Styx 81 - Crystal Ball

[WebventureTime]

Luke Skywalker wails <3

[tjrrockandrollmaster]

This was Styx at its finest live. DDY's Oberheim synthesizer solo was better than the problematic Mini-Moog he used prior to 1977. He was playing the String Ensemble with his left hand while he soloed on the Obie 8 Voice while TS switched from acoustic to his black Gibson Explorer. Shame I was just 5 years old in 1981 I would have gone to see Styx at the old Boston Garden. Without DDY, they have to open for Def Leppard when they do play on bigger scale summer tours.

[UltraRareBreed]

...my heart is breakin, my bodies achin and I don't know where to go...THEY ROCK ! This is when they were all together. I saw them minus DDY a few years back and they were great tho. I love em all. I grew up hearing The Grand ILLusion due to my dad being a rocker. Those were the days.

[veritriphy]

I can't say how they are now, Styx were hot back in the day, so I still say it takes an Alabamian to show'em how it's done! (Tommy Shaw, Montgomery,Al. native) I grew-up in Chicago,Il. and Birmingham,Al. so I'm a fan of any good rock band/musician from the Great Lakes and the Deep South

[jenngra505]

Styx had a ton of great songs, but this my favorite by far.

[redneck6310]

Styx V1 was the best wooden nickel years!!

[ghostdancer2302]

I miss this Styx :-(

[Fixxer315]

Let me also add that the shows without DDY were acceptable, as Lawrence has a very good voice. However, the band has gotten quite staid with their setlists, with rare exceptions.

[Fixxer315]

Not much to contribute to the debate, other than I wish Dennis, Tommy and JY would get back together, if only for a moneymaking reunion tour. They could even keep Lawrence for the keys. I saw them eight times, but only once with DDY (in 97), and that was the best show of them all.

[mrroboto5785]

@Fixxer315 That's exactly what I want, it doesn't have to be a permanent thing, just one reunion tour, and at one of the shows record it for DVD and CD, so those that have to miss it could still be a part of it. Lawrence shouldn't have to be kicked out just for a reunion tour, he has his own songs that he has written and covered in the band. Dennis could be on piano and Lawrence could be on his keyboards.

[sherriepa]

I've have seen Styx at their greatest in the 70's and 80's 5 times with Dennis De Young, the Panazzo brother, James Young and Tommy Shaw. Before the break up. Now they are just touring for the money. And they should stop, beacause they are just a bunch of get high has beens. Ruining what were once the best music of its time. It's quite sad, because I've seen Tommy and James doing their new show, and I felt so sad for them, that they ruined what Styx used to be. Please, retire.

[Fuff63]

Even this murky video brings back such magical memories of seeing Styx live in 1981 in NY at age 17. I drove me and my girlfriend plus 2 friends in my rusty 73 white 4dr Chevy (burgundy interior!), singing to the 8 track all the way to the "Paradise Theater" show that night. They were brilliant! Their stage show, tight harmonies and musicianship is still unparalleled. This is the Styx I will always remember. To this day, I believe that this tour is still the best live show I've ever seen!

[jimmywacked]

@Fuff63 81' ? → The Garden-- I was there.. Damn your old.. LOL.... seen 'em 23 times. Once 4 times in 5 days.

78- Atlantic City, Nass Coliseum, MSGarden, and the Hartford Conn. All in my 69 chevelle.!! and 2 buddies and a 'Babe' awesome memories...Heard the new STYX Remakes..? called 'Regeneration'.. they're on here..(very- different)..

[smalltownman73]

This was when Styx was at it's best live. Outstanding performance! This particular video however is very poor quality.

[www41WorldUSAcom]

STYX AT THE CAPITAL CENTER MD USA

[9evilnine9]

Tommy Shaw sang some of Styx greatest tunes!

[sprjw88]

amazing vocals...

[toothmaker22000]

one  word.....killer!

[Styxchic1]

I'll take Dennis over Tommy any day! Tommy's good but Dennis is better!

It's not Styx now! Who's missing.... Hmm lets see.... Uh Dennis. They kicked him out of his own band that he co-founded and created with the pannozo brothers! Tommy and JY weren't even around! It's Dennis who got them noticed with Lady. And tommy and jy complain about Dennis' ballads! What song won them awards? Uh Babe!

[kelandspence]

@Styxchic1 I like styx with and without Dennis..... Dennis is very talented but doesn't have what Tommy does..... a personality and stage presence !

[kelandspence]

@kelandspence Dennis does have one thing Tommy doesn't.... a stick up his ass ! lol

[romeokid69]

@Styxchic1 Look, I love Dennis AND Tommy. I had the opportunity to meet Styx in 2004 and was priveledged to have a long conversation with Tommy who said that being in a band is business. It sucks, but that is the way it is. These guys have families to support and they are not millionaires as everyone seems to think. They went on the road without Dennis because the demand was there. And Styx have proven themselves without Dennis. Sorry, but I can't say the same for him.

[MercurysWoman]

@romeokid69 While I agree that Styx without DDY was really good, when I was Dennis solo, he was just as good, if not, better! When Lawrence sings Dennis' songs, it's like a really good cover band, it's the same when the young guys in Dennis' band sing Tommy's stuff, however, Dennis' show had only a few of the other member's songs and Styx's show had many of Dennis' songs, even covered Lady and Babe, when I saw them! I feel like both are like a great cover band, but I liked Dennis' show better!

[MercurysWoman]

@MercurysWoman I was never Dennis DeYoung, but I SAW Dennis' solo concert. LOL

[Ken5244]

@tjrtherocksponge

OK ... shift in direction here.

I posted another comment. Then I looked at your channel again & happened to catch a comment you made in another thread. In it, you mentioned you have autism/Asperger's syndrome. I didn't know that. That being the case, I've deleted the second comment.

I have some health problems I can't help too, and it makes life difficult sometimes. Your condition explains your behavior, and if you can't help it, so be it. Seriously, I wish you the best.

[2ndRunningfree]

A true masterpiece!

[studioapenzell]

this rocks....

[KMOM14]

People, the thankful for the bootleg capturing awesome moment in history...video cameras in the 80's were expensive and rare.

[MultiMetalgod]

i was there great live band tommy rocked

[shrubbmeister]

Dennis ruined this band.

[MissLilaDay]

love Tommy, he's sexier than ever, would like to check out his crystal balls,lol

[maxpin63]

This is so awsome!!!!!111111++++++

beautiful keyboard solo!!!!!!1

[beowulven]

Tommy could eat corn on the cob through a picket fence.

[rdalev]

Or squash you with his wallet !

[TheRisingforce2000]

tommy shaw made styx a superpower

[beowulven]

I prefer John Curulewski.

[rfdtexas]

James Young was the coolest one in the band. Dennis made them a more wimpy girlie band. I still like them and they did put on a good show when I saw them Grand Illusion Tour.

[Styxchic1]

@rfdtexas You need to have your ears checked! Dennis is the best! Not the same without him!

[2ndRunningfree]

@Styxchic1 That's probably why this person says that Dennis ruined this band....Dennis took off and without him it's not the same!

[guitarslave]

Damn, that keyboardist threw down a bad ass solo...that was awesome.

[CHARLIEMANS0N]

I PLAY FOR HEADEAST TOMMY SHAW ROCKS

[brrs131]

u play for headeast i luv yall i dont think yall got enough credit for your music keep on rocking i watch some of yalls videos great stuff!

[iqfrenzy]

Tommy Shaw has an amazing voice.

[ZenDriveSeven]

Tommy was the sole reason I bought a Gibson Explorer last year. Saw them when I was 16 and have wanted one ever since.

[minsterhill]

I remember Tommy as a kid a natural guitarist and vocalist man was I jealous!

[iqfrenzy]

You knew Tommy? I had the biggest crush on him when I was a teen.

[robi2000]

U dudes down there commenting on the lives of those u've never met is utterly hilarious.

[Ken5244]

robi2000 said, "U dudes down there commenting on the lives of those u've never met is utterly hilarious."

Amen. I stumbled upon this thread accidentally, decided to read thru some back pages, and agree completely. Free clue for floydgenesisnut and heymrbluesman: Your pseudo knowledge of the interpersonal relationships in Pink Floyd & The Eagles is a joke. You've never been around those guys in person and you don't know anyone who has. You need to get out of the house more & get a life.

[captdg]

Tommy feels "Just Capital" ...to quote Powers Booth from Tombstone

[ovsportsman]

Throw back, but still great.

[styxandsparkles14]

yeah its sad... I LOVE YOU DENNIS

but tommy is perfectly fine with me♥

[tcrick001]

SHAW BLADES!!!

[danastev924]

That's totally true- Collins was what the fans want (or possibly Gabriel). 77Wells, I won't see Styx with this new guy, just as I won't see Journey with anyone but Perry. There are only a few bands I would see with a new lead: They'd need to be someone established (VH), a player already within the band (Genesis) or one who takes the band to a new height and shows durability (AC/DC fits both of those with Johnson). Yeah - Styx should change their name if they tour without Dennis DeYoung. LOL STUX

[Libra28K]

Thanks to Tommy Shaw Styx made it as far as they did. He was the driving force behind the band.  Dennis was a unique talent in his own right, but Tommy made the band!

[krisscats]

This song was as popular back then as it is today! Tommy Shaw still has it !

[jazcat6822]

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!! I was at this concert! My dad dropped off my friend and me at the entrance to the parking lot and picked us up afterwards.  What an awesome night! Thanks for posting this great memory!

[toocowstoomany]

hey, how old was tommy shaw in this tour?

[77Wells]

He was born in Sept. '53, so depending on what time of '81 this was played, he was 27 or 28.

[zombywolffrank]

God I'm sitting in my 77 Trans Am with Maryanne. Soon I'll move to the back seat with my horny girlfriend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JayKay62969]

Cool! I was 12 years old hanging out at my best friends house and getting drunk on Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill her 16 year old boyfriend had bought for us. Looking back on it I realize he was trying to get into our pants but his plan backfired. We kicked him out of the house and staggered to our local high school carnival, stopping to pee in several yards along the way. Wow! I can't believe I remember all of that.

[perrin1303]

I hear you--I had a '69 Firebird with a small backseat and a 15 year old girlfriend!!! Talk about some great memories....!!!

[ManAndAHalf]

I appreciate your opinion, but I don't think the loss of DDY was as drastic as the loss of Phil Collins. There weren't many people lining up to see Genesis after Phil left. Styx continued to play arenas and outdoor sheds after DDY left and only recently started the House of Blues and Fairgrounds circuit. I think the big difference is Collins sang all the hits for Genesis. Shaw and JY sang too. Plus Gowan sounds enough like DDY to satisfy the casual fan.

[devinSG]

its not only Phill Collins though, you need to think of Freddie Mercury and John Bonham

[floydgenesisnut]

Also, add Rick Wright to the list of bands who shouldn't carry on without key members. His keyboards were crucial to Pink Floyd sound as was David Gilmour's voice and guitar. When Rick died, David and Nick Mason (the only other original Pink Floyd member to play every gig aside Wright) officially ended Pink Floyd. I also forgot Queen bass player John Deacon who retired from the band after Freddie died and hates the Queen Plus (Britney, Paul Rodgers and so on) charade going on out there.

[77Wells]

Gowan sounds about as much like Dennis as the "Journey fill-ins" sound like Steve Perry. Hitting the same notes doesn't mean you sound like the other guy. DDY outsings Gowan, and Styx is "Stux" without him.

[ManAndAHalf]

I believe you and I are more than just casual Styx fans. Therefore, we know the distinct differences between Gowan and DeYoung. However, all I am saying is Gowan sounds enough like DDY to suit the casual fan. The evidence is Styx's ability to continue to draw arena size audiences until recently. Genesis wouldn't be able to draw flies without Collins (unless they had Peter Gabriel, maybe). That is why I said the loss of Collins was more drastic than the loss of DDY.

