About me: In 1962, John and I had started a trio. John was on drums. I played rhythm guitar and a grammar school friend played the accordion. That spring our neighbor, Dennis De Young, replaced our accordion player and all summer we rehearsed as the Tradewinds.
At the time it made me, the odd guy, fit into a world where being different from the rest was difficult. In 1964 I went into the seminary. One year later I returned to the group as the bass player. I developed a style that complimented the unique writers that were emerging.
John, Chuck, Dennis, JC, and JY became Styx in 1972. Styx embarked on a journey that would lead us to another level when Tommy shaw replaced JC in the mid seventies. We went from small gigs to being one of the originators of arena rock, culminating in 1981 with Paradise Theater.
In 1983, the group's focus was lost leading to a break up. It was during this time I had the opportunity to discover who I was.
It took until 1991 that some semblance of the original group would re-form. Glen Burtnik replaced Tommy as singer/song writer. I had also been diagnosed HIV+. This was a spiritual time for me since it also coincided with my total acceptance of being gay.
The group took another hiatus until 1995 when a wonderful thing happened. I was approached with the idea of re-forming the band once again. Only this time Tommy would return and Glen would not. Johnnie's health was deteriorating so Todd became his replacement. In 1996, the Return to Paradise Theatre Tour began. John passed away on 7/16/96. Styx officially had it's new drummer-Todd Sucherman.
There was another tour to follow and in 1998, I was diagnosed with AIDS. During that time, Brave New World was in rehearsal. It was also time for total honesty with the guys. My decision to stop playing was due to my battle with AIDS. Glen was asked once again to join Styx, but this time to take my place on stage. The guys had told me when I was well enough to return, my position was secure. I don't think any of us were quite sure if that would happen.
Against the odds I returned to the stage on 9/11/99 in Las Vegas......as "Special Guest Artist who is AKA the bands original bass player and cofounder of Styx". My health dictated my ability to tour but as I was getting increasingly better, I was able to join Styx as much as I could. Sometimes even surprising the band who also had an occasional surprise for me too.
I was faced with another health challenge in 2004. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The success of the surgery brings me to the year 2008. As most of you know, I've become an AIDS Advocate and have spoken openly about my most personal of journey's which I hope continue for many more years and tours.
Sincerely,
Chuck
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I WOULD LIKE TO DEDICATE TO ALL OUR VETERANS TODAY AND ALWAYS,WHO ARE NOW SERVING AND WHO HAVE SERVED THIS GREAT COUNTRY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO DEFEND HER FREEDOM WITH OUR LAST DYING BREATH TO MAKE THIS THE GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND GOD BLESS AMERICA ! US ARMY E-4 1972-1979 ,XOXO STEVEN F.GOLDSMITH AKA MR.LIMO
Hiya Chuckie! Just dropping in to say hello and wishing you a wonderful day! Hope your voyages on the high seas were a blast! :) I hear the food on cruise ships is awesome.....
Hello Sir... It was great seeing you on April 24th; you looked great! This was my first time seeing you "live", and I certainly hope that it won't be the last! Take Care... Wishing you Good Health and Happiness always. :) Sincerely, Tracy Frye
It was such a pleasure being able to see you at tonights Styx show. I always get a bigger smile on my face when you're there. Best of luck and I look forward to another cameo. Lots of love Chuck!! Amanda
DROPPIN' IN TO SAY HELLO CHUCKIE. HOPE YOU ARE ENJOYING THE SUMMER TOUR. IT'S FRIDAY NIGHT, SO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS..."TGIF, CHUCKIE!! Lets hope you never hear the tour bus driver, airline pilot, etc. yelling this out while you are in their hands....... LOLOLOLOLOL
GOOD MORNING CHUCK,HAVE A GREAT FRIDAY AND A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!SPRING IS HERE AND SUMMERS GETTING CLOSE TOO,CANT WAIT.IVE BEEN AT THE METRO PARK THIS WHOLE WEEK! AND IM TIRED OF THE CABIN FEVER!!SO IM LOOKING AT SOME PROPERTY JUST AT THE EDGE OF WILDWOOD METRO PARK AND I COULD WALK INTO MY FAVORITE PARK EVERYDAY IF I WANT,AND MY LITTLE LANIE WILL BE SURE OF THAT!!!THE BIKE TRAIL IS HUNDREDS OF MILES LONG FROM THE PARK TO PAST UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO !!KOOL HUH?TALK TO YA SOON! HUGS & MANY KISSES!PEACE OUT,MR.LIMO PS. ENJOY THE TOURING HAS LONG HAS YOU CAN MY GOOD FRIEND,ITS ROCK-N-ROLL!! PUT ITS STYX R-R
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