Album Information:

About Styx:

Styx is an American rock band that was formed in 1972 in Chicago, Illinois. The band's original lineup consisted of Dennis DeYoung on vocals and keyboards, James 'J.Y.' Young on guitar and vocals, John Curulewski on guitar and vocals, Chuck Panozzo on bass guitar, and John Panozzo on drums.

Styx's early music was heavily influenced by progressive rock, featuring complex arrangements and lengthy, multi-part songs. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1972 and was followed by a string of successful albums throughout the 1970s, including 'The Grand Illusion' (1977) and 'Pieces of Eight' (1978).

In the 1980s, Styx moved towards a more commercial sound, incorporating elements of pop and arena rock into their music. Their album 'Paradise Theatre' (1981) was a huge commercial success, spawning hit singles like 'Too Much Time on My Hands' and 'The Best of Times'. However, internal tensions within the band led to the departure of DeYoung in 1999, effectively ending Styx's classic lineup.

The band continued to tour and release new music throughout the 2000s and 2010s, with various lineup changes. In 2017, the classic lineup of Styx (minus the late John Panozzo) reunited to perform together for the first time in over 20 years.

Overall, Styx is known for their intricate songwriting, powerful vocal harmonies, and dynamic live performances. Their music has influenced countless other bands in the progressive and arena rock genres, and they remain an important part of rock music history.

About the album Paradise Theater:

Paradise Theater is the 10th studio album by the American rock band Styx, released on January 19, 1981. It is somewhat of a concept album, telling the story of a fictional theater named Paradise that opens in Chicago during the 1920s and then closes decades later in the 1980s.

The album opens with the track 'A.D. 1928,' an instrumental piece that sets the stage for the story to come. It is followed by 'Rockin' the Paradise,' an upbeat track with catchy harmonies and guitar riffs that serves as a tribute to the Paradise theater.

Other notable tracks on the album include 'The Best of Times,' a power ballad that became a hit single and is often played at weddings and other special events. 'Too Much Time on My Hands' is another popular track, with a catchy keyboard riff and lyrics about wasting time.

The album also includes several heavier tracks, such as 'Snowblind,' 'Half-Penny, Two-Penny,' and 'Lonely People,' which deal with themes like addiction, poverty, and loneliness.

The album closes with the track 'State Street Sadie,' a bluesy number that reflects on the rise and fall of the Paradise theater and leaves the listener with a sense of nostalgia and wistfulness.

Overall, Paradise Theater is one of Styx's most successful albums, selling over 3 million copies in the United States alone and earning critical acclaim for its ambitious concept and memorable songs. It remains a beloved classic of 1980s rock music.

Members:

Styx is a widely popular American rock band that has been active since 1972. The band has gone through several changes in its lineup with some members leaving and others joining in over the years. Here is a list of key members of the band along with their biographies:

1. James 'J.Y.' Young - Guitarist/Vocalist
J.Y. Young is one of the founding members of Styx. He was born on November 14, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois. Before joining the band, Young was a member of the local garage bands at the Chicago nightclub scene. In Styx, he took on many of the lead vocals, most notably on the popular tracks like 'Miss America,' 'Snowblind,' and 'Come Sail Away.'

2. Dennis DeYoung - Keyboardist/Vocalist
Dennis DeYoung was also one of the founding members of Styx, born on February 18, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois. He was responsible for the band's signature sound, including writing and singing on many of their biggest hits, including 'Lady,' 'Babe,' and 'The Best of Times.' DeYoung left the band in 1999, following a feud with other members.

3. Tommy Shaw - Guitarist/Vocalist
Tommy Shaw joined Styx in 1976, replacing founding member John Curulewski. He was born on September 11, 1953, in Montgomery, Alabama. He played guitar and contributed his soulful rock voice to many of the band's most memorable tracks, like 'Too Much Time on My Hands,' 'Renegade,' and 'Crystal Ball.' Shaw temporarily left the band in the 1980s for a solo career before rejoining the band in the 1990s.

4. Chuck Panozzo - Bassist
Chuck Panozzo is one of the founding members of Styx, born on September 20, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois. After living openly with HIV, he left the band in 1991 to focus on his health. He made a comeback in later years, making occasional appearances at Styx concerts.

5. John Panozzo - Drummer
John Panozzo was the band's original drummer and one of the founding members, born on September 20, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois. He helped form the band with his brother Chuck and Dennis DeYoung in 1970. John died in 1996, due to complications from alcoholism.

