MR

Blue Falcon wrote:I have to say this touring version of the band is extremely good, with Bonham on drums and all the others. I think Foreigner did the right thing by getting a singer who sounded like Lou Gramm...I kept hearing comments all night that the "new guy" sounded great!

Styx didn't do itself any favors with Larry, the pole-tossing Scot. He may play DDY's keyboard parts well (and it technically better than him to boot), but his vocals just don't cut it. Styx could have done like Foreigner, Boston, and Journey and got lead singer sound-alikes, but for whatever reason they chose not to.

Maybe they just thought Styx fans would love hearing A Criminal Mind every single night.

Roboto750 wrote:It's funny, I was just thinking about this the other day. Foreigner, and even the new singer for Journey, is excellent at singing the songs they do. I never saw Foreigner with their original front man, but I have seen them with Kelly, and I wouldn't want it any other way!

What I think would have worked for Styx is that when Glen left the band, they could have gotten a bass player that could sing the majority of Dennis' songs. Gowan could have still sang a few (I actually like his version of "Grand Illusion" as well as some of his own songs) and played keys. Instead they got a bass player that hangs around in the shadows and have stuck with Gowan for better of worse. I still enjoy seeing the current Styx, but there is certainly room for improvement.

Toph wrote:

Roboto750 wrote:It's funny, I was just thinking about this the other day. Foreigner, and even the new singer for Journey, is excellent at singing the songs they do. I never saw Foreigner with their original front man, but I have seen them with Kelly, and I wouldn't want it any other way!

What I think would have worked for Styx is that when Glen left the band, they could have gotten a bass player that could sing the majority of Dennis' songs. Gowan could have still sang a few (I actually like his version of "Grand Illusion" as well as some of his own songs) and played keys. Instead they got a bass player that hangs around in the shadows and have stuck with Gowan for better of worse. I still enjoy seeing the current Styx, but there is certainly room for improvement.

I still am trying to figure out what Ricky Phillips brings to the table....

Toph wrote:

Roboto750 wrote:It's funny, I was just thinking about this the other day. Foreigner, and even the new singer for Journey, is excellent at singing the songs they do. I never saw Foreigner with their original front man, but I have seen them with Kelly, and I wouldn't want it any other way!

What I think would have worked for Styx is that when Glen left the band, they could have gotten a bass player that could sing the majority of Dennis' songs. Gowan could have still sang a few (I actually like his version of "Grand Illusion" as well as some of his own songs) and played keys. Instead they got a bass player that hangs around in the shadows and have stuck with Gowan for better of worse. I still enjoy seeing the current Styx, but there is certainly room for improvement.

I still am trying to figure out what Ricky Phillips brings to the table....

StyxCollector wrote:Back in the day Chuck had a big hand/say in the artwork for the band's albums, so he contributed more than just playing bass. As a bass player, Chuck and Ricky are doing what they should be. They may not be doing insanely flashing things, but they serve the song. Period.

froy wrote:Yep Larry Gowan has ruined this version of STYX

styxfanNH wrote:A band that looses it's lead singer can either replace him with a sound alike and continue on as if nothing happened or they can replace him with a very different guy and go in a completely different direction. They chose the latter.

over the past ten years we have only seen 1 new material album. Certainly if we had seen 3 or 4 new material albums then that would have become the bulk of the songs that they could have chose from where the songs were written for more of Larry's strengths.

Blue Falcon wrote:

styxfanNH wrote:A band that looses it's lead singer can either replace him with a sound alike and continue on as if nothing happened or they can replace him with a very different guy and go in a completely different direction. They chose the latter.

And the problem is, the direction they went in was straight down the tubes!

over the past ten years we have only seen 1 new material album. Certainly if we had seen 3 or 4 new material albums then that would have become the bulk of the songs that they could have chose from where the songs were written for more of Larry's strengths.

Bingo. Styx is not Van Halen circa 1985. They did 6 albums with Roth and then were just as successful with Hagar for many years, while making VH more of a real band and not just getting some goofball who acted like Roth on the stage to replace him.

That's the problem with Styx. They went in a "different direction" that has produced exactly one studio album, and a covers album. Exactly who were they trying to kid? If they hated DDY so much that they don't even want a singer who sounds like him in the band, then they're just idiots. Methinks they keep Larry around because he's easy for JY to control and doesn't cause too many waves.

And Kelly does sound darn good fronting Foreigner. No one was wondering where Lou Gramm was.

gr8dane wrote:
Sorry I forget.
How many albums has Kelly done with Foreigner?

Toph wrote:

StyxCollector wrote:Glen had a lot more energy than either one. And if new Styx is all about rockin....you need a bass player that shows a little flash...

I wasn't reading this thread until someone pointed out to me that I was personally addressed, but before I go there, I just wanted to say that I first read this to say "shows a little flesh," in which case, I agree!

Ya hear that, Ricky? Show some more flesh, would ya? Thank you.

Now, onto more important issues:

Chowhall wrote:Zan,

This is not a diss on Chuck, but what did Chuck bring to the table in Styx besides looking cool in the tux and the sneakers? What is Ricky supposed to do? Glen tried to make the 4 lead singer gig work but it didn't. Glen got 2 songs a night and decided it wasn't worth it. Chuck and Ricky did and do what they are supposed to do. They keep the groove going and look cool while they do it. That is what a bass player does. Look at Bill Wyman from the Stones during Jumping Jack Flash. The coolest Bass Line in Rock and he doesn't move. Oh BTW, you guys should get a life. Gowan is probably close to doing more live gigs as a member of Styx than Dennis has. I know he's done more than Dennis since 1980. Dennis has his wonderful life. Tommy and JY have theirs. If Tommy and JY want to forget 30 years of disputes and demeaning then they'll ask Dennis back. If not, the rest of us will enjoy both groups as it is today.

