Miss America

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as The Zoo Crew spins "Miss America" by Styx from their iconic album The Grand Illusion! This hard-rocking track, penned by guitarist James "J.Y." Young, is a biting satire on the fleeting nature of fame, specifically targeting the Miss America pageant. According to Genius, Tommy Shaw described it as a commentary on how fame can be a rollercoaster that doesn’t stop, with lyrics like “This dream that you must live – a disease for which there is no cure” capturing the relentless pressure of public adoration. The song’s raw energy, showcased in a 1978 live performance posted by @STYXtheBand on X, highlights Young’s searing vocals and blistering guitar solo, making it a standout on the album. Interestingly, the keyboard intro riffs on “There she is, Miss America,” the classic pageant tune sung by Bert Parks, as noted on Songfacts, tying the song’s theme to the cultural spectacle of the pageant.

Despite its punch, “Miss America” sparked controversy. A Rolling Stone review by Joe Fernbacher labeled it “misogynistic misdirection,” a claim Young fiercely disputed. In an interview with Louder, Young explained he was empathizing with the transient fame Miss America winners face, drawing from his own experiences with newfound stardom. Dennis DeYoung, on his website, defended Young, expressing frustration at the critic’s misinterpretation, stating he witnessed Young’s “agony and feeling of helplessness” firsthand. Fans on Reddit have also chimed in, with one user, CincoDeMayoFan, sharing how the live version from Styx’s Volume 15 compilation hooked them as a kid, cementing their love for the band. The song’s dual lead-guitar attack and crunchy riffs, praised by Something Else!, make it a high school soundtrack staple for many Zoo Freaks out there.

Now, let’s rewind to how Styx got their start. Hailing from Chicago, the band formed in 1972, evolving from a group called The Tradewinds, featuring brothers Chuck and John Panozzo on bass and drums, alongside vocalist and keyboardist Dennis DeYoung. According to Wikipedia, they briefly went by TW4 before settling on Styx, inspired by the mythical Greek river. Guitarists James Young and John Curulewski rounded out the early lineup, with Young becoming a key creative force. Their debut album, Styx, dropped in 1972, but it was the 1973 single “Lady” from Styx II that hit No. 6 in the US, putting them on the map. The arrival of Tommy Shaw in 1976, replacing Curulewski, was a game-changer, adding a new songwriting voice and guitar prowess that propelled The Grand Illusion to triple-platinum status in 1977, as noted on Amazon.

Styx’s blend of progressive rock, hard rock, and theatrical elements set them apart, with The Grand Illusion marking their commercial breakthrough, peaking at No. 6 in the US and Canada. The band’s ability to straddle AOR and prog, with DeYoung’s ambitious synths and Shaw’s emotive ballads like “Fooling Yourself,” resonated with fans, as highlighted by Progarchives. Over the years, Styx faced lineup changes, including DeYoung’s departure in 1999, but they’ve kept rocking with current members like Shaw, Young, and drummer Todd Sucherman. Their enduring appeal is evident in their 2025 Las Vegas residency, where they performed The Grand Illusion in full, as shared by Ultimate Classic Rock.

Stay connected with Styx through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest tour updates and throwback posts. Fans can dive deeper at the official Styxworld site, which recently announced a “Rockin’ in Paradise” festival set for October 2025 in Florida, featuring Styx alongside acts like Cheap Trick and Loverboy. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the community, check out the Styx Fans Facebook group, a hub for sharing concert memories and favorite tracks. You can also explore fan-driven content on sites like Styx Toury, which tracks tour dates and setlists. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks, and let “Miss America” blast through those speakers!