Reflecting on the demonstrations of the early
1980s when AIDS was killing people on a daily basis, Panozzo wonders what
happened to the protest spirit of the gay community. “In the 1960s we
stood up and said, ‘Enough!’ In the 1970s we fought vocally for basic
human rights. In the 1980s we were screaming because everybody else was
ignoring the fact that we were all dying in bulk. Now, from how people are
acting, you’d think that we’ve won everything we’ve been fighting
for.”
Hoping people will learn from his mistakes, he is vocal on an
international level, urging everyone to get tested on a regular basis and
bringing attention to various aspects of the virus, especially pediatric
AIDS. Panozzo realizes that he has a certain draw with fans and the
general public and uses that to get the message out. As of this writing,
he is in the middle of a European tour, where Styx is playing 17 gigs in
21 days. Panozzo will be returning to his Wilton Manors home in early
July, just in time to get in a little rest before Styx performs at the
Hard Rock Café on July 12.
On their current tour they recently
played in Munich, where Panozzo was asked to speak about global AIDS and
children. His comments will be included with those of various other
artists in a book. “I’ve been given the unique opportunity to help make a
difference,” he stated previously on the subject. “My music and artistic
talents have come full circle which manifested in my involvement with
pediatric AIDS. They have given a face and a voice to everyone of
goodwill.”
He went on to state: “Being involved in AIDS research
and my commitment to Equal Rights for All. It is as important to me as is
standing on stage with Styx. I feel that the day I said I would live my
life as an openly gay man, the world embraced my being.”
That
wasn’t the original response he got from his band mates when he first came
out of the closet and acknowledged his HIV-status. However, they have,
over time and with a little educating, come to understand the importance
of his mission and embrace him and his message.
“Ultimately, my
wish is to inspire others — gay and straight alike — to live a proud and
just life,” he says. “If I can inspire just one person to follow their
bliss, I guarantee it will fill their soul and set their spirit
free.” |
