Tommy Shaw reflects on his time with the iconic supergroup Damn Yankees, acknowledging that the collaboration “wasn’t meant to last indefinitely.” This supergroup was formed in 1989 when Shaw, who is renowned for his work with Styx, teamed up with Night Ranger’s Jack Blades, drummer Michael Cartellone (who later made a name for himself with Lynyrd Skynyrd), and the legendary guitarist Ted Nugent. In a candid interview with UCR, Shaw emphasized how Nugent’s larger-than-life personality added a distinctive flair to the band’s dynamic.

“Having Ted in the mix… he brings a massive personality to the table,” Shaw elaborated. “It’s akin to adding a bold spice when preparing a lavish feast. This spice is incredibly potent, and one must learn how to blend it harmoniously so that the end product is appealing to the audience.”

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The unique sound of Damn Yankees resonated with fans during their active years, leading to the release of two commercially successful albums – Damn Yankees (1990) and Don’t Tread (1992) – which together sold over three million copies. However, by 1994, the band’s era came to a close as each member pursued their individual musical endeavors.

“It was such a rich mix,” Shaw reminisced about the supergroup experience. “It was one of those projects that was not designed for longevity. We had an incredible time creating music together, producing two albums, but you could sense the strain as things began to unravel after that.”

Exciting Plans for Styx’s 2025 Tour

While Shaw has no intentions of reuniting with Damn Yankees, his primary band, Styx, is gearing up for a bustling schedule. The beloved musician will kick off the year with an exciting residency in Las Vegas, performing their iconic 1977 album The Grand Illusion in its entirety. Following this, in the summer, Styx will embark on a nationwide tour alongside REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin, featuring special appearances by Don Felder.

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“There’s an abundance of incredible music and amazing people that we’re looking forward to spending time with,” Shaw shared enthusiastically about the upcoming summer tour, highlighting the camaraderie and excitement of the musical journey ahead.