STYX to perform hits at NY State Fair

“STYX to perform hits at NY State Fair”
Q&A by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Since the 1970s, progressive rock band, STYX has put on memorable shows, delivering hits like “Come Sail Away,” “Lady” and “Mr. Roboto.” Although the band is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it certainly deserves to be.

The band STYX.

The classic rock band STYX. Photo by Ash Newell.

In a recent Q&A, with bassist Chuck Panozzo, guitarist James “JY” Young and bassist Ricky Phillips, STYX talks about their upcoming performance at the New York State Fair.

James Young and Ricky Phillips of STYX by Michael Aaron Gallagher

James Young and Ricky Phillips of STYX by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net. All rights reserved.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Have you spent any time in Central New York before?”

STYX: “We have played the area numerous times and enjoyed playing the NY State Fair in the past.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What can fans expect from your show at the New York State Fair, and are there any surprises in store?”

STYX: “There are always surprises at a STYX show if we told them to you they would not be a surprise.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What’s your favorite song to perform this year?”

James “JY” Young: “Renegade”

Chuck Panozzo: “Foolin’ Yourself” (Chuck’s theme song)

Ricky Phillips: “Suite Madame Blue”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Some of your most popular songs have been re-worked and re-imagined on television and on sites like YouTube. Do you look at songs like “Come Sail Away” and “Mr. Roboto” differently now than you did when they were first released?”

Tommy Shaw, frontman of the classic rock band STYX by Michael Aaron Gallagher

Tommy Shaw, frontman of the classic rock band STYX by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net. All rights reserved.

STYX: “‘Blue Collar Man’ was written in 1978 amid widespread unemployment, and playing it today it still resonates with the people and today’s economic conditions.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “When people think of STYX, what do you want your musical legacy to be?”

STYX: “There is a unique joy the band experiences by playing live and the band and the fans always look forward to the two hours they spend together at a STYX concert. To be remembered for the mutual joy that is experienced between the band and the fans that can only happen at a live concert.”

STYX performed a free concert at 8 p.m. Aug. 28, 2010 on the Chevy Court stage at the New York State Fair in Syracuse, NY. They also performed in Albany, NY on Oct. 30 at the Palace Theater.

“STYX to perform hits at NY State Fair”
Copyright © 2010 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photograph courtesy of Amanda Cagan

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