Find the Cost of Freedom

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Find the Cost of Freedom" by Styx from their 2005 covers album Big Bang Theory, delighting their Zoo Freaks audience. This track, originally by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, was given a heartfelt a cappella treatment by Styx, showcasing their vocal harmonies. In a 2005 review on Amazon.de, a fan praised the song’s “stimmungsvolle” (atmospheric) quality, noting its faithful nod to the 1960s spirit, with the band’s signature polish shining through. The song’s inclusion on the album came from Styx’s desire to pay homage to the classic rock and blues that shaped them, a sentiment echoed by guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw in a Styxworld interview where he described the cover process as a fearless dive into beloved tracks, saying, “We said, ‘Yes, let’s do it! Let’s figure it out when we get there.’” The track stands out for its stripped-down arrangement, a contrast to the album’s more instrument-heavy cuts like “Locomotive Breath” or “I Am the Walrus,” and reflects Styx’s versatility in reinterpreting classics.

Another tidbit about “Find the Cost of Freedom” comes from its critical reception. While some fans on Rate Your Music called the album a mixed bag, they singled out this track as a highlight, describing it as “very nice” for its respectful take on the CSNY original. The song’s placement near the end of the album serves as a reflective moment, aligning with Styx’s aim to evoke nostalgia while adding their own flair. On Metal Temple Magazine, a reviewer noted that Styx’s covers, including this one, were performed with “unstoppable force and passion,” staying close to the original without drastic reinvention, which pleased purists among the Zoo Freaks tuning in. The track’s recording also marked a milestone for Styx, as it was part of the first album featuring bassist Ricky Phillips, whose addition brought fresh energy to the lineup.

Styx began in Chicago in 1972, rising from humble roots as a progressive rock outfit. Originally formed by brothers Chuck and John Panozzo (bassist and drummer) and vocalist/keyboardist Dennis DeYoung, the band was initially called TW4 before adopting the name Styx, inspired by the mythological river. Their early sound, influenced by prog rock acts like Emerson, Lake & Palmer, was evident in albums like Styx (1972) and Styx II (1973). According to AllMusic, their breakthrough came with the 1974 single “Lady” from Styx II, which hit number six on the Billboard Hot 100 after gaining traction on Chicago’s WLS-FM. The arrival of guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw in 1975, just after Equinox, proved pivotal, bringing a harder rock edge that defined their platinum-selling albums like The Grand Illusion (1977) and Pieces of Eight (1978). Hits like “Come Sail Away” and “Renegade” cemented their arena rock status, blending theatrical elements with catchy melodies.

The band’s journey wasn’t without turbulence. Internal tensions, particularly between Shaw and DeYoung over musical direction—Shaw leaned toward hard rock, DeYoung toward theatrical ballads—led to lineup changes and hiatuses. By the time Big Bang Theory was recorded, the lineup included Shaw, James “JY” Young, Lawrence Gowan, Todd Sucherman, and Ricky Phillips, with Chuck Panozzo appearing selectively due to health issues. Despite challenges, Styx’s resilience kept them touring and recording, with late-career gems like The Mission (2017) showing their staying power. Their official website, styxworld.com, offers tour dates and merch, while their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts keep fans updated on shows and milestones, like their 50th anniversary celebrations. Fan communities thrive on sites like Styx Wiki and the Styx Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and others share memories, setlists, and love for tracks like “Find the Cost of Freedom.”