The members of Styx have written one of classic rock’s most extraordinary stories, spanning five decades of lineup changes, creative battles, and world class music.
From their 1961 formation in a Chicago neighborhood to the massively anticipated 2026 Windy Cities Tour with Chicago, this guide covers every era of the band.
It also covers eras several fan sites skip entirely: the mid 1980s hiatus, the Glen Burtnik years, and Ricky Phillips’ two decades on bass.
Whether you want the original lineup that wrote “Come Sail Away,” the members who came and went in between, or where every living member stands right now in 2026, the full story of the members of Styx is below.
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⚡ Key Takeaways
- The members of Styx formed in Chicago’s Roseland neighborhood in 1961 and adopted the Styx name in 1972 under Wooden Nickel Records.
- Tommy Shaw joined in December 1975, and The Grand Illusion (1977) became the band’s commercial breakthrough.
- Dennis DeYoung was replaced by Lawrence Gowan in 1999 after a health dispute and years of creative tension, and a reunion remains off the table as of 2026.
- Between 1990 and 2003, Glen Burtnik covered both Tommy Shaw’s guitar role and Chuck Panozzo’s bass role before Ricky Phillips took over on bass for 21 years.
- The seven current members of Styx released their 18th studio album, Circling From Above, on July 18, 2025, and co-headline the 2026 Windy Cities Tour with Chicago.
Who Are the Original Members of Styx?
The story of the members of Styx begins in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago in August 1961.
That’s when twin brothers Chuck and John Panozzo first played music together with their 14-year-old neighbor Dennis DeYoung.
At just 12 years old, the Panozzo twins were already showing real musical promise.
Chuck played guitar and John played drums, while DeYoung provided vocals and played accordion.
This humble neighborhood beginning would eventually evolve into one of classic rock’s most successful bands.
The original quintet that would become Styx wasn’t complete until 1970. Guitarists John Curulewski and James “JY” Young joined the group that year.
By this time, Chuck Panozzo had switched to bass guitar after briefly attending seminary.
DeYoung had also transitioned from accordion to keyboards. That shift helped establish a sound that blended hard rock with progressive elements.
Formation Story and Early Days
The path from neighborhood band to rock legends was not immediate for the members of Styx.
Initially performing under the name The Tradewinds, the group went through several iterations before settling on their famous moniker.
Chuck Panozzo returned from seminary in 1964, and the band expanded soon after. It eventually became TW4 while its members attended Chicago State University.
Their big break came in 1972. A talent scout spotted them performing at St. John of the Cross Parish in Western Springs, Illinois.
This led to their first recording contract with Wooden Nickel Records, but the label insisted they change their name.
They considered hundreds of name options before settling on one. According to DeYoung, they chose Styx because it was “the only one that none of us hated.”
That same year, Styx released their self-titled debut album, beginning what would become one of rock’s most storied careers.
Early Musical Background of Key Members
Each founding member brought unique musical influences that shaped the sound of Styx.
Dennis DeYoung’s classical training on accordion gave him a sophisticated understanding of melody and arrangement.
His theatrical sensibilities would later drive the band’s famous concept albums.
The Panozzo twins provided the rhythmic foundation that made Styx unique.
John’s powerful drumming and Chuck’s melodic bass lines became signature elements of the sound.
James Young arrived with a hard rock sensibility that would counterweight DeYoung’s pop instincts for the next two decades.
How Did the Members of Styx Change Over the Years?
The members of Styx have undergone significant lineup changes across their five decade career.
Each transition marked a new chapter in the band’s musical evolution.
The most consequential changes occurred in 1975, 1990, 1996, 1999, and 2003.
Each one reshaped both the band’s sound and its lineup for years afterward.
The Arrival of Tommy Shaw
Styx moved to A&M Records in 1975 and began preparing a nationwide tour. That December, guitarist John Curulewski suddenly left the band.
Curulewski cited his desire to spend more time with his family as his reason for departing.
After a frantic search, the band found Tommy Shaw, a young guitarist from Montgomery, Alabama.
Shaw had been playing with a Chicago managed outfit called MSFunk at the time.
His audition was unconventional: the band never actually asked him to play guitar.
