Styx Renegade: An Underrated Classic You Need To Hear

Don't sleep on Styx's 'Renegade' – the classic rock staple and one of the band's finest moments. Written by guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw, the song is a first-person narrative of an outlaw about to be executed, with a slow, dark and dirge-like quality. Peaking at number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1979, it remains a highlight of the band's live shows, often closing their concerts. The song has also taken on a life of its own, being used as a hype song for the Pittsburgh Steelers and featuring in the Emmy-winning series Ozark. With spine-tingling lyrics, a spooky vibe, and one of the best guitar riffs of all time, 'Renegade' is a testament to Styx's enduring appeal and a classic of the rock genre.

The song's use in sports

"Renegade" by Styx is a staple of classic rock radio play and is frequently the final song the band plays at its concerts. The song has also been used in sports, most notably by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The song was first used by the Steelers during a Playoff game against the Cleveland Browns on January 5, 2002. At halftime, the Browns were leading 17-7, and this lead extended through the third quarter. During a commercial break, "Renegade" was played throughout Heinz Field, hyping up the crowd. The Steelers fought back in the fourth quarter, eventually defeating the Browns with a final score of 36-33. Since then, the song has become an anthem for the Steelers, who see it as a good luck charm.

In addition to its use in sports, "Renegade" has also been featured in popular culture. For example, the song was included in the final episode of the Emmy-winning series Ozark.

The song's use in film and TV

"Renegade" by Styx is a popular song that has been featured in several films and TV shows over the years. The song's powerful message of defiance and rebellion, coupled with its catchy guitar riff and memorable chorus, has made it a staple in media and popular culture.

One of the earliest uses of "Renegade" in film was in the 1995 comedy "Billy Madison," starring Adam Sandler. The song was also featured in another Adam Sandler movie, "Big Daddy." In both films, the song's upbeat and defiant tone added a layer of energy and humour to the scenes.

"Renegade" has also made its way into various TV shows, with notable appearances in "Freaks and Geeks," "The Umbrella Academy," "Supernatural," and "Ash vs Evil Dead." In these shows, the song is often used to heighten the intensity of a scene, such as when characters are gearing up for a fight or facing a challenging situation.

The song has also been used in sports, particularly by the Pittsburgh Steelers football team. Since 2001, the Steelers have regularly played "Renegade" during their home games, especially when the team is on defence in the second half. The song has become a staple at Heinz Field, with the crowd and players feeding off the energy it provides.

In addition to its appearance in film and TV, "Renegade" has also been covered by numerous artists and has inspired musicians across different genres. The song's impact has been recognised by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and it continues to be a beloved classic rock staple.

The song's unique tempo

"Renegade" by Styx is a unique song with an intriguing tempo that sets it apart from other tracks. The song's tempo and rhythm have been described as spine-tingling and dirge-y, contributing to its overall captivating and distinctive character.

The song was written by Tommy Shaw, who described its creation as "one of those songs that kind of wrote itself." Interestingly, Shaw mentioned that the song initially had a slower tempo and was written as a three-part harmony ballad. However, during rehearsals, band member Dennis DeYoung suggested performing it as a rock song, and the rest of the band joined in, transforming it into the energetic and compelling rock anthem it is known for today.

The tempo of "Renegade" is a crucial element that contributes to its success and popularity. It has been described as having "one of the best guitar riffs of all time," with the middle eight featuring some of the band's finest harmonies. The song's energy and rhythm make it a favourite among fans and a staple of classic rock radio play.

The song's tempo also enhances the narrative of the lyrics, which are written from the perspective of an outlaw about to be executed for his crimes. The fast-paced and energetic rhythm creates a sense of urgency and tension, reflecting the protagonist's fear and the imminent threat of the hangman's noose.

In conclusion, the unique tempo of "Renegade" by Styx is a result of the band's collective talent and ability to experiment with different styles. The song's tempo transformation from a slow ballad to a high-energy rock anthem showcases the band's creativity and willingness to explore new directions. The resulting tempo not only enhances the song's musical appeal but also complements the narrative and themes of the lyrics, making it a memorable and enduring classic.

The song's lyrics

"Renegade" by Styx is a first-person narrative of an outlaw about to be executed for his crimes. The song opens with the outlaw expressing fear for his life as the lawman has caught up with him, and he is far from home. He hears his mother crying and knows that the hangman is coming down from the gallows. The chorus emphasizes that the outlaw has been found and will be executed, never to go astray again. The song continues with the outlaw reflecting on his years as a fugitive and the high price on his head. He knows that the lawman will see him dead. The chorus is repeated, emphasizing that the outlaw's time is up. The bridge returns to the outlaw's fear of the long arm of the law and the approaching hangman. The chorus is repeated again, with the outlaw pleading with his mother not to let them take him.

The song "Renegade" has been described as having "spine-tingling lyrics" and a "spooky vibe." It is considered one of the best songs by Styx, with its catchy guitar riff and harmonies. The song was written by Tommy Shaw, who shared that it just came out of nowhere and that those are usually the best songs. Shaw also revealed that he was not running away anymore and facing the inevitable end, which added a layer of regret to the lyrics.

"Renegade" has had a significant impact on the band's success and is often the final song played at their concerts. It has also been used to hype up sports teams, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, and has been featured in TV shows like "Ozark." The song peaked at number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 at the beginning of 1979.

The song's legacy

"Renegade" is a song by the band Styx from their 1978 album "Pieces of Eight". It was written by Tommy Shaw, who also performs lead vocals on the track.

"Renegade" is a first-person narrative told from the perspective of an outlaw about to be executed for his crimes. The song's lyrics take the form of a letter from the criminal to his mother, expressing his fear of the law and the regret of his actions.

The song has become a staple of classic rock radio play and is often the final song Styx performs at their concerts. It has also enjoyed success as a hype song for sports teams, most notably for the Pittsburgh Steelers. "Renegade" was first used during a playoff game between the Steelers and the Cleveland Browns on January 5, 2002, and has since become an anthem for the Steelers fanbase.

"Renegade" peaked at number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 at the beginning of 1979. It has been described as having "spine-tingling lyrics, a spooky vibe, and one of the best guitar riffs of all time". The song's impact has extended beyond the realm of music, with the TV series "Ozark" notably featuring it in its next-to-last episode to chilling effect.

Over the years, "Renegade" has become an enduring part of Styx's live performances and an integral part of their legacy. It stands as a testament to the band's ability to fuse traditional British progressive rock with all-singing, all-dancing American razzle-dazzle.

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