Styx: How Did the Band Evolve After Glen Burtnik’s Departure?
The question of whether Styx improved after Glen Burtnik's departure in the late 1990s is subjective and depends on personal taste. Burtnik, who had joined Styx in the late 1980s and contributed to the band's sound during a period of transition, left to focus on his solo career and other projects. After Burtnik’s exit, Styx continued to evolve, bringing in new members and shifting their musical style.
Styx's Evolution
Following Burtnik’s exit, the band found success with albums like Edge of the Century (1990) and Brave New World (1999). Fans appreciated the new direction and the return of original members like Dennis DeYoung and Tommy Shaw. However, some fans preferred the band's earlier sound that included Burtnik's contributions.
It's important to note that Styx has never been able to recapture the magic formula of their glory years, which spanned from 1975 to 1981 (essentially 1977 to 1981, from the release of The Grand Illusion to Paradise Theatre). Glen Burtnik is a fine musician, but he didn’t really fit that well with Styx, giving them a hair metal sound with hits like “Love Is the Ritual.”
After Burtnik's Departure
Styx improved somewhat after getting Tommy Shaw back in the fold in the mid-1990s. However, by that time, drummer John Panozzo had passed away. The classic lineup of Styx included Dennis DeYoung, James “JY” Keyes, Tommy Shaw, and Tommy Briana. Listening to albums like Edge of the Century (1990) and Brave New World (1999), it's evident that the band could not reach the same heights as their earlier years. It’s essential to acknowledge that these albums still contain good songs, such as “Show Me the Way” and “Dear John.”
Personal Insights
I have been following Glen's career since the early days of the Stone Pony and would recommend you do the same. Glen is a tremendous talent and someone I still treasure for his original demo. Changing personnel in a band is a normal part of the creative process, and it's a subjective matter to decide if it's a benefit or a change. If you have any issues with Glen, you might be playing the devil's advocate.
On a side note, Styx has not been able to recapture the magic formula from 1975 to 1981, during their glory years. While Glen Burtnik is a talented musician, he didn't quite fit the style of the band during those years. The band improved with the return of Tommy Shaw, but the loss of John Panozzo and the band's shift toward a more commercial sound meant they couldn't replicate their earlier success.
Fans of Styx have a personal preference for the band's musical style and lineup changes. It's fascinating to see how the band evolved over time and to explore both the good and bad aspects of these changes.
Conclusion
Whether Styx improved or declined after Glen Burtnik left is a matter of personal opinion, influenced by individual preferences for the band's musical style and lineup changes. Exploring the evolution of Styx helps us understand the dynamics of a band's journey and the complex nature of musical success.