MR

Was just reading this on the Styxworld board, you can go to this link to read the entire interview:

http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2007/0 ... 178084.txt


Shaw/Blades releases acoustic album


By ERIC SCHELKOPF - eschelkopf@nwnewsgroup.com

Comments Are things settled with your former singer, Dennis DeYoung?

We kind of went our separate ways. He just kind of grew up and grew into what he loved, and unfortunately, it was not the direction Styx wanted to go. It’s hard to separate. But I still have all the respect in the world for the guy. I recently heard his band, and they sound great, and he sounds great singing those songs. I think everybody is happy now. I know we are. There is plenty of room for everybody.


At least it seems Tommy has taken the high road to say something postive about his former bandmate.

I just wish JY would finally get with the program and move on.

Again don't shoot the messenger just posting something that I didn't see on here previously!

Thanks! Where can I find their message board on that Styx World site or do I have to sign up and pay $30 to get to it?

I think everybody is happy now. I know we are.

You may be happy Shaw but you lost hundreds of thousands of fans to get there.
STYX is not about making Tommy Shaw happy Styx is about giving the fans what they want and making them happy.
Something you obviuosly forgot about/.

KMD, if you click on that link, that's the interview that isn't on Styxworld.

And yes, unfortunately the Styxworld forum you have to pay $30 annually. Only reason why I'm still going to renew this year (I've actually had more arguements on that board then on this one if you can believe that!) is because Styx is supposedly doing a full Canadian tour with Def Leppard, and well it will probably be the last time they swing my way, so why not try and get great seats?

Hopefully Dennis will return (with Glen) in the near future to Edmonton as well after his new Album comes out. I just drool at the prospect of him playing with the multi million selling Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (yes.. multi million selling.. they were the 1st Orchestra in the world to have a RIAA certified platinum album Procol Harem's "Live with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra" which has sold over a million copies in the US) as well as performing with Tom Cochrane, KD Lang, etc.

And since Dennis did sell over 3000 tickets in Edmonton let's hope he's back soon. He has started playing the same dates over again (rockfest, etc) so hopefully later on this year he'll decide to come back.

Froy happy? Could have fooled me! lol

But I guess when Dennis releases his live album and we are "all put in our place" because of tracks like "This Time Next Year" Froy will be happy and we'll all be "Froy, is our saviour.. he predicted this.. we should all follow the Gospel of Froy forevermore".

NAAAA!!

Btw Froy, there was a part I was forgetting about on "This time next year" and well that is the parts that sound like "My God". Was that what you were inferring too, or was it the instrumental part at the beginning of it that they played?

Btw Froy, there was a part I was forgetting about on "This time next year" and well that is the parts that sound like "My God". Was that what you were inferring too, or was it the instrumental part at the beginning of it that they played?

Yea right thats it

Thank God. Dennis deserves to be a solo act because he certainly cannot be depended on to work in the framework of a TEAM. There is no Dennis in Team.

JY actually had a great quote on this:

"We [Styx] were his second choice starting in 84, and even in 96 and 97 we were his second choice, because he was still trying to make it on Broadway. Finally it just got to the point, after 20 years..."

[ TWENTY F'ING YEARS!!!]

"... of being his second choice, I said 'I'm going to fifty years old soon, and I've let this guy jack me around forever. I'm tired of it. Enough's enough'".

You can't fault the guy for wanting to run his business that he's been a part of since the early 70s. In an organization if you have a difficult member who is taking the whole thing down (which DeYoung was doing) the rest of the organization shouldn't suffer. If you don't go to work or are difficult to work with, you are replaced and that's what happened with Dennis. What the F were they supposed to do, wait forever???

Same idea goes for Perry and Journey. While both DeYoung and Perry were crucial members, it wasn't fair to just make the rest of the band wait in limbo while they sorted out whatever personal bs they had. A person cannot wait forever.

brywool wrote:Thank God. Dennis deserves to be a solo act because he certainly cannot be depended on to work in the framework of a TEAM. There is no Dennis in Team.

I would rather have Dennis then the last place team of JY and Shaw.
Thats for sure
The current TEAM releases the CYO dvd that is terrible in production and sells under 5 thousand copies.
Who is to blame for that mistake?
I guess Dennis is not around so they just pretend like it never happened
What ever happend to the PBS showings??

