Album Information:
Album ID: 9847
About Styx:
Styx is a renowned American rock band that formed in Chicago, Illinois in 1972. The group consists of members Tommy Shaw (vocals, guitar), James Young (vocals, guitar), Chuck Panozzo (bass), Todd Sucherman (drums), Lawrence Gowan (vocals, keyboards), and Ricky Phillips (bass).
The band's early years were marked by a string of successful albums, including 'The Grand Illusion' (1977), which spent 16 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart and sold over 3 million copies in the United States alone. This album's success was followed by the release of 'Pieces of Eight' (1978), which featured one of the band's biggest hits, 'Renegade.'
In the 1980s, Styx hit their commercial peak with the release of several successful albums such as 'Paradise Theatre' (1981), which became the band's most successful album, selling over 3 million copies and featuring hits such as 'Rockin' the Paradise' and 'Too Much Time on My Hands.' The band continued to produce hit singles with their 1983 album 'Kilroy Was Here,' which included the hit song 'Mr. Roboto.'
Throughout their history, Styx has maintained their popularity with their constant touring and continued to release new music. Many of their songs have become classics, such as 'Come Sail Away,' 'Babe,' 'Blue Collar Man,' and 'The Best of Times.'
The band has faced several lineup changes throughout the years, but their sound has always remained distinctive and recognizable. They remain a staple of classic rock radio, and their music continues to resonate with new generations of listeners.
In conclusion, Styx is an iconic American rock band known for their unique blend of arena rock and progressive rock. With multiple hit songs and successful albums, they have become one of the most influential and enduring rock bands of all time.
About the album Kilroy Was Here:
Kilroy Was Here is the eleventh studio album by the American rock band Styx. It was released on February 22, 1983, and is considered to be the band's most ambitious and theatrical album to date. The album is a concept album that tells the story of a futuristic society where rock music is outlawed and a tyrannical regime has taken over. Kilroy, the protagonist of the album, is a rock musician who has been imprisoned for his music and seeks to liberate society from the oppressive regime.
The album's signature track is 'Mr. Roboto,' which has become one of Styx's most recognizable and popular songs. The song features a robotic voice and a catchy synth-pop melody that became an instant hit upon its release. The song's hook, 'Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto,' is a phrase that has since become a cultural touchstone.
Other standout tracks on Kilroy Was Here include the pulsing rocker 'Heavy Metal Poisoning,' the bombastic 'Don't Let It End,' and the emotional ballad 'Just Get Through This Night.' The album's sound is a departure from Styx's earlier, more guitar-driven rock sound, with a greater emphasis on keyboards and electronic instrumentation.
In addition to its music, Kilroy Was Here also features a story that runs throughout the album, told through spoken-word interludes and theatrical performances. The album was accompanied by a stage show that featured elaborate sets, costumes, and choreography, making it one of the most ambitious and visually stunning rock shows of its time.
Overall, Kilroy Was Here is a landmark album in Styx's catalog, showcasing the band's ability to push the boundaries of rock music while telling a compelling story. Its enduring legacy is a testament to its relevance and enduring appeal to rock fans of all ages.
Members:
Styx is an American rock band that was formed in Chicago in 1972. The band has gone through various lineups over the years, but the most well-known members to the general public include:
1. Dennis DeYoung: Dennis was the lead vocalist, keyboardist, and primary songwriter for Styx from 1970 to 1999. He was born in 1947 in Illinois and initially pursued a career in teaching but eventually turned to music. He formed Styx with his neighbor John Curulewski in 1970 and helped guide the band to success with hits like 'Come Sail Away' and 'Babe.' Dennis left Styx in 1999 to pursue a solo career.
2. Tommy Shaw: Tommy joined Styx in 1975 as a guitarist and vocalist. He was born in Alabama in 1953 and had previously been a member of the band MS Funk. Tommy's addition to Styx helped the group achieve a more guitar-driven sound and he wrote some of their biggest hits, such as 'Renegade' and 'Too Much Time on My Hands.' He left Styx in 1984 for a solo career but rejoined in 1995.
3. James 'J.Y.' Young: J.Y. was one of the founding members of Styx and has been with the band through most of its various lineups. He was born in 1949 in Illinois and initially played guitar in various garage bands before forming Styx with Dennis and John in 1970. J.Y. serves as the band's lead guitarist and also contributes vocals.
