New Tommy Shaw Interview

[styxfanNH]

Whose word for the day calendar did "sanctimonious" come from and all of its derivatives?

[StyxCollector]

"Zan" trotting out a "dead horse" caricature is EXACTLY the kind of thing I'm talking about. You don't like the conversation about the past - even though that's what Styx ultimately is about - fine, don't respond or take part. What you referred to is absolutely an example of being "sanctimonious."

We have few choices when it comes to Styx conversation - the past or whether Styx and/or Dennis are going to be performing at the next "game feed" or local "Tractor Pull"

styxfanNH just summed it up - stick around here long enough and you'll see how this board works. If anyone is being "sanctimonious", it's you. We're not acting holier-than-thou.

[rajah2165]

what's that short for? Suzanne? Xanadu? Zanzabar? Just "curious"


Despite the fact you could have simply gone back a message or two, I'm happy to oblige - here's Stabbim's quote:

"Sure, go nuts. This is all idle chat anyway, one topic's about as meaningful as another. But there's no point in being surprised &/or offended that some folks who've had their fill of "woulda coulda shoulda" over the past decade or so choose to roll their eyes when it comes to infest yet another thread."

Now - about the word "Sanctimony" - I'm afraid you may wish to reconsider your interpretation of the definition, which is as follows:

"Feigned piety or righteousness; hypocritical devoutness or high-mindedness."

Now, you may not AGREE with my assessment of Stabbim's choice of words - but my use of the word in this context is appropriate in this context.

By the way, in all seriousness, your baby is BEAUTIFUL. Congratulations.

31 posts in and we are being told how this BB should go about it's business.

kipthekid
Still Green

Joined: 13 Jul 2007
Posts: 31

And what does it matter what Zan stands for??? Everyone knows it stands for "Queen"

Not quite the word I would have thought of...

[styxfanNH]

Not quite the word I would have thought of...

No surprise ther Rajah

[Zan]

what's that short for? Suzanne? Xanadu? Zanzabar? Just "curious"

Now - about the word "Sanctimony" - I'm afraid you may wish to reconsider your interpretation of the definition, which is as follows:

"Feigned piety or righteousness; hypocritical devoutness or high-mindedness."

Now, you may not AGREE with my assessment of Stabbim's choice of words - but my use of the word in this context is appropriate in this context.

Ah, see, I did read that one (even cited it in my reply) and explained that your interpretation was erroneous - not the "sanctimony" part, but the actual wording of his post, which was neither sanctimonious nor condescending that you somewhat misread. If you go back and read a few posts, you'll see where I did that.

As for "high-mindedness," I'm afraid that is one of Stabbim's curses: To be operating at an intellectual level above most people. That's not a character flaw, that's a gift from God, although I somehow doubt he sees it that way when he reads this board sometimes. lol

By the way, in all seriousness, your baby is BEAUTIFUL. Congratulations.

In all seriousness back, thank you I kinda think so too.

31 posts in and we are being told how this BB should go about it's business.
And what does it matter what Zan stands for??? Everyone knows it stands for "Queen"

Zantastic

[cinj]

"Zan" trotting out a "dead horse" caricature is EXACTLY the kind of thing I'm talking about. You don't like the conversation about the past - even though that's what Styx ultimately is about - fine, don't respond or take part. What you referred to is absolutely an example of being "sanctimonious."

We have few choices when it comes to Styx conversation - the past or whether Styx and/or Dennis are going to be performing at the next "game feed" or local "Tractor Pull"

styxfanNH just summed it up - stick around here long enough and you'll see how this board works. If anyone is being "sanctimonious", it's you. We're not acting holier-than-thou.

