1029 not necessarily. he's actually said in recent years that it's time to put their egos aside before it's too late, and yet he still plays a few songs per show with them.

[@ravenluna2716]

@DuaLeaD This. Exactly. I believe Dennis was railroaded by JY and Tommy. No respect for them at all.

[@billcaffrey8207]

Thanks John and Chuck are my cousins. My Ma was a Panozzo

[@SueKay-rq1lr]

They are still asses to me. Dennis made Styx. I really don’t care what they say. You need to listen to both sides.

[@ejd1984]

Styx had always been DDY’s band. Just listen to his last three solo albums, they sound more like Styx than “Styx” does today. *The DDY song Private Jones would have been a killer Styx song.

[@christopherschlacter4953]

Saw Styx in 1981 on the Paradise Theatre tour, great show. De Young is a phenomenal singer, I remember him walking on stage at the start with a player piano ringing out ,and singing ''Tonights the night we'll make history'' It was pretty cool.

[@Tom-ok2rh]

Saw that same reunion tour in I believe 96 and that opening tune sent chills through my body too it was a great concert and with Kansas as the opener made it even better 👍👍

[@Tom-ok2rh]

@@jamescon55 The concert I was referring to in 96 was here in Va at the Va Beach Amphitheater not in KC. I distinctly remember the clown with the mop stunt right before he started singing then the lights came on again for a wonderful opening tune👍👍

[@terrimozena348]

I saw that tour too. Great memories ❤

[@BarekHalfhand]

@@Tom-ok2rh I think it was 97 I saw that same to tour in Chicago.

[@Tom-ok2rh]

@@BarekHalfhand Yea I knew it was somewhere around then. Great show for sure👍👍

[@LegionOfWeirdos]

Let's face it... BOTH sides are probably equally at fault. These guys are pretty hard-headed about not even giving the smallest concession and maybe doing some one-off shows with Dennis, which is absolutely ridiculous. BUT, if you listen to enough of the things Dennis says in enough interviews, you can see how he'd probably be insufferable to work with. Would anyone really want them on stage together if they can't get past all the acrimony? Sadly, both Styx and Dennis' act are hollow shells of what they once had when they worked together and put in the effort. From Crystal Ball through Paradise, five straight great albums. Even the corny-as-hell Kilroy album was seriously solid work musically. Brave New World sounds like a bad session with a marriage counselor, with neither side really committed to the relationship.

[@JamesMoore-un3cu]

Wow, I couldn't disagree more with some of what you said. I recently saw a Styx concert and never even knew that Dennis wasn't there. The energy was palpable. And, post 70's, Brave New Wold was an EXCELLENT album, full of great tracks, played by great musicians. You're the first person I've ever heard who didn't like it, but to each his own.

[@Daviddaze]

​@@JamesMoore-un3cuBNW is like a flat tire.

[@JamesMoore-un3cu]

@Daviddaze Like I said, to each his own. But as a musician, I can tell you that Brave New World has got great playing on it and good songs.

[@derek17005]

Had the pleasure to see Styx in 96 right when they had reunited. 2 hours of nothing but awesome music. I understand why Dennis and Styx parted ways but I wish they had figured out a way to make both of their styles work together.

[@nelsonhelmutt5076]

Dennis is a Tyrant, and The Styx Band is 10 times better band without Dennis, and their Current Or Last Album, Is so Kick ass Dennis would never approve of Hard Opera Rock. Past Lady he didn't have anything more except more bubblegum and some weird demonic crap

[@ebenclukey7293]

I saw them then too. They were doing The Return To Paradise show. They performed the entire album front to back. It was as a small outdoor venue in Massachusetts. The Tweeter center. I worked a Tweeter at the time and employees got free tickets for ourselves and friends right up front. Kansas opened for them. Still top three concerts I've ever been to.

[@ogam5]

@@ebenclukey7293 : yep - I was there as WELL (Edge tour show, TOO - which was GREAT with Glen......)

[@smokesletsgo2374]

I liked a few songs from Styx but wasn't a big fan, once I heard Return to Paradise I knew this was one of the best bands ever. Just a phenominal performance. A big shame John couldn't be there but Todd is a badass drummer as well

[@jasonroberts6080]

Saw in Phoenix on 96' with Kansas. Unbelievable show.

[@jodij6280]

Mr. Roboto peaked at #3 and Don't Let It End peaked at #6. Kilroy Was Here was certified platinum. JY is an ass.

[@erickchurch5390]

How much plastic surgery has happened between Tommy and JY?

[@Eddie-j3s6e]

A lot lol!🤣

[@tripleb221]

Dennis used to freqytge bookstore l worked in during the late 80's. He was very polite, but kept a low profile. I was a huge fan in the 70's and told him so. He smiled and thanked me and shook my hand. I really wish these guys could have worked things out.

[@radish6691]

Used to what??

[@tripleb221]

That was supposed to say "frequent". I've come to rely on spell check too much.

[@DebH.]

Understandable, but you can also edit your first comment. No biggie though...✌️​@tripleb221

[@billmimms]

@@DebH. That's funny.

[@neinschlomo]

Im a Styx purist and never accepted Dennis’ departure but listening to Gowan he is sa class act.

[@mauriceortiz8817]

Was gonna' say the same thing.

[@joelliebler5690]

Gowan is terrific live though their album post Dennis are only okay.

[@danwilson9530]

I’m a huge Dennis supporter, but I’m not going to take that out on Gowan. He’s a talented artist in his own right who’s doing his best to fill shoes that don’t fit him. It’s a steady gig that pays his bills and gets him on stage. Can’t blame a guy for taking advantage of the opportunity. He did record with them, and that music is okay, but it’s not on the Dennis level. Nah, Gowan is fine. He’s just not Dennis.

[@feldspar3858]

Gowan has a spinning keyboard. How weak.

[@SirManfly]

@@joelliebler5690 Gowan has a great voice and if you're gonna replace Dennis, I'm glad it was him !!

[@CashMacGregor]

if you do something like this you get both parties to the interview otherwise you get one side of the story and i don't believe this side of the story for one second. i do know all the styx songs that i love were written by dennis. they are being kind to themselves when they say there was 3 writers. dennis was styx and when they tour now most of the songs they do are dennis's.

