What is the true story?

[BlueStar]

I have heard a few different stories over the years in regards to the split of Dennis & Styx. I heard that Dennis left, I heard that the guys forced him out, etc..... I have not yet read Chuck Panozzo's book, so I'm sure he wrote his version of the breakup. I will read it soon.

 

I'm curious to know what you guys on this site know about the breakup. Who's to blame JY, Tommy, Chuck or all of them? Does Dennis keep in touch with any of the guys since the breakup? I understand that JY bad mouths Dennis, so I guess Dennis does not bother with him (and I don't blame him!).

 

It's ashame that after years of great music together, it ended in such a nasty way. (

 

 

BlueStar

[mendelstyx]

There are so many versions and so many ways to answer this.

 

To my knowledge, Dennis does not keep in touch with the band, though they do keep knowledge of each other through various means.

 

There is a laundry list of reasons depending on which version gets talked about.

 

For me, I suppose the split no longer matters. Each is doing what they think to be right and is moving on (rightly or wrongly).

 

And so it goes.

 

Peace to all,

 

Liz

[Ron]

It never was Dennis' intention to leave Styx. In 1999 he had some health issues that needed addressed, and wanted to delay touring to support Brave New World so he could be well enough to last the tour. Everyone else decided not to wait, and replaced him for the tour. This replacement then became permanent. Dennis never quit/left/resigned from the band.

As far as who is to blame......that's not an easy thing to answer. Probably the easiest answer is that everyone involved had something to do with the breakup.

As far as band history, Chuck's book is not the place to go looking for it--there is very little. It is Chuck's story about his life, of which Styx was a part of. For a history of the band--and the music business in general--I would suggest Sterling Whitaker's book The Grand Delusion, which takes the reader on a journey from the early days of the band as they formed and worked their way to the top, to their status today. While there are some negative comments about different people and band members in the book, these comments are not the only thing in the book. You also are able to see some of the strengths and weaknesses of everyone involved (things we all have as humans).

It is a shame that things had to be as nasty as they were; but we as fans can still enjoy all of the great music that they made together.

[ladybugking]

The only thing I will add to the good information given above is that the one indisputable fact is that Dennis did not "leave" Styx voluntarily.

 

All the other changes that occurred in the band from when they were TW4 onward involved a member's decision to voluntarily leave the band.

[BlueStar]

Thanks for the answering my questions.

 

BlueStar

[blt]

I would add that Dennis does not like being away on tour (prefers weekends only) and JY and Tommy, whose back catalog (JY's for the most part) does not generate the same revenue, live for the tour (actually, I don't think they have ever really stopped touring since 1999). I am sure this factored into JY and Tommy's decision to not wait for Dennis to get better.

[ladybugking]

I would add that Dennis does not like being away on tour (prefers weekends only) and JY and Tommy, whose back catalog (JY's for the most part) does not generate the same revenue, live for the tour (actually, I don't think they have ever really stopped touring since 1999). I am sure this factored into JY and Tommy's decision to not wait for Dennis to get better.

 

 

I agree that TS and JY wanted to get on with it and there were "obstacles". That said, Chuck was not able to tour at first either.

 

Chuck went back when he was able and welcomed. Dennis was not. Therefore, the "did not leave voluntarily" part comes in.

 

I am not placing blame here, just stating what has factually happened.

 

ALL that said. Current Styx seems to be in a happy place for them, although they have returned to opening band status. Fans enjoy the shows with this lineup and that is good for both them and the band, it seems.

 

I see the new album and the many successes that have come Dennis' way as being something of which he can be very proud. He is reaping the rewards of keeping on keeping on once his health returned and he found new outlets for his considerable talents.

[Ron]

ALL that said. Current Styx seems to be in a happy place for them, although they have returned to opening band status. Fans enjoy the shows with this lineup and that is good for both them and the band, it seems.

I would like to point out that while they still have a fairly strong "hard core" fan base, public opinion is not as strong as it was a few years ago. For example, the following from http://www.twincities.com/ (Pioneer Press?) concerning DDY and Styx both at the Minnesota State Fair:

http://www.twincities.com/minnesotastatefa...?nclick_check=1

 

Here's a look at five shows worth catching, along with another five backup plans:

 

For the classic rock fan on a budget: Dennis DeYoung

 

Sixty-year-old Dennis DeYoung promises a set list of Styx hits ("Lady," "Babe," "Come Sail Away"), rock anthems ("Suite Madame Blue," "Grand Illusion," "Lorelei") and "lost treasures" ("Castle Walls," "Edge of the Century," "Light Up") during his two free Fair gigs. He's playing with a six-piece band that includes fellow Styx expatriate Glen Burtnik. The rest of his former bandmates close out the Fair on Sept. 3 (with Def Leppard and Foreigner) for a gig that comes with a hefty $54 price tag.

 

Details: 8:30 p.m. today-Friday (8/23/07,8/24/07); Leinie Lodge Bandshell; free.

 

I have been seeing more and more blog entries stating that seeing Styx is okay, but it's just not quite the same without DDY.