Questions
Where and when did Styx form?
Styx formed in Chicago, Illinois in 1972. The core members grew up in the Roseland neighborhood of the city.
How did the band get its name?
According to Dennis DeYoung, the name Styx was chosen because it was the only one that none of them hated.
Did the band exist under other names before Styx?
Yes. Twin brothers Chuck and John Panozzo and Dennis DeYoung started playing together in August 1961 as The Tradewinds, and the group later performed as TW4 before settling on Styx.
Who was in the classic lineup?
Dennis DeYoung on keyboards and vocals, James JY Young and Tommy Shaw on guitars and vocals, Chuck Panozzo on bass, and John Panozzo on drums.
When did Tommy Shaw join?
Tommy Shaw joined in late 1975, replacing guitarist John Curulewski.
What was their breakthrough album?
The Grand Illusion, released in 1977, was their breakthrough and reached triple-platinum certification.
Is it true they were the first band with four straight triple-platinum albums?
That is a longstanding claim, but the Wikipedia article notes it is inaccurate. They actually earned four consecutive multi-platinum albums, with three of those (The Grand Illusion, Pieces of Eight, and Paradise Theatre) reaching triple platinum and Cornerstone reaching double platinum.
What was Styx’s only number one hit?
Babe, released in 1979, was their only number one hit and their first million-selling single.
Is Dennis DeYoung really called the father of the power ballad?
Reportedly, yes. The band’s song Lady is described as the first power ballad, and DeYoung has been referred to as the father of the power ballad.
What is the story behind Mr. Roboto?
Mr. Roboto was a synthesizer-based single released in 1983 that reached number three in the US, and DeYoung sang it live while disguised as a Roboto.
What were some of the band’s other big hits?
Come Sail Away (1977) was a top 10 hit, while Renegade reached number 16, Too Much Time on My Hands reached number 9, and The Best of Times reached number three in the US and number one in Canada.
Did the band ever get accused of hidden satanic messages?
Reportedly, yes. Religious groups accused Styx of backmasking satanic messages in Snowblind, which was actually an anti-cocaine song.
What broke up the classic lineup?
Band members clashed over musical direction, with DeYoung favoring pop ballads and Shaw and Young preferring rock. The ambitious and costly Kilroy Was Here tour in 1983 was poorly received and led to Shaw’s departure.
How many records did Styx sell?
Styx sold over 20 million records for A&M Records between their signing in 1975 and 1984.
Did any members go on to other famous bands?
Yes. Tommy Shaw later became part of the band Damn Yankees, listed among Styx’s spinoff and associated acts.