[@foto21]

Dan Rather is one of the best interviewers ever period. Other people on YT should study him. Styx was a huge band to me when I was coming of age. Great stuff. Meant a lot to me and still does.

[@martron1962]

Absolutely, he’s genuinely interested with whom he interviews, a great listener, and allows them to fully speak without interruption. He’s top notch!

[@peterjanssens7578]

Styx had great years with Dennis. But I respect that relationally things don't always work out. I'm glad they were all able to find their way forward and wish each other well. Still a great band with Lawrence.

[@tonystephens6858]

I saw Styx about five years ago and it was a great concert. I saw Dennis DeYoung in 2014 and it too was a great concert. They pretty much played the same songs. Sounds like a win-win situation for everyone involved.

[@James-ko3gw]

I think they are missing the classic sound with Tommy, JY and Dennis.

[@squonk86]

​@@James-ko3gwAgreed,dude and I personally can't stand Lawrence Gowan

[@ckatheman]

I saw Styx in 2013, and then Dennis solo a couple years later. Both shows were great.

[@johnnyho8765]

Crystal Ball and Equinox are my favorite albums.

[@Brian-qg8dg]

I found styx ii many years after its release. I know it doesn't sound like the full styx heyday, but it'd good, fun, deep and sounds great, especially an original clean vonyl press..

[@thomaskolde4316]

Equinox & Grand Illusion for me!

[@BrianLutgen-Scoonover]

Equinox and Man of Miracles here with a Pieces of Eight honorable mention lol

[@visionunblurred]

KILROY WAS HERE wasn't a success?! What a lie. The album went platinum and had two hit singles. How was it not a success. You guys sound very bitter for supposedly being over it. 😂

[@xavierbalzola863]

Styx will ....ALWAYS BE....Tommy...JY....Dennis and the brothers who are both gone John and Chuck.....ANYTHING ELSE simply isn't Styx....and btw if JY STILL has a beef after all these years,with Dennis....how about giving half of your money and Royaltys back....MOST if not ALL of their major hits was Dennis....Dennis STILL is and ALWAYS,will be the voice of Styx.

[@Fuff63]

I like what Tommy said. I love all these guys individually and respect all of their solo views equally. They’ve earned the right to each be happy. Cheers

[@Deborahtunes]

Exactly. The guys have the right to be happy at this stage of their careers. Who wants to work with someone that is constantly trying to control their every move in the band?

[@danwilson9530]

@@Deborahtunes It was DeYoung’s band, he founded Styx, and it was his contribution that brought them their success. They never had another true hit without Dennis, and it’s the music from the Dennis years they are able to fall back on now touring casino to casino that is just good enough to keep them happy at this point. I mean, okay, I get their point, but Dennis has a side too. Tommy and James are where they are because of Dennis. They owe him for where he took them.

[@Deborahtunes]

@@danwilson9530 ~ It was NOT his band, and the Panozzo's were the ones who started everything. Without them DeYoung wouldn't have had a band to join in the first place. Styx are playing everywhere, not just in casinos. But even if that were true, at least they are are touring. Dennis has been sitting home in his basement since 2019. What's stopping DDY from performing live now? No one but himself...

[@danwilson9530]

@@Deborahtunes Dennis founded the Tradewinds with the Panozzo brothers when they were all kids in Roseland. If you think John, Chuck, JY or Curulewski would have risen to fame without Dennis you’re high. Maybe Tommy could have eventually found a path to fame on his own, somehow, but Dennis brought him in the fold to make a perfect formula lineup. Dennis was the leader, visionary and glue that made it all work, and without him the hits stopped. I don’t doubt Styx in its current incarnation puts on a great live show, but it’s only half the experience. Yep, they play other venues beyond the casino circuit, but they have to be propped up by performing with a bunch of other nostalgia acts missing half their key members. They didn’t like doing Kilroy yet they still play Mr Roboto... Why? Because of all their hits, that single one stands out as multi-generational and historically is best known. Thanks Dennis. I think he’s earned sitting in his basement if he wants to. Let Tommy, JY and Lawrence do the work yet still get paid. If Dennis tours solo, I’ll go.

[@Deborahtunes]

@@danwilson9530 ~ It was the Panozzo's that started it all. Without them Dennis wouldn't have had a band to join. As for "MR", they only began playing it again in 2018, because DDY's fanatics kept requesting it. Otherwise Styx wouldn't have bothered. That's the difference between Dennis and the other guys. You see it as "work". The guys are just having fun enjoying themselves. It's DeYoung who's angry, jealous and miserable. And Dennis had to go get himself a clone for Tommy, with Zadra. Tommy and JY were getting paid to, every time he performed one of their songs. It works both ways. You can have DeYoung and his terrible band of clones. I wouldn't go to see Dennis (which I had a chance to do when he played at the festival near my home, but didn't want to) if I was paid to...

[@jeffrow316]

I stopped being a fan when Dennis left the band. As a songwriter I can appreciate all he brought to this group. Too bad it had to end like it did.

[@kevinmach730]

Being a huge admirer of the talent Dennis had, but also being a big fan of Tommy Shaw- I hate to admit it, but I lost interest in Styx as band when Dennis left also. When you lose a front man like him, it's just so hard to maintain the identity of the band. Truth be told, though, I have heard almost nothing of Dennis or his career after he moved on.

[@guitarslim56]

Don't let it end!

[@jaxflfreebird]

@@guitarslim56 No, let Don't Let it End, END.

[@spuds6423]

Unfortunately, Dennis wanted to turn them into a Broadway Act. As JY said before, they are a Rockband. Larry has definitely filled his shoes quite easily.

[@Embur12]

The best of times...

[@thetubedude2011]

1. Styx is not Styx without Dennis. So these guys should call themselves Tommy'S Music of Styx. 2. JY puts himself on the same level as songwriter as DD and TS. What a load of crap. His songs are crap. 3. JYs claim that DD nearly made them broke is crap. DD is the reason Styx was successful and still exists and JY has a job. Styx would have fallen by the wayside without DD and JY would be working in a factory. 3. DD is a bit eccentric and possibly a pain in the ass but when you are writing all the top ten hits that is his prerogative. 4. Gowan should not be allowed to sing DDs songs while the band is called Styx and DD is still around. 5. A band that doesn't sing their only No1 hit is really dumb.

