Tommy Shaw, the talented guitarist and vocalist of Styx, recently shared his evolving perspective regarding the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and its ongoing oversight of the band. In an interview with Sirius XM?s Eddie Trunk, he revealed that the snubbing of Styx used to frustrate him deeply. ?At one time, it used to get under my skin,? Shaw confessed. He even went so far as to say, ?Please don’t give it to me now. Wait until I’m dead. Because I don’t want to have to go to one of those [induction] things that charge me $5,000 to get in the door and go up and play with guys who probably don’t want to play with each other.? His candid remarks highlight the complexities of the Hall’s recognition process.

However, Shaw’s feelings have shifted as time has progressed. By 2024, he expressed a hopeful sentiment that he and his fellow bandmates would ?live long enough? to enjoy the honor of induction into the Hall of Fame. While he refrained from discussing the specific credentials Styx holds, he did emphasize his appreciation for when a band truly deserves such recognition. This reflects a more positive outlook on the possibility of their eventual induction.

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Since becoming eligible for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, Styx has sold over 54 million albums and boasts a rich catalog filled with classic hits. Their impressive resume certainly seems to warrant consideration for induction. Yet, despite their significant achievements and contributions to the music industry, the band has not received a single nomination, leaving fans and band members alike perplexed by this oversight.

Styx’s Case for Induction: A Call for Recognition from Lawrence Gowan

During his discussion with Trunk, Styx?s singer and keyboardist, Lawrence Gowan, passionately advocated for the band?s induction into the prestigious Hall of Fame. Gowan, who joined Styx in 1999, stated, ?To me, I would like to see [induction] for the guys that were in the band long before I was in the band.? He highlighted the importance of recognizing the original members who laid the groundwork for Styx?s enduring legacy. ?They built the whole foundation that we’ve been able to extend the life of, you know, since the era that I’ve been involved in,? he added, underscoring the band’s long history and the contributions of its former members.

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Gowan further elaborated on the irony he perceives in the situation. ?Bands that get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, we always celebrate that,? he mentioned. He also pointed out that it’s notable how some artists who have been inducted end up opening for Styx during their shows. ?It’s not beyond noticing the irony of the fact that some bands that are in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will be opening the show for Styx. In my mind, that says something,? he concluded, highlighting the ongoing conversation surrounding the criteria for recognition in the Hall.

Real-Life ?Spinal Tap? Stories: Styx