September 20

 Jeff Jones

September 20, 1953

In the summer of 1968, Jeff Jones became the initial bass guitarist and lead singer for Rush. He played their very first concert before departing the group that September.

He found major success after joining the gospel rock group Ocean as an official member in 1970. He handled bass duties and sang vocals for the band, including on their million-selling 1971 hit single Put Your Hand in the Hand. The lineup recorded and performed together until they broke up in 1975.

He spent the late 1970s playing in the Toronto band Stingaree before moving on to join Red Rider as their bass guitarist in 1978. He performed on their early records and stayed with the project for several decades while also touring with various other rock acts.

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Chuck Panozzo

September 20, 1948

Chuck Panozzo helped form the rock band Styx as their original bass guitarist in 1970. He recorded their self-titled debut album in 1972 alongside his twin brother John. Chuck remained with the group during their rise to radio success. His melodic bass lines can be heard on all of their classic albums throughout the decade, including the 1977 release The Grand Illusion and the 1979 album Cornerstone.

He remained an official member of the group as they toured and recorded from 1970 to 1999. He later stepped away from full-time touring but continued to make special guest appearances at live concerts for many years.

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John Panozzo

September 20, 1948 – July 16, 1996

John Panozzo helped form the rock group Styx as their original foundation behind the drums in 1970. He recorded their self-titled debut album in 1972 alongside his twin brother Chuck. He provided a steady, powerful heartbeat for the band as they grew from playing local schools into a major touring act. His playing drove all of their classic records throughout the decade, including the 1977 release The Grand Illusion and the 1979 album Cornerstone.

He stayed on as an official member of the group as they toured and recorded from 1970 until 1991. Health struggles later prevented him from joining a major reunion tour with the rest of the classic lineup in 1996.

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