Wishing Well

The Zoo Crew is spinning “Wishing Well” by Styx from their 2005 covers album Big Bang Theory, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this rocking take on a classic. This track is a cover of the 1972 song by Free, a British rock band fronted by Paul Rodgers, later of Bad Company fame. Styx’s version, led by vocalist Tommy Shaw, brings a polished yet gritty energy, staying true to the original’s raw vibe while adding their signature layered harmonies and tight instrumentation. In a 2005 interview on Styxworld, guitarist James “JY” Young shared that the band recorded the album at the historic Chess Studios in Chicago, specifically at 2120 South Michigan Avenue, now home to Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation. Young recalled driving by the studio, noticing its transformation into a blues museum, and feeling inspired to record there, using modern Pro Tools to turn the space into a temporary studio. This connection to rock and blues history gave “Wishing Well” and the album a special authenticity, as the band tapped into the legacy of artists like Muddy Waters and The Rolling Stones who recorded in the same space.

Another tidbit about “Wishing Well” comes from fan reactions on ProgArchives, where reviewers praised Styx for not just mimicking Free’s original but infusing it with their own style. However, some fans, like one Amazon reviewer, found the cover “a little flat” compared to other tracks on Big Bang Theory, though they still appreciated Styx’s professional production. The song’s inclusion on the album was part of Styx’s effort to pay homage to the bands that shaped their sound, with “Wishing Well” standing out as an obscure yet powerful choice. The album itself was a bold move, as Styx took on diverse covers from The Beatles to Jethro Tull, and “Wishing Well” showcased their ability to bridge early rock with their modern flair. Fans on the Official Styx Fan Club Facebook group often share stories of hearing this track live, noting how Shaw’s vocals and the band’s energy make it a crowd-pleaser at concerts.

Styx, the band behind this rendition of “Wishing Well,” began their journey in Chicago, Illinois, in 1972, evolving from a group of local musicians into a rock powerhouse. Originally formed by brothers Chuck and John Panozzo (bassist and drummer) and vocalist/keyboardist Dennis DeYoung, the band started as TW4, playing gigs around Chicago’s south side. They were joined by guitarist James “JY” Young and John Curulewski, adopting the name Styx after signing with Wooden Nickel Records in 1972. Their early sound was progressive rock, blending hard-hitting guitar riffs with theatrical elements, as heard on albums like Styx II (1973), which featured their first hit, “Lady,” a power ballad that hit No. 6 on the U.S. charts. According to a Styxworld exclusive, the band’s breakthrough came after relentless touring and radio play on Chicago’s WLS, which helped “Lady” gain national traction nearly two years after its release. This persistence defined Styx’s early years, as they built a loyal fanbase through live performances and a unique mix of prog, pop, and hard rock.

Over the decades, Styx evolved, incorporating pop and soft rock elements in the 1980s with hits like “Come Sail Away” and “Babe,” cementing their status as arena rock legends. Despite lineup changes, including the departure of DeYoung in 1999 and the addition of keyboardist/vocalist Lawrence Gowan and bassist Ricky Phillips, the band has remained active, with Tommy Shaw and JY Young as mainstays. Their official website, styxworld.com, is a hub for tour dates, news, and exclusive content, like interviews about Big Bang Theory. You can also follow them on social media: Facebook (with over 1.8 million likes), Instagram, and X, where they share updates about events like their “Rockin’ in Paradise” festival in Miramar Beach, Florida, set for October 2025. Fans connect through the Official Styx Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant community sharing memories, concert photos, and discussions about songs like “Wishing Well.” Another fan site, Styx Wiki, offers detailed discographies and band history, perfect for Zoo Freaks diving deeper into Styx’s legacy.