'I never felt totally comfortable' in Styx, Tommy Shaw says in new book
(PRWEB) June 19, 2007 -- In the just-released book 'The Grand Delusion: The Unauthorized True Story of Styx', guitarist Tommy Shaw speaks candidly about his sense of alienation from the other members of Styx during the superstar band's heyday, from his joining the band in December of 1975 to its breakup after 1983's 'Kilroy Was Here' album. "These guys had money, they had a plan, they had a deal . . . all totally foreign to me," Shaw told biographer Sterling Whitaker in an exclusive interview.
Shaw joined Styx in late 1975 after the group had scored its first Top Ten hit with "Lady", written and sung by keyboardist Dennis DeYoung. Shaw's arrival cemented the classic Styx lineup that would go on to release a string of hits including "Come Sail Away", "Fooling Yourself", "Renegade", "Blue Collar Man", "Babe", "The Best of Times", "Too Much Time On My Hands", "Mr. Roboto" and "Don't Let It End". From 1977 to 1982 Styx recorded four consecutive Triple Platinum albums in a row, becoming the first band ever to do so. In 1980 the band won the People's Choice Award for Song of the Year for "Babe", and the Gallup poll named Styx the most popular band in America.
Despite the band's enormous success, Shaw was often ill at ease as a member of Styx. In 'The Grand Delusion' he reveals, for the first time, his sense of intimidation in dealing with the older, better-educated members of Styx. "I never felt totally comfortable amongst the other guys," he says. "I felt totally comfortable onstage, always, but never really was made to feel like an equal member. I still don't understand that one; you know how some people can make you feel 'less than' by their education . . . I always felt like they were a little bit ashamed at having someone in the band who wasn't a college graduate. But I was not ashamed of the fact - I already knew what I wanted to do, and I was educated in the streets and in the clubs and on the road, and I've done well for myself. But that part obviously baffled me." Shaw ultimately quit Styx by storming off stage in the middle of a concert during the ill-fated 'Kilroy Was Here' tour.
"What's interesting about this interview is that it was done in 1993, at a time when Tommy had actually allowed the other members of Styx to buy him out of his participation in the name," says author Sterling Whitaker. "It was a great time to get the truth from him, because he had nothing to lose and nobody to protect. At that time he made it clear to me that he never, ever wanted to play with Styx again. He actually said to me, 'They would have to hold my daughter hostage, and playing with them again would be the ransom'. What's really funny about that is, about a year and half later he reunited with Styx to re-record 'Lady' for the Greatest Hits record, and he's been back with Styx ever since!" Whitaker says with a laugh. "That just goes to show you what strange bedfellows the music business creates. Styx has always been a volatile mix of personalities."
Styx will be on tour with Def Leppard throughout the summer. The entire text of Sterling Whitaker's exclusive interview with Tommy Shaw is online at www.styxcollector.com. 'The Grand Delusion: The Unauthorized True Story of Styx' is available at www.thegranddelusion.com, as well as various online retailers.
For Information Contact:
Sterling Whitaker
(615) 750-2916
www.thegranddelusion.com
www.styxcollector.com
###
Need a Fresh Look At the Market?
Wizetrade is America's most popular investment training and software.
Related Articles:
Two Works of Fiction by Local Authors Highlight Youth Homes Auxiliary Annual Book Review
Two book readings, "Clear of Clouds" and "The Cultivation of Weeds", followed by a question and answer period with Mr. Leigh Robinson and Dr. Emory Menefee, the books' authors and close personal friends, will be the highlight of the annual Youth Homes Auxiliary book review to be held on Thursday, October 25, 2007 at the Hope Center Covenant Church (2275 Morello Avenue, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523). Funds raised by Youth Homes Auxiliary support neglected and troubled youth in Contra Costa County.
Kevin M. Weeks Blends Urban Fiction with a Twist of Crime Fiction in Sophomore Novel
Award winning author Kevin M. Weeks incorporates the best elements of Urban Fiction and Crime Fiction together in his sophomore novel titled: The Street Life Series: Is It Passion or Revenge?