JY actually had a great quote on this:

JY never had a great anything

"We [Styx] were his second choice starting in 84,

And Tommy Shaws choice was cocaine
Thats why his choice was not the band stupid,

and even in 96 and 97 we were his second choice,

Why would it be his first
You guys bring nothing to the table
You just wait for Dennis to make you money
Now you see that you have to do 3 times the amount of shows to make the same money.
And the band is a joke.

because he was still trying to make it on Broadway.

So what
Where did JY try to make it at the Thirsty Whale?

"... of being his second choice, I said 'I'm going to fifty years old soon, and I've let this guy jack me around forever. I'm tired of it. Enough's enough'".

Its funny that JY thinks he is somebody
Thats what the killer is here
Its all about JY the guy who does the least for the band,.
Without the name STYX JY is a limo driver driving Dennis around

You can't fault the guy for wanting to run his business that he's been a part of since the early 70s.

he was the water boy.

In an organization if you have a difficult member who is taking the whole thing down (which DeYoung was doing) the rest of the organization shouldn't suffer.

Yea taking them down to 4 multi platinum albums

If you don't go to work or are difficult to work with, you are replaced and that's what happened with Dennis.

Thats what happens if your an ass
Shaw was diffcult to work with when he was blowing powder up his nose
Was he replaced?
Nope
Dennis welcomed the guy back
Not JY the goof he thinks he is somebody
It now obvious he is oblivious

What the F were they supposed to do, wait forever???

And the big rush to play 600 shows in 6 years is better?
Not even close unless your broke

Same idea goes for Perry and Journey.

No it doesn't Perry refused
Dennis is touring 50 dates a year
Wrong again

Froy, you're just wrong on this one, pure and simple. Concede it.

7 Wishes wrote:Froy, you're just wrong on this one, pure and simple. Conede it.

Ok I conede it


What the hell does conede mean?

froy wrote:
I would rather have Dennis then the last place team of JY and Shaw.
Thats for sure
The current TEAM releases the CYO dvd that is terrible in production and sells under 5 thousand copies.
Who is to blame for that mistake?
I guess Dennis is not around so they just pretend like it never happened
What ever happend to the PBS showings??

While Dennis releases... what? A song for Suzanne's book??

froy wrote:
JY never had a great anything

JY had the balls to stand up to Dennis and that's something.

froy wrote:

And Tommy Shaws choice was cocaine
Thats why his choice was not the band stupid,

YOU CALLING ME STUPID? ??? At least I'm not delusional and psychotic, making up
shit that has absolutely NO basis in fact.
Tommy at least participated and worked while he was in Styx. So he did
drugs. MANY rock stars did. He also kicked them and that took a hell of a lot
of backbone. DeYoung just ran home to Suzanne.

froy wrote:Why would it be his first
You guys bring nothing to the table
You just wait for Dennis to make you money
Now you see that you have to do 3 times the amount of shows to make the same money.
And the band is a joke.

Wait... you get pissed at the band because they went on without DeYoung and now your say they wait for Dennis to make them money? What you're saying is contradictory. They went on without him because with him, they could do NOTHING but record at Dennis' house in socks with the lights out. Nearly EVERY 'classic rock' band has to do 3 times the work to make the same dough. Dennis isn't rolling in dough. He played the Darrington rock fest out near me and made ZERO money because the promoter flew off with the dough.

froy wrote:
So what
Where did JY try to make it at the Thirsty Whale?

He tried to do SOMETHING. ANYTHING. While Dennis was home sitting on his ass.

NOW Deyoung's doing 50 shows a year- (ooh, big deal. MY band plays more than that).

The band should've moved on and I'm glad they did.

brywool wrote:He played the Darrington rock fest out near me and made ZERO money because the promoter flew off with the dough.

I heard about that fiasco and wondered whether or not DDY was one of the artists that got screwed. Bad scene.

brywool wrote:JY had the balls to stand up to Dennis and that's something.

Here's my issue with your statement: JY could have done this many, many times in the past. They caved in 1979/1980. In fact, the 1981 agreement the classic 5 signed was pretty fair all around. Everyone made money.

Now, I saw the contract they signed in 1991. You would not say what you did if you saw what they signed. JY also was happy in 96/97 when the money was coming in.

Fast forward to some time between February, 1999 and May, 1999. While the seeds of discontent were sown prior, that's when it all came to a head because if you go by the TS 7DZ Borders tour where DDY showed up in 1998, all seemed just fine. We're literally talking about a 6 - 8 month window when it all completely fell apart.