4. Chuck Panozzo: Chuck was Styx's bass guitarist from 1970 to 2001. He was born in 1948 in Illinois and co-founded the band with Dennis and John. Chuck is openly gay and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights throughout his career. He took a hiatus from Styx in the 1990s to address his health but returned in 1999.
5. John Panozzo: John was Styx's drummer from 1970 to 1996. He was born in 1948 in Illinois and was Chuck's brother. John was known for his powerful drumming style and contributed to many of Styx's biggest hits. He struggled with alcohol addiction for much of his life and passed away in 1996 from complications related to his addiction.
6. Todd Sucherman: Todd became Styx's drummer in 1996 after John's passing. He was born in 1969 in Illinois and had previously played in various other bands and as a session musician. Todd has been with Styx for over 20 years and has been a prominent contributor to the band's more recent material.
Track List for Kilroy Was Here:
I'm sorry, as an AI language model, I do not have access to real-time information. However, I can provide you a list of the tracks in the album 'Kilroy Was Here' by the artist Styx.
1) 'Mr. Roboto' - 5:28 - This is the lead single of the album and is a futuristic tale of a society ruled by machines. The song features a prominent use of synthesizers and sound effects.
2) 'Cold War' - 4:22 - This song is a commentary on the political tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War era. The track features a strong guitar riff and intense vocals.
3) 'Don't Let It End' - 4:56 - This ballad is a plea to a lover to not let their relationship come to an end. The song features acoustic guitar and piano.
4) 'High Time' - 4:28 - This track is an upbeat rock song with a catchy chorus. The lyrics speak of living life to the fullest and taking risks.
5) 'Heavy Metal Poisoning' - 4:58 - A cautionary tale about the dangers of heavy metal music and its potential effects on one's mental health.
6) 'Just Get Through This Night' - 6:06 - This track is a power ballad about overcoming struggles and persevering through difficult times. The song features emotional vocals and a prominent guitar solo.
7) 'Double Life' - 3:49 - A song about living a double life and keeping secrets from those around you. The track features a driving bassline and guitar riff.
8) 'Haven't We Been Here Before?' - 4:56 - This song is about the cyclical nature of history and how humanity seems to repeat the same mistakes. The track features atmospheric synths and guitar work.
9) 'Don't Let It End (reprise)' - 2:13 - The reprise is an acoustic version of the earlier ballad, 'Don't Let It End'. The track features stripped-down instrumentation and showcases the emotional vocals of lead singer Dennis DeYoung.
Overall, Kilroy Was Here is a concept album that tells the story of a dystopian future where rock music has been banned by a totalitarian government. The tracks feature a mix of rock, synth-pop, and ballads, and the album ultimately served as a commentary on censorship and political oppression.
Discography for Styx:
Sure, here's the complete discography for Styx in chronological order:
Albums:
- Styx (1972)
- Styx II (1973)
- The Serpent Is Rising (1973)
- Man of Miracles (1974)
- Equinox (1975)
- Crystal Ball (1976)
- The Grand Illusion (1977)
- Pieces of Eight (1978)
- Cornerstone (1979)
- Paradise Theater (1981)
- Kilroy Was Here (1983)
- Caught in the Act (1984)
- Edge of the Century (1990)
- Brave New World (1999)
- Cyclorama (2003)
- Big Bang Theory (2005)
- The Mission (2017)
Singles:
- 'Best Thing' (1972)
- 'Lady' (1973)
- 'You Need Love' (1974)
- 'Lorelei' (1976)
- 'Come Sail Away' (1977)
- 'Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)' (1977)
- 'The Grand Illusion' (1978)
- 'Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)' (1978)
- 'Renegade' (1979)
- 'Babe' (1979)
- 'Why Me' (1980)
- 'The Best of Times' (1981)
- 'Too Much Time on My Hands' (1981)
- 'Nothing Ever Goes as Planned' (1981)
- 'Mr. Roboto' (1983)
- 'Don't Let It End' (1983)
- 'High Time' (1983)
- 'Music Time' (1984)
- 'Love Is the Ritual' (1990)
Other releases:
- Styx: Live at the Orleans Arena Las Vegas (2015) DVD/Blu-ray
- One with Everything: Styx and the Contemporary Youth Orchestra (2006)
- Styx: The Best of Times - The Best of Styx (1997)
- Styx World Live 2001 (2001)
- Styx Master Series (1997)
I hope that helps!