Instead, they focused entirely on his ability to sing the high harmonies in “Lady.” That ability became the deciding factor in his selection.
Shaw’s arrival proved transformative for the members of Styx, bringing fresh songwriting and a more aggressive guitar style.
Shaw’s first album with the band was Crystal Ball (1976). It showcased his talents on songs like “Mademoiselle” and the title track.
It was with The Grand Illusion (1977) that Shaw truly found his footing.
He contributed “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)” to the album. Shaw also personally drove from radio station to radio station to promote “Come Sail Away” across the country.
The album became the band’s commercial breakthrough, its first multi-platinum record, and the foundation of its legendary status.
Who Replaced Tommy Shaw When Styx Reunited in 1990?
Styx broke up in the mid 1980s after the divisive Kilroy Was Here tour.
Tommy Shaw did not return for nearly a decade.
Shaw spent the back half of the 1980s fronting Damn Yankees.
He was still committed to that band when Styx reconvened in 1990.
Singer and guitarist Glen Burtnik stepped in to fill Shaw’s role for the reunion. The resulting album, Edge of the Century, was released October 9, 1990.
Glen Burtnik had just lost his own A&M Records solo deal after two underperforming albums. That was the moment the band recruited him.
Burtnik wrote and sang lead on “Love Is the Ritual,” Edge of the Century’s biggest rock radio hit.
Co-wrote the ballad “Show Me the Way” with Dennis DeYoung.
According to Wikipedia’s account of his career, this first Styx stint ran from 1990 to 1991. The band then went quiet again.
Tommy Shaw finally rejoined the members of Styx in 1995, once his commitments to Damn Yankees had wound down.
Who Played Bass Before Ricky Phillips Joined Styx?
Glen Burtnik returned to the band in late 1999, but this time on bass guitar rather than guitar.
Founding bassist Chuck Panozzo could no longer play full time because of his ongoing health issues.
Burtnik covered the touring and studio bass role.
Burtnik played bass on Brave New World (1999) and Cyclorama (2003). Those two studio albums bridged Dennis DeYoung’s exit and the modern Lawrence Gowan era.
Chuck Panozzo still appeared on additional bass and backing vocals during this period. That kept a founding member’s voice on every record.
Burtnik left the band in 2004, and bassist Ricky Phillips took over the role for the next two decades.
This 1999 to 2004 bass handoff is one of the most overlooked chapters in the story of the members of Styx. Most fan coverage skips straight from Dennis DeYoung’s 1999 exit to the current lineup.
Why Did Dennis DeYoung Leave the Members of Styx?
The most controversial change among the members of Styx occurred in 1999. Founding member Dennis DeYoung was replaced by Lawrence Gowan that year.
The circumstances surrounding DeYoung’s departure remain contentious to this day, with both sides presenting very different narratives.
According to Shaw and Young, DeYoung’s health problems kept him from touring behind Brave New World (1999).
In January 1998, DeYoung was struck by a severe case of the flu.
The high fever caused lasting damage to his eyes, leaving him with severe light sensitivity and fatigue.
When DeYoung requested six months to recover, Shaw and Young decided to proceed with touring using a replacement vocalist.
DeYoung has consistently maintained that he was replaced while genuinely sick.
That the band used his health issues as a convenient excuse for tensions that had been building for years.
Those tensions were real and long standing. The band had fundamental disagreements between DeYoung’s love of theatricality and pop ballads versus Shaw and Young’s preference for hard rock.
The legal battle that followed was settled in 2001.
The remaining band members retained the Styx name. DeYoung was allowed to use descriptive phrases like “formerly of Styx” and “Dennis DeYoung and the Music of Styx” in his own solo promotion.
As of 2026, a reunion remains firmly off the table according to Shaw and Young. Both have consistently stated the current lineup is healthier and more creative than ever.
How Did John Panozzo’s Death Lead to Todd Sucherman Joining?
Founding drummer John Panozzo re-recorded “Lady” with the band in March 1995 for a greatest hits collection.
By February 1996, the band had booked its Return to Paradise reunion tour. Panozzo’s declining health made him unable to perform live.
