CHUCK PANOZZO

[sherry wilson (styxie)]

It is not often known that Chuck and John Panozzo are the founding members of Styx. For some reason, most people think it was Dennis DeYoung.
Although Chuck was by far more "famous" when he was active with Styx on a full time basis, I think his greatest contribition to the world and the people in it is his humanitarianism. His life story, and how he has dealt with the trials and tribunes of it, including his being HIV positive and almost dying from it, resulting in his book, Love, Lies and My Life With STYX. This is a very thought provoking account of his life, including his secret life that manages to make you laugh, cry, and revel in his triumph. Rising like a pheonix from the ashes, Chuck's main contribution to humanity in my opinion is his innate ability to be an inspirational and motivational speaker. He urges all those who over time have been disenfrachised within society to throw "the stigma/yoke" off and accept yourself and BE PROUD OF YOURSELF. It is an amazing account from an amazing man who's true talent is now becoming recognized.

What do you think? Any opinions or comments on how the book affected you? Any contradictory opinions on it? All opinions are welcome, please just keep them in a nice tone. Though some may not agree with Chuck's orientation, don't insult him for it. He is our fellow human being and has great value in this world...just like we all do!!

[MiaHalliwell]

The book definately gave me insite into how Chuck is. I loved his book and I couldn't put it down. I read it in 8 hours. It took that long because of interruptions, lol. He is a great humanitarianism and I am glad that he is doing what makes him happy and I am happy that he is reletively healthy. I am mostly glad that he has found love.

[sherry wilson (styxie)]

TIM, CHUCKIE'S BOYFRIEND IS THE SWEETEST PERSON!! I AM AMAZED AT HIS DOWN TO EARTH NATURE EVERY TIME I HAVE AN EMAIL SESSION WITH HIM. THE COMBINATION OF CHUCK AND TIM IS A POWERHOUSE. TWO AMAZING PEOPLE FINALLY MET AND FOUND TRUE LOVE. I AM SO HAPPY FOR THEM BOTH AND HOPE THEIR PARTNERSHIP LASTS A LIFETIME. I AM SADDENED THAT THEY CANNOT MARRY IF THEY EVER WANTED TO. BUT YOU DON'T ALWAYS NEED A "CERTIFICATE" TO BE FOREVER COMMITTED TO EACH OTHER. ROCK ON CHUCK AND TIM!!!

[MiaHalliwell]

You are right, you don't need a certificate to say that you are committed for a lifetime to be committed for a lifetime. True love is just what it is, true love. :)

[Donna]

i really love Chuck too, he is such a great guy. after hearing his story, it really got me through alot of hard times when i was struggling with who i was....and learning to accept it. i hope someday i can meet him person to thank him for that. love you, man :)

[Debra Miller]

Sherry: I checked out Chuck's book last week in the morning, and finished reading it at 8:30 that night. I couldn't put it down. I have many gay friends that dated like a heterosexual when they were growing up and came out of the closet when they were either in their late teens or early 20's. They had it rough, but Chuck had it rougher. To be a gay man in a testosterone-driven occupation like rock and roll had to be suffocating. My heart was heavy as I read most of his memoir. However, my heart was lifted when I reached the last 2 chapters. What a strong, strong man he is to live through what he has lived through. He is truly an inspiration. My sister works for Metropolitan Charities here in Tampa. They are a support system for the GLBT community. They offer counseling services, relocation services, but most of all they offer free HIV testing and education. They also have a library lots of biographies and self-help books. I bought them a copy of Chuck's book to add to their library. I think his book can be helpful to not only the GLBT community, but to anyone who feels as if they are not living an authentic life.

As a musician myself, I could also relate to alot of the "personality conflict" type issues that he dealt with in the band as well as his taking care of his brother while he was ill. God bless Chuck and God bless Styx for keeping Chuck within the Styx family.

Thanks for your posting, Sherry!

[sherry wilson (styxie)]

thanks debera!! i am sorry it took so long for me to respond to this, but i thought this page was going to be shut down in november. looks like it is still up and running!! blew my mind to find out it was still in operation! and yes, in my opinion, chuckie is the greatest. his book helped me through some of the darkest hours of my life. i owe the man more than he will ever truly know. he saved my life in more ways than one. he is awesome!! i hope i will get the chance to meet him jan 24 '09 in merriville indiana. lets keep our fingers crossed!! =D