[@michiganjfrog366]

In 1978 i sold magazines to win Styx tickets in 7th grade... They were the 1st place prize, i won an air popcorn popper and a giant sugar daddy sucker 😂

[@jimaugie4993]

I like Styx and always have. I also like Kilroy Was Here. Sorry to correct you JY, but It was not the LP that made Styx lose half their fan base, it was the fact they broke up. I was a Styx fan before they were Styx and ever since. I have over 40 concert ticket stubs to prove it.

[@jonfuller7613]

I saw Kansas and Styx at a concert a few years ago. Kansas opened and they were absolutely awesome! Styx came out and by about their third song probably a third of the audience got up and walked out. They all should have learned how to get along and keep it the way it was, That's where they really rocked!

[@ricksegal3065]

Listen to Dennis's solo song Isle of the Misanthrope. Pure Styx song masterpiece.

[@rubicon-oh9km]

How's the album overall?

[@ricksegal3065]

@@rubicon-oh9km pretty decent, but this tune is a killer Styx type song.

[@samm3656]

I understand all the egos....didn't like the direction of the band...BUT....without Dennis....this band is mediocre at best....he helped make all the band rich.... otherwise the rest of u play bars

[@williamjueschke9960]

Ok I get their point, I still miss Dennis in the band though.

[@Mncrr]

They were a rock band. He was a cabaret singer.

[@Katsem]

The rockers won. I liked Dennis too, but if only part of Styx was destined to go on, I’m glad the way it worked out.

[@jodij6280]

Most of their #1 songs were sung by Dennis.

[@johnhuffman2993]

Dennis has an ego but sings like he doesnt like Rock n Roll. He’s not that good of a rock singer so he goes for bombastic. He turned me off yo Styx day one. Mr Roboto? Huge error of judgment

[@jodij6280]

If anyone has an ego, it's JY. In every interview I've watched it's obvious how pissed off he is at Dennis. Jealousy? If Dennis is so bad why did he have 7 Top 10 songs in the Hot 100? He also scored as a solo artist with Desert Moon, it hit #10. And if Mr Roboto was such a disaster, why did Tommy and JY start playing it at their concerts? Because fans were asking for it. 'A list of songs that rockers hate the most recently came out and surprisingly enough, “Mr. Roboto” by Styx came in at number 2! Well, it just so happened that The Mike & Carla Morning Show got the chance to catch up with Styx guitarist James Young and asked him about this. How ironic, because “JY”, as he is known, said that song just happens to be the number one requested song on tour!' 'The song itself, “Mr. Roboto”, from the album “Kilroy Was Here”, a conceptual LP was released in 1983. Being one of the bands biggest hits peaking at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was on the charts for eighteen weeks before falling off in April of that year.'

[@tomlovejoy1534]

If there was never Dennis, there would never have been Styx! 👍

[@theincantrix1144]

He funded the egos babbling in the video. Shaw wrote only a single hit and lives on the carcass of the band he broke up.

[@clarkkenttheman]

@@theincantrix1144 if they have egos...dennis was bigger he tried to turn them into actors in a musical with mr roboto...and they were like we are a rock band...different directions for him and the rest

[@theincantrix1144]

@@clarkkenttheman Uh, again, Dennis was the reason they had so many hits and became so big. Styx without DeYoung would have been a bar band going nowhere, or at best a one hit wonder with Shaw's Blue Collar Man. Arguing with who got you there = the problem. Hate to break it to you, if you didn't know, but Mr Roboto is a very popular track. Just a few years ahead of it's time. Load up a current Styx concert and what songs do they do? DeYoung's. But, yeah, DeYoung was the "problem".

[@clarkkenttheman]

@theincantrix1144 i love styx but if he didn't have them also...no styx either...never saud i didn't like roboto...but to think dennis had no ego...he seemed controlling in the the band

[@johnnyphilon7506]

Nah, Dennis wanted way to much control in regards to writing, touring, loyalties etc... you can be great, but you CAN'T be GREEDY and self centered. If 5 musicians say the same thing...well you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure it out.

[@keithmulkey3352]

Styx played my high school in 73 so I've been a fan for a long long time. I saw Styx with Dennis DeYoung in 96 or 97 in Phoenix, shortly after John died...maybe the best show I've ever seen. Then I saw Styx in maybe 2005 in one of their various incarnations without Dennis (remember Burtnick? Horrific) and they were loud and not much else. Then I saw Dennis and his band doing The Grand Illusion in its entirety in 2017. Incredible show. His band is light years better than this version of Styx. His Tommy Shaw singer/guitarist is every bit as good, maybe better. And the guy who played JY's parts...without doing his weak ass Kiss sticking your tongue out while you play routine...even better. Maybe its time to let the break up fade into the past and realize that Dennis was a big part of why you are as successful as you are. They are OK but without Dennis they're just not Styx.

[@neugey]

In hindsight they should've just let Lawrence do all the talking rather than have Tommy and JY bemoan an album that is almost 40 years old.

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

Lawrence would be the only guy that could have done the interview respectfully. He knows he's hired to replace a legend, and no one can compete with that. And he doesn't try to. And he knows he wouldn't have a job if it weren't for the legend he's been hired to replace, so it's pretty hard to really say anything negative about his predecessor, for he is the reason the band's name is recognizable enough to have them on TV in the first place.

[@opryman1]

Saw Dennis a couple of years ago. He looks and sounds great!

[@sydneybird116]

I just saw Styx last night for the third time in the last 3 years. Love the show but I really miss Dennis' show from 2019, which I thought was much better technically sounding and much more keyboard work. Comparing the two, Styx is more rock band grunge and Dennis is more production Broadway/studio sounding which seems to completely agree with what James Young was talking about. Dennis' energy is so entertaining and infectious. I don't think that I would want James mad at me.

[@BassbyStan]

I'd rather see Dennis than the current Styx.

[@mr.intensity2685]

​@@BassbyStan Me too, and I've seen them. They were with Peter Frampton and REO Speedwagon at the "Axl Rose Amphitheater" in St. Louis. (Maryland Heights)

[@tw9535]

Turning on their manager didn't work out so well. And that whole Roboto thing was ridiculous. I can see how the guys could be over Dennis.

[@VitalityMassage]

I like the real rock music vs rock/theater music. That's why Queen and Meathead never appealed to me. :) Also, why isn't Styx in the R&R Hall of Fame? It's a travesty!

[@thomaswilliams8487]

Kilroy Was Here didn’t alienate me. That shit was great! Ditto - Still miss DeYoung

[@keithgarreth1386]

Dennis is a great showman.

[@davegarciaofficial]

Is that a joke? He’s like a lounge singer. Lawrence is infinitely more of a showman.

[@keithgarreth1386]

@@davegarciaofficial have u ever seen Denis. Saw the 1st and real Paradise Theater tour, Kilroy, Grand Illusion. Queen should have gotten Dennis instead of Adam L. I've seen Styx with Gowan as well. Watch Dennis do Paradise Theater opening song. There is a KZbin video from Capitol Center.

[@davegarciaofficial]

@@keithgarreth1386 yes I saw Styx a few times with Dennis in the 90s. Lawrence blows him away as a frontman. But that comment about Queen?? hysterical. Dennis would never be able to touch those songs vocally. Adam is currently the best rock singer on the planet.

[@keithgarreth1386]

@@davegarciaofficial BTW, saw Freddie M on News of the World, The Game and Hot Space tour. Great shows all of them. Probably liked The Game tour the best.

[@pepperdog2039]

@@davegarciaofficial that lounge singer wrote and sang 3 number songs in gowans canada. gowan sounds like a munchkin on deyoung's songs.

[@ABC-yt1nq]

Styx at Maple Leaf Gardens in the late 70's - my first concert. Such an enormous musical influence in me as a teenager, and I still love their music many, many moons later

[@roystonmason9125]

my FIRST concert was also STYX equinox tour ! So cool

[@StyxTommyShaw]

Awesome🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@squonk86]

Styx was great with DDY but can't stand Lawrence Gowan so just enjoy the old Styx which is outstanding and I love.

[@kerzytibok3211]

It's crazy how influential Styx was in the late 70's --- just about all of my friends age 9-13 loved them

[@MrDoneboy]

I saw them in Houston in 1978. One of the best concerts I have seen!

[@retiredmarine3225]

Got the autographs and pics with the drummer John Panozzo and guitarist James Young when they visited our Marine Corps Base in 29 Palms in '85! That was wild watching them come to our chow hall and tour the base.

[@btwothek]

As a fan of Styx, I still have to side with Dennis. There's just no replacing him, period. I was lucky enough to grow up in the same town, went to high school with his daughter and would even see him at the grocery store. A normal guy with an outstanding gift, Styx is NOT the same without him.

[@robcd7112]

I guess my question would be, what has Dennis done since the split? Sure, Styx isn't the same without Dennis and I don't think they said otherwise, but I would guess that Styx has been more successful after the split than Dennis has.

[@1970borntorun]

I'll go a step further. Aside from Dennis, all the rest of Styx are mediocre musicians at BEST. Dennis was a visionary, and has one of the best voices in Rock history. Not to mention, Dennis had a huge hand in some of their biggest hits and success. James, after all these years still comes across as a bitter asshole who loves holding a grudge against Dennis, and just loves dragging his name through the dirt.

[@outdoorrn2980]

He was/is a sniveling whiner.

[@bassman8136]

@@1970borntorun Give me a break lol, they are great musicians with or without Dennis. I just saw them play recently and they were great.

[@sroevukasroevuka]

He still lives in chicago as far as I know.

[@esteban1487]

They were my first true concert, 1978, The Grand Illusion Tour at Cobo Arena in Detroit. I was 15. They were still rocking hard in 78. Great show.

[@johnhead6116]

That mustve been amazing

[@chance101303]

Same here! Mobile, Alabama.........was a senior in high school!

[@randylittlejohns8969]

me too

[@SJtoobsox]

I was there!!

[@ZippyThePinhead]

I think they made some great music together with Dennis, but when personalities clash it makes for a bad situation. I think they're better off as it stands now, and I think Dennis is better off where he's at. Lawrence stepped in, and has done a fantastic job of performing & they seem to get along great with each other, so why would they change that now.

[@Deborahtunes]

The guys in Styx wouldn't. But the "Dennis only" zealots want everyone to be miserable, just so they can have it their way. Personally, I'm fine with the way things are in the band. You can clearly see how happy the guys are. When they are content, it's better for the fans at the concerts. I'll never understand why certain people want others to be as crabby as they are. I know, "misery loves company" right. It's not something I aspire to though. I like seeing others enjoy themselves...

[@mikedavison3400]

@deborah78.crystalball 🎯

[@pepperdog2039]

@@Deborahtunes debbie is a deyoung troll and a liar

[@magneto7930]

These guys are full of s***! Dennis was really seriously sick when he couldn't go on with them. He has spoken about it in detail. Yes, Kilroy might have caused a little controversy but I don't think they ever lost any fans because of it. If anything, they probably gained some new ones. These guys wouldn't be anything without Dennis. He's the one who put them on the map. They say they've been around longer without him. As far as I'm concerned, they've never made another album since his departure.

[@larryisntmynamebutyoucanca9625]

I bought Styx tickets for my girlfriend not knowing anything about their break-up with Dennis. When she found out what they did to him she asked me to sell the tickets and we pocketed the $300. F**k Styx.

[@mmjcra]

they keep saying they didn't like mr robotto and they didn't want to do it and sort of blame dennis who forced them and alienated half of their fans blah blah blah, yet they still play those songs in their concerts.

[@iggypopisgod9]

DeYoung penned seven of the band's eight Billboard top 10 singles as well as a solo top 10 single.

[@kenhowell07]

And Van Halen sold the most albums after Dave. Does not mean the top sellers are the best songs.

[@boomstickman71]

@@kenhowell07 but, the best VH songs WERE after Dave.

