Renegade - Styx (1979) 4/5/22

It's the lament of an outlaw who has been caught and is about to be executed by hanging. It's also a "Great Song of 1979."

What it's NOT...is a country/western song--even though the plotline would fit right into an old western movie. In fact it's a rock and roll classic that starts slow and builds intensity until the end.

"Renegade" by Styx (from the album "Pieces of Eight") was written by group member Tommy Shaw. Normally, Tommy would play the guitar solos on the songs he wrote...but this time, he asked bandmate James Young to do the honors.

The result: A classic that gave Styx two things: a hit record, and a closing song for their concerts.

Chartwise, "Renegade reached #10 in Canada and #16 in the US.

Since 1979, it's become a "go-to" song for TV Shows ("Freaks & Geeks" and "Supernatural"), Movies ("Billy Madison") and Video Games (Grand Theft Auto IV). The Pittsburgh Steelers use it as an anthem, and the Milwaukee Brewers play it whenever relief pitcher John Hader takes the mound!

"Renegade" by Styx: an all-purpose "Great Song" of 1979--and beyond."