Superstars
by Styx

Album: The Grand Illusion (1977)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In this song, Styx offer a taste of what it feels like to be on stage: like they're superstars. By this time, they weren't exactly superstars but they were playing arenas and getting lots of radio play. The song is from their seventh album, The Grand Illusion, which includes the hits "Come Sail Away" and "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)."
  • Styx guitarist Tommy Shaw does the lead vocal on the track, but at the end of the song, their keyboard player Dennis DeYoung plays the part of a narrator throwing cold water on the concept of fame:

    We want your dreams
    The offer's simple, momentary immortality


    This kind of theatrical flourish was typical of Styx' music at the time and followed a loose theme on the album of illusion.
  • Styx guitarist James Young (JY) wrote this song with Tommy Shaw and Dennis DeYoung. The three combined vocally on the rich harmonies in the song, something Styx is known for. Young told Songfacts: "It's another one where you get the big three-part harmonies and it's a little different rhythm. I think Tommy wrote the verses on that. But it's the big harmony choruses. We used to have fun playing that song and the harmonies work hugely on that song."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Motley Crue

Motley CrueFact or Fiction

Was Dr. Feelgood a dentist? Did the "Crüecifixion" really happen?

Desmond Child

Desmond ChildSongwriter Interviews

One of the most successful songwriters in the business, Desmond co-wrote "Livin' La Vida Loca," "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)" and "Livin' On A Prayer."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Who Wrote That Song?

Who Wrote That Song?Music Quiz

Do you know who wrote Patti Smith's biggest hit? How about the Grease theme song? See if you can match the song to the writer.