John Panozzo facts for kids

John Anthony Panozzo (born September 20, 1948 – died July 16, 1996) was an American drummer. He is best known for being a founding member of the famous rock band Styx.

Early Life and Starting a Band

John Panozzo grew up in Chicago, Illinois, with his fraternal twin brother, Chuck, and an older sister, Emily. Their family had Italian roots.

When John and Chuck were just seven years old, they started taking music lessons from their uncle. John really liked the drums and other percussion instruments.

They went to Catholic school and soon formed a small band with three members. John played the drums, and Chuck played the guitar. They even played at weddings when they were only 12 years old!

In 1961, John, Chuck, and their neighbor, Dennis DeYoung, started a new band called The Tradewinds. John was on drums, Chuck played guitar, and Dennis played the accordion and sang. They played at local places and became a popular "garage band" in their part of Chicago.

Becoming Styx

By 1968, the band changed a bit. Chuck switched from guitar to bass. They also added two new guitarists and singers, James "J.Y." Young and John Curulewski.

With these new members, they changed their band name to TW4. Soon after, they signed a record deal with Wooden Nickel Records. This was a big step! They decided to change their name one last time to Styx, which became a very successful rock band.

John Panozzo was the drummer for Styx from 1972 until 1984, when the band took a break. Later, in 1993, John played drums on two songs for James Young's solo album, Out on a Day Pass.

Later Years and Passing Away

In 1996, Styx was getting ready to go on tour again with its classic lineup. Sadly, John Panozzo became very ill.

He passed away in Chicago on July 16, 1996, at the age of 47, due to health problems. He was survived by his wife, Debbie, and his two children. John is buried near his parents in Illinois.

Remembering John

The band Styx honored John Panozzo during their 1996 Return to Paradise tour, dedicating it to him.

Tommy Shaw, another member of Styx, wrote a special song called "Dear John" as a final tribute to their friend and bandmate.

Musical Instruments

In the early days of Styx, John Panozzo used Premier drums. Later, around 1978, he switched to Tama drums. He also played Zildjian cymbals to create the sounds for Styx's music.

Music Albums

John Panozzo played drums on many albums with Styx.

Studio Albums

• 1972 Styx
• 1973 Styx II
• 1973 The Serpent Is Rising
• 1974 Man of Miracles
• 1975 Equinox
• 1976 Crystal Ball
• 1977 The Grand Illusion
• 1978 Pieces of Eight
• 1979 Cornerstone
• 1981 Paradise Theater
• 1983 Kilroy Was Here
• 1990 Edge of the Century
• 1993 Out on a Day Pass (James Young solo album)

Compilation Albums

• 1977 Best of Styx
• 1995 Styx Greatest Hits
• 1996 Styx Greatest Hits Part 2
• 2002 20th Century Masters
• 2004 Come Sail Away - The Styx Anthology
• 2005 The Complete Wooden Nickel Recordings
• 2006 Styx Gold (re-release of Come Sail Away - The Styx Anthology)