Styx bassist Chuck Panozzo to participate in World AIDS Day December 1
Sterling Whitaker, Classic Hard Rock Examiner
November 22, 2011
Styx bassist and AIDS activist Chuck Panozzo is leading a public awareness campaign for World AIDS Day, coming up on December 1.
The musician, who founded the multi-platinum Chicago-based group along with twin brother John Panozzo and childhood friend Dennis DeYoung, was diagnosed with AIDS in 1991, a struggle he recounted in his autobiography The Grand Illusion: Love, Lies and My Life with Styx.
“Being involved in AIDS research and my commitment to equal rights, are two very important matters to me,” Panozzo said in a press release. “Through my role with Styx, I have been given the unique opportunity to help make a difference. My music and artistic expressions have come full circle and has manifested in my involvement with pediatric AIDS. As a former teacher, I have realized how important education is and I found it to be a way to combat prejudice and intolerance; two things which we as society must fight to eradicate.”
Panozzo is currently focused on assisting GeoVax Labs, which has developed a vaccine that’s currently undergoing human trials. “Presently, the cost of treatment is only affordable by the wealthy; a vaccine solution which can be accessed by all is a key. We have to make sure things are not being ignored,” the musician said. “We are obligated to help and we will prevail. I want people to know that something is being done and hope for millions is out there.”