The guy performing that amazing guitar solo is James Young (J.Y.). He's the only original member Styx. Chuck Panozzo, the original bassist, plays with the band when he can, but health problems limit his participation. J.Y. is a much underrated guitarist. I especially like his work on the band's first four albums that were released on the Wooden Nickel label in the early 70's.
FYI, I know it seems like Jy is an original member of Styx but the only original members of Traffic which changed its name to Styx with the release of their first album ( because there was already a recorded band by the same name ) were Dennis De Young, (who performs with a band named after him, with the added -"playing the songs of Styx", Chuck Panozzo , who preforms as you mentioned, and his brother John Panozzo (now deceased). They started as children practicing in the Panozzo's garage then as teenagers started playing gigs around Chicago. They sought a lead guitarist andJohn JC Curulewski joined them in about 68, then James JY Young joined them as a second guitarist in around 69. Not long after Crulewski left them, I think from memory just after thy released their first album Styx. On eor two other people passed through the group before JY saw Tommy Shaw performing and asked the other band members to offer him a position in Styx. I'm sure you know most of the rest of it, Tommy's coming and going, Shaw Blades and the rest leading up to the confrontation with the direction that Dennis wanted to follow, doing concept albums the like's of The Paradise Theater album and MR Roboto and playing 200 seat theaters when they were used to playing 60,000 seat Amphitheater's. Their breakup and then inviting Laurance Gowan to fill Dennis's place. A lot of changes but still one of the greatest bands to have ever existed in all their incarnations. In my humble option.
@@bertieborough Not only are those facts correct to my knowledge but Shaw was hired for 3 reasons. Firstly because of his voice and his ability to hit the high notes on the songs, specifically LADY. The second and third reasons were due to the fact that he could play the hell out of his guitar and also because he could sing lead vocals and did on a few of their biggest hits. He was also hired in 1974 or 1975 but that should be addressed to the OP..
@@bertieborough ~ When going by original members, it's whoever records on their first album. That's what counts. Also, if you truly know Styx's entire history, there was another member who quit before Dennis came along and asked to join at age 15. JY IS an original member. And their first name was not 'Traffic' is was 'The Tradewinds', then changed to 'TW4', before becoming 'Styx'...
@@Deborahtunes I stand corrected Deborah, I don't know everything about them. There was no RU-vid back in the seventies and I've never seen them live or ever met any member of the band. I grew up in Australia where they are virtually unknown. The few people who know them here only know them for Babe and Mr Roboto. I was lucky enough to discover "The Grand Illusion" in a record store in the late seventies and was so blown away that I had to track down every recording that they had released that I could find and I learned a bit about their background from interviews with members of the band and a documentary; but that was ten or fifteen years ago now so please forgive my failing memory. Regardless I am a fan of one of the greatest bands in the world.
This song brought back so many memories for me-we went on a family trip in a rented motor home to Quebec, Canada. After awhile all the music was in French, so my high school Spanish was useless. I had a knockoff of a Walkman and one tape with me-Styx, Pieces of Eight. I played that tape a hundred times over the next week, and it became the soundtrack for me for the whole trip. So any song off of it takes me back to my freshman year summer, stuck in a motor home with my family-simpler time I would give anything to return to now! Thanks for the memories you gave me and keep up the great reactions!!
Styx has 3 lead vocalists Tommy Shaw also lead guitar on his songs, James Young lead guitar on all other songs, and Dennis DeYoung on keyboards. When Dennis left the van he was replaced with Laurence. The drummer died and his brother on bass is sick so they were replaced although the bass player makes appearances because he owns the rights to the name STYX
Incredible vocals and awesome musicianship. JY slayed it. Pieces Of Eight is my favorite Styx album. I think it’s their most underappreciated one by far. And it shouldn’t be.
Wow! FINALLY somebody does a reaction to "Queen of Spades" by Styx.... long overdue! Although this live version is good....the studio version from the "Pieces of Eight" album is even more impressive! Not just because of founding member Dennis DeYoung's soaring vocals and haunting keyboards but also James "JY" Young's towering and scintillating guitar work. "Queen of Spades" is a deep cut masterpiece! Menacing, majestic, epic Styx at its best. The album version (The Grand Illusion) of "Come Sail Away" is a must. "Blue Collar Man", "Rockin' The Paradise", "Miss America", "Snowblind", "Suite Madame Blue" are highly recommended. Thank you for this great reaction. Great recommendation!
