The video for Styx's "Come Sail Away" has surpassed 25 million views on YouTube, and its writer and singer, former band member Dennis DeYoung, is surprised.
He writes Facebook, "This video left out a third of the song with an atrocious radio edit that the record company insisted on. They did the edit.
"That wonderful synth section that takes the song to another level? See ya suckers...
"'Come Sail Away' was six minutes long, and for Top 40 radio that was prohibitive. The year before, Queen released 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' which was over six as well but it only reached number-nine in the U.S. Can you imagine that, that song went on to become globally historic despite mostly mixed reviews when first released. It was genius and Queen's masterpiece. Nothing they ever did came close to 'Bohemian Rhapsody.' Lots of great tunes but 'Bohemian Rhapsody' leaves me in awe...
"As much as I love 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' [the] 'Come Sail Away' lyrics really connect with people. Bismillah and Scaramouch are great fun, but I’m not certain what any of it means. Proving once again music is king over lyrics..."
"Come Sail Away" is on the seventh Styx album, 1977's The Grand Illusion.