[@lunarsabbatical7906]

People remember the tommy shaw hits and they get the most radio play too much time on my hands, renegade and blue collar man. Not Mr roboto

[@robertstauffer2865]

I guess. If you're into pop music.@@boomstickman71

[@kenhowell07]

Ok young buck@@boomstickman71

[@RushTrader]

The bottom line is - Tommy and JY saw an opportunity in 1999 to take the Styx name from Dennis, let the lawyers handle it and move on. I understand how, creatively, they're on different pages, but these guys really did Dennis dirty and took it upon themselves to remove him from the band he co-founded, but at least they're happy.

[@ejd1984]

I think there was a concerted effort to push him to the side (and out) during the Brave New World sessions. Dennis was too ill to travel, and sent his vocals and keys to California for them to be added. When the convened, he found that ALL of his contributions to Tommy and JY's songs were mixed out. It is documented that Tommy kept changing his story has as to what happened and said. At one point, Tommy claimed that Dennis said to him (paraphrasing) 'The band is now yours, take care of it' I 99.9% doubt that really happened.

[@davel7791]

That's not what happened. They wanted to tour, and Dennis didn't or couldn't.

[@Deborahtunes]

As Dave said, that's not what happened at all. 1) The name "Styx" wasn't even Dennis's suggestion. It was on a list of names that Wooden Nickle gave to the band to pick from because the label didn't like TW4. 2) Once again, the band wanted to tour in support of "Brave New World". But DDY wasn't having it. And despite all their best efforts to try and work with him, Dennis was refusing all their ideas. The band had been down this road so many times with DeYoung. Everything always had to be his way. Well they were finally fed up, and fired him...

[@BrandGuyTim]

@@Deborahtunes You are either a habitual liar or absolutely clueless.

[@RushTrader]

@@Deborahtunes They fired him, you said it. Due to health issues, Dennis couldn't tour, asked them to wait and they wouldn't. Combine that with having no desire to work with Dennis creatively anymore and they threw him out of the band that he co-founded and helped put on the map. Dennis was blindsided and heartbroken and, initially, had no idea if his replacement was permanent. Eventually, the lawyers worked it out and Styx got what they wanted.

[@destry232]

How far in does the stick up J.Y. Young's a55 go? Check out the sour face on that guy. If Dennis wanted to return, they would be all over the chance. Dennis is the founder, creative vision and voice of Styx. Anything less isn't Styx. Just like it's not Grand Funk without Mark Farner.

[@garygrasser]

Dead on ! Lmfao!!

[@Luileadolfo]

Dennis DeYoung was Styx founder and wrote must of their biggest hits. Tommy Shaw came later to replace the late John Curuleswki. Dennis De Young is in the same situación that Mark Farner is in Grand Funk Railroad. Sad to hear James Young and Tommy Shaw closing the door.

[@johnkeller5163]

Dennis DeYoung to Styx is far more like Roger Waters to Pink Floyd; Dennis demanded his vision of Kilroy Was Here as a dictator to the others in Styx. I remember those tumultuous days of Styx. In this interview, they are frankly being diplomatic and kind towards Dennis. That said, I would have to say that the popular rock portion of Styx still continues with this ensemble despite the trainwreck concerts of Kilroy Was Here in the past (Mr Roboto was the popular song which still alienates old Styx fans and was the only coherent song on Kilroy Was Here which was not completely bizarre and completely theatrical in a broken story plot in concert). After firing the original manager, performing several concerts of draining Kilroy Was Here, and losing a ton of money in debt, the other members in Styx told Dennis without hesitation that nobody in Styx could tolerate working with Dennis ever again let alone talk without serious verbal fights in and out of court.

[@Luileadolfo]

@@johnkeller5163 But they came back together (for two albums), and had a big hit single with "Show me The Way"

[@johnkeller5163]

@@Luileadolfo That was very short lived but nice to see several years ago.

[@darrenphillips1845]

Tommy mentions in every concert that the Panoza brothers are the founders of STYX, with no mention of Dennis. The facts are that Dennis was a part of that, and that Dennis was the front man. Tommy should stop being petty and give Dennis some credit.

[@Luileadolfo]

@@darrenphillips1845 Tommy Shaw was invited to be a Styx band member after they had 5 studio albums !

[@philipdupont3602]

Growing up in Chicago and being in my 60's. I obviously know all too well who Styx are. And for me, I was a fan of Styx and Dennis DeYoung, his lyrics, music, voice. And it's just not the same without him. I've only seen the Dennis-less Styx one time, it was with Reo Speedwagon at the Altel Center in Mankato Minnesota in 2002. And I just couldn't get into the Dennis voice they had. I also have had the opportunity to see Dennis DeYoung and the Music of Styx Live in Watertown South Dakota in 2011. And in all honesty...He was AMAZING!! At that time, he was in his 60's and his voice hadn't lost not one octave!! All the songs were spot on!! I just don't understand why Tommy and James couldn't have changed their bands name. My thoughts are that they didn't feel sure enough that as individuals they couldn't make without the Styx name. Or not enough of their music to remain relevant. Styx has a lot more songs that Dennis sang, then Dennis has songs that Tommy and JY sang. Styx for me will always be the 3 of them, take one away...it's not Styx any longer...It's the "Shaw-Young Band" ... At least be original!

[@georgejetson1379]

Honest take... they are a very good tribute band though.... lol I have seen their show 4 times over the last 20 years... A twenty dollar ticket that comes with a free buffet .... Dennis IS STYX ;)

[@kathleenwilkins4294]

Killroy was here wasn't a financial disaster that's a lie. People loved Dennis

[@Tom-fh6bu]

Dennis DEYOUNG IS Styx. Period. To continue treating him with contempt is unconscionable. There would be no Styx without his early efforts. None of these guys would be doing this interview without the foundation he laid. Time to forgive and forget, before it's too late. Think Beatles guys

[@televinv8062]

Gowan is impressive in this. Actually all three. No mud slinging. Just irreconcilable differences and the concept of the show must go on. Welcome to the Grand Illusion! 👍

[@reneeleegreco1603]

Dennis DeYoung was quite the showman and impeccable voice However you cannot count out the incredible talent of JY and Tommy Shaw

[@DMDvideo10]

Or Lawrence McGowan...

[@crusheverything4449]

@@DMDvideo10- It’s Gowan.