Styx brought in session drummer Todd Sucherman to cover the tour dates John Panozzo could no longer play.
John Panozzo passed away on July 16, 1996, from complications related to cirrhosis of the liver.
Sucherman became a full time member of Styx later that year. The role was born directly out of the loss of the band’s original drummer.
He has now held that seat for 30 years, longer than any Styx drummer besides Panozzo.
Who Is Ricky Phillips, and Why Did He Leave the Members of Styx in 2024?
Ricky Phillips joined the members of Styx in 2003 after a direct call from guitarist Tommy Shaw.
Before Styx, Phillips built his reputation as the bassist for Bad English and for The Babys.
He had also recorded with Coverdale-Page and Ted Nugent.
Phillips spent 21 years in the band. He appeared on Big Bang Theory, One with Everything: Styx and the Contemporary Youth Orchestra, The Mission, and Crash of the Crown.
He shared bass duties on stage with founding member Chuck Panozzo for most of his tenure. That arrangement honored Panozzo’s health limitations while keeping him visibly part of the band.
In March 2024, Phillips announced on Facebook that he was leaving Styx to “take a breather.”
Per Styxworld’s own announcement, Terry Gowan stepped into the touring bass chair within weeks of that news.
Ricky Phillips’ 21 year run makes him the longest serving bassist in the band’s history after Chuck Panozzo himself.
Who Are the Current Members of Styx in 2026?
As of February 2026, the active members of Styx consist of seven musicians. Together, they represent the band’s past, present, and future.
The current lineup is Tommy Shaw (guitar, vocals), James “JY” Young (guitar, vocals), Lawrence Gowan (keyboards, vocals), Chuck Panozzo (bass, guest appearances), Todd Sucherman (drums), Will Evankovich (guitar, vocals), and Terry Gowan (bass, vocals).
This lineup recorded the band’s critically acclaimed 18th studio album, Circling From Above, released on July 18, 2025.
The record marked the first to feature both Evankovich and Terry Gowan as full official members of the band.
Where Are the Members of Styx Today?
The current members of Styx continue to tour extensively and release new music. Former members have pursued various paths in their own post-Styx careers.
Here is where every key figure stands as of 2026.
Tommy Shaw: Guitar Legend Still Rocking in 2026
At 72 years old, Tommy Shaw remains one of the most active and recognizable members of Styx today.
Born September 11, 1953, Shaw continues to tour extensively with the band. He performs dozens of shows per year with no signs of slowing down.
His work on the band’s 2025 album Circling From Above showcases his continued songwriting prowess.
Shaw co-wrote all 13 tracks alongside Lawrence Gowan and Will Evankovich, calling it a true songwriting democracy.
His solo work includes the fan favorite Girls with Guns. He also spent years in Damn Yankees alongside Ted Nugent and Jack Blades.
His collaboration with Jack Blades in Shaw Blades continues to this day.
Beyond music, Shaw is an avid outdoorsman and birder. Those interests directly shaped the avian themed concept behind Circling From Above.
In 2026, Shaw and Styx kicked off a spring run of shows with Cheap Trick. “The Windy Cities Tour” with Chicago follows, running from July 13 through September 6 across North America.
Lawrence Gowan: The Canadian Showman
Lawrence Gowan was born November 22, 1956, in Glasgow, Scotland, but was raised in Canada.
He has been the primary frontman for the members of Styx since 1999.
At 69 years old, Gowan brings theatrical flair and classical training to his role as keyboardist and lead vocalist.
Before joining Styx, Gowan enjoyed massive success as a solo artist in Canada throughout the 1980s. He earned multiple platinum albums and Juno Award nominations.
His hit song “A Criminal Mind” was incorporated into Styx’s setlist and performed regularly through the 2010s.
Gowan’s stage presence has become legendary among Styx fans. His keyboard acrobatics include spinning his instrument and standing on his keyboard stool.
On Circling From Above, Gowan takes the lead vocal on the album’s first single, “Build and Destroy.” The band has described it as the gateway into the album’s themes of technology versus nature.
Gowan has now been a member of Styx longer than Dennis DeYoung was during the band’s classic era. That milestone underscores how essential he has become to the band’s identity.
