The original
bassist for the U.S. pop-meets-progressive-rock band Styx says he hopes he
can be a role model to youths labeled as different.
"I want young
kids who are different to understand it's OK," said Chuck Panozzo, who was
diagnosed with AIDS in 1998.
Panozzo said he hid his sexuality for
years, The Miami Herald reported Monday. Being gay in the 1970s and '80s
with an immensely popular band was difficult; no one knew, except his
now-deceased twin brother John, until recently. In his
autobiography, "The Grand Illusion: Love, Lies and My Life With Styx,"
Panozzo writes about growing up gay, his double life in Styx and his HIV
diagnosis in 1991. "I wrote a fairy tale about a fairy who
finally grew up to be a man who found his truth," Panozzo told the Herald
during an interview in his Wilton Manors home.
Panozzo said
touring is tough now, even for younger players. When hie can't tour for
health reasons or other commitments, Styx has a replacement.
"I
try to represent my own community and (so) any kid who wants to be in
popular music doesn't have to hide anymore," Panozzo
said. |