Tommy Shaw wrote:I recently heard his band, and they sound great, and he sounds great singing those songs. I think everybody is happy now. I know we are. There is plenty of room for everybody.

So I wonder ... did he just go to a show discreetly? Did he just get a DVD or a live album? If he went in person, it would lend a bit of credibility to the rumors that he and DDY have at least had some contact.

I think that Shaw/Blades has been very, very good for Tommy voice problems aside.

Oh, and if you guys really want to have a heart attack, listen to this JY clip:
http://media.wlup.com/AV/audio/zakk/zt_jy_070321.mp3

So maybe Mr. Curmudgeon is softening, eh?

StyxCollector wrote:

brywool wrote:JY had the balls to stand up to Dennis and that's something.

Here's my issue with your statement: JY could have done this many, many times in the past. They caved in 1979/1980. In fact, the 1981 agreement the classic 5 signed was pretty fair all around. Everyone made money.

Now, I saw the contract they signed in 1991. You would not say what you did if you saw what they signed. JY also was happy in 96/97 when the money was coming in.

Fast forward to some time between February, 1999 and May, 1999. While the seeds of discontent were sown prior, that's when it all came to a head because if you go by the TS 7DZ Borders tour where DDY showed up in 1998, all seemed just fine. We're literally talking about a 6 - 8 month window when it all completely fell apart.

Actually Allan, I did hear about that and I remember seeing that once. I agree that he should've stood up then, but they didn't and they just wanted to make money. It's a business after all and making money's what it's all about. If that was the only way to move forward, I don't think there was a choice. NOW they've made a different choice and they're working.
When it fell apart was when they started doing the BNW album and Dennis got his 'light sensitivity' deal and demanded the band record at his house and didn't want to tour. At least, that's what I get out of what I've been reading. I think those were the straws that broke the camel's back.

Thanks for posting that clip. I've got no problem with it.

StyxCollector wrote:

brywool wrote:JY had the balls to stand up to Dennis and that's something.

Here's my issue with your statement: JY could have done this many, many times in the past.

I'm not really sure how that is relevant. Is there some kind of statute of limitations in effect here? A set number of times that one may "cave" before forfeiting the right to finally take action?

brywool wrote:Actually Allan, I did hear about that and I remember seeing that once. I agree that he should've stood up then, but they didn't and they just wanted to make money. It's a business after all and making money's what it's all about. If that was the only way to move forward, I don't think there was a choice. NOW they've made a different choice and they're working.
When it fell apart was when they started doing the BNW album and Dennis got his 'light sensitivity' deal and demanded the band record at his house and didn't want to tour. At least, that's what I get out of what I've been reading. I think those were the straws that broke the camel's back.

Let's cut to the chase: out of everyone, DDY made the most money and technically needs Styx the least. Touring less = cutting into everyone else's bottom line. I mean, JY isn't seeing all the royalties DDY is. And with albums and compilations selling less, do the math. By no means do I think JY is poor, but he needs to be on the road more than DDY and it's the worst kept secret on the planet DDY doesn't like to be on the road forever.

As acrimonious as things are, I don't think it's anything more than money at this point. You can cry direction all you want, but something fundamentally for JY to change the way he was doing his business for nearly 30 years including all through the 90s.

I also would never claim that a split wasn't inevitable; I would even argue it could have happened after a tour for BNW if DDY had stuck around. It just didn't need to cause the fracture of the fanbase it did.

I'm not saying it's anything other than money. WHY is that a bad thing?
That's one of the many reasons bands are formed, to make money. If JY couldn't make money because Dennis didn't wanna play, I think he and Tommy were justified in moving on without him so that they could still make money.
I would agree, Dennis needs them less because he's got more dough. So if Tommy and JY want to make money off of the Styx name that they totally helped to build, I'm not sure why that's a problem with anyone. Dennis is doing what he wants, T & JY are doing what they want. What's the problem?

Froy, I'll stop posting on this board the day Dennis says ANYTHING positive or "nice" about ANY of the remaning members of Styx.

brywool wrote:I'm not saying it's anything other than money. WHY is that a bad thing?
That's one of the many reasons bands are formed, to make money. If JY couldn't make money because Dennis didn't wanna play, I think he and Tommy were justified in moving on without him so that they could still make money.
I would agree, Dennis needs them less because he's got more dough. So if Tommy and JY want to make money off of the Styx name that they totally helped to build, I'm not sure why that's a problem with anyone. Dennis is doing what he wants, T & JY are doing what they want. What's the problem?