Vaelsung1, Like you, I was beyond surprised to see somebody do a reaction video to " Queen of Spades ". One of STYX best songs, imo. I initially thought that it was going to be the original version and when I realized it was live and with L. Gowan on leads, I almost didn't watch it. My wife and I have seen them twice live, once in 2014 and again in 2017. I had plans to see them in 1982 or 83 but I lost my paycheck and by the time I could get it replaced, let's just say it turned into a shit show for me. Anyway, thinking back to those shows at the Hampton Club Casino in Hampton NH. They were actually great shows, so I decided to watch it and I'm glad I did. Yes, L Gowan is not DDY but he actually did a pretty damn good job on this song and I was more than surprised with how it came out. Jon Panozzo was an incredible drummer and it's unfortunate that he passed at such a young age. His replacement Todd Sucherman was the absolute, best man for the job. He's a phenomenal drummer and I love how he incorporates his double bass into almost every single song. Well, all the songs that he can anyway. Everybody knows that the drummer is the backbone of not only STYX but the backbone of all bands and Todd with his traditional grip style of playing makes it that much better. I have no idea if anybody else sees what I see or hears what I hear but as a former drummer, it's hard for me not to notice. I do hope that the guy who owns this channel looks up the original version here on RU-vid because although this was a really good version, There's nothing that compares to the original..
@@TimBlackyBlack I couldn't agree with you more Tim. Like you, I'm also a drummer. I've played plenty of professional gigs and I use the "matched" grip. I was never a fan of the traditional grip, but if I played more jazz I would likely change my opinion slightly. I also love to hear double bass with those great STYX songs and Todd does an incredible job. I find L. Gowan's voice to be a cringefest, but on QOS he really does an excellent job so I give him credit where credit is due.
Hey T - I've been a Styx fan since mid 80s. Styx had 3 lead singers - though those positions changed faces a few times. Initially Tommy Shaw wasn't in the band. He was added in late 70s. At that time there was Shaw, DeYoung and "JY" (James Young). JY was the taller guitarist that was killing it in this song. Later after Mr. Roboto album (Kilroy Was Here), there was a fracture in the band. Shaw and DeYoung did some solo albums - nothing chart shattering but DeYoungs "Desert Moon" is a beautiful song. Later Styx regrouped - minus Shaw (he was off with Damn Yankees - circa 1990). Shaw was replaced by Glen Burtnik. Burtnik was featured in their comeback album Edge of the Century. Pretty good album. I saw them live on that tour in 1991. Not the same without Shaw but DeYoung was magical. A few years later, their drummer John Panozzo (twin brother to bassist chuck Panozzo) died of liver disease secondary to heavy alcohol use. The band reconnected with Tommy Shaw in mid 90s. They made a great live album and an awesome tribute song "Dear John" to their drummer circa 1996, and made a new album Brave New World as we neared Y2K. They broke up again, DeYoung started doing theatre/stage show Broadway stuff. He's great at theatre. The band formed again, this time without DeYoung just after 2000, and replaced him with Lawrence Gowan around 2002. NOW: DeYoung still tours with a Styx tribute band and does some of his broadway and solo music. I just saw him live in Reno about 5 years ago. Styx still tours with three singers: Gowan, Shaw, and JY. We just saw them live in San Jose, CA in 2018. Which I am pretty sure this video is from that same tour. Their drummer Schuman is the same guy they replaced John P with 20 years ago, and get this, the brother bassist (Chuck) was sidelined due to his own health issues (HIV), and they replaced him with Glen Burtnik - who (above) once replaced Shaw for a time. He was the guy with the Lynrd Skynrd looking mustache - so now they technically have 4 singers! All totaled I've seen Styx live 9 times - with all of these various lineups. Gowan is good - but DeYoung's vocals were phenomenal. Glen Burtnik was good and really good live (very energetic) - but NO ONE is as energetic and amazing as Tommy Shaw - his vocals and guitar playing is top notch. The three singer format allowed Styx to make variety of sounds throughout their library of music. JY does a heavier grit songs (Miss America, Snowblind), Shaw is upbeat and rock high level vocals (Renegade, Blue Collar Man, Man in the Wilderness, Crystal Ball), and DeYoung did most of their truly beautiful songs especially ballads and/or with a lot of keyboards/piano (Come Sail Away, Babe, Lady, Suite Madam Blue, Show Me the Way).
