My son was working at a Hotel Casino a few years ago. He set up for concerts and Weddings etc. He was setting up for Styx concert, and was there for 🎤 mic check. These guys actually asked the set up crew to shout out some songs, and they sung one to them. My son said that they are the nicest guys you'd ever meet.
I was in Junior high when this came out and was just getting into Styx, having just discovered “The Grand Illusion” a year before. This album, “Paradise Theater” was huge. Check out “Fooling Yourself,” “Man In The Wilderness,” “Renegade.”
Me too. I was in 8th grade, and this progressive album was like no other. I'm not sure if the Grand Illusion was before or after Paradise. I know that it was a time where Pink Floyd and Queen were high up on my favorites. I may or may not have had that album handed down to me before Paradise came out. My memory just fails me on my discovery order of Styx.
@@CocOnUtsUniverse Middle aged folks who would be more than happy to party with these two. I figured it out, Pieces Of Eight in 78 was my introduction. I probably heard Grand Illusion too, then this album came out. The etching on the vinyl was awesome.
You have to go back to some of thir earlier albums to hear other James Young led songs, but they do exist. Put Me On from Crystal Ball is one of them. I'm Gonna Make You Feel It from Styx II also hits the spot.
Paradise Theatre was a huge album for Styx. Looking back, it really marked the end of the 70's for me musically even though it was made in 1980. Great memories.
That makes 5 Styx songs so far, plenty more to go. Look down though the comments, they are there. Miss America, Suite Madam Blue, Lorelei, Grand Illusion. Crystal Ball, Too Much Time on My Hands, Rockin the Paradise, Boat on the River, and more.
I get what you are saying but they were singing about how people really felt in the early 80s, as bad as we think things are now a lot of people felt the same way 40 years ago.
I remember when this album came out. We bought vinyl back then, and this one had the Paradise Theater marquis etched into the vinyl. You could see it if you held the album up to the light just right.
@@rintrah40 To tell the truth, I forgot too. Only when I turned on this reaction, did I recall. I guess I'm getting old, where memories just pop up at any given moment.
@@martinkulkarni3569 Seriously? I know they had a lot of albums by then, this being the tenth, but for a band from my home of Chicago, I'm surprised it was globally released right away.
@@mgordon1100 Actually, I bought it in 1981, a year after it was release, so think it you might be right. It may have only been available in the UK in 1981.
I grew up in Chicago. I saw them play at a high school gym before they were famous. Seeing them next month in Tampa with REO Speedwagon & Loverboy. Excited
Loved this reaction to a huge Styx hit that applies more to today than it did back when "Best of Times" was first released. Gotta check out "Miss America", "Too Much Time On My Hands", "Boat On The River", "Queen of Spades", "Snowblind", "Crystal Ball", "Lorelei", "Suite Madame Blue" or "Castle Walls" next. So many hits that reflect a huge, unparalleled arc of different musical styles and variety thanks to 3 different songwriters and lead singers. Looking forward to getting into it with Styx again soon.
There were so many great bands out when Styx was around that they slipped under my radar for the most part back then, but as the decades have gone by I have learned to appreciate them more with each passing year. A truly under-rated all time great rock and roll band.
Dennis de Young (this guy) and Steve Walsh' (Kansas) vocals were in a league of their own at their peak Great Great vocals. And a good song here We were incredibly spoiled musically in the 70s
Watching how giddy Lex gets to the simple things are the best moments.. you two are a a great duo to how Brad takes care of the Lyrics and Lex is left to enjoy the moment..
The 70s were packed with amazing rock bands (non-metal), and Styx is among the greatest. Their catalog of music is extensive and they had massive radio hits for 10+ years. Dennis DeYoung is one of two lead singers...much like the Beatles or the Eagles (yes they had more than 2 singers). His voice is distinctive and he had some hits in his solo career as well. 🤘
I was a freshman when this came out. Very much part of the soundtrack of my HS years. Slow dancing on a Friday night in the gym after the football game vibes. Sam and Lindsay Weir stuff.
Dennis DeYoung was the heart & soul of Styx, and what made them really unique. Unfortunately his ungrateful, greedy former bandmates JY & Tommy Shaw used his serious health issues in the late 90's to kick him out of the band he founded (nah maaan, they just want to rock!!) Since then Styx has done nothing memorable of note while Dennis is still making great music. For an at-home pandemic version he did of this a couple years ago check out ua-cam.com/video/vVzx-VO0RpI/v-deo.html
I was a long haired hippie from Colorado, going to college in Florida. My roommate talked me into going to see a band called Styx, never heard them before. The show was fantastic (Grand Illusion tour in...1977?) An unbelievable tight and talented band and been a fan ever since.