[@DMDvideo10]

@@crusheverything4449 I stand corrected... Love the guy!

[@TheFergyme]

Gowan wrote NONE of their hits. You can have a voice but that doesn't mean you know how to write music or lyrics.

[@DMDvideo10]

@@TheFergyme Gowan was hired to perform on keys and vocals for Styx and he does a wonderful job. They don't need him to write songs they have plenty...

[@FINfinFINfinFINfin]

Styx without Dennis is like The Stones without Jagger. No thank you.

[@plinkitee]

If Dennis does come back, I'll be first in line for whatever they do. If it doesn't happen, I'll still be first in line because this lineup is fantastic!

[@ScottAnd]

Well worded. I agree

[@Levilifts-dl4or]

Same! DDY forever!

[@MsLoverockmusic]

Now it's time for an interview with Dennis!

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

Dennis will never come back. He said he would for a tour and Shaw declined the offer. Both Dennis DeYoung and Steve Perry are better off in the end as neither of them wanted the touring schedule their prospective bands wanted.

[@jamesweldon9726]

Their most recent album-Crash of the Crown-is their best album since Pieces of Eight.

[@MultiEviscerator]

Not to take sides as both Dennis and the guys in this interview all sound reasoned, but Dennis helped make Styx on of the greatest R&R bands around. There is no denying they had their greatest success when Dennis was with them. I like Gowen as a great Styx cover band lead singer, but they never had any major hits with him. It is really hard to believe they cannot work together again, before it is too late.

[@seaturtledog]

Very few rock bands that were popular in the 70s could keep it going into the 80s and 90s. I think Aerosmith might be the exception. By the time Gowen joined they were done producing any thing of value and as they just said Kilroy was the end for sure.

[@StephenThomas-lt6nv]

Exactly what I think of this version of Styx - a cover band. It's amazing to see these, supposedly grown men, that don't understand that it was the differences and angst of the front members over the top of the Panazzo rhythm section that created the magic. Tommy Shaw is a big-mouthed liberal but doesn't seem to understand that "diversity was their strength"...

[@jamescon55]

Really kinda IS now (IMO) and has been, FTM.... They're a MOSTLY 70s , EARLY early 80s Classic Rock band ya know.....🤘🔥🤘

[@elmoblatch9787]

It already is too late. It's over.

[@James-ko3gw]

​@@seaturtledogyou forgot the Stones

[@ldrobarts]

Styx on Dennis….we were never as big or bigger since him.

[@hammill444]

They were never going to be as big as they were in their heyday- with or without Dennis. Their time passed. As it does for all bands of that era generally not named the Rolling Stones.

[@johncalvo1743]

@@hammill444 You'd better include Rush in that statement. Their last album was a masterpiece.

[@cactuscanuck6802]

Being a young kid in the 70s, who then grew up in the 80s, I would hang out with my older brother and listen to Styx on vinyl. We both had the same reaction when Roboto came out, and these guys are right... it did alienate half their fans. Dennis jumped the shark with that one, it was the beginning of the end.

[@Ottotherepoman1]

they are, like you said, half right. baby boomers didn't get the new stuff, well screw them, time moves on. If Mr. Roboto was so bad, why did STYX play Mr. Roboto live last year?

[@darrenphillips1845]

​@Ottotherepoman1 - I thought Kilroy was a great album, and I've been a fan since 1974 I guess. It was a different sound, yes, but I still liked it.

[@themusicbeat2379]

because of money they just play the past and I think they wanted to hurt Dennis on purpose and financially. I like what Dennis said at a show. Every night I go out and play my music. And when Styx goes out they play my music too. @@Ottotherepoman1

[@evanharnett]

Financial disaster? It went #3 on the Billboard charts. These 3 aren't telling the actual facts. From their perspective they didn't like playing the album but they still cashed all their checks from it.

[@bearworldwide101]

Styx is like Chicago and Hall and Oates they had their share of problems ups and downs past and new talent that still play great music but one thing that all three have in common and I'll add other bands like Journey Toto and even Foreigner. They have a solid boomer base but recently have a growing younger generation listening to their music and liking it. I'm a millennial an old one too but many of my friends and myself included love a lot of these bands went to their concerts listen to them on Spotify. These bands unlike whatever is hip and popular today have tested every storm and time that other newer generations of talent if you wanna call whatever is on the radio talent last a few years only make singles and once their talent is done they're just left out to fend for themselves. You wonder why these bands like Styx still get sold out concerts asking for the hits because the younger generations are going with their parents or their date to listen to music they listened to with their mom and dad their grandparents aunts uncles etc.

[@Dstoku21]

Styx without Dennis DeYoung would have been nothing special.

[@psychlos21]

Respect, respect, respect for these gentlemen. Honest, cordial, and amazing people. I love Dan Rather's interviews; he relates so well with everyone. Styx is a legendary band that has been part of my music listening catalog since I was 11. Seen them many times and love everything they have done. True masters of their craft.

[@chicochi3]

I loved them in the old days (I don't know how many times I saw them live) and I love the lineup today. And as Lawrence said, 10 people in 50 years is not a lot of changes.

[@johngrauman4208]

They are lying

[@DavidLouisLouis-qh9ni]

Please Dennis and Terry Kath were good friends, Remember CTA ❓❓❓

[@DavidLouisLouis-qh9ni]

@@johngrauman4208 I played with these guys at The Tanglewood concert, I grew up with them in Chicago, 🎥🎬 I'm in the footage of 25 6 to 4 and the former trumpet player David Staudohar from Calumet park I'll

[@dontworrybehappy8080]

My first ever 8 track was a compilation of varies songs. 'Come Sail Away' was one of those and I loved it from the first time I heard it.

[@HalNeeham]

JY would be driving a taxi if it wasn’t for Dennis

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

And Tommy playing at bowling alleys, literally as that is exactly what he was doing when Dennis (not Styx) asked him to join the band. Some way he shows his appreciation, huh?

[@Adam_K_W]

Styx was my very first "Big" concert in 1978 at the Lakeland Civic Center in central Florida. I have seen them with Dennis a few times and many more with Lawrence and loved those shows, every one of them. That said, I'd STILL jump at the chance to see ALL of them on a farewell tour of some kind. Dennis is game for it and has spoken about his desire to go out with Styx and say hello and farewell to the fans one last time. I think that would be epic. AND, all that said, I understand the analogy about a bitter Divorce as I've survived those as a child and as an adult. One can still dream I suppose...

