Styx's original drummer, John Panozzo, passed away due to health complications.
The Passing of a Founding Member
John Panozzo, a founding member and the long-time drummer for the iconic rock band Styx, died on July 16, 1996. His death occurred in Chicago when he was 47 years old.
Panozzo's health had been in decline due to issues related to alcohol. The specific cause of his death was gastrointestinal hemorrhaging and cirrhosis. His passing marked a significant loss for the band and its fans, as he had been an integral part of Styx's sound and identity since their formation.
John Panozzo's Legacy
John Panozzo, along with his twin brother Chuck Panozzo (bass) and Dennis DeYoung (keyboards, vocals), formed the band that would eventually become Styx in the early 1970s. His powerful and precise drumming provided the rhythmic backbone for many of their classic hits, contributing significantly to their distinctive progressive rock and pop-rock sound. He remained the band's drummer throughout their most successful period.
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For more information on John Panozzo's life and career, you can visit his Wikipedia page.
