Too Much Time on My Hands

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Too Much Time on My Hands" by Styx from their 1981 album Paradise Theatre, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song, written by guitarist Tommy Shaw, became a Top 10 hit in North America, peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100. One fascinating story behind its creation comes from Shaw himself, who described a moment of sudden inspiration while driving to rehearsals in Indiana. With no way to record the riff that popped into his head, he raced to the studio, parked, and ran inside, urgently directing drummer Chuck Panozzo and guitarist James "J.Y." Young to play specific chords and rhythms. Shaw recalled it felt like the song "came on in my head like a song on the radio," and the band assembled it on the spot, capturing its infectious energy just before recording began for the album.

Another layer of trivia ties to the song’s place on Paradise Theatre, a concept album loosely centered on the decline of a fictional Chicago theater as a metaphor for America’s struggles in the late 1970s and early 1980s. While the album’s concept was driven by keyboardist Dennis DeYoung, Shaw’s "Too Much Time on My Hands" stood out for its relatable lyrics about unemployment and aimlessness, described by Newsday critic Wayne Robins as depicting a man who’s "given up." The song’s upbeat, almost New Wave-inspired sound, with hints of The Cars’ style, showcased Styx’s ability to blend pop-rock with their arena rock roots. Fans on Facebook and X still celebrate its catchy riff, with posts like one from @STYXtheBand in 2019 sharing a 2006 live performance with the Contemporary Youth Orchestra of Cleveland, highlighting its enduring appeal.

Styx’s journey began in the late 1960s on Chicago’s South Side, where neighbors Dennis DeYoung and twin brothers Chuck and John Panozzo formed a trio called Tradewinds while still in high school. Their early sound mixed driving rock rhythms with classical-influenced melodies, setting them apart. By 1970, guitarist John Curulewski joined, followed by James "J.Y." Young, who came from a rival band. The group, then called TW4, recorded a demo that caught the attention of Wooden Nickel Records. In 1972, the label signed them but insisted on a name change, leading to the adoption of "Styx," inspired by the mythological river. Their self-titled debut album dropped that year, kicking off a prolific decade of annual releases. The 1973 single "Lady" from Styx II became a sleeper hit, reaching #6 in the U.S., and by the late 1970s, albums like The Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight cemented their status as arena rock giants.

You can keep up with Styx on their official website, where they share tour dates and news, like their upcoming "Rockin’ in Paradise" music festival in Florida in October 2025. Follow them on Facebook for fan discussions and throwback posts, or check out their Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos. On X, they engage with fans, sharing live clips and updates. For deeper fan connections, visit Styx Collector, a fan site with detailed discographies and memorabilia, or join the Styx Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees share memories and trade rare vinyl finds.