There is no Styx

Without Dennis DeYoung, that is. For virtually every group, there is a foundation that exists that defines their sound. This varies from group to group. For Van Halen, it was certainly Eddie himself. He did virtually all the writting and was responsible for that Van Halen sound. While having a hack certainly didn't do the group any favors (Cherone) there was still the under lying sound that defined Van Halen. Without question, Dennis shaped the Styx sound and character. He split from the group some time ago due to creative differences and under much tension. There are bad feelings on both sides. I'm not going to tell the whole story other than to say that both sides have legitimate issues. But, the bottom line is this: there would be no Styx without Dennis DeYoung. I doubt anyone would have heard of Tommy Shaw or Jimmy Young . . . or their music. Dennis had (and still does) a very successful solo career. Does anyone know that JY and Tommy Shaw had solo careers? Dennis performs his act with symphony orchestras. JY played TA Verns. Pretty sure the crowd was there for wet t shirt night.

Anyway, I saw Dennis at Festa Italiana last night. I went by myself as my wife and daughter went up north to visit some friends. First, it was a perfect night. Second, I've seen Dennis a few times before, but this had to be his best performance yet. He didn't play with an orchestra, nor did he include his Hunchback singers. It was just him and the band. Glen Burtnik was a special guest. Glen played on the Edge of the Century CD. Well, he . . . they . . . rocked. I swear, it was as thought there was a conscious decision to make everything heavier! The ballads were still ballads, but the rock stuff . . . would rival Creed in their day. It was an incredible performance.