CHICAGO (AP) — John Panozzo, the co-founder and drummer of the rock band Styx, died in his home Tuesday from a gastrointestinal hemorrhage. He was 47.
Panozzo also suffered from cirrhosis of the liver as a result of chronic alcoholism, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.
Panozzo helped form Styx with his twin brother Chuck Panozzo in the 1960s and rode a wave a success that included four consecutive triple-platinum albums and the hit singles “Babe,” “Come Sail Away” and “Lady.”
In its heyday, the band had Chuck Panozzo on bass, Dennis DeYoung on keyboards, James Young and Tommy Shaw on guitar.
Styx faded after the release of its 1983 album “Kilroy Was Here.” DeYoung, Shaw and Young left to pursue solo careers.
All the band members except Shaw got back together in 1990 and made a comeback with the release of “Edge of the Century,” followed by a successful 1991 tour.
The band is on a 77-date tour this year, but Panozzo was unable to join because of poor health. He was replaced with drummer Todd Sucherman.
The band members plan to dedicate the remainder of the tour to Panozzo’s memory, said spokesman Jeff Albright.
