Styx
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About Styx
The six men comprising STYX have committed to rocking the Paradise together with audiences far and wide by averaging over 100 shows a year every year since (yes) 1999, and each one of them is committed to making the next show better than the last. Founded in Chicago in 1972, STYX has the unique distinction of being the first band in rock history to have four consecutive certified multimillion-selling albums in a row: 1977’s The Grand Illusion, 1978’s Pieces of Eight, 1979’s Cornerstone, and 1981’s Paradise Theatre.
STYX draws from over four decades of barnburning chart hits, joyous singalongs, and harddriving deep cuts. Like a symphony that builds to a satisfying crescendo, a STYX set covers a wide range of stylistic cornerstones. From the progressively sweeping splendor that is “The Grand Illusion” to the hunker-down fortitude of all that is the “Blue Collar Man,” from the majestic spiritual love for a special “Lady” to the poignant rumination on the fleeting nature of fame in “Miss America,” from an individual yearning for true connection as a “Man in the Wilderness” to a soul-deep quest to achieve what’s at the heart of one’s personal vision in “Crystal Ball,” from the regal reach-for-the-stars bravado of “Come Sail Away” to the grainy all-in gallop of that rugged “Renegade” who had it made, STYX draws on an unlimited cache of ways to immerse one’s mind and body in their signature sound.
Styx
Styx is a rock band known for blending progressive rock, hard rock, and melodic songwriting into a distinctive sound. Their music combines layered vocals, guitar-driven arrangements, and theatrical influences. Their unique appeal helped them build a lasting presence in rock music.1
The band has released eighteen studio albums and continues to record new material while performing for audiences around the world. Known for their collaborative approach and strong musicianship, Styx has remained a recognizable name in rock for decades.1
Score your Styx tickets on AXS and experience their rock music live.
Styx’s Background
Styx traces its roots to a Chicago group formed during the late 1960s by vocalist and keyboardist Dennis DeYoung, bassist Chuck Panozzo, and drummer John Panozzo. After guitarists James “JY” Young and John Curulewski joined the lineup, the band signed with Wooden Nickel Records in 1972 and adopted the name Styx. The band then released a series of early albums that established its blend of progressive rock and memorable songwriting.2
When Lady gained national airplay in 1974, Styx reached a wider audience and achieved their first major breakthrough. Shortly afterward, guitarist and vocalist Tommy Shaw joined the band. His addition helped shape the sound behind many of Styx’s best-known songs and played an important role in the group’s continued success.2
Styx’s Awards
Styx has received recognition from both industry organizations and music fans during their career. The band’s honors reflect their impact on rock music and the popularity of their work.
- Grammy Award - Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal Nomination (1980): Styx received a nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 22nd Grammy Awards.3
- People’s Choice Award - Favorite New Song (1980): Styx earned a People’s Choice Award for Favorite New Song with Babe. This recognition showed the song’s popularity with audiences during a breakthrough period in the band’s career.4
- Illinois Rock & Roll Museum Hall of Fame - Induction (2022): Styx was inducted into the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum Hall of Fame in recognition of the band’s lasting contributions to rock music and its roots in Illinois.5
Styx’s Biggest Hits
Styx built its reputation on a catalog of songs that blended progressive rock, hard rock, and strong songwriting skills. Among the band’s best-known recordings are several hits from the late 1970s and early 1980s that helped establish Styx as one of the era’s most successful rock bands.
- Come Sail Away (1977): Come Sail Away was featured on the album The Grand Illusion, and became a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. It is known as one of Styx’s signature songs, and the memorable chorus helped introduce the band to a wider audience.6
- Renegade (1978): Renegade was released on the album Pieces of Eight and reached the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100. It remains one of the band’s most recognizable rock anthems.6
- Babe (1979): Babe is Styx's only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, and the song spent two weeks atop the chart. Babe became one of the band’s most successful and recognizable songs.6
See Styx Live
Styx concerts feature a mix of classic hits and fan favorites from across the band’s catalog. Known for strong musicianship, tight vocal harmonies, and polished performances, the band has remained a popular live act for decades. Styx regularly performs at concert venues, festivals, and special events worldwide.
Buy your Styx tickets on AXS and see classic rock favorites performed live.