The Rock And Roll Hall of Fame

[Todd]

Hello,

 

I am almost certain this has been explained in painstaking detail on the board here before...BUT can some one (or many people for that matter) explain to me what's up with Styx never getting consideration for the HOF? Look, I know I give the current incarnation of Stynx a hard time, but the classic line-up of Styx is my favorite band ever. Don't make me type that long-ass, boring story again about the first tape I bought being "Kilroy Was Here" and how my sister and I didn't know the lyrics of Mr. Roboto and all that. Hahaha. Anyway, I love Styx and, of course, have followed DDY since his first solo career back in the middle ages (the 80's).

 

It's like this...with all they accomplished throughout their career, like the four platinum albums back-to-back (I think) and how well-known some of their songs still are, I mean, they ARE a memorable band. They have had longevity, their songs have crossed over into movies and TV, they have had songs become anthems (Show Me The Way), they have supported causes, they have played to millions, they have had international success...

 

What gives? Like I said, I figure this has been talked about and explained before, but I somehow missed it. If anyone has the time, could you please fill me in. I'm not the biggest fan of the HOF to begin with, simply because they seem to exclude alot of deserving bands and singers while inducting others for far less. It's basically the same reason I hate the MLB HOF. Heck, the Rock And Roll HOF will probably induct Tittany Spears before they put Styx in, but I sure would like to know was-s-s up wit' that.

 

Thanks for your time,

Todd

[Ron]

Should Styx be in the HOF? Yes. Will I still be alive if it ever happens? Probably not. Here's the best explanation I can come up with:

The R&RHOF has very strong ties with Rolling Stone magazine. If you're liked by RS and their critics, you get in the hall. I think we all know how critics (and especially RS) have treated Styx. I forget who explained it in Sterling's book, but I'll paraphrase the thought here: Critics want you to like whoever they tell you to like. Then they can say they "made" that artist. They do not like it when a band gets fans and is popular by its own merits, and not the critics. So what do they do? Try to destroy the band--trash them give bad reviews, etc.

Because the "powers in charge" do not care for Styx because they did not make them popular, Styx will not be voted into the HOF.

 

The reality is that the HOF actually has nothing to do with recognizing achievements or talent by rock musicians. Just look at the list of people that have been inducted, and who has not. There are a lot of prominent people that have not been inducted. (IMO Madonna is pop, not rock)

 

I hope this helps. I'm sure someone else can add to this as well.

[Boomchild]

Should Styx be in the HOF? Yes. Will I still be alive if it ever happens? Probably not. Here's the best explanation I can come up with:

The R&RHOF has very strong ties with Rolling Stone magazine. If you're liked by RS and their critics, you get in the hall. I think we all know how critics (and especially RS) have treated Styx. I forget who explained it in Sterling's book, but I'll paraphrase the thought here: Critics want you to like whoever they tell you to like. Then they can say they "made" that artist. They do not like it when a band gets fans and is popular by its own merits, and not the critics. So what do they do? Try to destroy the band--trash them give bad reviews, etc.

Because the "powers in charge" do not care for Styx because they did not make them popular, Styx will not be voted into the HOF.

 

The reality is that the HOF actually has nothing to do with recognizing achievements or talent by rock musicians. Just look at the list of people that have been inducted, and who has not. There are a lot of prominent people that have not been inducted. (IMO Madonna is pop, not rock)

 

I hope this helps. I'm sure someone else can add to this as well.

I think you have hit the nail on the head Ron. It's sad but true. I also feel that since critics have bashed them for so long people take the statements about the band for truth. Hence some people never listen to their music to decide for themselves. It would be great if they would be included but I like Ron think their chances are slim to none. If they are or not, it changes nothing on how I feel about them. Afterall, crictics should never make you choose which music, artist, movie etc. you like. They sure don't affect me. Even if they never get in I think thats OK. I think of it this way, they are special and do things their own way and not lumped in with every other quote "popular" or "great" artist.

[ladybugking]

What is funny is how many really sucky acts have gotten into this "hall of fame." They were considered cool, though, so they most certainly got in.

 

Styx always played complex, multi-layered music and their talent far exceeded many who now sit in Jann Wenner's special circle of rock acts he thinks deserve to be in his hall of fame.