PS I addressed this to Zan because she is very protective of Chuck and won't stand for any criticism of Styx's original bass player.

I'm glad you clarified that, lest I think you are trying to suggest that I am Toph, when we all know who Toph really is

OK, maybe not really, but you know.

Anyway, I wasn't even reading this thread but a little birdie told me I should see it because I guess I'm able to get involved in arguments in which I'm not even present. I always knew I was damn talented.

Let me clarify or attempt to define my "protectiveness" of Chuck for a second, if you will. Maybe it will shed some light (tho, history has taught me it'll do about as much good as any other time I've tried to explain anything here, but nevertheless...). First, and foremost, I'll say that Chuck can take care of himself. He's a big boy, and obviously not afraid to stand up for himself (anymore). What gets me riled up is ignorance about most anything. People who presume to understand things they couldn't possibly comprehend (like Chuck's battle with his sexuality and whether or not to come out of the closet when doing so could have jeopardized Styx's career, or about how the Panozzo brothers were nothing but Dennis' lackies and contributed nothing of real substance to Styx's success. Stuff like that). It reeks of ignorance and egotistical foolishness. THAT is what I take issue with, not some need to "protect" Chuck. Believe me, if he reads anything here, I'm sure he keeps plenty of salt handy, and it seems fairly obvious, at least to me, that he doesn't mold his life based on the opinions of a select few who have an axe to grind with their former musical heroes. Nope. Suffice it to say that Chuck has a full life, filled with close friends and family, lots of great clothes, and a magnificently decorated home.

My axe is reserved for ignorance only.

Now, aren't you glad you brought it up, Trent? lol

Seriously, to answer your question (which wasn't a dis, I know), as for "energy on stage," Chuck was never much of a frontman. His place was always at his brother's side, keeping the backbone of Styx (rhythm section, which is IMO< the most important of any music) strong and steady, allowing Dennis, Tommy, and JY to keep the arms, legs, and face of the music going strong. That was their role. So, Glen added a new element - he writes, sings, and is a bit apeshit on stage. That's his style, and while I admit *I* rather enjoyed the hell out of it (not sure how I would have reacted had Chuck gotten in my face and humped his bass, however), I understand that he wasn't meant to be a permanent part of the Styx fixture. I could use metaphors or examples about relationships and dating, but I'll refrain. Glen just wasn't a perfect fit for the band as a whole. He's his own leader as has always been. I am glad, however, we had him for the short time we did. It was really, really special. Ricky is exactly what I believe Styx was looking for all along, assuming Chuck would never return full-time, so everything worked out for everyone. And based on what I've heard, Ricky seems like a very down to earth guy. Even better.

As for your "what did Chuck bring to the table in Styx besides looking cool in the tux and the sneakers," all I can say to that is: That was one thing he was able to do that Dennis couldn't.

and some great live dvds

your almighty god dennis

pinkzeppelin wrote:It's funny how you guys say it's bad that Styx has only released two studio albums, a bunch of live albums, and some great live dvds between their unbeleivably hectic tour schedule. What's your almighty god dennis done, hmmm, oh yeah, 1 album in french( i know some idiot is going to say, "hey only one songs in French"), and oh yes how could i forget, 8 or 9 concerts.

styxfanNH wrote:

pinkzeppelin wrote:It's funny how you guys say it's bad that Styx has only released two studio albums, a bunch of live albums, and some great live dvds between their unbeleivably hectic tour schedule. What's your almighty god dennis done, hmmm, oh yeah, 1 album in french( i know some idiot is going to say, "hey only one songs in French"), and oh yes how could i forget, 8 or 9 concerts.

Touring schedule aside, Styx should have put out more than the 2 albums. And if you get your head out of your ass and read back a bit, Dennis has been criticized for the same thing. If it makes you feel any better, then here it is..... The biggest disappontment of both Styx and Dennis is that both sides have/had forgotten why everyone is drawn to their music. It was their uncanny ability to speak to the everyday issues and dreams of the every day guy/gal. Whether together or alone since their last breakup they have forgotten what created their fans by stepping away from what their fans loved most about them. Each of their ability to find ways to reach out and touch us, their fans, through new music and unique outlook on life. When each looks back on their career, this period of time will show that they lost the fire within to do what each of them says they love to do, but really doesn't show it in new and inspiring ways.

classicstyxfan wrote:Please dont feed the troll..........

pinkzeppelin wrote:hey it's funny how you guys have no idea about anything in Styx and continue to talk as if you do.
You can either see STYX, which is amazing or you could go see Dennis sing sappy songs with his wife.

pinkzeppelin wrote:hey it's funny how you guys have no idea about anything in Styx and continue to talk as if you do.
You can either see STYX, which is amazing or you could go see Dennis sing sappy songs with his wife.

pinkzeppelin wrote:hey it's funny how you guys have no idea about anything in Styx and continue to talk as if you do.
You can either see STYX, which is amazing or you could go see Dennis sing sappy songs with his wife.

Blue Falcon wrote:
That's not the point I was making...Foreigner never claimed that they were going off in a new direction with a different-sounding singer,

Toph wrote:

pinkzeppelin wrote:hey it's funny how you guys have no idea about anything in Styx and continue to talk as if you do.
You can either see STYX, which is amazing or you could go see Dennis sing sappy songs with his wife.

Sappy? Come Sail Away, Suite Madame Blue, Rockin' In Paradise, Black Wall, 100 Years From Now.....to name a few....I guess I missed the definition of what sappy is...