Tommy Shaw Wants To Stay Alive Until Styx Gets To Rock Hall Of Fame

Tommy Shaw, guitarist for Styx, believes the band deserves a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and hopes the honor comes while they are all still alive.

In a conversation with Cleveland.com, Shaw was asked about the band’s long wait for induction, despite being eligible since 1998.

“I hope we all live long enough to find the answer to that question,” Shaw remarked, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the decision. “But that’s not for me to decide.”

The Hall of Fame’s track record supports Shaw’s concerns. Numerous artists have been inducted posthumously, despite being eligible for years. A notable example is MC5, who will be inducted this October after being eligible since 1992 and having been nominated six times. Sadly, all of the band’s classic members passed away before receiving the honor.

Tommy Shaw Quips That Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ‘Looks Good on Television’

Shaw humorously commented that the Rock Hall “looks good on television” but emphasized the limited impact it has on the band’s ongoing creative process.

He also mentioned another band he feels deserves recognition. Shaw said:

“I don’t know the process [for selection] and it’s really none of my business.
“It’s a nice thing to have people rally around artists they like, but we have zero influence [over the decision].”

While Shaw has reservations about the Hall of Fame’s selection process, he is not opposed to it. He expressed genuine enthusiasm for past inductees. “I’m glad when artists are recognized. It’s a great thing for everyone,” he admitted. Shaw highlighted the induction of Rush as an example, stating:

“Like when Rush was inducted? Appreciated. Deserved.”

Ultimately, Shaw views the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as an honor, but one that doesn’t change the fundamental reality for musicians.

“It’s an honor for anybody who is inducted, but it doesn’t help write that next song. We all know the reality: it looks good on television.”