How a single vocal audition transformed the trajectory of Styx
In short: In December 1975, Tommy Shaw joined Styx under unusual circumstances. Instead of showcasing his guitar skills, he was hired solely for his ability to sing the high harmony in "Lady." This pivotal moment would eventually lead to platinum albums and a decade of musical tension.
Shaw's entry into Styx was a direct result of his time in the Chicago-managed group MSFunk. When guitarist John Curulewski departed the band just before a nationwide tour, Shaw was called to audition. Interestingly, his guitar remained in its case during the audition; his talent for high harmony was the deciding factor. This opportunity arose because of his previous experience with the Chicago-based outfit MSFunk. He had previously played with several local bands in Montgomery, Alabama, before moving to the city.
His arrival marked a shift toward a rock-oriented sound. While the band achieved massive pop success with Dennis DeYoung's "Babe" in 1979, Shaw's songwriting provided the group's rock foundation. His contributions to the 1978 album Pieces of Eight—including "Renegade" and "Blue Collar Man"—became perennial concert favorites. His songwriting prowess was further evidenced by his only Top 10 hit with the group, "Too Much Time on My Hands." He also penned the hit "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)".
This stylistic divergence caused significant internal friction. Shaw famously threatened to quit if the band released the ballad "First Time," fearing it would alienate their rock fan base. This tension led to DeYoung being briefly fired in early 1980 before being rehired. The conflict eventually culminated in the theatrical concept of the Kilroy Was Here album, a project Shaw detested. The band's musical direction was heavily influenced by keyboardist Dennis DeYoung, whose pop-leaning style often clashed with the rock preferences of Shaw and guitarist James Young. This friction was central to the band's evolution throughout the early 1980s.
Beyond Styx, Shaw's career includes the platinum-selling band Damn Yankees and various solo projects. He has also collaborated with diverse artists, from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra to the Contemporary Youth Orchestra, maintaining a prolific presence in the rock scene for decades. His work with Jack Blades in the duo Shaw Blades also resulted in a 2007 collaboration titled Influence. Furthermore, he has contributed vocals to various tribute albums for legendary acts like Queen and Kiss.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Tommy Shaw
- Also: Wikidata — Tommy Shaw · CC0
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