Dennis DeYoung had ambitious touring plans for 2020, but like many artists, the former Styx vocalist had to cancel all his shows in early March due to the pandemic. Reflecting on this unexpected turn of events, DeYoung expressed his disappointment, noting, “The greatest disappointment to me is that I didn’t know my last show was my last show.” This sentiment has fueled his desire to return to the stage and correct what feels like an unfinished chapter in his career.
During a recent conversation with Ultimate Classic Rock Nights host Matt Wardlaw, DeYoung shared insights into his activities during the pandemic. Far from being idle, he has been diligently working on his memoir. While the release date remains uncertain, DeYoung is clearly energized by the process of revisiting the pivotal moments of his life and career.
DeYoung’s memoir promises to be a deep dive into his personal and professional journey. He has approached the writing process by focusing on significant events and experiences that shaped him. “I spend a lot of time talking about who I am and why,” he explained. He believes understanding a person’s family history and upbringing is crucial to comprehending their motivations and actions. DeYoung’s exploration of his own life is not just a recounting of events but an honest examination of why people do the things they do.
One of the chapters DeYoung recently completed, titled “Wallball,” recounts the serendipitous meeting with future Styx members Chuck and John Panozzo. This chance encounter, which occurred while DeYoung was on a routine errand for his mother, marked the beginning of a lifelong musical journey. Such moments of fate and coincidence are woven throughout his memoir, offering fans a glimpse into the formative experiences that led to the creation of Styx.
DeYoung also touched on the recognition he has received over the years, including his induction into the Illinois Music Hall of Fame. He expressed genuine appreciation for these honors, stating, “When somebody wants to give you an award and recognize you for what you’ve done, for crying out loud, you’ve got to be excited, or there’s something wrong with you.”
The memoir project began in 2014, sparked by a period of downtime during a series of sold-out shows in Quebec. Initially, DeYoung’s writing was filled with humor, but feedback from friends encouraged him to take a more serious approach. The pandemic provided the perfect opportunity for DeYoung to focus on his writing, allowing him to delve deeper into his story.
DeYoung’s memoir is not just about his musical career but also about the personal motivations and relationships that have shaped him. He has read numerous autobiographies to understand what makes them compelling and has decided to include many personal photos to give readers a sense of his life before fame. While he acknowledges that “dirt” sells books, DeYoung is determined to keep his memoir focused on the joy and discovery of his journey.
As for future live performances, DeYoung is keen to return to the stage. He had a 60-city tour planned for 2020, which was abruptly canceled due to the pandemic. The uncertainty of not knowing his last show was indeed his last has left him with a sense of unfinished business. “I plan on correcting that,” he affirmed, hinting at a possible return to live performances in the near future.
Regarding new music, DeYoung seems content with his recent output. He released two solo albums, which he considers his final musical statements. Unlike many musicians who live to be on stage, DeYoung has always valued his family life and other interests. This balance has influenced his decision to step back from writing new music, although he occasionally entertains the idea.
DeYoung’s recent albums, “26 East: Volume 1” and its follow-up, were born out of a collaboration with fellow Chicagoan Jim Peterik. The albums reflect DeYoung’s journey from his early days in Chicago to his rise to fame with Styx. The cover artwork, featuring locomotives traveling through space, symbolizes the band’s journey from their humble beginnings to stardom.
In support of “26 East,” DeYoung had planned a series of live performances, including a special event at the House of Blues in Chicago. While the pandemic disrupted these plans, DeYoung remains hopeful about returning to the stage and sharing his music with fans once again.
In conclusion, Dennis DeYoung’s reflections on his career, his memoir, and his future touring plans offer fans a comprehensive look at the man behind the music. His desire to return to the stage and his dedication to sharing his story through his memoir demonstrate his enduring passion for music and his fans.
Source: Ultimate Classic Rock
