Prelude / Suite Madam Blue

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the epic "Prelude / Suite Madame Blue" from Styx's 1975 album Equinox! This track, penned by keyboardist Dennis DeYoung, isn’t just a song—it’s a reflection on America’s commercialization during its 1976 Bicentennial. DeYoung once shared in an interview with Classic Rock Revisited that he was struck by the “unceremonious” exploitation of the 200th anniversary, with everything from mugs to panties branded for the occasion. He called it a commentary on the “fallibility of the United States,” blending nostalgia for the post-World War II “golden age” with a critique of where the country was headed. The song’s structure, starting with the delicate "Prelude 12" by guitarist John Curulewski and building into a soaring, climactic rock anthem, has DeYoung himself comparing it to Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” for its dynamic progression.

Another cool tidbit? This was Curulewski’s last hurrah with Styx. He left the band right after Equinox dropped to focus on family, and Tommy Shaw stepped in for the tour. Fans on Songfacts have debated who played on the track, with some mistakenly crediting Shaw, but it’s Curulewski’s acoustic touch on “Prelude 12” that sets the stage. The song’s live energy is legendary—fan Paul from Croydon, PA, raved on Songfacts about a 1989 performance where James Young’s guitar solo, lit by green and yellow lights, felt “electric, ethereal—psychedelic.” Styx’s Facebook even celebrated the song in a 2019 post, asking fans for their top Equinox tracks, proving its enduring vibe with the Zoo Freak spirit.

Styx kicked off in Chicago back in 1961, when twin brothers Chuck and John Panozzo, just 12 years old, jammed with their 14-year-old neighbor Dennis DeYoung in the Roseland neighborhood. Starting as The Tradewinds, they played covers with DeYoung on accordion before he switched to keyboards. By 1964, Chuck swapped guitar for bass, and the band evolved into TW4, adding guitarists James “J.Y.” Young and John Curulewski. They became Styx in 1972 after signing with Wooden Nickel Records, picking the name because, as DeYoung said, it was “the only one that none of us hated.” Their early sound leaned progressive, inspired by bands like Emerson, Lake & Palmer, with albums like Styx II (1973) featuring the hit “Lady” that broke them nationally.

Zoo Freaks can keep up with Styx at their official website, where you’ll find tour dates and merch to vibe with. Follow them on Facebook for throwback posts and fan chats, or check their Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots. On X, they drop updates like the 2022 post celebrating Equinox’s 47th anniversary. For deeper fan dives, join the Styx Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can trade stories and setlists, or visit Styx Fan Club for exclusive content. Keep it groovy, and let “Suite Madame Blue” take you to the stars!