MR

He has a new letter there for anyone interested, as well as a link to his Niagara Falls appearance on New Year's Eve (and another concert date in May (Omaha)).

Peace

And here be the letter. Cool, two new songs and Florence Hederson sharing lead on 100 years from now, I can dig Carol Brady (LOL).
LOTR



Hey everybody,

First I would like to wish my wife Suzanne a happy 38th anniversary. We celebrated as we have too many times on the road while we were working. After the show we had cake and it was awesome. I think I'll request cake at all my shows, after all, everything goes good with cake. All my to love to Suzanne for putting my career above all else, baby you're the greatest.
From the luckiest guy I know,

Dennis

Some quick thoughts and updates: I am pleased and proud to announce that the release in the USA of "100 Years From Now" will be on Rounder Records. The president of Rounder, John Virant, and I first met in New York at my rock symphony show at the Beacon. His company is the distributor of my live album in the states and now much to my surprise he has decided to be the official record company for "100 Years".(100 Years the CD, not the duration of the record contract.) The record business is in such a state of flux that quite frankly I'm gratified that John has belief in me. When he received the Canadian CD he called me and talked enthusiastically about the music. How refreshing! The album will have two new tracks, "Private Jones" and "There Was A Time." In addition, there will be an all English version duet of the title track. The release date and my duet partner are still being determined. The album is ready to go today except for the duet. John and I are looking for the right match. Some early candidates: Jim Nabors (the southern strategy), Florence Henderson (that Brady Bunch thing), Axl Rose (projected release 2030) and of course my first choice Jerry Lewis, my inspiration for "Lady".
New Year's Eve was something else. We performed in Queen Victoria Park on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. From the stage looking left we had an unbelievable view of both the American and Canadian falls. It was nationally televised throughout Canada. Just for the record, it was 25 degrees Fahrenheit when we began to perform the first of two sets of music. We played for 55 minutes then broke for fifteen, came back for TV and did 5 songs. They had placed some portable propane heaters around the stage. Too close to one and you'd get third degree burns, two feet away and they could chip ice off your tush for a frozen Daiquiri. That being said the audience was incredible, after all they had no heaters and they stood there for nearly three hours. Once again the people of Canada have been enormously supportive of my music. By the way it was the first time I have ever performed Suite Madame Blue, and actually turned blue.

'08: I'll be on the road performing both the band and the rock symphony show hopefully in a city close to you so you can come out and enjoy the party. As I have already mentioned my CD will be released in the US and The Hunchback will have two productions. One at the Bailiwick in Chicago May and June then another one in Costa Mesa California at the Lyceum Theater By the American Coast Theater Company on the campus of Vanguard University, July and August. In my spare time I plan to be sleeping and have Suzanne peel grapes for me for nourishment.

See ya in the funny papers.

Dennis
01/24/08

From the DDY letter: I am pleased and proud to announce that the release in the USA of "100 Years From Now" will be on Rounder Records. The president of Rounder, John Virant, and I first met in New York at my rock symphony show at the Beacon. His company is the distributor of my live album in the states and now much to my surprise he has decided to be the official record company for "100 Years".(100 Years the CD, not the duration of the record contract.) The record business is in such a state of flux that quite frankly I'm gratified that John has belief in me. When he received the Canadian CD he called me and talked enthusiastically about the music. How refreshing! The album will have two new tracks, "Private Jones" and "There Was A Time." In addition, there will be an all English version duet of the title track. The release date and my duet partner are still being determined. The album is ready to go today except for the duet. John and I are looking for the right match.

I noticed some fellow Rounder label-mates are Robert Plant and John Waite. Just sayin' ......



Bugsy

Now I'll have to pay attention to Rounder's catalog they send me.

Good for Dennis for all the recognition he is getting.

I am glad to see Hunchback is now a traveling show. Who woulda thunk it.

styxfanNH wrote:Now I'll have to pay attention to Rounder's catalog they send me.

Good for Dennis for all the recognition he is getting.

I am glad to see Hunchback is now a traveling show. Who woulda thunk it.

I'll be in Chicago in May to see it. Should be interesting to see it in context, and not the basic demos that are on the CD some of us have.

Allan,
You coming to opening night with us?

Dennis still has NOT found a singer to sing the duet with him??????

STEVE PERRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My daughter says Hannah Montana or The Jonas Brothers.


Choice # 2 from me is Boz Skaggs. They would mix perfectly!!!!!


Choice # 3????????? GOWAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bugsymalone wrote:

From the DDY letter: I am pleased and proud to announce that the release in the USA of "100 Years From Now" will be on Rounder Records. The president of Rounder, John Virant, and I first met in New York at my rock symphony show at the Beacon. His company is the distributor of my live album in the states and now much to my surprise he has decided to be the official record company for "100 Years".(100 Years the CD, not the duration of the record contract.) The record business is in such a state of flux that quite frankly I'm gratified that John has belief in me. When he received the Canadian CD he called me and talked enthusiastically about the music. How refreshing! The album will have two new tracks, "Private Jones" and "There Was A Time." In addition, there will be an all English version duet of the title track. The release date and my duet partner are still being determined. The album is ready to go today except for the duet. John and I are looking for the right match.

