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Our Complete List Of Styx Band Members looks at a rock band originating from Chicago, Illinois. Formed in 1972, the band initially comprised brothers Chuck and John Panozzo, along with Dennis DeYoung. They gained their first taste of national fame with their self-titled debut album, which was soon followed by “Styx II,” featuring the hit “Lady,” pushing them into the spotlight.
In 1975, the band saw a significant shift in their lineup with the arrival of Tommy Shaw. His inclusion brought a new dynamism to the group’s sound and stage performance, contributing to their escalating commercial success. Albums such as “The Grand Illusion” (1977) and “Pieces of Eight” (1978) cemented Styx’s place as one of the leading bands of the era, each selling millions of copies and spawning hits like “Come Sail Away” and “Renegade.”
Styx continued to enjoy considerable fame into the early 1980s with albums like “Cornerstone” (1979) and “Paradise Theatre” (1981), which showcased their ability to blend rock with more theatrical and conceptual elements. However, tensions within the band, primarily between Shaw and DeYoung, started to surface. Styx released “Kilroy Was Here” in 1983, a concept album that featured the hit “Mr. Roboto,” but also led to a division in the band’s musical direction.
After a period of disbandment, the group reunited in the early ’90s, albeit without Shaw, who was busy with his other project, Damn Yankees. Glen Burtnik filled his shoes during this period. The reunion was not long-lived, as the band members soon went their separate ways to focus on solo projects and other collaborations.
Another significant change came in 1999 when Lawrence Gowan replaced Dennis DeYoung. With Gowan on keyboards and vocals, and Todd Sucherman replacing the late John Panozzo on drums, the new lineup released “Cyclorama” in 2003. This album signaled a departure from their earlier sound but was received favorably by a new generation of Styx fans. In 2017, they released “The Mission,” their first concept album in decades, which was well-received by both critics and fans alike.
Through lineup changes and shifts in musical styles, Styx has managed to remain relevant for over four decades. Their impact on rock and roll is indisputable, characterized by a unique blend of rock, pop, and theatrical elements. With a rich discography and a reputation for electrifying live performances, Styx’s legacy is one of enduring artistry and commercial success.
John “J.C.” Curulewski
John “J.C.” Curulewski was one of the original members of Styx, having joined the band in 1970. He contributed to the band’s first four albums, which includes their 1972 self-titled debut, “Styx II,” “The Serpent Is Rising,” and “Man of Miracles.” Curulewski played guitar and provided vocals, and his contributions helped shape the early sound of Styx. He left the band in 1975 just before they gained significant commercial success. Outside of Styx, Curulewski remained relatively low-profile in the music industry, although he did release a solo album in 1979 called “Airborne.”
Dennis DeYoung
Dennis DeYoung was a founding member of Styx and was with the band from its inception in 1972 until 1999, although he did return for a brief period between 1995-1999. DeYoung contributed keyboards and vocals and was also one of the band’s primary songwriters. His song “Lady,” from the “Styx II” album, became the band’s first hit, and he was a crucial part of their most successful albums like “The Grand Illusion,” “Pieces of Eight,” and “Paradise Theatre.” After his departure from Styx, DeYoung embarked on a successful solo career and even ventured into musical theatre.
John Panozzo
John Panozzo was the original drummer for Styx, having joined the band along with his twin brother, Chuck, in 1972. He remained with the band until his health forced him to step away in the mid-’90s. Panozzo’s drumming can be heard on all of the band’s classic albums, including hits like “Renegade” and “Come Sail Away.” Unfortunately, Panozzo passed away in 1996, but his musical legacy lives on through the numerous albums and hits he contributed to. Outside of Styx, Panozzo didn’t have much of a career as he was primarily focused on the band until his health declined.
James “J.Y.” Young
James “J.Y.” Young is a guitarist and vocalist who has been with Styx since its early years. Joining in 1970, Young played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s rock-oriented sound. He has been a consistent member of the band, contributing to nearly all of their albums, including classics like “Crystal Ball,” “Equinox,” and “Kilroy Was Here.” His guitar work and songwriting have been key elements in the band’s long-lasting success. Outside of Styx, Young has also released some solo work but has remained mostly committed to the band.
Chuck Panozzo
Chuck Panozzo is the original bassist for Styx and joined the band alongside his twin brother, John Panozzo, in 1972. He played on all of the band’s iconic albums, including “The Grand Illusion,” “Pieces of Eight,” and “Paradise Theatre.” Chuck has been in and out of the band due to health issues but still occasionally performs with them. Unlike his brother John, Chuck has not ventured much into other musical projects and has mainly focused on his work with Styx.
Tommy Shaw
Tommy Shaw joined Styx in 1975, replacing original guitarist John Curulewski. His entry into the band marked a significant turning point in their sound and commercial success. Shaw contributed to hits like “Renegade” and “Blue Collar Man,” and his presence was vital on albums such as “Crystal Ball” and “Cornerstone.” Apart from Styx, Shaw has had a successful solo career and has also been a part of other groups like Damn Yankees.
Todd Sucherman
Todd Sucherman became Styx’s drummer in 1996, following the departure and subsequent death of original drummer John Panozzo. Sucherman has since been a key part of the band’s sound, contributing to albums like “Cyclorama” and “The Mission.” Outside of Styx, he has had an extensive session career and is highly regarded in the drumming community.
Lawrence Gowan
Lawrence Gowan replaced Dennis DeYoung as the band’s keyboardist and vocalist in 1999. The Canadian musician had a successful solo career in his home country before joining Styx. Gowan has been featured on recent Styx albums like “Cyclorama” and “The Mission” and has helped keep the band’s legacy alive through extensive touring.
Ricky Phillips
Ricky Phillips joined Styx in 2003 as a bassist, sharing duties with original bassist Chuck Panozzo. Before Styx, Phillips had played with other notable bands such as The Babys and Bad English. He has been featured on the band’s latest studio efforts and continues to tour with them.
Glen Burtnik
Glen Burtnik was with Styx from 1990 to 1992 and again from 1995 to 2003. He initially replaced Tommy Shaw on guitar and vocals, and later returned to replace Chuck Panozzo on bass. Burtnik contributed to albums like “Edge of the Century” and has had a varied solo career outside of the band.
Will Evankovich
Will Evankovich joined Styx as a guitarist and backing vocalist in 2018. Though relatively new to the band, he had a long-standing working relationship with Tommy Shaw and even co-produced Styx’s “The Mission” album. Evankovich also has a history of work with other acts and is a member of the rock band The Guess Who.
Complete List Of Styx Band Members article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. 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However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