Whoa, how did I miss this one? This was THE Prom song of 1981; there's a live video from the tour where audience members are not only singing full throat, but cuing John Panozzo's drum hits as well. This was the cornerstone of Dennis DeYoung's most fully-realized concept album, telling the story of the decline and fall of a Chicago neighborhood. A hidden gem from this album is "Half-penny, Two-penny", which is from the tall guitarist, James Young. In concert, they would segue from that into Dennis's show-closer, "A.D. 1958". Very effective.
Always A Soulful Taste of Romanticism! Harmonies Deeply Interwoven, With Those Master Piece Lyrics Along For The Ride- Styx Has Always Had A Great Sense For Their Audience -
The guitar solos from the song has a bit of Isley Brothers "Voyage to Atlantis" and Babe was another one. One of the things people don't realize about Styx is. They're were one of the few rock bands or maybe the first since from that period to mixed R&B into their songs that is considered just a rock song. That's rare. Queen was another rock band that had the same caliber to do it but don't even come close like Styx has. Tommy Shaw and James Young didn't understand or realize from that period how much Styx with Dennis meant to the a lot of people until it was too late. Hope Styx gets induct to the Rock n roll Hall of Fame because they deserve it.
Styx , what more could Ya want , They are top shelf rock n roll , great lyrics , great vocals , great guitars everything a great band should be . Ya look nice dressed up Lex . Ya'll Rock On !
Saw them in Vegas last year. Met up with the bass player in a restaurant by chance afterwards. Very sweet man, but he wouldn't let us go. A little out of his head I believe. You're a kid one day, the next your idols are old and punch-drunk. Love them still.
When I got my first car at 16 in 1982 I went to Record Bar and bought four cassettes. Foreigner 4, REO Speedwagon Hi Infidelity, Journey Escape, and Styx Paradise Theater. If you haven't listened to Too Much Time On My Hands you need to. I think Lex would like that one.
Brad hit the nail on the head! Saw them live in 1984, Greensboro,N.C. ''Kilroy Was Here'' tour. Was amazing and they did a lot of their old stuff as well!
It was a concept album regarding a real theatre (sorry! theater if you are American), Paradise Theater in Chicago. It opened in 1928 but closed only thirty years later 1958.
Growing up in the land of styx'.... michiana..... whether it was Dennis or Tommy, styx' was always my favorite band in the early 80's....so many hits, so many memories
Brad and Lex, I love you guys! I really enjoy your expressions and break down for the songs/music you play together on videos. Keep it up and thanks for posting!
This takes me back to my formative years. The singer for this song is Dennis DeYoung. He eventually went solo. His first song and video -- Desert Moon -- are worthy of a review. Powerful and Emotional.
Crystal Ball or Suite Madame Blue are bangers! Styx is my favorite American Classic Rock band seen them in concert. They are coming to Pittsburgh Pa and with Reo Speedwagon and im going!
the young man all dressed in green is Tommy Shaw...great guitarist plus I love when he does lead vocals!! he also went on to be part of the band Damn Yankees who's big hit High Enough is a great listen!!
7th grade dance theme..."The Best of Times." Played this toward the end of the dance...slooooowwwww danced with this really cute 8th grade girl, Paulette... Good times, good times... 😎
This was our theme song for my high school graduation. Dennis DeYoung was a neighbor of a friend of mine back in the day. Dennis and her brother were tooling around in their garage, and somehow managed to catch it on fire. It burned to the ground.
"Miss America " "Grand Illusion" so many, you really can't go wrong. Styx lyrics are pretty deep
Anything except Mr Roboto.
"Suite Madame Blue" is also a gem.
@@stlmopoet can you believe they were given a blank check to record that crap
@@Northrnsnow Given their prior track record, yes. But it definitely was money down the toilet.
@@stlmopoet they also gave Fleetwood Mac a blank check and we got Tusk. ?
The lead singer on this song is Dennis DeYoung. He had a hit song when he went solo, Desert Moon. I think you two will enjoy it.
My son was working at a Hotel Casino a few years ago. He set up for concerts and Weddings etc. He was setting up for Styx concert, and was there for 🎤 mic check. These guys actually asked the set up crew to shout out some songs, and they sung one to them. My son said that they are the nicest guys you'd ever meet.
I was in Junior high when this came out and was just getting into Styx, having just discovered “The Grand Illusion” a year before. This album, “Paradise Theater” was huge. Check out “Fooling Yourself,” “Man In The Wilderness,” “Renegade.”
