The Best of Times (Live 1984)

The Zoo Crew is spinning "The Best of Times (Live 1984)" by Styx, a track that captures the band’s knack for blending heartfelt emotion with grand rock energy. In a 2021 interview with American Songwriter, Dennis DeYoung, who wrote the song, shared that its title was inspired by Charles Dickens’ "A Tale of Two Cities," noting, “The best of times, the worst of times, that’s me stealing from Dickens.” He explained the song’s theme reflects the duality of life, written during the 1980 Carter-Reagan election when America faced competing visions of its future. DeYoung aimed for a grounded yet universal message, using the Paradise Theatre album’s concept to explore nostalgia and resilience. The song’s lush harmonies, a Styx signature, were crafted with DeYoung, Tommy Shaw, and James Young’s voices in mind, creating a dynamic vocal blend that shines in the live 1984 version from the "Caught in the Act" album.

Another tidbit comes from Songfacts, which highlights the song’s ironic twist: while the chorus celebrates being “alone with you,” the verses lament tougher times, tying into the Paradise Theatre’s story of a venue past its prime. DeYoung has said the song was personal, a way to “work out the things I don’t know,” resonating with fans who see their own lives in its lyrics. On social media, DeYoung once posted a 2020 quarantine video of himself playing it at home, saying it felt “appropriate” for tough times, a nod to its enduring relevance. The live 1984 performance, part of Styx’s first live album, also marked a bittersweet moment, as the band parted ways soon after, making it a poignant snapshot of their peak.

Styx started in Chicago’s Roseland neighborhood in 1961, when twin brothers Chuck and John Panozzo, aged 12, jammed with their 14-year-old neighbor Dennis DeYoung. Calling themselves The Tradewinds, they played local gigs with DeYoung on accordion before switching to keyboards. By 1964, Chuck returned from seminary to take up bass, and the band evolved, briefly becoming TW4 before signing with Wooden Nickel Records as Styx in 1972. Their early albums mixed prog-rock flair with straight-ahead rock, building a regional following. The 1975 hit “Lady,” a sleeper from their second album, broke them nationally, hitting No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Adding Tommy Shaw in 1975 for the "Crystal Ball" album gave them a new edge, leading to four consecutive triple-platinum albums: "The Grand Illusion" (1977), "Pieces of Eight" (1978), "Cornerstone" (1979), and "Paradise Theatre" (1981).

You can keep up with Styx on their official website, where they share tour dates and news, like their upcoming 2025 “Rockin’ in Paradise” festival. Their Facebook page, with nearly 2 million followers, posts live clips and fan interactions, while their Instagram offers behind-the-scenes shots and throwbacks. On X, they engage with fans, sharing updates and witty banter. Fans, or “Zoo Freaks” in spirit, gather at sites like DDY Talk, a hub for Dennis DeYoung and Styx history since 2004, and Facebook groups like Styx Fans, where devotees swap stories and rare photos. These communities keep the band’s legacy alive, much like the Zoo Crew’s vinyl spins.