You’ve heard the synthesizers. You’ve definitely sung along to "Come Sail Away" in your car when nobody was looking. But if you walk into a venue today to see the band live, you might notice the stage looks a little different than the posters from 1977.
Rock and roll is a game of endurance. Bands aren’t static things; they’re more like ships where the planks get replaced over time. For Styx, that process has been a mix of messy breakups, tragic losses, and surprisingly long-term stability with the "new" guys. Honestly, it’s a bit of a miracle they’re still touring as a high-functioning unit in 2026.
People always ask: "Is Dennis DeYoung back?" Short answer? No. Long answer? It’s complicated, but basically, the current members of Styx have been the definitive version of the group for over two decades now.
The Anchors: James "JY" Young and Tommy Shaw
If you don’t have James Young and Tommy Shaw, you don't have Styx. Period.
James "JY" Young is the sole remaining original member from the very beginning—the Chicago basement days. He’s the guy who brings the grit. While the band is famous for its "pomp rock" and theatrical flourishes, JY is the heavy metal heart. He’s been there since 1970. You can still hear that Chicago tough-guy edge in his guitar solos. He doesn't do as much of the heavy lifting on lead vocals these days, but his presence is the literal foundation of the brand.
Then there’s Tommy Shaw.
Tommy joined in 1975, just in time for the Crystal Ball album. He wasn't an original, but he became the face of their biggest hits. Look at him today. The guy seemingly hasn't aged since the Reagan administration. Tommy is the primary engine behind the band's modern creative output, including their recent concept albums like The Mission and Crash of the Crown. He’s the one keeping them from becoming a pure "heritage act" that only plays the hits. He wants to write. He wants to evolve.
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Lawrence Gowan: The Impossible Job
Imagine being the guy who had to replace Dennis DeYoung. That’s a nightmare. DeYoung wasn't just a singer; he was the theatrical visionary behind "Mr. Roboto" and "Babe."
Lawrence Gowan took over in 1999. Think about that—he’s been in the band for 27 years now. That’s longer than DeYoung’s initial legendary run. Gowan is a Canadian prog-rock legend in his own right (if you know "A Criminal Mind," you know). He brings a manic, spinning-keyboard energy to the stage that keeps the show from feeling like a museum piece.
A lot of fans were salty at first. That’s natural. But Gowan won them over by not trying to be Dennis. He’s a different kind of showman. He hits the high notes, he plays the complex synth parts with his back to the keys, and he genuinely looks like he’s having the time of his life.
The Rhythm Section: New Blood and Legendary Spirits
The drum throne is currently occupied by Todd Sucherman. Ask any drum nerd—Todd is a god. He joined after the passing of original drummer John Panozzo in the late 90s. Sucherman is arguably one of the most technically proficient drummers in rock history. He takes the relatively simple drum parts from the early records and breathes this incredibly complex, muscular life into them.
Then we have the bass situation. It’s a bit of a tag-team.
Chuck Panozzo is the original bassist. He’s a survivor. Chuck has been open about his battle with HIV and his health struggles, which means he can't always pull the grueling 100-city tour schedules. But he’s still a member. He pops up as a "special guest" at most shows, coming out for the final few songs to a massive standing ovation.
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When Chuck isn't on stage, Ricky Phillips (formerly of The Babys and Bad English) handles the heavy lifting. Ricky joined in 2003. He’s a rock-solid pro who fits the aesthetic perfectly.
The Surprise Addition: Will Evankovich
The newest face in the lineup is Will Evankovich. He officially joined the touring roster around 2021, but he’d been behind the scenes for years. He produced their recent albums and co-wrote much of their new material with Tommy Shaw.
Why add a seventh guy?
The records Styx makes are dense. They have layers of acoustic guitars, electric textures, and those massive four-part vocal harmonies. To do "Renegade" or "Blue Collar Man" justice in 2026, you need that extra set of hands. Will provides the "glue." He’s the musical director who ensures the live sound matches the ambition of the studio recordings.
Why the Current Lineup Matters More Than You Think
Nostalgia is a powerful drug. People want the "classic" lineup because it reminds them of high school. I get it. But there’s a reason this specific group of current members of Styx has stayed together since the early 2000s with almost zero drama.
They actually like each other.
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The 70s and 80s version of the band was a pressure cooker of clashing egos. You had the prog-theatre camp (DeYoung) vs. the rock-and-roll camp (Shaw and Young). It led to some great music, but it also led to a lot of lawsuits and bitterness. This version of Styx is a well-oiled machine. They tour relentlessly. They release new music that actually charts.
Most bands from that era are essentially karaoke versions of themselves. Styx isn't. Whether you’re watching them at a festival or a theater, the vocal harmonies are still live, and they’re still sharp. They don't use backing tracks for the vocals, which is a rarity in the modern touring world.
The Reality of the DeYoung Absence
We have to address the elephant in the room. Dennis DeYoung is still active. He still sounds great. He still performs Styx songs.
But the bridge is burned.
The current members have made it very clear in interviews—specifically Tommy Shaw and JY—that they have no interest in a reunion. They value the harmony (pun intended) of the current group over the payday of a reunion tour. For the fans, this means you have two ways to experience the legacy: the "Styx" brand, which focuses on the rock energy and the ensemble, and Dennis DeYoung’s solo shows, which lean into the theatricality and the ballads.
How to Experience Styx Today
If you’re planning on catching a show or diving back into their catalog, here is the best way to appreciate what the current lineup brings to the table:
- Listen to The Mission (2017): This is the best thing they've done since Pieces of Eight. It’s a concept album about a trip to Mars, and it proves that Sucherman and Gowan aren't just "replacements"—they are vital creators.
- Watch for Chuck: If you see the show, keep an eye out for the encore. The moment Chuck Panozzo walks out is always the emotional peak of the night.
- Check the Credits: Look at the songwriting on Crash of the Crown. You’ll see Will Evankovich’s name everywhere. He’s the secret weapon of the 2020s era.
- Don't skip the "Gowan" songs: When they play "A Criminal Mind" live, it usually steals the show. It’s a moment where the "new" era gets to shine outside the shadow of the 70s hits.
The current lineup isn't just a tribute act. They are a living, breathing rock band that has somehow managed to outlast the drama that once threatened to sink them. They’re still sailing away, just with a slightly different crew at the helm.