[77Wells]

Dennis is having more success as a solo act than the current version of "Styx."  That says a lot right there. He can do a complete show of his songs and include more Styx hits - he doesn't have to do Tommy & JY's stuff. But those guys continue to do Lady, The Grand Illusion, Come Sail Away, etc. If they really don't need Dennis, they should not perform ANY of his stuff... and we'll see if they don't lose some more ticket sales.

[floydgenesisnut]

Styx also play state fairs and cruises plus rodeos and biker rallies when they aren't playing arenas as an OPENING for either Def Leppard or Foreigner, Boston or whomever. Dennis is about to release 100 Years From Now in the US in April (was already released in Canada but US issue will have two bonus tracks) and the album sounds more like classic Styx to me as opposed to Big Bong Theory and/or Cyclocraparama.

[mormonmilitia]

yeah...some incarnation of Styx played at the Western Idaho State Fair some years ago. I wanted to go, but I spared them the shame.

[floydgenesisnut]

This performance is how I choose to remember Styx as I knew and loved with JY, Tommy, Dennis, John and Chuck. All of what they did up to DDY's wrongful ouster was great in its own way (I even like Kirloy, was a brave album to make though many whine about it). Dennis' Oberheim Four Voice synthesizer solo here was much better than the solo on the original record where he used I believe the ARP Pro-Soloist with the Solina String Ensemble being played in the background.

[heymrbluesman]

And DDY will soon be following them touring fairs, cruises and biker rallies or opening for other acts. But, hey, that 100 years from now CD, that's great. I'm sure it will sell all of 20,000 copies here in the U.S. I have nothing against DDY and, really, wish the guys would patch things up and reunite once and for all, but, Styx's prime (and I love them) was 25-30 years ago.

[floydgenesisnut]

DDY's touring in theaters now with an acoustic band featuring Glen Burtnik (whom was also oustered by JY and Tommy in 2003, he didn't quit he was fired). One Hundred Years From Now (the US version) is SUPERIOR to the Styx albums without him. Styx without him is as bad as Pink Floyd without Rick Wright (they at least corrected that mistake when Roger Waters left and David Gilmour and Nick Mason reinstated him).

[heymrbluesman]

DDY's new album is OK and it may be better than the stuff TS and JY are putting out, but, it still isn't Styx. Even the biggest DDY fan has to admit he's put out some junk ("First Time," "Music Time," and "It Takes Love") with Styx. He needs TS and JY as much as they need him. With Styx, the sum is definitely greater than the individual parts.

The Floyd comparison is interesting, but, I've always thought DDY is Styx's Roger Waters (self indulgent, arrogant and demanding).

[floydgenesisnut]

DDY wasn't Roger Waters, not by a longshot. Roger FIRED people (Syd and later Rick Wright) and would claim CREDIT for things he didn't write musically, DDY was leader of Styx, not controller as that lameass Behind the Music depicted (fuck those VH1 dicks). However with KWH, TS was in a bad drug and alcohol addiction and his songwriting suffered and A&M wanted another album so they went on with KWH. TS has made his share of shit as well (What If and Seven Deadly Zens suck, Damn Yankess suck).

[heymrbluesman]

I just don't understand why DDY is criticized, DDY supporters throw criticism at TS. I agree TS has made some junk and I think the DDY less Styx is kind of a joke. But, its not just BTM, it's everything I've ever read about the band (includingSterling's book) that suggests to me that DDY was overbearing, a control freak (touring, KWH-he's admitted as much),self indulgent and on and on. That doesn't mean he didn't make some great music-he did. And, Edge of the Century(with Glen) was JUNK.

