The Best of Times (Live 1984)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "The Best of Times (Live 1984)" by Styx from their live album Caught in the Act, a double vinyl recorded at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans on April 9-10, 1983, and released in 1984. This live rendition captures the band’s theatrical energy, with Dennis DeYoung’s soaring vocals and the band’s tight instrumentation. The song, originally from their 1981 album Paradise Theatre, was a chart-topping hit, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Interestingly, the live album included a unique studio track, "Music Time," which became a Top 40 hit, adding a fresh element to the Caught in the Act project. The accompanying concert film, also titled Caught in the Act, was released on VHS and later DVD in 2007, featuring bonus music videos like the 1981 original for "The Best of Times."

Delving into trivia, Dennis DeYoung, the song’s writer and Styx’s former frontman, shared in a June 2024 Ultimate Classic Rock interview that "The Best of Times" remains a fan favorite, despite tensions with bandmates Tommy Shaw and James "J.Y." Young over his ballad-heavy contributions. DeYoung noted the song’s enduring appeal, saying fans “want to hear those songs” like "The Best of Times," which he wrote to evoke hope and nostalgia. However, he revealed the band’s reluctance to perform it for years after his 1999 departure, only recently re-embracing it to satisfy audiences. The song’s live performance in 1983 was a highlight of Styx’s theatrical Kilroy Was Here tour, which blended rock with narrative elements, though DeYoung clarified that tour’s concept album wasn’t the reason for his exit, contrary to some band narratives. On social media, fans on the Styx Facebook page often share memories of singing along to this track at concerts, with one 2025 post calling it “the ultimate feel-good anthem.”

Styx began in Chicago in 1972, evolving from a group of neighborhood kids jamming in a basement. Twin brothers Chuck and John Panozzo, on guitar and drums, joined forces with 14-year-old Dennis DeYoung, who played accordion and sang. Initially called The Tradewinds, they became Styx with the addition of James “J.Y.” Young and John Curulewski. DeYoung switched to keyboards, and Chuck took up bass after a brief stint away. Their early years were marked by a progressive rock sound, with albums like Styx II (1973) producing the hit “Lady,” which climbed to No. 6 in the U.S. Signing with A&M Records in 1975, they honed a blend of melodic hard rock, acoustic elements, and theatrical flair, setting them apart. The arrival of Tommy Shaw in 1976 for Crystal Ball solidified their classic lineup, leading to four consecutive triple-platinum albums: The Grand Illusion (1977), Pieces of Eight (1978), Cornerstone (1979), and Paradise Theatre (1981). Styx’s ability to merge hard rock with ballads and storytelling fueled their rise, selling over 54 million records worldwide.

Fans can connect with Styx through their official website, where updates on their 2025 tour, including a “Brotherhood of Rock” run with Kevin Cronin and Don Felder, are posted. Their Facebook page, with over 1.8 million followers, shares tour photos and fan interactions, while their Instagram offers behind-the-scenes glimpses and throwback posts. On X, the band engages with Zoo Freaks, recently tweeting about their upcoming “Rockin’ in Paradise” festival in Miramar Beach, Florida, set for October 9-11, 2025. For deeper fan engagement, DDY Talk is a site dedicated to Dennis DeYoung’s legacy, active since 2004, covering his Styx contributions and solo work. The Styx Fans Facebook group is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks discuss setlists, share concert videos, and debate the band’s best eras, often praising the emotional punch of “The Best of Times.”