Dennis DeYoung interview

RE: Shaw/Blades

Geri — Tue, 02 May 2000 10:37:28 +1000

Rather Large Canine wrote:
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Whatcha wanna bet that the next Styx album will be produced by Jack Blades with 3/4 of the songs being Shaw/Blades co-writes.

BD

I'll take that bet. There is a band out there touring right now that has no less than FIVE songwriters, and there is no reason to call on Jack. Not meant as a slight to Jack, in any way, but I think that there is enough creativity among those five individuals, that others won't need to be called in.

AND, for the record, I've been reading this board for about two years, just never felt a need to post before. And, ALSO, for the record, this is my one and only screen name that I will ever use on here. I don't feel the need to be "Shawn" and "Todd" under the same screen name, or "Elaine", and "Ann", and "Jan".

Also, Rather Large Canine (and I think that's QUITE clever, by the way), Dennis had my total support until he started his campaign of slamming the last Styx album (because he didn't produce it), and slamming the current tour ("What are they doing playing Akron?"). I was told quite a while ago by people who should know that "He is not going to take this lying down." What I was NOT told was that he was going to try to destroy Styx. And my opinion is that if Styx is truly being destroyed, then it's Dennis that's doing it. Intentionally. So much for his PASSION about his life's work.

And I'm not even donning a flame suit.

Geri

RE: Shaw/Blades

Bladesian — Thu, 27 Apr 2000 08:27:16 +1000

Tommy Shaw wrote or co-wrote 8 songs on Brave New World. So Jack Blades had nothing to do with 6 of Tommy's 8 songs. 7 of 9 if you count the reprise. Also 4 of those were co-written with a fellow Styx member, James Young.

And it is my opinion that Styx will continue to self produce rather than bringing in an outside producer, and that Jack's only contribution will be with songwriting, and that only if Tommy needs lyric help (which is how the two songs on Brave New World got co-written by Jack).

Bladesian

RE: Dennis DeYoung interview

Vicki — Wed, 26 Apr 2000 09:19:23 +1000

It is only your original implications regarding lying that bother me. We were not there and don't know what is truth and what is lies. Quite frankly, it is easy to put things together and see truth in everything that has been said regarding why the band is touring now and why Dennis is not with them.

1)Dennis was too ill to tour... both Tommy and Dennis have said that in those words.

2)Dennis did (or does) not want to tour... is a matter of perspective. Dennis does not want to play small venues (he has said this himself). The rest of the band does want to play small venues, the record company has wanted it, the promoters have wanted it, and shows were being booked. If Styx is only going to do a small venue tour, and Dennis does not want to play in small venues, then Dennis does not want to tour (logical, conclusion). No where was it said that Dennis would never want to tour with the band ever again. In fact, what was said was that Dennis does not want to tour "right now". "Right now" the band is playing small venues, which Dennis does not want to play at, so I would call that statement accurate, just from the other side of the coin.

3)Dennis would rather work on Hunchback (or other broadway show material). If you don't know what might have inspired this comment, please re-read the section where Dennis talks about touring in 1997.

Not once has Tommy slammed Dennis. Tommy CONGRATULATED Dennis on his sold out show. Tommy said what wonderful things he had been hearing about Dennis' show. Dennis returns those compliments with insults. THEN people accuse Tommy of lying, and while this was not said by you, being a lowlife. EXCUSE ME?? Why am I irritated? This would be why.

And Stan, I have had a better day today, thank you.

Vicki

RE: Dennis DeYoung interview

Shawn — Tue, 25 Apr 2000 13:40:03 +1000

It's MY opinion. It doesn't have to be yours. I'm mildly curious to know what about my post riles you. I mean, it's just that; my post. Nothing more.

Shawn

RE: Dennis DeYoung interview

Stan — Tue, 25 Apr 2000 13:02:27 +1000

Vicki wrote:
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Dennis' opposition uses the inernet very well. This is evidenced by people who would come to this site's message board even though they do not support Dennis.
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Last time I checked this was not the official website of Dennis DeYoung. If it was, I wouldn't be here.

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You are right Vicki. This is not a Dennis website.

My fault was in looking at the subject line and realizing that there was an interview of Dennis DeYoung here. I was hoping that only people with positive energy would come here and comment, sorry. I am brand new to this messageboard, having come here because of the interview.

I am not really familiar with such bitterness. I hope you have a better tomorrow!

