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Dennis DeYoung is a singer and songwriter from Chicago, Ill.. He is best known as the founder and lead singer of the pop and progressive rock band
Styx
. Though Styx produced many hits over its tenure, the 1983 song Mr. Roboto written by DeYoung himself is perhaps the most iconic song from the band's repertoire. His music has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including
Shrek 2
,
Austin Powers in Goldmember
and
Sex and the City
.
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Styx grew organically in the early '60s from the childhood friendship of Dennis DeYoung and his neighbors Chuck and John Panozzo. With the later additions of guitarist James Young and John Curulewski, the band adopted the name Tradewinds, which eventually evolved into Styx. The band released its self-titled debut album in 1972. Though only a modest success, it set the stage for the band's gold-certified sophomore album
Styx II
, which produced the top 10 hit single Lady.
The Grand Illusion
in 1977 and
Pieces of Eight
in 1978 both sold more than 3 million copies in the United States, while
Cornerstone
in 1979 sold more than 2 million copies and carried the band's sole No. 1 hit single, Babe. The album also received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.
Paradise Theatre
in 1981 was the band's only album to hit No. 1 on the US chart. Styx produced another platinum album in 1983 called
Kilroy Was Here
and then went on a brief hiatus. This reprieve allowed DeYoung to embark on his solo career with the release of his debut album
Desert Moon
. He would follow it up with
Back to the World
in 1986 and
Boomchild
in 1989. In 1996, DeYoung recorded a soundtrack to a local Chicago musical adaptation of
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
. He would occasionally reunite with the Styx before finally departing the band in 1999 after the release of the album
Brave New World
. In the 21st century, DeYoung has mainly focused on his touring career and his live albums.
''If you want to catch a Dennis DeYoung concert live, then you should visit the online ticket vendor StubHub.'
'The band currently consists of guitarists August Zadra and Jimmy Leahey, bass guitarist Craig Carter, keyboard player John Blasucci, drummer Michael Morales and backup singer Suzanne DeYoung. The band is touring under the name Dennis DeYoung and the Music of Styx.'
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Dennis DeYoung is currently on
The Grand Illusion
40th Anniversary Album Tour for the remainder of 2019. He is making stops across North America, including the
Warner Theatre
in Washington D.C., the Agora in Quebec City and the
Knight Theater
in Charlotte, N.C.
''Fans should expect a celebration of the music of Styx and Dennis DeYoung. Though the band is compromised of all new members, it captures the energy and style of the original band. Dennis DeYoung is primarily the lead singer but plays the keyboard as well. While on stage, he frequently interacts with the other members of the band.'
'Dennis DeYoung plays a selection of Styx songs and his own original songs, including The Grand Illusion, Lady, Lorelei, Desert Moon, Mr. Roboto, Too Much Time on My Hands, Babe, The Best of Times, Renegade, Come Sail Away, Miss America, Man in the Wilderness, Castle Walls, Superstars, Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man) and Blue Collar Man (Long Nights). DeYoung also covers other famous songs such as The End by The Beatles. The setlist may vary in between performances.'
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If you enjoy the music of Dennis DeYoung, then you should check out the original band Styx, which is still touring. You can also check out the '70s rock band
Streetheart
.
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