Styx co-founder Dennis DeYoung is blasting the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, accusing the institution of only honoring artists when they are too old, too sick, or already gone. In a new post covered by People, DeYoung said the Hall’s timing has become “shameful” and “disrespectful” to the musicians who built rock history.
The 78-year-old singer pointed to Paul Rodgers of Bad Company, who was inducted this year but couldn’t perform due to health issues. DeYoung told fans he was “sickened” that Rodgers had to wait so long, calling it a prime example of the Hall’s failure to honor artists while they’re still active. His comments were reinforced in a separate report from Entertainment Weekly, which quoted DeYoung saying the Hall has “clear prejudices” that have harmed deserving musicians.
DeYoung also acknowledged that Styx themselves have never been inducted, despite decades of radio hits and multi-platinum success. He admitted that pointing it out risks sounding like “sour grapes,” but insisted the larger issue is fairness for all veteran artists.
The debate over the Hall’s credibility has intensified over the past year, with fans questioning inconsistent nominations, genre bias, and long waits for classic acts. As more legacy musicians speak out, pressure is mounting on the institution to change how — and when — it recognizes rock legends.
