Why Should Styx Bring Dennis Deyoung Back?

Well to begin with this I would like to give a quick rundown of Styx, who they are, and their history (although if you’re reading this there is a good chance you know this already). Throughout the long history of Styx they’ve experienced many changes from members leaving, to members being replaced. Styx first began in the early 60s when it was started by twin brothers Chuck and John Panozzo and Dennis DeYoung, of course then they were called Trade Winds, but later the name was changed to TW4. In 1970 James “JY” Young joined the band, and in 1972 they changed the name to the one we all know and love, Styx, when asked why Styx was chosen DeYoung said “it was the only name we didn’t all hate. However, Styx still didn’t become big until 1975 when the song “Lady” hit #6 in the U.S., albeit two years after the song was released. In 1975 Styx found the missing piece of the puzzle, guitarist Tommy Shaw. Still, Styx hadn’t even began to reach their peak, and with the release of “The Grand Illusion” in 1977 they started to climb to the peak they reached with their fourth major album “Paradise Theater” (which was Styx’s first and only #1 hit album). In 1983 Tommy and Dennis started to have major disagreements on their album “Kilroy Was Here” and shortly after the band disbanded. Yet, in 1989 Styx reunited, however they were without Shaw, and in 1995 they brought back Shaw. And on June 5, 1999 Dennis played his last show ever with Styx, although the band still exists and performs today.

Now onto my reasoning’s. First, Dennis should be brought back because he made the band whole, and in a way he is the heart and soul of Styx. Since Dennis was kicked out of the band they have had just one, that’s right one, top 40 hit, in 12 years. While Dennis was with the band they had countless top 40 hits including many top 10 hits. Many people argue that Lawrence Gowan (Dennis’ replacement) sounds just like Dennis, but I disagree, for instance compare this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UueewlUfwm0 (Gowan) to this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z0uCl1F6gI (Dennis).

Secondly, Dennis is the main reason for the many hits Styx had. Throughout their history Dennis was the singer/writer for the band’s four top 5 hits (Show Me the Way, Babe, The Best of Times, and Mr. Roboto) and all but one of their top ten hits (Too Much Time on My Hands). He is also the lead singer of countless others of Styx’s top forty hits.
            Lastly, Shaw, JY, and Dennis, all need to put aside their petty differences and realize that they actually meant something to people and that they’re songs inspire many. Another thing they need to realize is that they all used to be friends at one point in time and remember all the good times that they had together. And most of all (this only applies to Shaw and JY) they need to remember the amazing music that they made together.