With a list of hits longer than your arm and a high-flying, operatic style that takes pages from prog rock, arena rock, hard rock, and more, Styx has sold more than 54 million records worldwide. With four consecutive album releases that were certified multi-platinum by the RIAA and 16 top-40 singles on the US charts (eight of those singles were in the top 10), this band has been cranking out massive hits and filling concert spaces for decades.

From Chicago With Love

Styx got their start in Roselands, Chicago, in 1961 when brothers Chuck and John Panozzo and neighbor Dennis DeYoung, all still in their teens, formed the band. The boys continued to hone their skills, adding additional founding members James JY Young and John Curulewski, during their college years, and landed their first record contract in 1972, a move that saw them begin their rise to the top. In 1975, Curulewski left the band to spend time with his family instead of embarking on a major tour, and Tommy Shaw came in to replace him, resulting in the iconic lineup that’s responsible for much of Styx’s success.

Ups, Downs, and Ups Again

From 1975 on, Styx had an absolutely meteoric rise. Some of their most iconic hits, from Come Sail Away and Mr. Roboto to Too Much Time on My Hands, Lady, The Best of Times, and more, were written between 1975 and 1984. When the band decided to go on hiatus for its members to pursue solo careers, there was no keeping this band apart as by 1991 they had reunited. Sadly, Dennis DeYoung would leave the band, this time for good, in 1999, resulting in Lawrence Gowan replacing him going forward; DeYoung still has a vibrant solo career to this day, though there’s constant talk of a reunification somewhere down the line.

Today’s Monsters of Rock

Not even losing DeYoung to do his own thing has slowed down Styx, though. The new lineup has been busy in the 21st century, touring and releasing new albums left and right. They’re especially close with REO Speedwagon, having gone on dozens of tours together with the band, and has appeared together with other monsters of rock such as Boston, .38 Special, Foreigner, Def Leppard, and more. This red-hot rock group, whether on tour or back in the recording studio, hasn’t lost a step, so get your Styx tickets for their next concert today!