[@CaseAgainstFaith1]

My first big concert was around the same time, Pieces of Eight tour in Houston.

[@drdrew3]

These 3 made it abundantly clear that they hate the idea of a reunion or working with DeYoung in any way

[@Adam_K_W]

@@drdrew3 So?

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

​@@Adam_K_Wif The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inducts them, Tommy and JY need to then put up with Dennis for one final night together because the rule is only classic members perform together. Considering Gowan joined post reunion and breakup, he isnt a classic member. Dennis, Tommy, Chuck and James are.

[@flynntaylor5459]

I think it's really wrong what happened here because they talk of dennis as a source sytx losing status. Dennis was not responsible for styx losing traction. How quickly people forget that tommy left sytx long before dennis, in fact a few years pursuing a solo project. Then when he hit the financial skids, jy called dennis and pleaded with dennis to come back and front sytx and tour because tommy was broke. Shaw never mentions this ever but it's 100 percent true. Then again the same problems occurred. Now in fairness from the history of classic styx, dennis drove that band and I'm sure tommy did not want to hear do it again and again and again. Dennis wanted everything perfect so styx would become what it eventually became. As the song says... superstars. And they were. Dennis saw that vision before anyone else did. I'm not denying Shaws talent, he is incredibly talented but dennis guided Shaws career and without that partnership shaw would never have risen to icon status. All the songs styx is known for, the super hits were mostly dennis as songwriter and musical arranger. He is f****** brilliant 👏 and tommy and jy cannot deny that fact. He is not a vocalist he is a musical visionary who is still relevant over 4 decades later. Personally I have no desire to listen to someone else sing dennis,s songs. It feel cheap to me. Classic styx is epic. I have accepted that it will never happen again😢 But I have my cds my mp3s and Spotify to keep me firmly secured in the 80s with my favorite styx songs sung by the one who made it all happen. There can be no styx for me without dennis. Classic styx lives on in my heart ❤

[@desiv1170]

Jay going off on Dennis (justifiably probably)... And then... "You know, I've forgiven Dennis..." No... No you haven't.. But that's fine... It's best for you not to be together. You don't have to forgive him...

[@pepperdog2039]

a agree he should thank dennis for his bank account

[@JJBolli1]

Not quite sure how Kilroy, the album, could be considered a financial disaster. It went platinum in both the U.S. and Canada. It went to number 3 on the Billboard 200. 🤔

[@michaelc5799]

Exactly!

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

It wasn't. It just stirred up bad memories of Tommy not wanting to be an actor during the tour, and JY's dislike for New Wave. The album was a hit with a lot of people, and introduced many new fans. As a fan since Grand Illusion, Kilroy is about my 3rd of 4th favorite of their many albums, and judging from the home video, probably the tour I wish I had seen the most.

[@Deborahtunes]

Considering that 3 out of the 4 albums before it sold 3 million or more, 1.5 million is nothing. Plus they lost a lot of money during that tour...

[@JJBolli1]

@@Deborahtunes Good point. However, I can't help but wonder...because they were at the end of their five year run, the typical duration for the peak success in a bands career before fans start moving on to newer music and bands, if any Styx album, regardless of songs or theme, would have fared any better. 🤔

[@Deborahtunes]

@@JJBolli1 ~ I don't think that would have been the case with Styx, unless they had kept on with that new wave fad, which went away after the mid 80's. I mean look at them now. They've been touring for the last 23 out of 24 years. Only stopping because of covid in 2020. And are still selling out tickets...

[@BluesLicks101]

I can smell the stench of JY from here - he's the least talented and most opinionated. I do like Lawrence and he stepped into a near impossible role with great talent - but the fact is Dennis and his songs are what made the band magical.

[@ejd1984]

Styx had always been DDY’s band. Just listen to his last three solo albums, they sound more like Styx than “Styx” does today. The DDY song Private Jones would have been a killer Styx song.

[@mikeosmolak1864]

Styx without DDY is just a so,so band. The new band DDY put together that toured the 40th Anniversary of the Grand Illusion Album is more reminiscent of the old Styx than Styx!

[@ejd1984]

100% agree@@mikeosmolak1864

[@billyjenkjr]

💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@RjBenjamin353]

Dennis sucks!! He turned Styx into a Rogers and Hammerstein Movie musical

[@carldodge8294]

sorry guys, but Dennis IS Styx. like the band Boston, who IS Boston?

[@davel7791]

Wrong. Dennis + Tommy + JY was Styx.

[@talbotdarren]

Tom Scholz and Brad Delp were Boston.

[@chrisbmorningstar]

Am l the only one that though killjoy was here was a great album

[@1eyedjacksRwild]

As a long time Styx fan I truly enjoyed Kilroy was here. The album had some great songs.

[@I_Fight_Instacart]

And it was a logical next step. DDY was forward-looking and artistically adventurous. JY pretty much does one thing. He does it well, but those four bar riff-based songs can only take a band so far. Tommy had great ideas that needed Dennis' help to be fully realized. The combined chemistry made Styx Styx. Today's version can't produce that indefinable thing.

[@alleykeosheyan4779]

I agree - in hindsight, DDY should have produced Kilroy as an off-Broadway play independent of Styx back in the day. 40+ years later, the songs from Kilroy are able to stand on their own merits - or fall on their own failings. Ironically, the current line-up of Styx have put "Mr. Roboto" back in rotation at concerts, because the fans kept pestering them about it!

[@I_Fight_Instacart]

@@alleykeosheyan4779 "Ironically?" I think you mean _hypocritically._

[@neinschlomo]

I could take it or leave it! It is my least favorite album, but you gotta love your team even when they lose!

[@doovie101]

Look at those face-lifts!

[@5664788]

Dennis is,... was,... and will always be the true sound of Styx,...I look as Tommy being the "new" guy,.....is sound is def there and a big part too,.......but I see & hear Styx always with Dennis first

[@bryanm64]

You know what your fans would like? To stop being such boneheads and try to reconcile with Dennis. But that probably won't happen. Sure, Styx is still around, but they're not producing anything new or memorable. That happened when Dennis was around.