I've been around this board since it's inception - and only started posting maybe a few months ago. I find that most people here are friendly - but I do find some people rather bitchy every time someoe disagrees with them. I also find some people downright rude and immature.
Here's a suggestion - if you read a post that you don't like or are "tired of people bringing the sames things up all the time....", try this: ignore them. Remember, not everyone has been around this board for very long - and I think it's refreshing that new people are here. I'd like to not think of this as a "members only" club, where the people who have been here the longest and post the most frequent get to determine the legitmacy of people's opinions. True, we don't always like everyone's opinion, but they're exercising something called "freedom of speech". If you don't like what they say, ignore it and the post will go away.

Please, if you find my post offensive, ignore it and it will go away.

Cinj

CInj

[Zan]

Not quite the word I would have thought of...

Too many letters for you?

[StyxCollector]

I've been around this board since it's inception - and only started posting maybe a few months ago. I find that most people here are friendly - but I do find some people rather bitchy every time someoe disagrees with them. I also find some people downright rude and immature.

<sarcasm>Stop dissing froy and ChicagoStyx among others ... it may be immature, but sometimes it is fun.</sarcasm>

There's room for everyone in the pool.

[styxfanNH]

I've been around this board since it's inception - and only started posting maybe a few months ago. I find that most people here are friendly - but I do find some people rather bitchy every time someoe disagrees with them. I also find some people downright rude and immature.

<sarcasm>Stop dissing froy and ChicagoStyx among others ... it may be immature, but sometimes it is fun.</sarcasm>

There's room for everyone in the pool.

You do realize it is shark week.....(Discovery Channel)

[StyxCollector]

You do realize it is shark week.....(Discovery Channel)

Rut-roh!

[gr8dane]

I think I would agree with you if Dennis had been with Styx all these years - as you said 1997 was a bit of a dip from 96. But the fact that, ten years later, they <I>haven't</I> toured with Dennis, I think a reunion <B>would</B> be big stuff. At least for awhile. I think if Steve Perry got back in Journey - the same thing would happen. People want to go see the same bands they grew up with. This isn't a slam on the "current" Styx - let them tour if they want. I just think that any band that gets back with the classic lineup after being gone for awhile will reap more $$$$ awards.

Cinj

Yup, just look at the crowds the Police are getting on their reunion tour this year. Sting certainly wasn't getting those crowds with his boring solo shows, and if Sting formed a bogus Police with some studio guy on guitar and another wanker on drums, no one would care because they want to see the musicians that they are FAMILIAR with.

Styx stinks now because it took a few years for people to realize that DDY was no longer in the band...JY and company didn't exactly advertise this fact over the years, but one of my friends saw them a few years ago and said it was a ripoff for them to use false advertising when DDY was nowhere in sight. Maybe that's why Styx crowds have been dwindling over the years.

What New Styx should have done is form a band called the Shaw/Young/Blades Project. That way they could tour and do Styx/DY/Night Ranger/solo songs without pi$$ing people off.

Think about this: what if Led Zep reunited and toured tomorrow, but when you got to the show you found out that Jimmy Page wasn't on guitar, or Robert Plant wasn't singing...and LZ didn't tell you this beforehand? That's why when Plant and Page toured they didn't use the Zep name, because Jones and Bonham weren't there.

What about Genesis.

[StyxCollector]

What about Genesis.

Genesis is touring with the popular lineup that toured from 1978 - 1992. The three man lineup is just fine. Saw the reunion in the UK - it was a good show. I'm also seeing it here.

[gr8dane]

What about Genesis.

Genesis is touring with the popular lineup that toured from 1978 - 1992. The three man lineup is just fine. Saw the reunion in the UK - it was a good show. I'm also seeing it here.

Oh,I have no problem with the 3 piece.I love 'And then there were 3.But after Duke they slipped in my liking,but I would not ask them to change their name.
But certain people's analogy,maybe they should have changed their name when Gabriel was not in the band anymore.
But ofcourse they would probably say Gabriel was not fired and on and on, so that is a different story.
Come to think of it.
Was the 'Edge of century' tour promoted as The Return of Styx sans Tommy,in your neightbourhood soon.?There may even have been a snippet of Blue collar man in their radio ads.