Me too. I was in 8th grade, and this progressive album was like no other. I'm not sure if the Grand Illusion was before or after Paradise. I know that it was a time where Pink Floyd and Queen were high up on my favorites. I may or may not have had that album handed down to me before Paradise came out. My memory just fails me on my discovery order of Styx.
ua-cam.com/video/XFmHEVtUh5k/v-deo.html
Same here (grade 7 slow-dance bum-grab-song 😁 )... It seems Brad and Lex have a lot of middle aged folk fans 😲
@@CocOnUtsUniverse Middle aged folks who would be more than happy to party with these two. I figured it out, Pieces Of Eight in 78 was my introduction. I probably heard Grand Illusion too, then this album came out. The etching on the vinyl was awesome.
Renegade! I remember that from when I was little!😘👍
My favorite song from this album is "Snowblind". It's got a much different sound than any other Styx music.
That one really jumped out to me as well.
That was one of the few James JY Young songs. Great tune
You have to go back to some of thir earlier albums to hear other James Young led songs, but they do exist. Put Me On from Crystal Ball is one of them. I'm Gonna Make You Feel It from Styx II also hits the spot.
Good call
@@rhopsi5620 Love "Half Penny, Two Penny".
My class of 81 prom night theme song so much dope going around glad i survived the 80s ...
Styx is phenomenal! I’ve seen them many times and they never disappoint. Always a great show.
ua-cam.com/video/XFmHEVtUh5k/v-deo.html
STYX is it!!! So many great tunes. Tommy Shaw has been one of my musical heroes since the 70's..."Rockin' the Paradise". Is a must.
When this came out in 1979, the U.S. was in a similar place as today. But we got through it then, and we will again.
It was 1981, but written during 1980 (the Carter misery index year)
Paradise Theatre was a huge album for Styx. Looking back, it really marked the end of the 70's for me musically even though it was made in 1980. Great memories.
That makes 5 Styx songs so far, plenty more to go. Look down though the comments, they are there. Miss America, Suite Madam Blue, Lorelei, Grand Illusion. Crystal Ball, Too Much Time on My Hands, Rockin the Paradise, Boat on the River, and more.
"Midnight Ride" from the Equinox album, before Tommy Shaw. When Shaw heard that song, he decided he wanted to be in this band
I remember Too Much Time On My Hands from when I was little.👍😘
Styx lyrically was decades ahead of their time.
I get what you are saying but they were singing about how people really felt in the early 80s, as bad as we think things are now a lot of people felt the same way 40 years ago.
I remember when this album came out. We bought vinyl back then, and this one had the Paradise Theater marquis etched into the vinyl. You could see it if you held the album up to the light just right.
Wow! I completely forgot about the etching on the vinyl.
@@rintrah40 To tell the truth, I forgot too. Only when I turned on this reaction, did I recall. I guess I'm getting old, where memories just pop up at any given moment.
Got it here in the U.K. when it was released! Great album.
@@martinkulkarni3569 Seriously? I know they had a lot of albums by then, this being the tenth, but for a band from my home of Chicago, I'm surprised it was globally released right away.
@@mgordon1100 Actually, I bought it in 1981, a year after it was release, so think it you might be right. It may have only been available in the UK in 1981.
I grew up in Chicago. I saw them play at a high school gym before they were famous. Seeing them next month in Tampa with REO Speedwagon & Loverboy. Excited
It's an absolute crime they refuse to do shows with Dennis. A reunited Styx would make a TON of money.
Rockin the paradise starts the same way
Brad & Lex, I'd recommend "Too Much Time On My Hands" next for you!!
Loved this reaction to a huge Styx hit that applies more to today than it did back when "Best of Times" was first released. Gotta check out "Miss America", "Too Much Time On My Hands", "Boat On The River", "Queen of Spades", "Snowblind", "Crystal Ball", "Lorelei", "Suite Madame Blue" or "Castle Walls" next. So many hits that reflect a huge, unparalleled arc of different musical styles and variety thanks to 3 different songwriters and lead singers. Looking forward to getting into it with Styx again soon.
Grew up on Styx! " Crystal Ball" is my fav!
I absolutely love this band I've been listening to them since the 70s
I love when Brad said it’s like a recipe for happiness
There were so many great bands out when Styx was around that they slipped under my radar for the most part back then, but as the decades have gone by I have learned to appreciate them more with each passing year.
A truly under-rated all time great rock and roll band.
Take me back to a time when life was simple when I graduated in the 80s
Yes same here, we definitely were blessed to have experienced those days 🤔
Dennis de Young (this guy) and Steve Walsh' (Kansas) vocals were in a league of their own at their peak
Great Great vocals. And a good song here
We were incredibly spoiled musically in the 70s
Watching how giddy Lex gets to the simple things are the best moments.. you two are a a great duo to how Brad takes care of the Lyrics and Lex is left to enjoy the moment..
