I Am the Walrus (Live 2005)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the trippy vibes of "I Am the Walrus (Live 2005)" by Styx from their covers album Big Bang Theory, delighting their Zoo Freaks audience. This rendition of the Beatles’ psychedelic classic has a wild origin story. Styx first performed it at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2004, where it was such a hit that it sparked the creation of the entire Big Bang Theory album. The song’s music video is a nod to its quirky roots, featuring original bassist Chuck Panozzo as the “eggman,” a playful reference to the Beatles’ surreal lyrics. In a 2022 Styxworld interview, guitarist James “JY” Young shared that the live energy of performing “I Am the Walrus” was the catalyst for the album, noting how the audience’s electric reaction drove the band to record it as a single, which climbed to number 27 on the Billboard Heritage Rock Chart.

Another layer of trivia comes from the band’s recording process. Young revealed in a Styxworld feature that the inspiration for Big Bang Theory hit him while parked outside the historic Chess Studios at 2120 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago, now home to Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation. This legendary studio, where icons like Muddy Waters and The Rolling Stones recorded, prompted Young to push Styx to cut their covers album there, infusing “I Am the Walrus” with a gritty, authentic rock spirit. Fans on the Styx Fan Club Facebook group often rave about how Gowan’s vocals channel the Beatles’ absurdity while adding Styx’s signature arena-rock punch, making it a standout in their live sets.

Styx, the Chicago-born rockers behind this cover, started as a group of neighborhood friends in the late 1960s. Originally called The Tradewinds, the band was formed by brothers Chuck and John Panozzo, along with Dennis DeYoung, all from Chicago’s Roseland neighborhood. They played local gigs, blending progressive rock with theatrical flair, before renaming themselves Styx in 1972 after signing their first recording contract with Wooden Nickel Records. Their early sound, marked by intricate keyboards and soaring guitars, evolved as they added Tommy Shaw in 1975, whose songwriting gave them hits like “Renegade” and “Come Sail Away.” This mix of hard rock, pop, and theatrical elements made them a staple of 1970s and 1980s arena rock, with albums like The Grand Illusion and Paradise Theater earning triple-platinum status.

Despite lineup changes, including DeYoung’s departure in 1999 and the addition of Lawrence Gowan and Ricky Phillips, Styx has remained a touring powerhouse, releasing albums like Crash of the Crown in 2021. Their official website, styxworld.com, is the go-to spot for tour dates, merch, and band news. You can catch their latest updates on Facebook, where they share tour photos and fan interactions, or follow their Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses. On X, they engage with fans about upcoming shows, like their “Rockin’ in Paradise” festival in 2025. Fans also gather at sites like Styx Toury for tour archives and connect in communities like the Styx Fan Club and Styx – The Grand Illusion Facebook groups to share concert stories and memorabilia.