[StyxCollector]

Remember that Gabriel and Hackett left. They were not fired, and there wasn't any of this churning about the "proper" lineup. YOu have fans wanting to see the Banks/Collins/Gabriel/Hackett/Rutherford lineup who are waxing nostalgic, and you do have some of the "the only real Genesis is the <insert people here> lineup" now, but you didn't really hear about it then.

At the time of EOTC, TS was in Damn Yankees - fairly well known unless you were living under a rock. I don't think anyone was misled. Now, I don't remember the radio ads, and it's possible they used a TS song.

[gr8dane]

Remember that Gabriel and Hackett left. They were not fired, and there wasn't any of this churning about the "proper" lineup. YOu have fans wanting to see the Banks/Collins/Gabriel/Hackett/Rutherford lineup who are waxing nostalgic, and you do have some of the "the only real Genesis is the <insert people here> lineup" now, but you didn't really hear about it then.

At the time of EOTC, TS was in Damn Yankees - fairly well known unless you were living under a rock. I don't think anyone was misled. Now, I don't remember the radio ads, and it's possible they used a TS song.

I hear you ,and I did mention the bit about fired or left,which makes absolutely no difference to me in naming the band bit.
And there are fans of every variation of Genesis as there are Styx weather 'you' like it or not.
And yes living under a rock,,,if you bought a ticket to Styx without a certain member being or not being in a band,hey you must have lived under a rock.
May have to go and put on'..And then there were three",
I am trying to think about other bands who fired a main member who continued as the same band name?
Blood Sweat and Tears come to mind ,(Bye bye Al Kooper),maybe there are others?

[Jazz]

[quote="kipthekid"]This summer's disastrous (from a Styx "brand" and "image" perspective) stint with Def Leopard and Foreigner is a classic example. Styx touring with Def Leppard will bring them more exposure to a large, similar, but separate, fan base. Not disastrous, IMHO. It's too bad they didn't have a new album to promote to this larger audience though. But maybe after this tour...

While Dennis isn't "big" in the states, he's a minor star in Canada - in fact, he's a bigger star than Styx OR Lawrence Gowan - in Canada. What do you base that statement on? All three factions have a big fan base in Quebec. Here in Western Canada, based on radio airplay, Gowan would be leading, then Styx. DDY is rarely heard.
Having him reunite with Styx would help them gain tremendous leverage up there. Maybe, maybe not.

J

[Jazz]

If they reunited with Dennis now, for a short period, they could perhaps win back a little of the dignity that was "lost" over the past 8 years. No, Styx isn't Aerosmith, but you're dead wrong about them not being able to be at the same level as Journey - in '96 and '97, they were at or above the level that Journey is now. Could they get that back? Not all the way...but, in certain cities, they could headline major venues again. There IS a sizeable # of fans that will not see the "new" Styx.

Sorry, but I just don't see "dignity" and "headlining major venues" as being analogous.

When I saw Styx play a 1500-seater in my hometown earlier this year, I saw a group of working musicians in great form enjoying what they do, putting every bit of energy and care into a performance that they have when playing to 10 times as many fans, and the crowd went nuts for them.

To me, that level of pride, craftsmanship and professionalism is what constitutes an artist's dignity, not all of this "brand" and "legacy" nonsense.

Hear, hear!!
J

[Jazz]

As to Current Styx and no album (for now). Sounds like no one is much interested in financing, or promoting, an album of new music from them. Just my interpretation of his comment on this as well.

Maybe, maybe not. But the idea of "the state of the music industry" factoring into their decision on whether to produce new music at all is ...disheartening.

yeah, that's more of a statement on the industry, NOT the band. There are a lot of 'classic rock' bands not releasing new product? WHY because labels aren't interested. They just want to sell to kids. I'm not sure why that's a death sentence for Styx or any classic rock band. They just need to go right to the source, their core, older fans.
In my neck of the woods, Goo Goo Dolls aren't on the radio too much. However, I hear them in nearly every store I go into (speaking of their last album by the way- Iris and Slide from Dizzy were everywhere). I also heard new Paul McCartney in a store and haven't heard a thing on the radio. Same with the stones' last album.