I noticed some fellow Rounder label-mates are Robert Plant and John Waite. Just sayin' ......



Bugsy

O.K. I'll bite on this one.. but I don't think that Robert Plant has the time right now, I'm not sure if that's a good match, but it would be an interesting one, I'd still buy it, I'd rather see him doing anything than being backup singer to Alison Krauss.

Dennis DeYoung teaming with Steve Perry would be heaven.

I believe this would not be possible because I heard the Steve Perry could no longer sing. He had some vocal damage sometime during the 1990's

I love the French version that is done now. But if Dennis is determined to switch it up I always thought that he and Elton John would sound marvelous together.

Another favorite of mine for Dennis to sing with would be Michael Stipe.

When I was free lancing back in the mid 90's I did a shoot for Michael, Peter,Bill, Jefferson,Bertis, and Mike. It was for their Monster LP. All of them are such big fans of Styx. Styx was the American band they aspired to be.

To this day I know Michael loves their music. If Dennis would call Michael up I would almost guess Michael would sing with Dennis for free.

Castle Walls wrote:. All of them are such big fans of Styx. Styx was the American band they aspired to be.

To this day I know Michael loves their music. If Dennis would call Michael up I would almost guess Michael would sing with Dennis for free.

Bugsy

Heh. Paging Mr. T-Bone....we have a new special friend....

nice to see that peeps are willing to book other people's time for free without managing them.

Castle Walls wrote:Dennis DeYoung teaming with Steve Perry would be heaven.

Not happening.

Castle Walls wrote: Another favorite of mine for Dennis to sing with would be Michael Stipe.

Ugh! What a horrid pairing. I dislike REM overall, and Stipe's voice would not mesh well with DDY's. I don't care if he idolizes DDY or not - keep him FAR away from any Styx or DDY record.

styxfanNH wrote:Allan,
You coming to opening night with us?

Maybe, maybe not

I tend to be in places and no one knows I'm there. lol

StyxCollector wrote:

styxfanNH wrote:Allan,
You coming to opening night with us?

Maybe, maybe not

I tend to be in places and no one knows I'm there. lol

LOL!! I should've talked to you at the HOB. There was so much going on. Kind of funny that I was right in front of you. Where's dinner going to be at???

I CAN'T wait for opening night!!! It looks like I'll be going a few more times after. I have a bunch of "newbies" that want to go

StyxCollector wrote:

styxfanNH wrote:Allan,
You coming to opening night with us?

Maybe, maybe not

I tend to be in places and no one knows I'm there. lol

Yes I know. I stood right next to you at the HOB show and never knew it was you until after the show.

What can I say, I try to stay incognito as much as possible. Unlike some folks who may actually be attention whores (and not saying anyone here BTW), I'm just there to see the show; it's not about who recognizes me. I almost prefer not to be recognized to be honest.

StyxCollector wrote:What can I say, I try to stay incognito as much as possible. Unlike some folks who may actually be attention whores (and not saying anyone here BTW), I'm just there to see the show; it's not about who recognizes me. I almost prefer not to be recognized to be honest.

Seems fair. Given your presence on the net with your website and knowledge, I could see that as giving people the perception you are a "celebrity" of sorts when all you are there to do is see a show.

sadie65 wrote:Seems fair. Given your presence on the net with your website and knowledge, I could see that as giving people the perception you are a "celebrity" of sorts when all you are there to do is see a show.

Well, let me put it another way: I don't care if I'm recognized, but if I am 9/10 times I get asked about the whole Styx vs. DDY thing, or asked about a million things which I may not even feel like talking about but it would almost seem rude not to interact on some level. There's a reason I tend to also know more and hear things through some trusted sources: I tend not to say what I shouldn't. And no one is getting that stuff out of me.

Contrary to what people may think, I don't spend my waking moments dwelling on all things Styx. LOL

Trust me when I say that when I spend money on a hotel, airfare, and tickets, the last thing I want to do is talk shop.

StyxCollector wrote:

sadie65 wrote:Seems fair. Given your presence on the net with your website and knowledge, I could see that as giving people the perception you are a "celebrity" of sorts when all you are there to do is see a show.

Well, let me put it another way: I don't care if I'm recognized, but if I am 9/10 times I get asked about the whole Styx vs. DDY thing, or asked about a million things which I may not even feel like talking about but it would almost seem rude not to interact on some level. There's a reason I tend to also know more and hear things through some trusted sources: I tend not to say what I shouldn't. And no one is getting that stuff out of me.

Contrary to what people may think, I don't spend my waking moments dwelling on all things Styx. LOL

Trust me when I say that when I spend money on a hotel, airfare, and tickets, the last thing I want to do is talk shop.

Yep, that was what I was trying to say. Just because you have a connection of sorts...people seem to think that entitles them to approach you. Totally unfair and unrealistic so I can completely see why you would NOT want anyone to know who you are.

sadie65 wrote:Yep, that was what I was trying to say. Just because you have a connection of sorts...people seem to think that entitles them to approach you. Totally unfair and unrealistic so I can completely see why you would NOT want anyone to know who you are.