6. Lawrence Gowan - Keyboardist/Vocalist
Lawrence Gowan joined Styx in 1999, replacing Dennis DeYoung. He was born on November 22, 1956, in Glasgow, Scotland. Gowan is a successful solo artist and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2019. He continues to perform with Styx and release solo material.

Today, the current members of Styx are James 'J.Y.' Young, Tommy Shaw, Todd Sucherman (drummer since 1995), Lawrence Gowan, and Ricky Phillips (bassist since 2003).

Track List for Paradise Theater:

1. A.D. 1928 - 1:07
The album opener serves as an introduction to the concept of Paradise Theater, with a radio broadcast announcing the grand opening of the famed Chicago venue in 1928.

2. Rockin' The Paradise - 3:33
This upbeat and energetic track is a celebration of the Paradise Theater, with driving guitar riffs and a catchy chorus that will have listeners tapping their toes and singing along.

3. Too Much Time On My Hands - 4:33
One of Styx's most well-known hits, this track features a prominent synthesizer melody and a memorable chorus. The song's lyrics reflect the feeling of restlessness that comes with having too much time to kill.

4. Nothing Ever Goes As Planned - 4:49
The first ballad on the album, this track laments the unpredictability of life and the fact that things often don't turn out the way we expect them to.

5. The Best Of Times - 4:20
Perhaps the album's signature track, 'The Best of Times' is a nostalgic and romantic ballad that reflects on the moments of happiness and joy that we cherish and remember for the rest of our lives.

6. Lonely People - 5:26
With its haunting piano melody and melancholic lyrics, 'Lonely People' is a poignant meditation on the feeling of sadness and isolation that we all experience from time to time.

7. She Cares - 4:17
A catchy and upbeat track with a classic rock feel, 'She Cares' is a tribute to the power of love and the importance of having someone in your life who cares about you.

8. Snowblind - 4:59
With its heavy guitar riffs and dark lyrics, 'Snowblind' is a hard-hitting rock track that explores the dangers of drug addiction.

9. Half-Penny, Two-Penny - 4:33
A somewhat more political track, 'Half-Penny, Two-Penny' is a commentary on the increasing divide between the rich and poor in American society.

10. A.D. 1958 - 2:31
The album's closing track, 'A.D. 1958' serves as an epilogue to the Paradise Theater story, with a news report announcing the theater's closure and the end of an era.

Discography for Styx:

Sure! Here is a complete discography for the artist Styx in chronological order, including all albums, singles, and other releases with their respective release dates:

Albums:
1. Styx (1972)
2. Styx II (1973)
3. The Serpent Is Rising (1973)
4. Man of Miracles (1974)
5. Equinox (1975)
6. Crystal Ball (1976)
7. The Grand Illusion (1977)
8. Pieces of Eight (1978)
9. Cornerstone (1979)
10. Paradise Theatre (1981)
11. Kilroy Was Here (1983)
12. Caught in the Act (1984)
13. Edge of the Century (1990)
14. Return to Paradise (1997)
15. Brave New World (1999)
16. Cyclorama (2003)
17. Big Bang Theory (2005)
18. The Mission (2017)

Compilations:
1. Best of Styx (1977)
2. Styx: Greatest Hits (1995)
3. Styx: The Best of Times - The Best of Styx (1997)
4. Come Sail Away: The Styx Anthology (2004)
5. 21st Century Live (2003)

Singles:
1. 'Best Thing' (1972)
2. 'Lady' (1973)
3. 'You Need Love' (1973)
4. 'Rock & Roll Feeling' (1974)
5. 'Light Up' (1975)
6. 'Lorelei' (1976)
7. 'Mademoiselle' (1976)
8. 'Sing for the Day' (1979)
9. 'Babe' (1979)
10. 'Why Me' (1980)
11. 'The Best of Times' (1981)
12. 'Too Much Time on My Hands' (1981)
13. 'Nothing Ever Goes as Planned' (1981)
14. 'Mr. Roboto' (1983)
15. 'Don't Let It End' (1983)
16. 'High Time' (1991)
17. 'Love Is the Ritual' (1991)
18. 'Paradise' (1996)

Other releases:
1. Styx: Live at the Orleans Arena, Las Vegas (2015)
2. Styx: Live at the Orleans Arena, Las Vegas (2015) (DVD)