[floydgenesisnut]

Sterling Whitaker's book was filled with inaccuracies (as are many books not written by bands like Genesis' Chapter and Verse and Nick Mason's Pink Floyd book Inside Out). As Don Henley said "there's three sides to every story, yours mine and the cold hard truth". Edge of the Century was a great album as was Equinox though different. Same could be said for the Pink Floyd thing as Roger Waters called David Gilmour a lazy bastard

[heymrbluesman]

Sterling's book contains voluminous, direct quotes. Virtually everyone interviewed had negative things to say about DDY (Bob Garcia, from A&M, who seems to like DDY being a lone exception and even his praise was faint). Your man Glen, at pp 232-33 called him "demanding," said he threw "fits," was a "prima donna type" who is "self-righteous and tends to lecture." Also, he "drops insults carelessly and often." If enough people are saying the same thing, there must be some basic truth to it.

[floydgenesisnut]

Sterling's book was factually inaccurate. I skimmed through it and was not impressed. I rarely read music books nowadays. I'll stick with radio interviews like Bob Coburn, Redbeard and so on. Glen is now working with DDY again after JY and TS fired his ass. I'm not knocking TS. JY is the one who is a prick, he holds grudges against people. He was PO'd at TS for years then now is his friend all of a sudden.

[heymrbluesman]

As to Floyd, again the sum is greater than the parts. DSOTM, WYWH and Animals were fantastic albums which did include a lot of Waters material (solo or co-written). The Wall was a bloated self-indulgent piece of crap and the Final Cut was just self-indulgent. But, as bad as I thought those albums were, they were as good as or better than the Division Bell and Momentary Lapse. Give Waters the credit he's due. And sorry Edge of the Century is junk (and barely went gold) and isn't close to Eq.

[floydgenesisnut]

Meddle and Obscured by Clouds were WAY BETTER ALBUMS than Animals. Animals was the start of the ego trip for Waters and he hated Rick Wright and treated him like shit and restricted David Gilmour to one song which was the album's best track "Dogs". I prefer a live version of Animals from 1977 to the album. BTW, I prefer The Wall Live to its studio counterpart. TDB was PF again with DG and RickW playing with a fire not seen since WYWH. TFC was depressing.

[heymrbluesman]

Finally, you quote Don Henley who, universally, is known as one of the biggest pricks (surpassed only by Glen Frey) in the business. Ask or read Felder's book or ask Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner. Or, even read Henley and Frey's comments after the breakup. They are narcissistic, egomaniacal and money hungry and yet I think they made some of the greatest music in the last 50 years. I don't personally have to like these artists to enjoy their genius. (And I don't dislike DDY).

[floydgenesisnut]

I'm on Felder's side of The Eagles feud (how Frey (mainly) and some Henley (great lyricist though) treated him was ill). in the PF feud, I was a RickW and DG supporter, RWaters made Hitler look kind. If Styx had stayed in the Wooden Nickel sound with JY singing, then they wouldn't have been the band it was. Equinox was the first Styx record with DDY in charge. The first album with TS could've been called This Old Man but DDY chose CB as title and Mademoiselle as single to spotlight the new boy.

[heymrbluesman]

I'm also on Felder's side and think Waters was an egotistical, maniacal ass. What kills me though is how DG and NM went along with the sacking of RickW. I'll never understand that as DG has said (after his death) that Wright was "my musical partner and my friend." Of course he also says Wright lost his way in the middle years. Do you post on MelodicRock Forums or anywhere else. It would be nice to engage in a conversation where we're not limited to 500 characters or less. LOL.

[kozmamate9d]

Who was that idiot who filmed the TV screen while the TV was playing that DVD? It just made worse quality. But it's a fucking great concert anyway.

[bg0821]

nice vintage version of this tune!!!!!!!!!!!

[mickmars001]

not a lot of band can say they're perfect live but Styx can

[77Wells]

I'm as big a fan of Styx as anyone, but let's be realistic: they're not "perfect" live. It's almost impossible for any rock band to be. Part of that, though, should be blamed on the guys at the mixing board.

[danastev924]

In terms of Styx, yes - TS, JY and DDY need to put their egos aside

[danastev924]

I agree with JIF882 on Ray WIlson w/ Genesis -- That album is pretty good (realize that Banks and Rutherford wrote the songs anyway on the album) - Their "We Can't Dance only has 2 or 3 'very good' songs on it - CAS has a couple more very good things on it. You're just waiting for Collins' vocals though. Age is getting to Tony and Mike, but they still sound f'n awesome. If Genesis came out w/ another Wilson album, it would most likely have some commercial hits on it

[77Wells]

What the hell does Genesis have to do with this?