Outskirts Press Announces Satan's Bulge, the Latest Highly-Anticipated Fiction/ Science Fiction Book from Upland, CA Author J R Kapz
Outskirts Press, Inc. has published Satan's Bulge: A recounting of the Palmdale dragon hysteria as reported by by J R Kapz, which is the author's most recent book to date. The 5.5 x 8.5 Paperback in the Fiction/ Science Fiction category is available worldwide on book retailer websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble for a suggested retail price of $13.95. The webpage at www.outskirtspress.com/satansbulge was launched simultaneously with the book's publication.
Historical Fiction Novel Depicts 'Red Summer' Riots, Observing 89th Anniversary
1919-Misfortune's End Creates and Develops Authentic Characters Who are Placed into Historical Events to Reveal Lessons that Mirror Today.
Outskirts Press Announces Destiny, the Latest Highly-Anticipated Fiction/Historical book from Author Don Helling
Outskirts Press, Inc. has published "Destiny: A Love Story from the Ashes of Despair" by Don Helling, the author's most recent book to date. The 5.5 x 8.5 Paperback in the Fiction/ Historical category is available worldwide on book retailer websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble for a suggested retail price of $9.95. The webpage at www.outskirtspress.com/destiny was launched simultaneously with the book's publication.
New Non-Fiction "Diet" Book Focuses on Healing and the Power of the Truth
Wayne Nickens, M.D., has created Eat Me: The Ultimate Diet as a prescription for affecting change in our lives that goes way beyond what we place in our mouths. Dr. Nickens encourages readers to discover the poisonous influences that lie inside our brains and control our urges, drives, desires, attitudes, emotions, and behaviors. He then challenges readers to rise up out of ignorance and embrace the truth that comes from God, allowing the Power of the Spirit of Life to do the healing. Complete healing is the only solution to brain injury.
5th Better Sex Erotic Fiction Contest: Largest Prize for Amateur Erotic Fiction Writers
BetterSex.com (http://www.bettersex.com) will award $5,000 in cash and prizes to amateur erotic fiction writers on Valentine's Day 2009. Submission deadline for the company's fifth erotic fiction contenst is midnight Sunday November 1st. Complete contest details may be found at the company's web site.
Outskirts Press Announces Envisioned, the Latest Fiction/Fantasy Book from Aiken, SC Author Montana Hintermann
Outskirts Press, Inc. has published Envisioned by Montana Hintermann, which is the author's most recent book to date. The 5.5 x 8.5 Paperback in the Fiction/ Fantasy category is available worldwide on book retailer websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble for a suggested retail price of $10.95. The webpage at www.outskirtspress.com/Envisioned was launched simultaneously with the book's publication.
Black Author Brings New Voice to Science Fiction and Fantasy
African American sci-fi/fantasy author R. A. Baker shares his views on the genre, and the future of black speculative fiction
Thought-provoking New Science Fiction Novel Relates Concept of Time to Current Events
Author Bizhan Karimi makes a liberal statement regarding the existing USA-Iran conflict in Romeo and Leila & the Enigma of Time
Hypnosis Explained - Fact or Fiction - Free E-Book Launched To Celebrate Decade of Healing
To celebrate its 10th year, the Ontario Hypnosis Centre in Toronto Canada is offering a free e-book to help dispel the myths and show how accessible hypnotherapy is for everyday use.
"The Revenge of Little Crow" Historical Fiction Novel Makes an Excellent Holiday Gift Idea
One hundred and forty-five years ago on December 26, 1862, while the Civil War raged in the south, 38 Sioux Indians were executed by hanging at Mankato, Minnesota. This execution, the largest in US history, was ordered by President Lincoln as the result of Minnesota's bloody Sioux massacre which left nearly 1,000 settlers dead or wounded. "The Revenge of Little Crow," historical fiction by Steven M. Ulmen, tells the tale.
'1919 - Misfortune's End' Listed Among Top 10 Books in Historical Fiction
The novel is listed as one of the most original, brightest and best selling on the market.
Golden Age Stories Launches Interactive Pulp Fiction Book Website
The new GoldenAgeStories.com interactive Flash Website Pulp Fiction universe showcases 153 fiction stories in books and audio books by L. Ron Hubbard via immersive and engaging Flash video, audio, print, drawings, and iTunes Podcasts from 80 classic books.
Psychology of Male Friendships Explored in New Fiction Book
In the vein of chicklit, new novel Four Men on a Cruise, Hola! illustrates that emotional intimacy between men isn't just fiction.