I still get e-mails to me like I represent the band and have influence over what happens in this whole saga. Got one yesterday asking Styx to play France. I always reply nicely and directed that person towards management, but it is kinda funny.

I've had people get pissed off at me, too. Par for the course ... can't please everyone.

If I do Styx stuff online, it's hanging out here or trawling the 'net for cool Styx collectibles which no one has seen.

StyxCollector wrote:

sadie65 wrote:Seems fair. Given your presence on the net with your website and knowledge, I could see that as giving people the perception you are a "celebrity" of sorts when all you are there to do is see a show.

Well, let me put it another way: I don't care if I'm recognized, but if I am 9/10 times I get asked about the whole Styx vs. DDY thing, or asked about a million things which I may not even feel like talking about but it would almost seem rude not to interact on some level. There's a reason I tend to also know more and hear things through some trusted sources: I tend not to say what I shouldn't. And no one is getting that stuff out of me.

Contrary to what people may think, I don't spend my waking moments dwelling on all things Styx. LOL

Trust me when I say that when I spend money on a hotel, airfare, and tickets, the last thing I want to do is talk shop.

YOu mean no 100 page white paper talks?

styxfanNH wrote:YOu mean no 100 page white paper talks?

LOL

Not at Styx shows (thankfully). Although I tend not to mind that as much - it pays the bills (and they may buy the book, too!)

Castle Walls wrote:Dennis DeYoung teaming with Steve Perry would be heaven.

I believe this would not be possible because I heard the Steve Perry could no longer sing. He had some vocal damage sometime during the 1990's

I love the French version that is done now. But if Dennis is determined to switch it up I always thought that he and Elton John would sound marvelous together.

Another favorite of mine for Dennis to sing with would be Michael Stipe.

When I was free lancing back in the mid 90's I did a shoot for Michael, Peter,Bill, Jefferson,Bertis, and Mike. It was for their Monster LP. All of them are such big fans of Styx. Styx was the American band they aspired to be.

To this day I know Michael loves their music. If Dennis would call Michael up I would almost guess Michael would sing with Dennis for free.

WTF??!!!! Michael Stipe likes Styx?! That's a surprise. How very odd. I don't know why that's surprising to me, but it really is. Still, I can't see that pairing at all. Two very different kinds of singers. Honestly, Dennis would blow him off the track. Dennis needs a singer closer to his own skill level for a duet, in my opinion.


Sterling

Wow.

Either the local denizens have honed their usage of irony to a Swiftian, rapier-like subtlety, or there's a big bunch o' drugs going around and nobody's sharing with me.

I feel like one of The Ten O'Clock People.

Castle Walls wrote:Dennis DeYoung teaming with Steve Perry would be heaven.

I believe this would not be possible because I heard the Steve Perry could no longer sing. He had some vocal damage sometime during the 1990's

I love the French version that is done now. But if Dennis is determined to switch it up I always thought that he and Elton John would sound marvelous together.

Another favorite of mine for Dennis to sing with would be Michael Stipe.

When I was free lancing back in the mid 90's I did a shoot for Michael, Peter,Bill, Jefferson,Bertis, and Mike. It was for their Monster LP. All of them are such big fans of Styx. Styx was the American band they aspired to be.

To this day I know Michael loves their music. If Dennis would call Michael up I would almost guess Michael would sing with Dennis for free.

It sort of surprises me that REM would like a band like Styx but when I think about it it would make sense. Both bands have extremely melodic sensibilities and incorporate wide ranging styles into their sound. I was in high school when REM became big and have loved them ever since. I think Peter Buck and Mike Mills are amazing musicians.

I don't think Stipe would be the greatest pairing for this particular song but a duet on something else would probably be excellent.

I'm more interested in hearing the two new songs than who the duet is going to be with. I'm curious what these songs are going to be about.

shaka wrote:It sort of surprises me that REM would like a band like Styx but when I think about it it would make sense.

Sigh.

Et tu, Eric?

dennis will have the same problem journey had with arrival.
this cd has beenout for 4/6 months, the diehards already have it.
his best bet is to get someone relavant to do the duet and get some airplay(maybe).
a country singer would be an obvious choice. but i dont think country radio would play the song.
so maybe a miley cirus would create a buzz.but does regular radio play hannah montanna.
so maybe a celine, elton type is the way to go.

sniper16 wrote:dennis will have the same problem journey had with arrival.
this cd has beenout for 4/6 months, the diehards already have it.
his best bet is to get someone relavant to do the duet and get some airplay(maybe).
a country singer would be an obvious choice. but i dont think country radio would play the song.
so maybe a miley cirus would create a buzz.but does regular radio play hannah montanna.
so maybe a celine, elton type is the way to go.

Oh please, please, PLEASE NOT Celine!!!!! *runs and hides under my desk* Cripes, my 10 year old can sing better than her. *shudder*

Want another gravely voice? Tom Waits.

Just my $0.02.

-A