Styx’s history began when five musicians of a band called TW4, made their first contract with a Chicago record label in 1972 and changed their name to Styx. The original formation was Chuck Panozzo (bass), his twin brother John (drums), Dennis DeYoung (vocals, keyboards), John Curulewski (guitar) and James “J.Y.” Young” (lead guitar). Their sound was mainly of hard rock and progressive rock genre, including elements of soft and pop rock.
Their first albums were “Styx I” in 1972 and “Styx II” in 1973, with the song “Lady” to separate. Tommy Shaw took Curulewski’s place after the release of “Equinox” in 1975 and joined Styx in their tour. “Crystal Ball” that was released in October of 1976 was their first successful record, including the song “Mademoiselle”, but it was the next album named “The Grand Illusion”, that became a commercial success. The album was certificated three times platinum and contained the hit “Come Sail Away”. Their eight album was released in 1978, with the songs “Renegade” and “Blue Collar Man” to separate.
Styx’s first album to enter the top 5 in the USA album chart was “Cornerstone”, that came out in October of 1979, featuring the songs “Babe” and “Boat on the River” which although it didn’t enter the charts in the USA, it became very popular in Europe. Styx won the “People’s Choice Award” and were nominated for a Grammy Award in 1980. “Paradise Theatre” which was released in early 1981, was also successful, containing the songs “Too Much Time on My Hands” and “The Best of Times”. The next album named “Kilroy Was Here” became Platinum, while its biggest hits were “Mr. Roboto” and “Don’t Let It End”. In 1984, the relationship among the band’s members has changed, resulting in their dissolution.
Most of Styx’s members followed a solo career, until their short come back in 1990, with the only change to be the Shaw’s replacement by Glen Burtnik. After their twelfth album named “Edge of the Century”, Styx dissolved again, but they returned again in 1995, along with Tommy Shaw. Todd Sucherman replaced John Panozzo who passed away in 1996. Nevertheless, Styx went to the successful “Return to Paradise” tour and after a period of conflicts and tension, DeYoung was removed from the formation. Lawrence Gowan became the new member during their 1999 tour.
In the next years, Styx recorded two studio albums, “Cyclorama” in 2003 and the cover album “Big Bang Theory” two years later. Until their most recent album “The Mission”, which was released in 2017, Styx wasn’t very active, but they appeared in various live shows and tours, with other rock bands and artists such as Def Leppard, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Kansas, Yes and other, while some of the members continued with solo projects. The last change to the line-up was in 2013 when Burtnik left the band and Ricky Lynn Phillips took his place.
Styx
Styx
Styx
Styx