John Curulewski

John "JC" Curulewski
Curulewski performing in 1974
Curulewski performing in 1974
Background information
Born(1950-10-03)October 3, 1950
Chicago, Illinois, US
DiedFebruary 13, 1988(1988-02-13) (aged 37)
Midlothian, Illinois, US
Genres
OccupationMusician
Instruments
  • Guitar
  • vocals
  • keyboard
Years active1968–1975
LabelsWooden Nickel, A&M
Formerly ofStyx, Spread Eagle, Arctic Fox

John J. Curulewski (October 3, 1950 – February 13, 1988) was an American musician who was one of the original members of Styx. Curulewski played guitar and sang occasional lead vocals on the band's first five studio albums, released from 1972 to 1975.[1] He left in 1975 due to disputes between him and the band and died in 1988.

Career

In 1969, Curulewski joined the Chicago-based band TW4, featuring college friends Dennis DeYoung, Chuck Panozzo, and John Panozzo.[2] The group evolved into Styx by 1972.[3] Curulewski was described by tour manager Jim Vose as "the rebel of the group".[4]

Just after the recording of the album Equinox in 1975, Curulewski left Styx[5] to spend more time with his family, and was replaced by Tommy Shaw.[6] One big factor in Curulewski's departure was an argument between John and Dennis DeYoung after a concert. Curulewski had Laryngitis, and tried to cancel the show despite having around 10,000–12,000 people in attendance. After the concert finished and the band went backstage, DeYoung told Curulewski "I never want to go onstage with you again", to which John replied "okay, then I quit."[4]

Personal life and death

After his career with Styx, Curulewski became a guitar teacher in the Chicago area and played occasionally in local bands.[4]

Curulewski's grave at St. Benedict Catholic Cemetery

He died at his home in Midlothian, Illinois on February 13, 1988, from a brain aneurysm, and was buried at St. Benedict Catholic Cemetery in Crestwood, Illinois.[7][8][9]

References

  1. ^ "Styx | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  2. ^ The Victoria Advocate. The Victoria Advocate.
  3. ^ Kogan, Rick (December 8, 2002). "Giving up the ghosts". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  4. ^ a b c Kielty, Martin (December 16, 2020). "Why John Curulewski Left Styx". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  5. ^ The Day. The Day.
  6. ^ "Equinox - Styx | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  7. ^ Marc (December 26, 2015). "Buried Here - John Curulewski, Original Member And Guitarist For "Styx"". History Of Rock Music. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  8. ^ "Buried Here - John Curulewski, Original Member And Guitarist For 'Styx'". History Of Rock Music. December 26, 2015. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  9. ^ "John Curulewski". The Star. Tinley Park, Illinois. February 21, 1988. p. 4. Retrieved April 30, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.


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