Styx

Lyrics

6 ContributorsA.D. 1928 LyricsTonight's the night we'll make history, as sure as dogs can fly
And I'll take any risk to tie back the hands of time
And stay with you here tonight

So take your seats and don't be late, we need your spirits high
To turn on these theatre lights and brighten the darkest skies
Here at the Paradise....See Styx LiveGet tickets as low as $27

A.D. 1928 is a song by the American rock band Styx. It is one of the most significant songs on their album, "Paradise Theatre", which was released in 1981. With a runtime of just one minute and 28 seconds, the song serves as an intro to the album's opening track "Rockin' the Paradise".

About A.D. 1928

Although "A.D. 1928" is very short, it is a perfect intro to the drama and spectacle of "Rockin' the Paradise". The song begins with a gentle piano introduction, and then there is a sound of a radio dial being tuned, followed by a voice speaking in a news bulletin style:

"Good evening. Welcome to the final feature of our album cover story on the new Styx album "Paradise Theatre" – the first new album in three years from one of America's top rock'n'roll bands. From their beginning in a suburban Chicago basement in the early '70s, through their legendary days as one of America's top touring attractions, Styx have been an inseparable part of the lives of millions of rock fans."

The announcement sets the scene for the whole album, which explores the story of the Paradise Theatre, an imaginary venue in Chicago that had been at the center of the city's entertainment scene for generations. The album details the history of the theatre from its conception in the roaring 20s to its ultimate demise in the 80s. "A.D. 1928" is a nod to the year that the Paradise first opened its doors to the public.

The song is significant not just because it sets the scene, but also because of the way it has been carefully crafted. Dennis DeYoung, the group's keyboardist, was in charge of the song's composition, and he created the perfect foundation to the album, which became a masterpiece of its time. The piano intro provides the perfect ambiance for a story that needed to be told. The announcement is a witty nod to both Styx's history and the history of rock and roll itself, reminding audiences that the band had established a reputation and a following that millions of people loved.

The most critical aspect of A.D. 1928 is that, despite its shortness, it captures the imagination, setting the tone and creating a mood that lasts throughout the rest of the album. As a Styx fan, you can immediately imagine yourself walking into that mythical theater, a timeless place that crosses generations.

In sum, "A.D. 1928" is a crucial part of Paradise Theatre, providing an excellent foundation for the rest of the album. It sets an atmosphere and a time and place that pulls listeners in and makes them a part of the music itself. As a one-and-a-half-minute piece, it's impressive how much weight it carries throughout the entire album's length. Styx had created a true masterpiece, not just songs, and A.D. 1928 set the foundation of what was to come.

• Release Date: January 19, 1981
• Artist: Styx