[JIF882]

Styx and Genesis have both lost key members

[77Wells]

Yeah; so have Kiss, Journey, The Cult, The Scorpions... you name it. But this is a Styx board.

[floydgenesisnut]

Pink Floyd as well but David Gilmour ended the group after Rick Wright died last year. Nick Mason and Rick Wright were only two PF members to play every gig. They ended on top without Roger Waters. Roger Waters IS an egomaniac. Dennis DeYoung was leader but not a control freak (unlike Roger). Dennis didn't fire people whereas Waters fired Wright during The Wall sessions and reduced Gilmour and Mason to sidemen during The Final Cut (released at same time as Kilroy and KWH outsold TFC in the US)

[JIF882]

I'm sure if DDY's keyboards could've spun, they would've. He had all those keyboards and synths that just stood there. Ya shouldn't fault Larry for that. After all, Emerson had his levitating piano and "exploding" synths. Also, Tommy Lee had that drum set that floated around. Why ya draggin Genesis into this? Ray Wilson was good singer and CAS was good album. Listen without prejudice

[JIF882]

Styx w/ DDY is just pipe dream. He doesn't get along with Styx. I think Larry G kicks ass! Besides, do ya really want another Babe? Don't get me wrong, i like the song but it kinda Barry Manalow-esque

[77Wells]

Styx was great because of variety.Tommy & JY didn't like Babe(funny though,how many soft songs Tommy put on Girls with Guns),but DDY could just as well have said,"Tommy,what's with this mandolin and autoharp crap?"or"JY, are you capable of writing anything that will ever make the charts?"In the 80's,yeah,DDY got syrupy.But every band goes through phases and if Tommy wasn't so sure he could make it alone(he didn't),they may have kept on. Tommy's the one that quit;& no one "made"the rest do Kilroy

[floydgenesisnut]

DDY put Styx on hold after the release of Caught In the Act in 1984. Tommy walked out during the mixing sessions for the live album (he filmed his cameo for "Music Time" away from the rest of the band). The rest of Styx wanted to go on sans Tommy but Dennis said NO and decided to try solo efforts until Tommy was ready to come back to the band! Tommy's influences weren't just rock but country, folk and pop. Dennis likes everything from The Beatles to AC/DC to The White Stripes to Pavarotti.

[MillionM00]

Awesome version, great solos!

[dick667]

Does anybody know if it is possible to download this show somewhere?

[AXELOPS]

This was the year (81) I saw my first Styx concert live. That was awesome. Followed them through the years until Dennis left. Don't follow them anymore but this band was the shit in the 70's/80's.

[jekobie]

Are you kidding me, I saw Frampton in the eighties and Tommy Shaw in 2006 & 2007. Tommy Shaw blows Frampton away, and I like Frampton, but I don't think there is any comparison. Tommy had it then and still has it now. Great voice!!

[iteachflying]

I was at this show, I am so happy to have found this song from that day...Ahhh, the good ole days... - Darkstar, Old Head from Baltimore

[rjspring666]

What songs did Dennis sing before he quit?

[77Wells]

Dennis never quit; he was usurped.

[trevorbyrne]

Sound & video quality aside, this is the best version of Crystal Ball I've ever heard. Tommy Shaw's vocals are perfect- better than any album. I agree with the earlier post- Dennis's keyboard solo here is also exceptional. Thanks for posting.

[JIF882]

More than exceptional. It's awesome! Don't know if the syn is ARP or Oberheim. The synths he's famous for using w/ Styx

[floydgenesisnut]

He is using his Oberheim 4-voice I believe. Either that or 8-voice and did so as of 1977 up to 1983. The only ARP he had on stage at that time was the Solina String Ensemble which was the famed 1970s "string machine" which many bands (like Pink Floyd, The Eagles, Gary Wright as examples) used.

