Styx are just one of the many bands who have postponed or cancelled spring tour dates. Singer and guitarist Tommy Shaw is staying home in Nashville, and answered a few questions for us (via Premiere Networks).
How are you passing the time at home?
Tommy Shaw: “My wife and I have been binge watching series on Netflix and movies on Apple TV. I have also been working on new music in my home studio and communicating with Styx producer Will Evankovich as we create new writing demos.”
Any long overdue projects you’re finally going to tackle?
TS: “I’ve finally gotten around to getting three albums onto digital streaming platforms. The first two are Shaw Blades’ Hallucination and a solo album of mine, 7 Deadly Zens. Shaw Blades’ Influence is in the works and should also be available to stream soon.
“On another front, as I was typing the previous sentences we noticed the Purple Martins (bird) arriving and looking for a place to build their nests. We had not gotten around to spring cleaning our Purple Martin house so we got busy with tools and cleaning supplies to make it more inviting. They’re still circling overhead so we should be in good shape.
“Styx has some things in the planning stage, some of which will now be dependent on the arc of the shutdown. We are working on something I think our fans will enjoy in the meantime. Rest assured we will resume our schedule as soon as we hear the ‘All Clear.'”
Is this pandemic making you think twice about how you will live your life after we’re given the all-clear?
TS: “We’ve been proactive as far as washing our hands regularly because of the natural desire to shake an outstretched hand, whether it’s in an airport or anywhere else in public. We’ve been discouraging it at our Meet and Greets but when someone forgets we haven’t refused. That will probably take care of itself in the future.
“I hope people in airports and on planes will be more diligent when coughing or sneezing. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people not covering up. Sometimes very close. I am counting on them to be more aware from now on.”
Do you agree with the decision to postpone concerts, sporting events, etc.? Would you have done anything differently — if so, what?
TS: “We were waiting for guidance as information came in. Booking agencies and promoters have all been in the loop and followed the guidelines as soon as the word came to shut down.
“When the word came down, I was halfway through packing for a 17-day Styx road trip when my manager called and said, ‘Don’t get on a plane, and excused himself so he could intercept as many band and crew members before they were en route to Philadelphia. More than a couple of them were already in the air. He’d been looking at the calendar and preparing to reschedule, knowing it was probably coming soon.”
Any words of advice to your fans during this difficult time?
TS: “Be smart and follow what the expert medical community says. Get your supplies but try not to hoard. Hydrate! Be kind. This will pass and you’ll want to feel good about how you treated others.”
[Premiere Networks][YouTube: Styx]