Stan

RE: Dennis DeYoung interview

Vicki — Tue, 25 Apr 2000 09:23:45 +1000

Dennis' opposition uses the inernet very well. This is evidenced by people who would come to this site's message board even though they do not support Dennis.
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Last time I checked this was not the official website of Dennis DeYoung. If it was, I wouldn't be here.

Vicki

RE: Dennis DeYoung interview

Vicki — Tue, 25 Apr 2000 09:21:37 +1000

I believe him. I always have. Period. I know how I personally make decisions as to what I think is the truth and what is not and I did that long ago concerning Dennis DeYoung. It was not difficult for me. I didn't have to mull it over. Easy as pie, right as rain, simple as 1 2 3. Some things you just know.
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And Tommy's fans are the deluded fanatics who will believe anything? Sheesh... sounds to me like you agreed with whatever Dennis said before he even said it!

And to think, I'm a deluded bathwater-drinker who will believe anything. AAt least I was willing to give both sides benefit of the doubt, until one side started hurling insults that is. So tell me, what does Dennis' bathwater taste like Shawn? Inquiring minds want to know.

Vicki

Shaw/Blades

Rather Large Canine — Tue, 25 Apr 2000 09:06:12 +1000

I know that he is not in Styx, but he did co-write some of the songs on the last Styx album, as well as the last few Tommy Shaw solo albums. What I meant is that TS songs are now Shaw/Blades productions. Certainly the TS songs on _BNW_ could have easily come off one of his solo albums.

Whatcha wanna bet that the next Styx album will be produced by Jack Blades with 3/4 of the songs being Shaw/Blades co-writes.

BD

RE: Dennis DeYoung interview

Bladesian — Tue, 25 Apr 2000 08:38:17 +1000

Big Dog, Jack Blades is not in Styx, never has been, and other than helping Tommy with writing a couple songs, has never contributed to Styx. Shaw-Young, not Shaw-Blades.

Ellen

RE: Dennis DeYoung interview

Bladesian — Tue, 25 Apr 2000 08:34:39 +1000

Um, Stan, I come to this site regularly. I have been for quite a long time. If you choose you can look and see that I have posted on things having nothing to do with Styx. I did not come here to attack Dennis. Furthermore, I *do* support Dennis, but I don't agree with everything he says, and I also support Tommy and JY. Being a Dennis DeYoung doesn't mean I have to agree with everything he thinks.

Ellen

RE: Dennis DeYoung interview

Rather Large Canine — Tue, 25 Apr 2000 00:00:19 +1000

I don't know if I belive all that Dennis had to say. He has been smart enough to stick to one story though (unlike Tommy and JY).

When Tommy first left Styx back in the 80s, there were many rumors I heard wrt Tommy. A friend of mine saw Styx while touring to support _Paradise Theater_. He had great seats and heard Tommy mouthing off for the entire show. Tommy was very happy when the show was over and it was very apparent that he was not enjoying the Styx gig. It was no great surprise to me and my friend, that he eventually went solo.

I speculate that one of the problems Tommy had was that he did not like the control that Dennis had in the group as the other principle song writer and as the group's producer. One of the best parts of Styx for me was how well Tommy and Dennis's song wrting complemented each other. The reason their songs worked so well together may have been Dennis' production. The tension between Tommy and Dennis may have also brought out the best in each other.

I really enjoyed the last Styx album (I'm in the minority here). In particular, Dennis' song were some of the best he has ever done. Tommy's songs were over the board. I have to agree with Dennis that some of Tommy's songs could have been cut (which certainly would have pissed Tommy off) and Dennis would have certainly have added more of a Styx flavor to them, if he had got to produce them.

As far as Styx firing Dennis, I don't think Tommy understands as well as Dennis what makes Styx Styx. The next Styx album will be just another Shaw/Blades production which is not a bad thing in itself, but it will not be Styx. BTW, I disagree with Dennis about _Edge of the Century_, in that it was not a true Styx album since it lacked Tommy.

Unless Tommy and Dennis can work out their differences, Styx is dead.

barking on,
Big Dog

Preview of the track and album soon! (np)

Andrew — Mon, 24 Apr 2000 17:00:55 +1000

RE: Dennis DeYoung interview

Stan — Sun, 23 Apr 2000 23:51:00 +1000

Andrew,

Thnk you very much for the wondeful interview with Dennis DeYoung. I appreciate the opportunity you afforded him to express himself online.