[JIF882]

Ok. Thanks for the info

[sdbjr23]

I saw whats in your closet and Tommy still has that orange jump suit....

[obcpwaves]

Great piece. Best version ever. Dennis' Oberheim synthesizer solo trumps either the Moog on the original or the one on Caught in the Act or the Korg Oriental sounding one from 1996. Classic Styx here!

[cosmo411]

this has got to be my favorite Styx song ever!

[JIF882]

Mine too! Whole "Crystal Ball" album from '76 is excellent! Great way for Tommy to debute w/ Styx

[77Wells]

And great proof that Dennis wasn't the overbearing slave driver they claim he was. After Lady & Lorelei,DDY was holding the reigns, and yet he let the "new kid" have a lot of glory on that album(and after).Same thing with "Edge" in '90(not a great album)- but they criticize Dennis, and Glen(whose voice isn't that great)sang half the songs. Dennis let JY sing many songs he wrote from the Wooden Nickel days(You Need Love,etc.,to Pieces(LOTR),to Snwbld(DDY & JY wrote;Tommy sang.DDY=generous leader

[JIF882]

Actually, JY AND Tommy sang on Snowblind

[77Wells]

Um, yeah, I know that, since I bought the LP when it was brand new.The point was that Dennis and JY wrote it, but instead of those 2 singing it,Tommy sang with JY.Look at Cornerstone:Tommy opens the album,sings the same number of songs as Dennis,Tommy closes the album,Tommy has the longest song on the album.Tommy does "Boat,"and have you ever heard Dennis complain about playing accordion on it - that Styx shouldn't do it?TS got a lot of freedom,and all he could seem to do is bitch about Dennis

[JIF882]

Dennis didn't complain about playing accordion because that was an instrument he played in his youth

[floydgenesisnut]

Styx's then-manager Derek Sutton whined about recording "Boat On the River" on Cornerstone. Dennis went with instinct and told Tommy they'd record it and recorded it anyhow much to the manager's chagrin and became Styx's biggest European hit. Sometimes, Styx defied those surrounding them (the label and management) to pull out the GOLD NUGGETS. In fact, Dennis picked Mademoiselle for first single for Crystal Ball and the title cut was chosen for album title to herald the new arrival in Styx.

[JIF882]

Oh, I see

[floydgenesisnut]

Dennis, JY and Tommy wrote "Snowblind" but Tommy decided not to take songwriter's credit but he did write some of the lyrics despite the fact he had a drug and alcohol addiction in the late 1970s/early 1980s. JY and Dennis stated on a 1991 radio interview with Redbeard that Tommy helped write Snowblind but wasn't credited (it happens sometimes). When the three worked together, Styx were a force to be reckoned with and fed off each other. Now Styx suffer without DDY.

[GlaucioCampelo]

Tommy Shaw sometimes seems for me a little like Frampton, does anyone agree ?

[77Wells]

Not really.

[maineladydi]

I saw them in Portland, Maine in 1981 during their Paradise Theater tour. Friggin' amazing! Damn, I'm old!

[RUMELSKIN]

what up at 2:24 and 2:26?

[styxtoury]

you ask a bazillion questions. These are all bootlegs that many came from VHS. Transfers from 20 year old VHS tapes aren't always perfect...

[RUMELSKIN]

sorry 4 the questions dude,

[GearBahx]

awesome. rare. thanks !

[styxfankc15]

My Absolute Fav Tommy song...The song That made Styx my fav all time Band. Thnx so much for posting.You are a Gem! Cheers!

[windridr66]

Tommy Shaw at his best

[GlaucioCampelo]

I should even go farther: "Crystal Ball" is the best Stix song ever.

[77Wells]

Well, if you're gonna step up to the plate and say that, the least you could do is spell "Styx" right.

[GlaucioCampelo]

OK. People, where you see "Stix", you should read "Styx". I'm familliared with 5 or 6 Styx albuns and, among then, "Crystal Ball" remained to me as their best song.