@@ronhanisco8697and @ Frostrazor1334. Tommy Shaw was hired to replace John Curulewski during the 1975 "Equinox" album tour. Tommy's first album with Styx was in 1976 for the "Crystal Ball" album. By the way, Dennis didn't leave the band. Tommy and James Young FIRED Dennis when Dennis was too sick to commit to the "Brave New World" tour in 1999, even though Dennis felt he could return if given 6 more months to recover. He was stabbed in the back. Dennis NEVER wanted to leave the band! When Gowan first stepped in for Dennis, I never expected Gowan to be a permanent replacement. However, that is exactly what has happened despite Dennis wanting to return since 1999/2000. This has caused a massive rift, including a lawsuit brought by Dennis against Tommy and James Young who were touring as "Styx" for a year and a half w/o ever paying Dennis during that time, even though Dennis was part owner of the name "Styx". Consequently, in addition to the rift between the band members, despite Dennis extending an olive branch over 20 years now, there still exists a major rift in the fan base that is present to this day. Next year marks the 50 year anniversary of Styx. Perhaps there will be some kind of commemoration reunion with Dennis onstage but it is highly unlikely because of Tommy and JY's reluctance.
Ha! Thanks for your honest reaction. It is a joy to see people discover the music I grew up with. Can't tell you how cool it was to buy the vinyl of this is 78 and just listen to both sides.
The guitar solo was performed James (J.Y.)Young who is an original band member since 1972 and he is the only original member on stage. He usually sings lead one song per album. Dennis DeYoung is the band member who originally sang this song and was an original band member since 1972. He usually sings lead on about half of each album with Tommy Shaw, who sings lead on "Renegade", usually sings lead on the other half remaining songs. Tommy joined the band in 1975. Tommy played the intro and outro guitar on this song "Queen of Spades". It wasn't till late seventies before I started learning who band members are and coDennisllecting their albums in late seventy's, even though I liked their music since mid seventy's starting with their first big hit "Lady". Tw0 other original members are Chuck and John Panozzo who are brothers. John Panozzo, who was the drummer, passed away in 1996. Chick Panozzo, the bass player is still with the group, but don't think his health very well and they used an additional bass player. There are other members, you can check the WIKI, but these are the primary members I remember. STYX is from Chicago and there was a movie theater, "The Paradise Theater", there that was torn down and Dennis DeYoung wanted to pay tribute to the theater. Instead of him just writing one or two songs for their next album, he wanted a concept album and for all of them to write songs also. The other band members were reluctant to make this concept album, but Dennis reminded them that he wrote their first big hit and he wanted things do his way. I think Tommy Shaw was the biggest opposer of the album, but gave it. It was released in 1981. Then for their next album, 1983 "Kilroy was Here", Dennis wanted another concept album. I'm sure you can guess what hit the fan from the other band members. But, the album was made and they split up. Dennis and Tommy did some solo albums and Tommy joined up with Ted Nugent and formed the Damn Yankees. Since their split I really haven't been following their music. They got back together and kicked Dennis out of the band They some new replacement band members. Some of the were on stage performing this song.
The singer as he said is Lawrence Gowan who took over keyboards but has been in the band for over 20 years. They now have 5 singers in the bad but two don't sing solo. When Chuck joins them they have two base players, 3 guitarists. When one of them is Tommy Shaw you can't lose.
STYX is a five person band with three singer\song writers.(DeYoung, Shaw, JY) and two lead guitars (Shaw and JY) a bassist and a drummer (The Panozzo Brothers) this is the line up from the Cystal Ball album until the Caught in the act live album. this video is the current line up.
Chuck (bass) and John Panozzo (drums) starting playing with their 14-year-old neighbor who was Dennis DeYoung (keyboards). They formed The Tradewinds. This was short lived and they went through some changes eventually having John Curulewski and James "JY" Young john on guitars and vocals about 1970. They did 5 abulms (about one a year) up to 1975. Then Tommy Shaw came is as John Curuluski left. That started more of the commercial success. Then after the next 8-9 years they produced another 5 albums and that's when they had some creative differences between DeYoung and the rest of the band. Dennis was more theatrical in nature and the others wanted to do rock. Tommy left first for a solo career and then they disbanded shortly after. They came back in the early 90's with Glen Burtnik replacing Tommy Shaw and recorded some more albums. After they disbanded again, they got back together in 1995 with Tommy Shaw. By then John Panozzo was ill from liver issues related to alcoholism and was replaced with Todd Sucherman. John died a little later and Todd stayed with them. Then Dennis DeYoung and the others were at odds with the main style moving forward again. The fights along with DeYoung's request to delay while he dealt with viral issues creating light sensitivity and problems on stage had the band replace him with Lawrence Gowan. Chuck Panozzo was diagnosed with HIV and had to bow out of performing and Glen Burtnik took over bass duties.
