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American rock band renowned for their blend of hard rock guitar, acoustic textures, synthesizers, and vocal harmonies, achieving massive commercial success in the late 1970s and early 1980s.Formed in Chicago in 1972 by brothers Chuck and John Panozzo and Dennis DeYoung, with John Curulewski and James "JY" Young. After Curulewski's departure in 1975, Tommy Shaw joined. The band achieved multi-platinum success with albums like 'The Grand Illusion', 'Pieces of Eight', and 'Paradise Theatre', known for hits such as "Come Sail Away", "Renegade", "Blue Collar Man", and "Babe". Internal tensions, particularly between Dennis DeYoung and Tommy Shaw/James Young regarding musical direction, led to DeYoung's departure in 1999. The band continues to tour with various lineups, featuring Lawrence Gowan replacing DeYoung.

• Dennis DeYoung was largely responsible for the band's signature ballads and theatrical/conceptual elements, which later caused friction with members wanting a harder rock sound.
• Tommy Shaw's arrival in 1975, replacing John Curulewski, is widely credited with significantly boosting the band's songwriting power and commercial appeal.
• The band experienced a major rift in the early 1980s after DeYoung's insistence on including the synth-heavy ballad "Mr. Roboto" on the 'Kilroy Was Here' concept album, which led to Shaw's temporary departure.
• DeYoung was permanently ousted in 1999 due to illness preventing touring and disagreements over the band's future direction; lawsuits followed regarding the use of the Styx name.
• Despite the internal conflicts, Styx staged highly successful reunions with the "classic" lineup (DeYoung, Shaw, Young, Chuck Panozzo, John Panozzo) for tours in 1996-1997 and 1999.
• Original bassist Chuck Panozzo publicly came out as gay in 2001 and has battled HIV/AIDS for decades, becoming an advocate; he continues to perform with the band intermittently.
• Original drummer John Panozzo struggled with alcoholism and died of gastrointestinal hemorrhaging in 1996.