Sparks Notes: Styx’s Early Years
The rock band Styx began in the early 1970s in Chicago. The group was formed by twin brothers Chuck and John Panozzo, along with their neighbor, Dennis DeYoung. The trio started playing together as teenagers in the early 1960s, performing under different names such as The Tradewinds and later TW4. As their style evolved and they began incorporating progressive rock influences, they added guitarists James “J.Y.” Young and John Curulewski to the lineup.
RELATED STORY: Styx Setlist: ‘Brotherhood of Rock’ Tour
In 1972, the band signed with Wooden Nickel Records, and their management suggested they choose a new, more distinctive name. The group reportedly struggled to agree on one, but eventually settled on “Styx,” named after the famed river from Greek mythology that separates the Earth from the Underworld. According to interviews, the name was chosen somewhat reluctantly, as it was the only suggestion that none of the band members outright disliked. It also carried a mysterious and dramatic tone, for the band. The name “Styx” would go on to represent a band known for combining progressive rock with melodic ballads and concept albums.
RELATED STORY: Eagle Fest 2025
Their commercial breakthrough came in the mid-1970s when Tommy Shaw was added as replacement to the departing Curulewski as singer and guitarist. The albums Crystal Ball and The Grand Illusion signaled their hit-making ability and showcased their signature mix of soaring vocals, keyboard-driven arrangements and philosophical lyrics. Despite several changes to their lineup over the decades, Styx has remained a significant and enduring name in classic rock.