[@tammywooley2635]

I sort of agree but also Dennis needs to quit being such a controlling bonehead. Dennis did not write all the songs it was a team effort, Tommy Shaw also wrote songs that were used on their albums. If he does not quit being a bonehead then if the rest of the band continues to tour they should be able to perform as Styx

[@tammywooley2635]

I sort of agree but also Dennis needs to quit being such a controlling bonehead. Dennis did not write all the songs it was a team effort, Tommy Shaw also wrote songs that were used on their albums. If he does not quit being a bonehead then if the rest of the band continues to tour they should be able to perform as Styx

[@barbarawebb915]

They all wish Dennis well, he is talented. What happened in the past needs to be left alone. Styx is still doing shows and still an amazing band. People need to grow up and leave the past alone.

[@3collygirl]

Totally agree!!!

[@tammywooley2635]

​@@barbarawebb915but there again you listen to the interview and Dennis was suing the rest of the band for the name. We as fans are willing to leave the past alone but in this instance Dennis is in the wrong for bringing up old stuff.

[@n8goulet]

It seems downright "disgraceful" for how the band has treated Dennis since the split. I'm not saying he was always easy to work with, but he was clearly the driving force in the band. The primary lead singer, the strongest song writer, the featured instrumentalist more than any, and the man who got the band recognized more than any member with numerous hit singles. Tommy was playing bowling alleys before Dennis asked him to join the band. The majority of Styx had been together for something like 8 years before JY joined, and 13 before Tommy joined. They wouldn't have a career if it weren't for Dennis and they own him nearly everything. It is clearly obvious, as confirmed from Gowan's recent interview, Dennis was kicked out at a time he was feeling sick so they could become a "Touring machine" and play over 100 shows each and every year, at every carnival or opening slot they could find. Doesn't Dennis have the right with all that he brought to Styx, to play a more "reasonable" number of shows, and placing Styx as a more valued touring act always as the featured band? He's always wanted to tour, he just didn't want to......Live his life as a "non-stop" touring musician. Doesn't he have a right to that?

[@mden2490]

Not sure it was all Dennis’s fault? Instead of saying the decision was a financial disaster, how about well it wasn’t the bands best decision, but we learned from it and moved on. They did not even really truly recognize his talent and mention the kids they had together “the songs”. The two band mates that did most of the talking there something about their story that just doesn’t jive,it’s to one sided without any recognition or mention that they may have contributed to the break up as well. You act this way when you know that the other person “Dennis” was quite important to the band, and was a major factor to its success, and you play it down as if he was just a blip. As I always say you can have the best song writing, but without a great singer such as “Dennis”, it’s just poetry at best!

[@davidstewart4310]

Tommy seems a bit more ok with Dennis. JY on the other hand has a terrible attitude imo. Dennis was Styx. The end.

[@davel7791]

No, Dennis + Tommy + JY were Styx. Dennis on his own is Desert Moon and Broadway songs.

[@James-ko3gw]

I just wish they could be friends. Together they pumped out some of the best music. I know alot of divorsed people who stayed friends. Its been 20 years, send an Email at least before something happens to a member.

[@danwilson9530]

I get where Tommy and James are coming from. Dennis has his side of the story. Truth is, it’s just nowhere close to the same without Dennis performing his songs. Glad Tommy and James are happy, but it’s the fans that are ultimately left not getting the truest Styx experience... no disrespect to Lawrence. I will also point out Dennis founded Styx. It was his band, and as far as Kilroy, it may have been a concept album flop BUT of all their hits, it gave them one... a single song that even Gen Z knows. Kids today may not even know who Styx were but they know “Domo arigato Mr. Roboto”. Dennis was a visionary. They are not the easiest people to deal with, but James and Tommy’s lives would most likely have gone down very different paths if it had not been for Dennis.

[@jammer3618]

Domo was never a huge hit despite the labels effort. It achieved major chart positions but did not really drive either huge album sales or ticket sales

[@danwilson9530]

@@jammer3618 Kilroy was a huge flop, relatively speaking, but Mr Roboto itself created a catch phrase that lingers ‘till this day. Like it or not, the song became a pop culture phenomenon and as a result it remains the most recognizable bit of their legacy by later generations.

[@pepperdog2039]

@@jammer3618 it was a gold single and it made it's way into popular culture.

[@lastchance7463]

What gratitude….The guy, ( Dennis ),that enabled these Goofballs to live a lavish lifestyle with writing the bulk of their top ten hits and their only #1 hit, is told to take a long walk off a short pier. Someone needs to inject a dose of harsh reality into JY and Tommy and do a farewell tour with the guy who put Ferrari’s in their garages. They’re nothing more than a glorified tribute band with this lineup.

[@StevenReed-d2r]

Tommy and James took a page out of Neil Schon’s playbook. Hire a guy that sounds just like Dennis. The songs that Dennis contributed to Styx put them on the map. There is no Styx without Dennis.

[@StevenReed-d2r]

Most people become Styx fans because of the songs that Dennis wrote and his vision. Tommy contributed great songs, but Dennis’s songs are over the top incredible.

[@jerrysingleton4956]

These Fellas played at My High School's (I graduated 82)1st prom in 1974, Granite City, Illinois HS/North.

[@rbarrett4220]

got that beat , they were playing grade skools in 72

[@matthewphillips6676]

Quick! Hum a Styx tune released post Dennis DeYoung! Anyone? No? The Styx that tours endlessly today could easily skip over DeYoung material but do they? Nope. They even started playing Mr Roboto! I would like to see them praise his talent, thank him for the songs, and zip it on the rest. Decades I’ve been listening to Shaw and Young barely conceal their contempt for the man while going out every night and making good money playing his tunes. As for Gowan? Can’t blame him for a nice paying gig but he used to be one of my favorite solo artists. Amazing talent and great performer.

[@squonk86]

Styx wouldn't be where they are without DDY and since he's been gone they aren't the same and no they aren't better especially with that Gowan trying to sing DDY'S songs and plays that stupid spinning keyboard,just a showman and saw Styx from 1976 until Dennis left