It's annoying that people will paint that it's the current Styx lineup that's killing their sales. It's not. It's the present music environment. Styx and others need to reinvent how they're selling their music like Paul did with Starbucks, like Prince did with his recent CD giveaways in the Daily Mail. Has nothing to do with the band. Good music is good music and there was plenty on Cyclo to sell. There's plenty on DeYoung's album to sell, but not to the general KID CD buyers. They need to market to an older generation. John Mellencamp put his song in a Chevy add. A NEW song. He said "that was the best record company I ever had".

Styx and others need to do reinvent the marketing wheel.

You stated that brilliantly. And the funny part of that is that many of the big concert draws are the artists who've been around for years, but can't get played on the radio. A sad state of affairs...

J

[Zan]

While Dennis isn't "big" in the states, he's a minor star in Canada - in fact, he's a bigger star than Styx OR Lawrence Gowan - in Canada.


What do you base that statement on?

imagination

[kipthekid]

I think the fact that Dennis recently had a platinum+ album in Canada may have a LITTLE bit to do with it. That and, when shows like Canadian Idol and Star Acadamie are looking for guests, they're not exactly knocking on "New Styx" or Lawrence Gowan's door.

So THIS is the accepted "m.o." of this "group?" If Dennis happens to be more popular/"bigger" at the moment in a particular part of the world than new Styx - and it's supported emperically - it's all "DeYoungian" b.s. Ok...got it.

[stmonkeys]

I think the fact that Dennis recently had a platinum+ album in Canada may have a LITTLE bit to do with it. That and, when shows like Canadian Idol and Star Acadamie are looking for guests, they're not exactly knocking on "New Styx" or Lawrence Gowan's door.

So THIS is the accepted "m.o." of this "group?" If Dennis happens to be more popular/"bigger" at the moment in a particular part of the world than new Styx - and it's supported emperically - it's all "DeYoungian" b.s. Ok...got it.

good. now don't forget it.

[Zan]

So THIS is the accepted "m.o." of this "group?" If Dennis happens to be more popular/"bigger" at the moment in a particular part of the world than new Styx - and it's supported emperically - it's all "DeYoungian" b.s. Ok...got it.

I was talking about Gowan, not Styx. Dennis is not more popular than Gowan in Canada. He's having a good run there, and I (honestly) think that's great for him. But he's not more popular than Gowan.

[kipthekid]

although I don't see LG being asked to appear on "Canadian Idol" - and shows like that are all about ratings as opposed to "artistic merit."

I have to acquiesce, however, - LG must be more of a "name" across ALL of Canada while Dennis' popularity MAY be "limited" to certain areas of our northern Neighbor.

[Zan]

although I don't see LG being asked to appear on "Canadian Idol" - and shows like that are all about ratings as opposed to "artistic merit."

I have to acquiesce, however, - LG must be more of a "name" across ALL of Canada while Dennis' popularity MAY be "limited" to certain areas of our northern Neighbor.

See? Was that so hard? LOL

Seriously tho, if only some others could be even slightly as open about things, there'd be a lot less commotion around here.

Or, maybe commotion is the idea? *shrug*

[styxfanNH]

although I don't see LG being asked to appear on "Canadian Idol" - and shows like that are all about ratings as opposed to "artistic merit."

So was Dennis on CI because he gets good ratings or has talent? I am confused....

I have to acquiesce, however, - LG must be more of a "name" across ALL of Canada while Dennis' popularity MAY be "limited" to certain areas of our northern Neighbor.

WTF is the difference between "Cananda" and "ALL of Canada?" Will you get it friggin right. "100 Years from now" the single went to #2 on the QUEBEC Nielsen charts and the albume went as high as #2 on the SoundScan charts in QUEBEC.

