Ahh, Styx. Make me think of my high school neighbor, Jack. He and I used to have arguments over the best bands. I tended toward Beatles and Stones. He insisted Kiss and Van Halen were the true rulers of rock. We’d each take turns playing songs for each other in an attempt to convince the other.
Jack liked Styx while they were rocking hard with albums such as Cornerstone, Pieces of Eight, and Grand Illusion. He wasn’t so sure about Paradise Theater, their 1981 release. It was a rock opera and a new direction. Still, it was Styx and it eventually won him over.
Jack did give me an appreciation for all of this style rock, and I owe him for it. (I wonder if he likes the Beatles, yet?)
Here Styx are in Japan.
Wow, Styx!
I wasn’t a big Styx fan, but you couldn’t avoid them in the late 70s- early 80s. They spanned several genres and were accomplished musicians.
And if for nothing else, I’ll always love them for making Cartman compulsively sing, “Come Sail Away.”
Never really noticed how much
Never really noticed how much they are like the band Queen.
I never get tired of Blue Collar Man. I think it is the church organ mixed with distorted guitars that does it. Also the ride cymbal work.
organ
I’m listing to Blue Collar Man right now and I’m sure that’s just a synth. I thought it might be a Hammond but it doesn’t have the sound. For a heapin’ helpin’ of organ, Three Dog Night is your band.
Biggest rock concert I spent money on a ticket for in college
I was a huge Styx fan in the 70s, especially their pre-rock-opera albums, all of which I still have in vinyl. Saw them live at the Worcester Centrum in 1983. Great concert, nice balance of old and new tunes, my ears were still ringing in the morning.
Big shows and big prices
And how much was that pricey ticket for the show? $8?
This show has it all – good music, flamboyance, shiny suits, big hair.