The guitar in "Miss America" is amazing!
Suite Madame Blue and Castle Walls are must hear Styx
I was in Jr high when this came out. I love Styx. "Lady" is my favorite song by them-still get goosebumps when I hear it.
Grand Illusion and Miss America. And Dennis Deyoung’s solo song Desert Moon.
The 70s were packed with amazing rock bands (non-metal), and Styx is among the greatest. Their catalog of music is extensive and they had massive radio hits for 10+ years. Dennis DeYoung is one of two lead singers...much like the Beatles or the Eagles (yes they had more than 2 singers). His voice is distinctive and he had some hits in his solo career as well. 🤘
One of my favourite 70’s and 80’s bands. Saw them live on this tour. Simply awesome!
We use to listen to this at the end of music class in school.
That’s Tommy Shaw doing the high pitch vocals. That’s how he earned the job as their new guitar player. Hitting the high note in “Lady”.
shaw did not sing onlady he was not in the grouop then. james young sings the highh part on this song
Everyone's prom song back in the early 80s
Fess up Brad, you felt warm and fuzzy. 😄
Another great message is "Grand Illusion" you can do that one next. The message applies today even more than when it was written!
This was my high school graduation song back in 1984. I know, I'm old. As a result, I have very fond memories of it. Thanks for reacting to it.
It was mine too.
Pretty sure a good deal of us here are "old". Played a lot of Styx back in the day. Whew.
@@Wraithlen Still do. 😂
I was a freshman when this came out. Very much part of the soundtrack of my HS years. Slow dancing on a Friday night in the gym after the football game vibes. Sam and Lindsay Weir stuff.
Dennis DeYoung was the heart & soul of Styx, and what made them really unique. Unfortunately his ungrateful, greedy former bandmates JY & Tommy Shaw used his serious health issues in the late 90's to kick him out of the band he founded (nah maaan, they just want to rock!!) Since then Styx has done nothing memorable of note while Dennis is still making great music. For an at-home pandemic version he did of this a couple years ago check out ua-cam.com/video/vVzx-VO0RpI/v-deo.html
Similar to when Journey kicked out Steve Perry, Styx sucked after they kicked out Dennis DeYoung
Styx is my all time favorite band.
I was a long haired hippie from Colorado, going to college in Florida. My roommate talked me into going to see a band called Styx, never heard them before. The show was fantastic (Grand Illusion tour in...1977?) An unbelievable tight and talented band and been a fan ever since.
Outside of the NFL, nobody rocks shoulder pads like James Young (rhythm guitar) does.
His voice is so clear and piercing, I love it! Great lyrics and harmonizing as well. Great reaction!
The album this song came from (Paradise Theatre) is an amazing piece of rock history. Absolutely underrated.
Whoa, how did I miss this one? This was THE Prom song of 1981; there's a live video from the tour where audience members are not only singing full throat, but cuing John Panozzo's drum hits as well.
This was the cornerstone of Dennis DeYoung's most fully-realized concept album, telling the story of the decline and fall of a Chicago neighborhood. A hidden gem from this album is "Half-penny, Two-penny", which is from the tall guitarist, James Young. In concert, they would segue from that into Dennis's show-closer, "A.D. 1958". Very effective.
From their Jan of 1981 album "Paradise Theater".....very much some of the music for my wife and I back in high school.
DeYoung is my favourite singer of Styx. Such a great voice. And the chorus too.. great band👌
This song is from a concept album about the rise and fall of the Paradise theater. So when he mentions "Paradise" he is referring to this theater.
Always A Soulful Taste of Romanticism! Harmonies Deeply Interwoven, With Those Master Piece Lyrics Along For The Ride- Styx Has Always Had A Great Sense For Their Audience -
These boys have alot of uplifting songs. Great musicians. They owned the radio for a time.
You guys are on a roll lately playing my favorite songs from different bands.
STYX a class act there music will last the test of time always happy upbeat feel good !!
Miss America is a must. Just saying..
Thanks for doing this channel 🤘
I saw Kansas warm up for Styx, both very awesome. The man in green was Tommy Shaw who later was part of Damn Yankees.
The guitar solos from the song has a bit of Isley Brothers "Voyage to Atlantis" and Babe was another one. One of the things people don't realize about Styx is. They're were one of the few rock bands or maybe the first since from that period to mixed R&B into their songs that is considered just a rock song. That's rare. Queen was another rock band that had the same caliber to do it but don't even come close like Styx has. Tommy Shaw and James Young didn't understand or realize from that period how much Styx with Dennis meant to the a lot of people until it was too late. Hope Styx gets induct to the Rock n roll Hall of Fame because they deserve it.
