Sat, Aug 12, 2000
Rock band Styx (pronounced STICKS), rocked the 70's with a string of hit singles such as "Come Sail Away", "Renegade", "(Long Nights) Blue Collar Man", "Babe", "Too Much Time On My Hands" and, "The Best of Times". From 1977-1981, they sold platinum LPs while selling out concerts one arena after another. In 1983, the band released "Kilroy Was Here". The early part of the tour was a financial disaster due to the fact that Styx had booked small, theater-sized venues for a more intimate experience, while later tour dates saw the group performing in large arenas to sold-out crowds. The album debuted at #10 on the Billboard 200 in its first week and sold over 1 million copies (although some sources say 2.5 million copies) and peaked at #3 on the US charts; however, it snapped the streak of multi-platinum albums for Styx, and ushered in a more keyboard-oriented, theatrical direction. After the Kilroy tour ended, the band went their separate ways to pursue other interests. A reunion in 1996 became impossible for Styx, drummer John Panazzo passed away from cirrhosis of the liver from years of alcoholism. He was 47 years old. Todd Sucherman, filled the void on the drums. In 1999, Dennis De Young was out of the band and being replaced by Canadian native Lawrence Gowan. In the 2010 edition, there were new clips and interviews with the members. In addition, original bassist Chuck Panazzo came out of the closet in 2001 and, was diagnosed with HIV.
Sat, Feb 17, 2001
Traveling in this documentary about a California band, Journey. Formed in 1973 and, released LP's from 1975-1977 were commercial failures. To release a fifth LP, CBS Records issued the band an ultimatum "if you don't come up with hits, or we'll drop you." Manager Herbie Herbert, listened to a demo of a band called "Alien Project" and, hears a voice that would take the band to a brand new direction. The singer was Steve Perry and, he was hired to be Journey's lead singer. Journey released "Infinity" in 1978 and, the album was a hit. The album spawned hits; "Wheels in the Sky", "Lights", "Feeling That Way" and, "Anytime". Journey, became a household name. In 1981, Journey's career boosted when they released their best selling album to date "Escape" with singles, "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Open Arms". More hit albums and singles followed, personal matters were affecting Steve Perry while on the road. His mother was dying from a rare disease and, the split with his girlfriend Sherry Swafford. In 1985, problems within the band begun to fester. Steve Smith and Ross Vallory were dismissed and, the band was streamlined as a trio. One year later, Journey released "Raised on Radio" and, the album unleashed hits; "Girl Can't Help It", "I'll Be All Right Without You", "Be Good To Yourself" and, "Suzanne". In 1987, Journey had disappeared from view. In 1996, the classic lineup recorded "Trial By Fire" and, the band wanted to tour to support the album. Unfortunately, it became impossible to tour because, Steve Perry suffered a degenerative bone disease while hiking in Hawaii. Neil Schon and Johnathan Cain, re-formed the band and hired Steve Augieri as their frontman in 1998.
Sat, Mar 31, 2001
Recounting the 1977 box office disco mega-hit "Saturday Night Fever", which was in jeopardy that it wouldn't be welcomed into theaters. Top billing star John Travolta, shined on TV screens on ABC's "Welcome Back, Kotter". Prior to "Fever", he starred in the TV-Movie "The Boy in the Plastic Bubble" where he met actress Diana Hyland. Travolta's relationship, was derailed that Hyland was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. During that time, he starred in the Stephen King adaptation horror flick "Carrie". While Diana, was nearing the end, she encouraged Travolta to take the role of Tony Manero for "Fever". While he was working on the movie, he got news that Diana's health was deteriorating and, he flew to LA to be at her side. On March 27, 1977 Diana Hyland, died in Travolta's arms she was 41. Travolta, had a little time to grieve and, he pulled himself together and, make his role the best as possible. The soundtrack, was released a couple of months before the films release and, it sold a staggering 20+ million copies. Stars of the movie discusses about their experience of making the film and, how it became a phenomenon.