In 2026, he is actively touring with the band alongside his brother Terry Gowan on bass. That makes Styx a partially family affair for the first time in its history.
James “JY” Young: The Godfather of Styx
James “JY” Young remains the longest serving member of Styx, having joined in 1970. Fans affectionately call him “The Godfather of Styx.”
At 76 years old in 2026, Young remains a driving force in the band’s creative direction and live shows.
Young’s guitar work has been a constant throughout all of Styx’s lineup changes.
His hard rock foundation provides the counterweight that balances the band’s more progressive tendencies.
His recent contributions to Circling From Above include the powerful track “King of Love.” It was written specifically for his baritone vocals and features his trademark guitar style.
In his solo career, Young recorded City Slicker in 1988, showcasing his hard rock instincts outside Styx.
Young is one of two members from Styx’s golden era still on the road, alongside Tommy Shaw.
Throughout the band’s evolution, Young has maintained strong connections to their Chicago roots. He continues to be actively involved in every aspect of the band’s work.
Chuck Panozzo: The Original Bassist
Chuck Panozzo is one of the true founding members of Styx. He has been part of the band since those first neighborhood rehearsals with Dennis DeYoung in 1961.
Born September 20, 1947, Panozzo is now 78 and still associated with the band he helped build.
Panozzo publicly disclosed his HIV positive status in 2001 at the Human Rights Campaign banquet. James Young was present for support, in a powerful show of solidarity.
Due to ongoing health considerations, Panozzo participates in Styx shows as a special guest musician rather than a full touring member. That arrangement dates back to Glen Burtnik, and later Ricky Phillips, covering his bass duties on the road.
He typically performs on approximately four songs per concert. That includes a moving duet segment with Lawrence Gowan that has become a highlight of the live show.
On Circling From Above, Panozzo contributed to the short interlude track “Ease Your Mind.” It’s a touching acknowledgment of his continued place in the Styx family.
His legacy as a co-founder and the original rhythmic anchor of the band is cemented in classic rock history.
Todd Sucherman: The Backbone Behind the Kit
Todd Sucherman has been the full time drummer for Styx since 1996. That makes him one of the most tenured members of the current lineup.
His drumming career with the band now spans 30 years.
Sucherman is widely regarded as one of the premier rock drummers of his generation. He’s known for his technical precision and dynamic stage presence.
He has contributed to every Styx studio album since joining, including Circling From Above (2025).
In addition to his work with Styx, Sucherman is an acclaimed drum clinician. He has released instructional videos considered essential viewing for aspiring rock drummers.
In 2026, Sucherman continues to anchor the band’s live performances on “The Windy Cities Tour” with Chicago.
Will Evankovich: The New Creative Force
Will Evankovich became an official member of Styx in 2021 following several years as the band’s producer and collaborator.
He produced The Mission (2017), Crash of the Crown (2021), and Circling From Above (2025). That gave him a defining role in the band’s creative resurgence.
Evankovich lives in Nashville, close to Tommy Shaw.
The two have developed an exceptionally close songwriting partnership that drives the band’s recent output.
His arrival as a full member is widely credited for the band’s renewed creative vitality in the studio.
On Circling From Above, Evankovich co-wrote every single track alongside Shaw and Lawrence Gowan.
He also plays guitar and contributes vocals to the live show, adding musical depth on stage.
At 47 years old, Evankovich represents the future of the members of Styx as much as any member. He is actively touring with the band throughout 2026.
Terry Gowan: The Newest Member of Styx
Terry Gowan, Lawrence’s younger brother, debuted as Styx’s touring bassist on March 22, 2024, in Wallingford, Connecticut.
He was officially announced as a full member of the band on May 17, 2024.
Terry replaced Ricky Phillips, who had announced his departure two months earlier. Phillips wanted more time at home after over two decades of touring with the band.
Like his brother, Terry Gowan has a background as a Canadian musician. He had been playing alongside Lawrence before being brought into the Styx fold.
Circling From Above is the first Styx studio album to feature Terry Gowan. He also contributed upright bass to the atmospheric track “Blue Eyed Raven.”
