This Day in Music History: Styx/Equinox (12/01)

Equinox is the fifth album by Styx, released on this day in 1975. The album was the band's first release for A&M Records (with whom they signed earlier in 1975, after the unexpected success of the single "Lady").

The album also marked the final appearance of original Styx guitarist John Curulewski who was fired abruptly following the release of Equinox. The band went into a frantic search to find a replacement for their upcoming tour to support the album. Soon after, they found Tommy Shaw.

The album's biggest hit was the track "Lorelei", which was Styx's second US Top 30 hit. Another well known song in the album was "Suite Madame Blue" which was written about the upcoming Bicentennial of the US. The track became a staple for all Styx tours with Dennis DeYoung.

Although Equinox stalled at #58, it went Gold in 1977 shortly before the release of The Grand Illusion.

I covered this album in more depth here (Side One), and here (Side Two).

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