The release of the concept album Kilroy Was Here in 1983 brought tensions to a head within Styx, with Dennis DeYoung hoping to continue along a more theatrical path than guitarist and songwriter Tommy Shaw. Shaw left the band after the tour supporting Kilroy to make a solo album, and DeYoung decided to take the opportunity to record one as well.

This interview, recorded in 1984 in support of Desert Moon, touches on some interesting material about Styx and the new solo album, but is perhaps most significant as a result of its timing. At this point, DeYoung was certain that Styx would be getting back together, which, as history now tells us, did not happen until the 1990 reunion.

00:00 – Styx is still together / reason for making a solo album 01:17 – Styx is staying together independent of Desert Moon’s success 01:59 – How the new solo album is different than Styx 02:56 – No creative limitations within Styx 04:03 – Reaction to The Beatles / how they spoke to him 06:59 – TW4: the original band / a band for the right reasons 08:15 – Recording with new musicians on Desert Moon 09:00 – Touring in support of the new album / the musicians 10:15 – The misconception of Styx as a business / the New York Times article 12:18 – A pattern of how to write songs 13:34 – Optimism in lyrics / lyrics based on himself 14:45 – Critical acclaim as the goal for an artist / impossibility of answering criticism 17:59 – Having a stage to say something meaningful 19:09 – Dennis’ unknown sense of humor 19:28 – Success coming in small stages 20:12 – Wild and crazy times with Styx / Heineken plug 21:27 – Bitterness about success coming slowly with “Lady” 22:20 – Midwestern boys / staying in Chicago 23:20 – Life before Styx / playing the accordion