Having the Gowan brothers in the same band gives Styx an exceptionally tight rhythmic chemistry in the lower registers.
Terry has been received warmly by fans since his debut.
Dennis DeYoung: Solo Career and 2026 Status
Dennis DeYoung, who turns 79 in February 2026, has stayed active since leaving Styx in 1999.
His recent albums include the 2019 release 26 East, Vol. 1 and its 2021 follow-up. He has called them his farewell recordings from the studio.
As of early 2026, DeYoung is reportedly writing a memoir about his time in Styx. It reportedly covers the events that led to his departure.
He has also been caring for his wife during health challenges in recent years.
In a notable moment in early 2026, DeYoung shared a resurfaced YouTube video of an unreleased 1992 Styx album called Son of Edge. The album was recorded with James Young and Glen Burtnik, and it generated significant interest among fans.
DeYoung’s solo touring career has revolved around the banner “Dennis DeYoung and the Music of Styx.” He performs the classic catalog with his own band.
His theatrical work has included playing Pontius Pilate in touring productions of Jesus Christ Superstar. He also wrote the music for 101 Dalmatians the Musical.
His 1984 hit “Desert Moon” remains the only Top 10 Billboard solo single by any Styx member.
Despite ongoing tensions with his former bandmates, DeYoung has repeatedly expressed his desire for a reunion tour. Shaw and Young have consistently and firmly ruled one out.
What Is Circling From Above, the Newest Styx Album?
Circling From Above is Styx’s 18th studio album, released July 18, 2025, via Alpha Dog 2T/UMe.
It is the third straight album by the members of Styx to be called a “masterpiece” by major rock outlets.
The 13 track, 41 minute record was produced by Will Evankovich. It features contributions from all seven current members of the band.
The album’s themes explore the intersection of human ambition, technology.
The natural world, inspired in part by the real world issue of space debris in Earth’s orbit.
Tommy Shaw’s passion for birds and nature gave the project its avian lens. That theme runs through the album, from its title to its artwork.
Lead single “Build and Destroy” arrived with an AI generated music video. It quickly surpassed 111,000 views on YouTube.
Standout tracks include “It’s Clear,” widely praised as the album’s crown jewel. “King of Love” was written specifically for James Young’s baritone voice.
Original bassist Chuck Panozzo contributed to the interlude “Ease Your Mind.” Terry Gowan added upright bass to “Blue Eyed Raven.”
Critics across the board called the album a triumph. One outlet called it “nostalgic yet forward-looking, polished yet soulful.”
The band began selling physical copies of the album on the road during their 2025 Brotherhood of Rock Tour with Kevin Cronin and Don Felder. It reached streaming services that July.
Circling From Above was ranked by Goldmine magazine as one of the 11 top progressive rock albums of 2025. That’s a remarkable achievement for a band over 50 years into its career.
What Is the Members of Styx 2026 Tour Schedule?
The members of Styx have one of their busiest years yet mapped out for 2026. Nearly 60 shows are already confirmed as of this writing.
The year began with a five night Las Vegas residency at The Venetian Theatre. That’s part of the band’s ongoing series of headline residencies in the city.
In late February 2026, Styx launched a run of shows with Cheap Trick serving as the opening act.
The spring tour included stops across Florida and the American Southwest through March and beyond.
The biggest announcement came in December 2025: Styx and Chicago will co-headline “The Windy Cities Tour: All The Hits, Your Kind of Tour.” It runs from July 13 in West Palm Beach, Florida, through September 6 at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.
Both bands have deep Chicago roots. The pairing is a natural celebration of the city that shaped both of them.
For full tour dates and ticket details, visit our complete Styx Concert 2026 guide.
VIP packages are available for multiple dates, giving fans access to exclusive pre-show experiences with the band.
What Is the Musical Legacy of the Members of Styx?
The members of Styx created one of the most distinctive catalogs in rock history.
They combined progressive rock complexity with arena rock accessibility in a way few bands have ever matched.
Their influence on later classic rock bands and artists still resonates today, more than 50 years after their formation.
Songwriting Contributions by Each Member
Dennis DeYoung emerged as the band’s most prolific hit songwriter, penning seven of their eight Billboard Top 10 singles.
