Pieces of Eight

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Pieces of Eight" by Styx from their 1978 album of the same name, and Zoo Freaks, this one’s packed with stories! The song, penned by Dennis DeYoung, is a powerful reflection on the cost of chasing wealth over dreams, a theme that resonates throughout the album. In a 1991 interview with Redbeard on In the Studio with Redbeard, DeYoung explained that the album’s concept was about resisting the temptation to "sell out your art for gold," tying directly to the song’s lyrics about greed leading to imprisonment. Fans on X have echoed this, with posts like one from @JVMonte2 in 2023 calling the album a triple-platinum gem and sparking discussions about its deep cuts, including this title track. Some fans on Reddit’s r/Styx have even hailed it as a standout for its slick production and elaborate composition, though one reviewer on ProgArchives admitted to cringing at their past love for the album’s lighter hit "Sing for the Day" while still cherishing tracks like "Pieces of Eight."

Another tidbit comes from the album’s iconic cover, designed by Hipgnosis, which features three middle-aged women wearing Easter Island statue earrings—a surreal choice that baffled the band initially. Dennis DeYoung, in a Loudersound interview, admitted he hated it at first, asking, “Why do these old women on our album cover?” but later grew to appreciate its bold weirdness. Guitarist James Young noted Hipgnosis offered multiple ideas, but the band chose this one to reflect the album’s anti-materialism message. On Facebook, Styx celebrated the album’s 44th anniversary in 2022, thanking fans for keeping the music alive, while a 2019 X post from @STYXtheBand highlighted how "Pieces of Eight" helped the album achieve triple-platinum status alongside hits like "Blue Collar Man" and "Renegade."

Styx began in Chicago in 1972, born from the ashes of a basement band called Tradewinds, formed by brothers Chuck and John Panozzo and Dennis DeYoung in the late 1960s. As detailed on AllMusic, the group, initially named TW4, blended progressive rock with hard rock and theatrical flair, evolving into Styx after signing with Wooden Nickel Records. Their early albums, like Styx II (1973), scored a hit with "Lady," a power ballad that cracked the U.S. Top 10. The addition of guitarist Tommy Shaw in 1976 for Crystal Ball marked a turning point, leading to their golden era with albums like The Grand Illusion (1977) and Pieces of Eight (1978). Billboard notes their knack for melding soaring vocals and layered harmonies, which helped them become arena rock pioneers. Despite lineup changes, including DeYoung’s departure in 1999, Styx continues to tour and record, with their 2021 album Crash of the Crown showcasing their enduring passion.

You can keep up with Styx on their official website, where they share tour dates and news, like their upcoming "Rockin’ in Paradise" festival in Florida in October 2025. Follow them on Facebook (1.8 million likes), Instagram (@styxtheband), and X (@STYXtheBand) for updates and fan interactions. Zoo Freaks can also dive into fan communities like the Styx Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts share memories and concert photos, or check out r/Styx on Reddit for discussions and recommendations, including Tommy Shaw’s podcast "It’s a Shaw Thing" for behind-the-scenes stories. For more fan-driven content, Styx Collector offers a deep dive into memorabilia and discography details.