When you hate something, but it makes a lot of money, it makes it difficult to balk at. Such was the case with members of Styx agreeing to continue following DeYoung's lead of concept albums for their next project, Kilroy Was Here. The band had reached superstardom status from their prior album, Paradise Theatre, with its subsequent massive tour conceptualizing and implementing Broadway and film style theatrics into the show.
Tommy Shaw would go on to voice his concerns about this in a later interview, stating the band would be on stage for thirty minutes before they even started playing. But again, despite this, the money and popularity were there, so the members acquiesced to DeYoung's vision.
Take everything I liked about Paradise Theatre, and crush it under the weight of the bloated, overzealous Kilroy Was Here. About the only thing that really resonated was Mr. Roboto, and Don't Let It End. Neither are particularly strong songs, with Roboto being nothing more than 80's campiness.
The biggest disappointment here is that I really wanted to like this album. Like, a lot. I was so looking forward to hearing it.
In retrospectively reading about the band's history, it appears my opinion falls in line with the general consensus. Fans of the band hated the concept approach, and subsequent tour, all but booing the band off stage at Texxas Jam in 1983. It was so bad that when the tour concluded, Tommy Shaw quit Styx for a solo career.
While a reunion was planned for the late 80's, Dennis DeYoung needed to halt the plans because he was on the cusp of releasing a solo album. When it was later revisited in 1990, Shaw was committed to Damn Yankees, and unable to join. Edge Of The World would be released in that year, with Glen Burtnik taking over guitars in Shaw's place.
Shaw would return in 1995 to re-record Lady for the forthcoming compilation album. However, at this time, drummer John Panozzo was incredibly ill from liver disease caused by years of alcohol abuse. He would sadly pass away in July of 1996. The remaining member would eventually return to the studio to record 1999's Brave New World with new drummer, Todd Sucherman.
As the tour kicked off, bassist, and brother, Chuck Panozzo, was sidelined from his diagnosis of HIV / Aids. While he continues to survive the illness, this has limited his ability to fully participate with the band.
Further DeYoung would leave the band in 1999, citing health issues, an overall decline in his role, and issues with bandmates Shaw, and James Young. Depending on who you ask, it was either DeYoung who opted to leave, or was replaced when he asked for a postponement of continued tour dates due to his health. The general consensus was that he was fired, and, Lawrence Gowan was brought in to replace him.
Glen Burtnik would come back to Styx to be part of their 2003 album, Cyclorama, but then depart shortly thereafter to spend time with his family. Since then, the lineup has stayed consistent with Tommy Shaw, James Young, Chuck Panozzo (in limited capacity, aided on bass by Ricky Phillips), Todd Sucherman, and Lawrence Gowan.
While there have been rumors that Dennis DeYoung was going to rejoin the group, the band have stated otherwise. Shaw has been quoted as saying, "While the hard feelings between them have subsided, they don't see a future for DeYoung in Styx." Meanwhile, James Young has stated that he has forgiven him but has, "No desire to work with him again."
The fans seem split down the middle in this aspect, with some saying they'd like to see it, and others have said the current lineup is amazing.
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| THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS September 19, 1981 |
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| THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS September 19, 1987 |
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