It's not a bad thing. It is what it is, but in this we have the crux of the problem why there are very few centrists in this debate (of which I consider myself). Had they all just been reasonable (and yes, I lump DDY in that category) and found a way for DDY to go without the shit that went down and how it perceived, both sides would arguably have a better audience. Granted, DDY had to somewhat build it from scratch again since he really couldn't use the Styx name, etc etc. He had to build his brand, so-to-speak.

You see the posts here. After 8 years they are no less acrimonious, and I would argue they are worse today than they were 8 years ago. In fact, we're nearing the 8 year anniversary (the CMN show was late May/early June of 1999).

I just wish people could move on and make all of this much more pleasant. I don't want sugarplums and fairies, but for fuck's sake ... how many times do we need to hash all of this out and still have people who will bash others because they can't just agree to disagree? Or take a positive thread and drag it down into DDY vs. JY even if it has nothing to do with the topic that started the thread. Now, this one is fair game because it speaks to the split.

TS has moved on. DDY has moved on. And by the clip I posted a few messages up, maybe JY is starting to as well. That is all good. I just hope the fans - whatever camp you fall into - can move on as well. I'm tired of the same old shit.

7 Wishes wrote:Froy, I'll stop posting on this board the day Dennis says ANYTHING positive or "nice" about ANY of the remaning members of Styx.

Well he has plenty of times over the past few years. So can you stop? Thanks.

StyxCollector wrote:

brywool wrote:I'm not saying it's anything other than money. WHY is that a bad thing?
That's one of the many reasons bands are formed, to make money. If JY couldn't make money because Dennis didn't wanna play, I think he and Tommy were justified in moving on without him so that they could still make money.
I would agree, Dennis needs them less because he's got more dough. So if Tommy and JY want to make money off of the Styx name that they totally helped to build, I'm not sure why that's a problem with anyone. Dennis is doing what he wants, T & JY are doing what they want. What's the problem?

It's not a bad thing. It is what it is, but in this we have the crux of the problem why there are very few centrists in this debate (of which I consider myself). Had they all just been reasonable (and yes, I lump DDY in that category) and found a way for DDY to go without the shit that went down and how it perceived, both sides would arguably have a better audience. Granted, DDY had to somewhat build it from scratch again since he really couldn't use the Styx name, etc etc. He had to build his brand, so-to-speak.

You see the posts here. After 8 years they are no less acrimonious, and I would argue they are worse today than they were 8 years ago. In fact, we're nearing the 8 year anniversary (the CMN show was late May/early June of 1999).

I just wish people could move on and make all of this much more pleasant. I don't want sugarplums and fairies, but for fuck's sake ... how many times do we need to hash all of this out and still have people who will bash others because they can't just agree to disagree? Or take a positive thread and drag it down into DDY vs. JY even if it has nothing to do with the topic that started the thread. Now, this one is fair game because it speaks to the split.

TS has moved on. DDY has moved on. And by the clip I posted a few messages up, maybe JY is starting to as well. That is all good. I just hope the fans - whatever camp you fall into - can move on as well. I'm tired of the same old shit.

This is a good point. I've said the same thing and when there's a positive post on something other than Dennis, there's at least always one LOON that drags it down to that other area. After a while, I know I get tired of it and either don't post or challenge the other posts.

StyxCollector wrote:I also would never claim that a split wasn't inevitable; I would even argue it could have happened after a tour for BNW if DDY had stuck around. It just didn't need to cause the fracture of the fanbase it did.

Well, it was gonna be a holy war for some folks no matter what -- this "my favorite band member can beat up your favorite band member" silliness was going on even when the band was together fer cryin' out loud -- but I agree that if it all had been handled with a little less cloak & dagger maybe the fracture wouldn't have been quite as wide or deep. Both DDY and the band had their reasons, but still.

stabbim wrote:Well, it was gonna be a holy war for some folks no matter what -- this "my favorite band member can beat up your favorite band member" silliness was going on even when the band was together fer cryin' out loud -- but I agree that if it all had been handled with a little less cloak & dagger maybe the fracture wouldn't have been quite as wide or deep. Both DDY and the band had their reasons, but still.