That shirt you are wearing is beautiful and suits you perfectly!!!! Love you guys!!!
Snowblind, Suite Madame Blue, Miss America, Crystal Ball, Queen of Spades
Great song and lyrics are soothing and I loved Styx
Styx , what more could Ya want , They are top shelf rock n roll , great lyrics , great vocals , great guitars everything a great band should be . Ya look nice dressed up Lex . Ya'll Rock On !
“Fooling Yourself” is a must listen.
Saw them in Vegas last year. Met up with the bass player in a restaurant by chance afterwards. Very sweet man, but he wouldn't let us go. A little out of his head I believe. You're a kid one day, the next your idols are old and punch-drunk. Love them still.
I love the Italian guy singing it in "Big Daddy."
Lex - that was hilarious - and the look on Brad's face - priceless !!! 🤣
When I got my first car at 16 in 1982 I went to Record Bar and bought four cassettes. Foreigner 4, REO Speedwagon Hi Infidelity, Journey Escape, and Styx Paradise Theater. If you haven't listened to Too Much Time On My Hands you need to. I think Lex would like that one.
Brad hit the nail on the head! Saw them live in 1984, Greensboro,N.C. ''Kilroy Was Here'' tour. Was amazing and they did a lot of their old stuff as well!
come on lex that familiar feeling Brad's talking about with that song.... it's the both of you together through life
Lex looks so cute in Pink. "She is pretty in pink"
It was a concept album regarding a real theatre (sorry! theater if you are American), Paradise Theater in Chicago. It opened in 1928 but closed only thirty years later 1958.
My first ever concert was this 1981 Paradise Theater tour!
Tommy Shaw is so good...man...so good. My Favorte Styx artist, if not one of my favorit artists.
Ive seen Them in concert 4 times they always are great
One of the best songs ever !!!
Styx is still on tour on they Kick Ass! Lawrence Gowan is now on keyboards and he is phenomenal.
Growing up in the land of styx'.... michiana..... whether it was Dennis or Tommy, styx' was always my favorite band in the early 80's....so many hits, so many memories
Saw them live, absolutely amazing
Brad and Lex, I love you guys! I really enjoy your expressions and break down for the songs/music you play together on videos. Keep it up and thanks for posting!
Lex with the stank face on that guitar solo!! Love it hahaaa
This was the first song they played at my sister's graduation, as they passed out diploma's.
I had me a few STYX albums in the late 70s and early 80s.
They were a treat to see live, true pros. There's so much from them
Wasn’t really a Styx fan, but I saw them on this, the Paradise Theater tour in NJ and was better than I expected..
This takes me back to my formative years. The singer for this song is Dennis DeYoung. He eventually went solo. His first song and video -- Desert Moon -- are worthy of a review. Powerful and Emotional.
Recipe for happiness
I love it
One of my favorites from them. I really enjoy Mr. Roboto and Too Much Time On My Hands.
Crystal Ball or Suite Madame Blue are bangers! Styx is my favorite American Classic Rock band seen them in concert. They are coming to Pittsburgh Pa and with Reo Speedwagon and im going!
the young man all dressed in green is Tommy Shaw...great guitarist plus I love when he does lead vocals!! he also went on to be part of the band Damn Yankees who's big hit High Enough is a great listen!!
7th grade dance theme..."The Best of Times." Played this toward the end of the dance...slooooowwwww danced with this really cute 8th grade girl, Paulette... Good times, good times... 😎
This song fits in today's world! end of paradise
Great Album
Brad, you're with Lex... that makes it the best of times for you!
A great song!
Styx always wrote happy songs....I love them
They use the first stanza of this song to open the song 'Rockin in Paradise '. That may be where you heard it before.
Right now is all we have and it’s the best. Love😂
This song is also a lead in to one of their best songs, on this tune " A.D. 1928/Rockin' The Paradise" check it out, it really is ROCKIN!
This was our theme song for my high school graduation. Dennis DeYoung was a neighbor of a friend of mine back in the day. Dennis and her brother were tooling around in their garage, and somehow managed to catch it on fire. It burned to the ground.
You and you’re mom lol. You’re a hoot Lex. Luv y’all’s reactions. 🤘🏻
It felt familiar, cuz “It’s always, You and Me against the world, when you truly Love each other”……Since the beginning of time. ✌️
Boy that really took a left turn at the end. 😎
My favorite Styx song