Not sure if anyone else has suggested it, but a good song to hear "JY" (James Young) on lead vocals, is " Snowblind" off the Paradise Theater album........JY is the guitarist doing the solo on this song (Queen Of Spades).
If you enjoyed this performance, you MUST go to Styx' channel and watch the entire thing. I believe it was done about 2012, and features a kid from the 70's donning headphones and playing the Vinyl records of The Grand Illusion, and Pieces of Eight in their entirety, sides A, then B, back to back. Great show! New sub after this as I love Styx!
No matter what line up, Styx is always amazing imho. Lawrence has the perfect voice for Styx even though I prefer Dennis (nostalgic). James is fantastic as always!
Wow! Awesome reaction, T! I didn’t know anything about Styx other than just recognizing the band’s name. The first section was kind of Paul McCartney-esque, and then the second section with the amazing guitar solos reminded me SO much of Queen. I’d really appreciate your helping me know more about this band.
Once DDY was kicked out of Styx I pretty much just listen to Styx by CD's and stop going to concerts because I can't stand Lawrence Gowan who I personally think he is too much of a show off and ruins the songs song by DDY.
Anytime I hear songs from Equinox, Pieces of Eightm, The Grand Illusion and even Paradise Theater I can stop everything I;m doing to listen. My favorite albums. Then probably Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Damn the Torpedoes. I like a lot of other stuff but those albums I have heard so many times and 40 years later I still think they are my favorites.
JY played the solo. Dennis Young was fired. Gowan replaced him. Tommy and Gowan both are lead singers, but JY is also a great singer. Check out some of the songs he sings!
Queen of Spades was written and sung by Dennis. The big epic songs were his specialty like this one and Come Sail Away and Suite Madame Blue. Tommy joined the band mid 70s and Dennis left mid 80s. both Styx and Dennis DeYoung continue to record and tour.
Love this song, but this is the first time I have heard this version - nice choice Mike! Suite Madam Blue or Miss America are couple other great old Styx tunes.
Yeah but DDY has to sing Queen of Spades and Suite Madam Blue for them to sound good not this Lawrence Gowan,not a fan at all and he can't hit high notes that DDY could and still can.
Lifelong Styx fan here. But, Dennis DeYoung was THE lead singer, composer, and keyboard player!! Watch DDY's version(s) for the true Queen of Spades experience! Yes, JY and Tommy do the song justice with the ax grinding, but, Gowan is fair at best. Peace and Harmony, dude!
Before the newest lead singer, Styx actually had 3 lead singers. It just depended on the song. They were Dennis DeYoung, James Young, and Tommy Shaw. Typically it would be either dynasty young or Tommy Shaw that would sing the lead spot depending on the song.
These three were great together and made Styx great and personally can't stand Gowan's voice,can't hit high notes like DDY can and he's too much of a showman.
There have been deaths and illness that have changed members of the band. When Chuck is well he joins. Now Tommy Shaw will do some lead plus JY and Lawrence.
Now they have another guitar player who sings pack ground.Lawrence has been there for 26 yrs. New base player who sings pack ground. The drummer is a good. Look at the set all around . Amazing.
Like bands like KISS, the Beatles, and Kansas, multiple members performed lead vocals, depending on the songs. Dennis Deyoung, Tommy Shaw, James JY Young, even John Curiewski (rip) all sung lead. Only the Panozzo brothers never did.
T, I told you I'd never steer you wrong. JY Young was playing the solo. JY, Tommy Shaw & Dennis DeYoung all sang. Lawrence Gowan replaced DeYoung. This is from their 1978 album Pieces Of Eight. DeYoung originally sang it. I thought DeYoung was irreplaceable until I saw Gowan sing this. I've seen them live with Gowan (ironically once with Tesla) 3X's. DeYoung sang Mr Roboto.
@@jeffsouthard3153 I'm with you dude and I personally can't stand Gowan,to much of a showman playing the keyboards backwards and his voice is crap and can't hit the high notes that DDY still can and made Styx great.
