Guitar International's Rob Cavuoto recently sat down with James “JY” Young, original guitarist for STYX, to talk about The Grand Illusion/Pieces of Eight Live DVD, new tour, and the longevity of the band. An excerpt follows:

Q: What’s the difference between performing now compared to when you were in your 20s and 30s?

A: "I would say that technology has allowed us to refine what we do and sort of hone in on our strength in the overall sense. After touring with DEF LEPPARD in 2007, we realized they’re going directly into the PA and we weren’t exactly buying it. It was like going into a speaker soak, except that we don’t bother with the speakers. The amplifier seemed to survive with it. Also you’re not getting the bass, drums and keys blasting into the drum kit, leaking into the drum kit, so degrading that sound. That’s the beauty of what we do live. I would say with inner ear monitors, you really get to hear what you want to hear. You don’t need to hear anything else. The overall result is that it’s a much better out-front sound."

Q: How do you keep yourself satisfied with touring after 35 plus years?

A: "The stage show just evolves, granted we have structure, but change it up every few months by adding different tracks. Sometimes every night there’s a couple of different tracks in there, but it really makes for a better presentation when the sound guy, lighting guy and monitor guy all knows what’s coming next. You want to have a fresh performance and you want to be challenging yourself, that’s all well and good, but a lot of times we have to go into a venue and tame it. People thrive on structure. I thrive better in a structured environment and I still get a chance to push the envelope on my solos when the mood strikes me."

Read the full interview at this location.

As previously reported, Styx, REO SPEEDWAGON and TED NUGENT will join forces for The Midwest Rock ‘n Roll Express 30-date US tour. Rolling out May 1st in Hidalgo, TX, tickets for various cities went on sale February 22nd.

“Forget all those TV shows with glee clubs singing Rock songs,” exclaims Styx guitarist/singer James “JY” Young. “It’s time for mega-Platinum Illinois bands STYX and REO Speedwagon in a battle to the end of the Mayan Calendar with the Motor City Madman!”
"I am a Midwest boy, born and raised with Midwest values,” continues REO Speedwagon singer/guitarist Kevin Cronin. “In the Midwest we work hard, play hard, and rock hard. I am proud to join my brothers in Styx and Ted Nugent to celebrate Midwest rock 'n roll and represent the greatest rock fans in the world. I am ready to climb aboard the ‘Midwest Rock 'n Roll Express!’ Rock On baby!"

As Styx singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw proclaims, “It's gonna be a Twang Fest of screaming guitars and big, sing-along choruses that continue to be the soundtrack for the misbehavior of our collective fan base. In other words, a real good time.”

Ted Nugent couldn’t agree more. “The heart and soul of American R&B;&R;&R; has always gushed forth from the heartland of America. REO, Styx and The Nuge have always celebrated the power of our special music and on the mighty ‘Midwest Rock ‘n Roll Express,’ the energy, attitude and spirit is more intense than ever. This is the soundtrack for the hardcore.”

Check out The Midwest Rock ‘n Roll Express at any of the following stops. Ted Nugent hits the stage at 7 PM at every stop unless noted otherwise.

May

1 - Hidalgo, TX - State Farm Arena
3 - Albuquerque, NM - Hard Rock Casino Albuquerque Presents The Pavilion
4 - Tucson, AZ - Anselmo Valencia Amphitheatre (no Ted Nugent)
5 - Las Vegas, NV - Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
6 - Los Angeles, CA - Greek Theatre
8 - Denver, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheatre
10 - Council Bluffs, IA - Mid America Arena
11 - Oklahoma City, OK - Zoo Amphitheatre
12 - Houston, TX - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (no Ted Nugent)
13 - Corpus Christi, TX - Concrete Street Amphitheatre
17 - Charlotte, NC - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
19 - Virginia Beach, VA - Farm Bureau Live Amphitheatre
20 - Alpharetta, GA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

June

21 - Kansas City, MO - Starlight Amphitheatre
22 - St. Louis, MO - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
23 - Ft. Knox, KY - Godman Army Airfield
24 - Chicago, IL - Charter One Pavilion
26 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Music Center
28 - Detroit, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre
29 - Scranton, PA - Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain
30 - Cleveland, OH - Blossom Music Center

July

1 - Atlantic City, NJ - Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Event Ctr
3 - Verona, NY - Turning Stone Resort Casino
5 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena
6 - Big Flats, NY - Summer Stage
7 - Gilford, NY - Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion