In a candid discussion about his upcoming Styx album Circling From Above, Tommy Shaw drew a humorous comparison between his current passion for feeding birds and his previous struggles with drug addiction. This reflection highlights the profound changes in his lifestyle and priorities as he prepares for the release of the band’s new music.

The legendary rock band Styx is gearing up to unveil their highly anticipated follow-up album to 2021’s Crash of the Crown within the next few months. Shaw shared that the band encountered some anxious moments prior to revealing the details of their new project to their record label, which speaks to the creative pressures that artists often face.

During a recent Q&A session on the Rock Legends Cruise, Shaw elaborated on the album’s unique concept, which revolves around a starling and is inspired by his current lifestyle. This concept record reflects his personal journey and the themes of nature and wildlife that have become significant in his life.

READ MORE: Discover Styx’s Journey as They Create Their First Album Without Dennis DeYoung

“My wife and I… reside on a wildlife sanctuary,” Shaw informed the audience. “You will frequently find me lugging a 60-pound bag of bird seed to fill [feeders] our feeders. The amount we spend on bird seed rivals what I once spent on cocaine,” he humorously noted, illustrating how his priorities have shifted dramatically.

As laughter erupted from the audience, Shaw insisted: “I’m serious! Honestly, I believe cocaine was less expensive than bird seed!” His amusing admission was met with chuckles, highlighting the light-hearted nature of the discussion.

Bandmate James “J.Y.” Young chimed in, adding, “But the seed hurts when it goes in your nose!” This playful banter showcased the camaraderie and lighthearted spirit that exists between the band members.

Overcoming Concerns About the New Album’s Bird-Centric Concept

Shaw continued to express his initial concerns about introducing the album’s concept to the label, but to his surprise, the executive he spoke with shared a profound interest in birds. The executive described a fascinating device that photographs birds, sends images to users, and identifies the species spotted, demonstrating a shared enthusiasm for ornithology.

Shaw conveyed that there had been an overwhelming sense of enthusiasm from the label, stating, “Sometimes in life, things just align perfectly. This situation unfolded favorably for us, especially considering our initial apprehensions about creating an album centered around a bird!” This newfound support provided the band with reassurance as they ventured into this creative exploration.

Catch Styx’s Engaging Q&A Session on Rock Legends Cruise