His classics include “Lady,” “Come Sail Away,” “Babe,” “Mr. Roboto,” and “The Best of Times.”
His theatrical sensibilities drove two landmark concept albums: Paradise Theatre (1981) and the controversial Kilroy Was Here (1983).
Cornerstone (1979) also stands as a pivotal DeYoung album, featuring the chart topping ballad “Babe.”
Tommy Shaw’s contributions became equally significant after his 1975 arrival.
Shaw wrote the hard rock anthems “Renegade” and “Blue Collar Man” from Pieces of Eight (1978). He also wrote “Too Much Time on My Hands” from Paradise Theatre.
His ability to balance DeYoung’s pop sensibilities with harder edged material defined Styx’s golden era from 1976 to 1983.
The Equinox (1975) album represented the band finding its commercial footing just before Shaw joined.
Glen Burtnik’s “Show Me the Way” was co-written with DeYoung for Edge of the Century (1990). It became one of the band’s biggest hits of the entire hiatus era.
James Young’s songwriting contributions, while less frequent, provided crucial balance by grounding the band’s more ambitious progressive excursions.
In the modern era, the songwriting trio of Shaw, Lawrence Gowan.
Will Evankovich has driven three critically acclaimed albums in eight years, a remarkable creative streak.
Post-Band Success Stories
Beyond their work with Styx, several members achieved notable success in other projects.
Tommy Shaw’s work with Damn Yankees, alongside Ted Nugent and Jack Blades, produced multiple hit albums. The group also landed Top 10 singles in the early 1990s.
His solo album Girls with Guns (1984) proved he could lead a successful rock project entirely on his own.
Lawrence Gowan’s pre-Styx career included six solo albums and massive success in Canada. He earned a star on the Scarborough Walk of Fame in 2011.
James Young’s 1988 solo album City Slicker let him flex harder edged rock instincts outside the Styx framework.
Ricky Phillips built his pre-Styx reputation in The Babys and Bad English before joining in 2003.
Glen Burtnik released a long solo catalog on both sides of his two Styx stints.
Dennis DeYoung achieved the highest solo chart success among former members. His 1984 single “Desert Moon” reached the Billboard Top 10.
It remains the only solo single by any Styx member to achieve this feat on the Billboard Hot 100.
What Are the Essential Styx Albums to Own?
The members of Styx created several essential albums across their different lineups. Each one represents a distinct era in their evolution.
Original Lineup Era (1972-1975): Styx II (1973) featured the breakthrough hit “Lady.”
The Equinox (1975) album closed this era and set the stage for the band’s commercial explosion.
Tommy Shaw Era (1975-1984): Crystal Ball (1976) introduced Shaw’s songwriting voice to the world.
The Grand Illusion (1977) became the commercial breakthrough, featuring “Come Sail Away” and “Fooling Yourself.”
Pieces of Eight (1978) was Shaw’s songwriting peak, with “Renegade” and “Blue Collar Man.”
Cornerstone (1979) delivered the band’s first No. 1 single with “Babe.”
Paradise Theatre (1981) was the band’s only No. 1 album, featuring “The Best of Times.”
Kilroy Was Here (1983) was a polarizing but landmark concept album that featured “Mr. Roboto.”
Hiatus and Transition Era (1990-2003): Edge of the Century (1990) brought the band back, with Glen Burtnik on guitar and the hit “Show Me the Way.”
Brave New World (1999) and Cyclorama (2003) then carried the band through Dennis DeYoung’s exit and Glen Burtnik’s years on bass.
Lawrence Gowan Era (1999-Present): The Mission (2017) marked the band’s creative resurgence after a long studio hiatus.
Crash of the Crown (2021) demonstrated continued relevance in modern rock.
Circling From Above (2025) is the band’s most recent studio album, a critically acclaimed triumph.
Shop Essential Albums by the Members of Styx
These four albums span every major era of the members of Styx, from the Tommy Shaw breakthrough years to the 2025 comeback record.
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The Grand Illusion
1977, Tommy Shaw era
The band’s commercial breakthrough, featuring “Come Sail Away.”
Their first multi-platinum album.
