About the Book
The Grand Illusion
Love, Lies, and My Life with Styx
By Chuck Panozzo, Michele Skettino
Sex, drugs, and the real story behind the music of one of Rock Îní Rollís most popular bands.
Their classic songs Come Sail Away, Renegade, Fooling Yourself and Lady still rock the airwaves of radio stations from California to New York City. In the mid-1960s, two teenage brothers from the South Side of Chicago formed their first band with neighborhood friend Dennis De Young. What would begin as a just another high-school "boy band" would go on to become one of the mightiest groups in rock history. As one of musicís reigning bands, Styx continues to captivate fans everywhere. They tour all over the world, play to sold-out crowds, and are featured prominently on shows like VH1ís Behind the Music. Styx has been featured in practically every hip sitcom in American cultureófrom Sex and the City to The Simpsons, Family Guy, Arrested Development, My Name Is Earl, and The Office. With 54 million records sold, including four consecutive platinum albums, this iconic supergroup is a permanent part of the American consciousness.
Bass player Chuck Panozzo and his twin brother, drummer John, were founding members of what would become one of rock musicís most celebrated bands. At the height of the groupís fame, Chuck had access to more drugs, alcohol, and hot, eager women than any man has ever dreamed of. As the ultimate rock star, he seemed to be on top of the world. But Chuck had no interest in the ripe young groupies who were throwing themselves (and their panties) at him. And he was harboring a secret that he feared was about to derail his entire life.
The ultimate backstage pass to the world of Styx, The Grand Illusion follows Chuckís long struggle to reconcile his public life as a hedonistic rock star with his private life as a gay man. He gives a fascinating glimpse into the birth of this young band in Chicago, their growth into megastardom, his grueling double life on the road, the struggle to help his brother John battle addiction, the ugly split with former singer Dennis De Young, and coming to terms with his HIV positive status. From their first single on Wooden Nickel Records to their eventual break-up and triumphant reunion, we journey with the band through all of their successes and tragedies.
Raucous, riveting, and ultimately redemptive, The Grand Illusion takes us on the ultimate rock íní roll odyssey with the band that continues to fascinate music lovers everywhere.
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