Gowan has been (one of) the lead singer(s) for over 20 years. When you're performing for a half a century, you have some changes, but the core is still Shaw and JY.
This band is OUTSTANDING! I have loved thin since 1975. I have seen the at least 6 times live with both Dennis DeYoung and Lawrence Gowen. They have not missed a beat since and still are outstanding today almost 50 yrs later! I still think they are better with Dennis. That being said Lawrence is just as good. Dennis is more theatrical. Lawrence is more of a showman. They could not have chosen a better replacement. Their voices are very similar. That is what makes them still great!
Sorry but being a Syx fan for over 40 years Lawrence Gowan doesn't sound anything like DDY and really sucks trying to be like DDY and really ruins the songs that DDY sang especially Queen of Spades Gowan can't hit the high notes which is what makes songs like this great.
@ LesSmith45 have to agree with your comment. I’ve seen both Dennis DeYoung and Lawrence Gowan and believe Gowan was more than a competent replacement. Still a great band to see live.
Lawrence Gowan is acceptable on this song but he's no Dennis DeYoung. And I'm not one of those, Oh, he's not the original singer guys. He's a very good replacement for DeYoung but certain key notes were not hit based on the original tune that I believe Dennis DeYoung could hit today. Jus sayin'...
I didn't see anything wrong with that. I watched the behind the music, and they said DeYoung was fired for wanting total control of the band. That's ludicrous because Tommy wrote and sang some of their biggest hits. Dennis came back later and after they set a reunion tour, Dennis claimed a sickness and bowed out after shows were booked. So they fired him again and hired a singer to do the tour. Dennis said, "Hey, it's my way, or the highway." and JY said, "Well we choose the highway." Something like that anyway.
From the very beginning, Styx has had 3 (at one time 4) singer/songwriters. They've been through 5 band member changes since 1970, when they received their first recording contract. This current lineup you are watching here, has been together from 2003 to present day. They just released their 17th original studio album in June called "Crash Of The Crown". You should check out a song called *"Miss America".* The guitarist you're talking about, is also the writer/lead vocalist for it. Dennis DeYoung who originally sang this song, was fired in 1999, due to him trying to hold the band back from touring for their 1999, "Brave New World" album. It's long story which led up to his firing. Also, some of what you will/might read on Wikipedia about the band is personal opinion, not what really happened...
And Lawrence's last name G-ow-en is pronounced with an 'ow', sounds like 'cow' without the 'C'. I certainly understand you not caring much for the slow start. That's my only draw back of the song also...
The lead guitarists here is James (JY) Young. He's one of the original members, and is the only one of two who has recorded on all of Styx's albums. The other being their first bass player, Chuck Panozzo...
@@Deborahtunes Fair enough, but I've always loved how the song ends the way it started, a beautifully constructed masterpiece. It's the mesmerizing, hypnotic ending of the song that makes you realize how important the slower beginning of the song is. I know you've been looking for a "Miss America" reaction from somebody out there for awhile....I'd love to see that too!
@@Vaelsung1 ~ I've actually seen two {lesser known} people react to "Miss America". But one was with the live version, and he totally missed the "high points" of the song. Would love to have Alex & Andy react to it though...
Lawrence's voice fits Styx. However... and just my opinion... it's just not as good as the original (and founding member) Dennis. Lawrence just doesn't have the same "haunted" sound to the songs he sings.
The bass player is a fill in Due to health problems Of the original. The drummer is a replacement due to the death of the original. Dennis "leaving,fireing" Is the only one that isn't in the band by choice. Tommy is a icon. "JY" is an icon also. I personally like mr. Roboto but that album killed Styx. Dennis wanted to make a big production out of mr. Roboto in the rest of the band didn't like it.
Meh. This guy is adequate but he just doesn't quite match the quality vocals of Dennis. I mean if I had never heard Dennis sing it I'm sure it'd be fine.
Switch up with singers? It's called ego when one member thinks he is the band which was Dennis DeYoung so he leaves Tommy Shaw who was the other lead vocalist eventually left as well but it all started with dynasty Young
Lawrence Gowan (pronounced like Cow-an) was a huge star in Canada for a long time. Tesla is a really good band, but are not even in the same musical universe as Styx...the guitar solo here is courtesy of James (JY) Young. The 'other' guy is rock God Tommy Shaw, who is also a virtuoso on guitar (and vocally). Check this link to see: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-IYKwpWPOA5c.html