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Pieces of Eight
1978, Tommy Shaw era
Shaw’s songwriting peak, with “Renegade” and “Blue Collar Man.”
A progressive rock powerhouse.
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Paradise Theatre
1981, Tommy Shaw era
The band’s only No. 1 album, featuring “The Best of Times.”
A concept album about a real Chicago theater.
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Circling From Above
2025, current lineup
The band’s 18th studio album and a critically acclaimed 2025 triumph.
Ranked a top progressive rock album of 2025 by Goldmine.
🛒 Check Price on AmazonWatch the Members of Styx Perform “Come Sail Away”
“Come Sail Away” remains the signature song of the members of Styx and the clearest introduction to their sound.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Members of Styx
Who were the original members of Styx?
The original members of Styx were Dennis DeYoung (keyboards, vocals), Chuck Panozzo (bass), John Panozzo (drums), John Curulewski (guitar).
James “JY” Young (guitar, vocals).
They formed in 1972 though DeYoung and the Panozzo twins had been playing together since 1961.
This quintet released the band’s self-titled 1972 debut on Wooden Nickel Records.
Who are the current members of Styx in 2026?
The current members of Styx in 2026 are Tommy Shaw, James “JY” Young, Lawrence Gowan, Todd Sucherman, Will Evankovich.
Terry Gowan, with original founding bassist Chuck Panozzo continuing to make guest appearances at live shows.
All seven are actively touring behind the band’s 2025 album Circling From Above.
Who played bass for Styx before Ricky Phillips and Terry Gowan?
Founding bassist Chuck Panozzo played on every Styx album through the 1990s. Glen Burtnik then covered the touring and studio bass role from 1999 to 2004 due to Panozzo’s health.
Ricky Phillips then held the position from 2003 to 2024.
Terry Gowan has held the touring bass chair since 2024.
Are any original members of Styx still alive?
Yes, several original members of Styx are still alive and active. James Young remains a core member of the current lineup, and Chuck Panozzo participates in tours on a limited basis due to health considerations.
Dennis DeYoung continues his solo touring career.
John Panozzo passed away on July 16, 1996, and John Curulewski died in 1987.
What are the current members of Styx doing now?
The current members of Styx are actively touring in 2026, including a spring run with Cheap Trick. That leads into the “Windy Cities Tour” co-headlining with Chicago from July through September, in support of the 2025 album Circling From Above.
Full details are available in the Styx Concert 2026 guide linked above.
Why did Dennis DeYoung leave Styx?
Dennis DeYoung was replaced in 1999 due to health issues that prevented him from touring. The circumstances remain deeply controversial: DeYoung maintains he was fired while genuinely ill, while the band says it could not wait indefinitely for his recovery.
Legal disputes were settled in 2001.
As of 2026 a reunion is firmly ruled out by the current band members.
How many members has Styx had throughout their career?
Over their 50-plus year history, the members of Styx have included the founding quintet plus key additions like Tommy Shaw (1975), Glen Burtnik (1990-1991 and 1999-2004), Todd Sucherman (1996), Lawrence Gowan (1999), Ricky Phillips (2003-2024), Will Evankovich (2021), and Terry Gowan (2024).
Counting every touring and studio member across five decades, more than a dozen musicians have carried the Styx name.
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Want to dive deeper into the members of Styx? Explore the albums above.
Check the full 2026 schedule in the Styx Concert 2026 guide.
Sources:
– Wikipedia: Styx (band)
– Official Styx Website
– Ultimate Classic Rock: Styx Lineup Changes
– Ultimate Classic Rock: When Styx Mostly Reunited for Edge of the Century
– Classic Rock History: Complete List of Styx Band Members
– No Treble: Ricky Phillips Leaves Styx
– Billboard: Styx Circling From Above Interview
– Rock and Blues Muse: Windy Cities Tour 2026 Announcement
– Wikipedia: Circling From Above
The members of Styx have survived breakups, health crises, and a lineup that has turned over almost entirely since 1972, and they are still selling out arenas alongside Chicago in 2026.
Last updated: August 22, 2026. This guide to the members of Styx is reviewed and updated as the band’s lineup and tour schedule change.