Locomotive Breath

The song "Locomotive Breath," covered by Styx on their 2005 album Big Bang Theory, is a high-energy rendition of Jethro Tull’s 1971 classic from the album Aqualung. Styx’s version, clocking in at 3:33, captures the song’s relentless, train-like rhythm while infusing it with their signature arena rock flair. In a 2022 interview on Styxworld, guitarist/vocalist Will Evankovich, who joined Styx full-time in 2021, praised the track as one of his favorites from the album, calling it a “deep-cut favorite” that showcases the band’s ability to tackle high-level songwriting with their own spin. He even expressed hope to include it in their live set someday. Fans on Progarchives have lauded Styx’s take, particularly James “JY” Young’s vocal performance, noting that it pays respectful tribute to Jethro Tull without straying too far from the original’s spirit. The cover was recorded at the historic 2120 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago, the former Chess Studios, now Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation, where Styx set up a mobile recording unit to capture the album’s raw energy.

Styx’s decision to cover “Locomotive Breath” stemmed from their desire to honor the classic rock songs that influenced them. The Big Bang Theory album, their first covers project, was sparked by the success of their 2004 live performance of The Beatles’ “I Am the Walrus” at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival, which led to a single release and ultimately the full album. JY Young, in the same Styxworld interview, shared how the album’s concept was born while he was parked near Chess Studios, inspired by its legacy of hosting legends like Muddy Waters and The Rolling Stones. The band’s arrangement of “Locomotive Breath” is described by fans on Amazon reviews as “kicking butt,” with JY’s vocals and Tommy Shaw’s guitar work bringing a fresh yet faithful energy to the track. The song’s inclusion on the album, alongside covers of The Who and Jimi Hendrix, highlights Styx’s versatility and deep roots in classic rock.

Styx, formed in Chicago in 1972, began as a progressive rock outfit before evolving into one of the defining arena rock bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The seeds were planted in the late 1960s with a band called Tradewinds, featuring brothers Chuck Panozzo (bass) and John Panozzo (drums), along with vocalist/keyboardist Dennis DeYoung. By the early 1970s, they became TW4, adding guitarists/vocalists James “JY” Young and John Curulewski. They signed with Wooden Nickel Records in 1972 and changed their name to Styx, inspired by the mythological river of the underworld. Their early sound, influenced by prog rock acts like Emerson, Lake & Palmer, is evident in albums like Styx II (1973) and The Serpent Is Rising (1974). The 1974 hit “Lady,” written by DeYoung, marked their breakthrough, gaining traction on Chicago’s WLS-FM and propelling them to national fame.

The addition of guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw in 1975 was a turning point, 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,” “Renegade,” and “Babe” cemented their status, blending soaring ballads with driving rock anthems. Despite lineup changes, including DeYoung’s departure in 1999 and the addition of Lawrence Gowan and Ricky Phillips, Styx has remained active, releasing albums like The Mission (2017) and Crash of the Crown (2021). Their ability to adapt while staying true to their roots has kept them a staple on classic rock radio and the touring circuit.

You can stay updated with Styx through their official website, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can also connect through communities like the Styx Fans Facebook Group, where Zoo Freaks might find fellow enthusiasts sharing stories and updates about the band’s latest endeavors, including their ongoing tours and special releases like the limited-edition Renegades & Juke Box Heroes vinyl.