We all know John if he was alive could kick everyone's ass

Just because I'm not a Dennis worshipper doesn't preclude me from the right to express my opinions here. Hell, the only reason I go toe to toe with his Froyness is because he's just so damned stubborn. Argument isn't always necissarily point/counterpoint or advocation of complimentary positions, but because of the exreme nature of his opinions, I am forced to take a stand farther to the left than I ordinarily might. When it comes right down to it, I think Dennis was probably the most talented member of Styx, and I am forever grateful for the fantastic voyage he took us on in the 70's. My negative opinion of the majority of his body of work since then does not alter this contention. I'm really here to engage in some (occasionally) heated diatribes, but mostly here to become more illuminated towards understanding other people's perspectives and what this music means to them. Going up against Froy is just the coup de grace.

froy wrote:I think everybody is happy now. I know we are.

You may be happy Shaw but you lost hundreds of thousands of fans to get there.
STYX is not about making Tommy Shaw happy Styx is about giving the fans what they want and making them happy.
Something you obviuosly forgot about/.

So the same thing applies to Dennis I guess. Styx is not about making Dennis happy.

brywool wrote:

froy wrote:
I would rather have Dennis then the last place team of JY and Shaw.
Thats for sure
The current TEAM releases the CYO dvd that is terrible in production and sells under 5 thousand copies.
Who is to blame for that mistake?
I guess Dennis is not around so they just pretend like it never happened
What ever happend to the PBS showings??

While Dennis releases... what? A song for Suzanne's book??

And Styx does what cover cds?

JY had the balls to stand up to Dennis and that's something.

Why is it something
He goes through a midlife crisis and ruins the band forever
Thats more like stupidity.
Not balls.
He has balls to stand on stage and watch Gowan destroy half the catalog.
THats balls.

And Tommy Shaws choice was cocaine
Thats why his choice was not the band stupid,

YOU CALLING ME STUPID? ??? At least I'm not delusional and psychotic, making up
shit that has absolutely NO basis in fact.

Hows this your stupid and you dont know a thing about Styx history

Tommy at least participated and worked while he was in Styx.

Boy are you a kiss ass
He was no show for band rehearsals
He was stoned on coke during concerts
And you justify it ,

So he did
drugs.

No cocaine

He tried to do SOMETHING. ANYTHING. While Dennis was home sitting on his ass.

And Shaw was doing something other than being in the band
Same thing
Kick Shaw out

NOW Deyoung's doing 50 shows a year- (ooh, big deal. MY band plays more than that).

Thats what the WHO does
50 is perfect 100 is over saturation
Your band who cares about your bar band

The band should've moved on and I'm glad they did.

[/quote]

They moved on and so did there fan base
Im glad your happy about that,

7 Wishes wrote:Froy, I'll stop posting on this board the day Dennis says ANYTHING positive or "nice" about ANY of the remaning members of Styx.

Nice knowing ya.

Grotelul wrote:

froy wrote:I think everybody is happy now. I know we are.

You may be happy Shaw but you lost hundreds of thousands of fans to get there.
STYX is not about making Tommy Shaw happy Styx is about giving the fans what they want and making them happy.
Something you obviuosly forgot about/.

So the same thing applies to Dennis I guess. Styx is not about making Dennis happy.

Yea that makes no sense at all.

7 Wishes wrote:Just because I'm not a Dennis worshipper doesn't preclude me from the right to express my opinions here. Hell, the only reason I go toe to toe with his Froyness is because he's just so damned stubborn. Argument isn't always necissarily point/counterpoint or advocation of complimentary positions, but because of the exreme nature of his opinions, I am forced to take a stand farther to the left than I ordinarily might. When it comes right down to it, I think Dennis was probably the most talented member of Styx, and I am forever grateful for the fantastic voyage he took us on in the 70's. My negative opinion of the majority of his body of work since then does not alter this contention. I'm really here to engage in some (occasionally) heated diatribes, but mostly here to become more illuminated towards understanding other people's perspectives and what this music means to them. Going up against Froy is just the coup de grace.

Everyone's entitled to their opinion and I don't care if you're a TS cocksucker or a DDY bootlicker lol, but when these threads break down into this stuff at this point makes it hard to want to post. A lot of us long timers to this situation have to wade through 1000 posts to find something to respond to. It's old. I know to some posting on message boards is like a competition sport, but after 8 years of this, I've had it. This whole topic has been reheated a billion times over.

froy wrote:
Hows this your stupid and you dont know a thing about Styx history

Speaking of "stupid"- It's "you're" not "your", it's "how's" and not "hows", it's also "don't" not "dont".