For the last time.... Here is the Geography lesson....Quebec is a province of Canada. Canada is the country!!!!!!! For those that like analogies.......Quebec is to Canada as Illinois is to The United States.

[kipthekid]

First, your supposed "confusion" about my statement re: Dennis and Canadia Idol didn't make alot of sense. My comments about Dennis and his populariy in Canada have nothing to do with making a statement on Dennis' talent. It was a statement about his popularity - which, when it comes to ratings, will always trump talent.

Second, your "Geography" statement made even LESS sense. My statement in no way gave undue "significance" to Quebec. So I called it an "area" versus a "Provence" or WHATEVER -who cares? Either way, I was acknowledging that the strength of Dennis' popularity is concentrated in a specific part of Canada.

Please - take a shot @ me when it makes sense...but this was just silly.

[bugsymalone]

For the record. Canadian Idol is broadcast nationally throughout all of Canada. Star Academie is locally broadcast. (In the "Illinois" of Canada. )

Last year, C.I. featured two "legends of classic rock" Dennis DeYoung and Roger Hodgson. This year their "legends" were Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen.



Bugsy

[thebook]

First, your supposed "confusion" about my statement re: Dennis and Canadia Idol didn't make alot of sense. My comments about Dennis and his populariy in Canada have nothing to do with making a statement on Dennis' talent. It was a statement about his popularity - which, when it comes to ratings, will always trump talent.

Second, your "Geography" statement made even LESS sense. My statement in no way gave undue "significance" to Quebec. So I called it an "area" versus a "Provence" or WHATEVER -who cares? Either way, I was acknowledging that the strength of Dennis' popularity is concentrated in a specific part of Canada.

Please - take a shot @ me when it makes sense...but this was just silly.

Canada has just over 30 million people give or take (2001 census), 11 million in Ontario and 7 million in Quebec. That is over half the population of Canada right there. The reality is that all you need to do is sell records in these two provinces and you can do very well. Alberta and BC account for 7 million combined, selling there is helpful too. Every other inch of Canada is meaningless in terms of popularity for a band. And I would suspect record companies target the main cities in these provinces only since that is where most the folks live. Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Quebec Ctiy, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Calgary. No different in the US to some extent, hit it big in New York or LA and you're on your way. bookout

[StyxCollector]

Why are we even arguing about "well, if it's just in Quebec, is it really success?"

I mean, outside of the fluke that was RTP and a minor bump around "I Am The Walrus", no Styx or solo project has done very well outside of DDY's two projects which have gone over very well in Canada. Yes, success in Canada in terms of numbers does not necessarily equate to USA numbers per se, but the fact the guy is having any success anywhere when he's no spring chicken any more is still rather impressive.

I would agree with the statement that as an individual artist, Gowan has probably had more success than DDY or even Styx over his career prior to joining the band. Heck, he was recording a solo album that has been shelved since he joined. But Styx also has a storied past especially in Quebec, and since DDY is the "voice" of "Suite Madame Blue", that certainly doesn't hurt him.

[Jazz]

[quote="kipthekid"]I think the fact that Dennis recently had a platinum+ album in Canada may have a LITTLE bit to do with it. That and, when shows like Canadian Idol and Star Acadamie are looking for guests, they're not exactly knocking on "New Styx" or Lawrence Gowan's door.

I think all of you discussed all of the finer points, in my absence, regarding the earlier questions that I had for Kip. I enjoyed the spirited, yet civilized (for a change) responses.
I just wanted to say one more thing about the remark above--we don't really know who has been approached to appear on Canadian Idol, or why. If Sass Jordan had anything to do with it, I would imagine that Styx and/or Gowan may have been on their list, as she appeared in concert with them in 2001 and is apparently a friend of Tommy and Jeanne. However, we really have no idea (unless there is someone here who works for Canadian Idol or Star Academie), which musicians may have been contacted by the show.