Dennis' opposition uses the inernet very well. This is evidenced by people who would come to this site's message board even though they do not support Dennis. I guess it is not PC to face the bitter truth, quite so when another member of the band gets online regularly to remind the faithful that everything is cool.

So again I thank you.

Stan

Now to bookmark your site....

RE: Dennis DeYoung interview

Bladesian — Sun, 23 Apr 2000 23:02:27 +1000

Tamarion wrote:
>> and think if they had worked better on the cd together BNW would have blown folks away. I wish it had. <<

It did. Maybe if it had been done differently it would have blown more folks away than it did, but it DID blow folks away. I can guarantee you that.

Bladesian

RE: Dennis DeYoung interview

Bladesian — Sun, 23 Apr 2000 22:54:42 +1000

Shawn wrote:
>> Some things you just know.

No, somethings you believe. And you may in your mind think you "know" it, but you don't, it's just your personal individual belief. And that's fine. You may believe that Dennis's version is THE truth. You are welcome to that belief. But you don't know any more than the rest of us do. I seriously doubt God said to you "Shawn, what Dennis says is THE truth, and the ONLY truth."

To Miss Somebody

Susumu — Sun, 23 Apr 2000 21:00:01 +1000

Has anyone heard this song which is included in Jim Peterik and World Stage.

Thanks

Susumu

RE: Dennis DeYoung interview

Carolyn — Sun, 23 Apr 2000 20:39:36 +1000

It is indeed a great interview with Dennis (and I've read/heard countless interviews with the man)....thank you so much, Andrew!

Dennis has indeed been honest, forthright and consistent in the telling of his side of the story...and I only hope that this unfortunate chapter in the long history of Styx can be amicably resolved.

There is no Styx without Dennis DeYoung.

Carolyn

RE: Dennis DeYoung interview

Tamarion — Sun, 23 Apr 2000 15:32:03 +1000

I loved the interview. Dennis' funny style shines through. I am glad at last to hear his version of what happened, since I have heard so many of the other views from some of the band online.

Whatever the reasons though, he is missed by some of us fans of Styx, and think if they had worked better on the cd together BNW would have blown folks away. I wish it had.

Thanks for doing the interview.

Tamarion

RE: Dennis DeYoung interview

Shawn — Sun, 23 Apr 2000 03:25:50 +1000

>>>>Now, Shawn, how would you know if Dennis is being truthful and honest? We fans really have no way to know for sure. Now, I do definitely believe that Dennis is being honest. <<<<<<<

I believe him. I always have. Period. I know how I personally make decisions as to what I think is the truth and what is not and I did that long ago concerning Dennis DeYoung. It was not difficult for me. I didn't have to mull it over. Easy as pie, right as rain, simple as 1 2 3. Some things you just know.

Shawn

RE: Dennis DeYoung interview

Greg — Sun, 23 Apr 2000 02:37:14 +1000

Great interview with Dennis DeYoung! Keep it comin' Dennis- YOU are Styx.

Greg

RE: Dennis DeYoung interview

Bladesian — Sun, 23 Apr 2000 02:27:04 +1000

Now, Shawn, how would you know if Dennis is being truthful and honest? We fans really have no way to know for sure. Now, I do definitely believe that Dennis is being honest. And I believe he is telling the truth as he sees it (which of course follows from being honest), but that does't mean he's telling THE truth about the situation, and anything said from another perspecitive is thus wrong. Sometimes things seem to contradict because they come from different perspectives, when really both (or all) are true, but different views of a situation.

Shawn wrote:
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Thank you for doing the Dennis DeYoung interview. It was good to hear him discuss the situation between himself and the band he founded albeit a sad one. I'm glad he's continuing to clear up all the mistruths that have flooded cyberspace. His explanations have remained consistent and honest, which probably irritates some.
If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything.

His show in Chicago in February was incredible. I hope it blossoms into something very nice for him.

Shawn

Dennis DeYoung interview

Shawn — Sun, 23 Apr 2000 00:39:12 +1000

Thank you for doing the Dennis DeYoung interview. It was good to hear him discuss the situation between himself and the band he founded albeit a sad one. I'm glad he's continuing to clear up all the mistruths that have flooded cyberspace. His explanations have remained consistent and honest, which probably irritates some.
If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything.

His show in Chicago in February was incredible. I hope it blossoms into something very nice for him.

Shawn