71. Styx

Help get STYX inducted into the R&RHOF by signing the petition! See the "Petition to Induct STYX into The Rock & Rock Hall of Fame" at changedotorg ! Thank you!

Quoting Glenn:

I can see that ignorance is not keeping some of you from posting your comments about Styx. From 1977 to 1981, Styx released four consecutive albums that have been certified Multi-Platinum -: The Grand Illusion (1977), Pieces of Eight (1978), Cornerstone (1978) and Paradise Theater (1981).[33]. Uh, how many groups in the HOF can claim that? In fact, Styx was the first band to release four consecutive Triple-Plati num albums, signifying at least 3 million units sold.

RIAA did not create the "Multi-Plati num" or "Triple Platinum" categories until 1984, and then labels such as A&M, Styx's label, submitted their artists' most popular albums for retrospectiv e certificatio n. And although three of those Styx albums are triple, Cornerstone is not, despite what A&M might claim.

Because RIAA did not begin to recognize plateaus greater than one million units sold ("Platinum") until 1984, it is impossible to determine which artist is actually "the first band to release four consecutive Triple-Plati num albums" without investigatio n. Bands such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, or Led Zeppelin would be more likely to have accomplished this. Styx might have been the first to apply for the status--but, as noted, they still didn't make it, according to RIAA.

But even if this were the case, so what? All it signifies is that the band moved a lot of units and P.T. Barnum's dictum about the birth rate of suckers is true. Commercial success can be a factor in evaluating legacy, but it is not the only one, or even the primary one. The Rock Hall states: "Besides demonstratin g unquestionab le musical excellence and talent, inductees will have had a significant impact on the development, evolution and preservation of rock & roll." Nothing there about needing huge sales.

I can see that ignorance is not keeping some of you from posting your comments about Styx. From 1977 to 1981, Styx released four consecutive albums that have been certified Multi-Platin um -: The Grand Illusion (1977), Pieces of Eight (1978), Cornerstone (1978) and Paradise Theater (1981).[33]. Uh, how many groups in the HOF can claim that? In fact, Styx was the first band to release four consecutive Triple-Plati num albums, signifying at least 3 million units sold. Great harmonies and excellent riffs, with not one lead singer, but three, which added variety to their repertoire. It is a joke that they aren't in. Just another reason why I won't visit the HOF. Oh, and the fact that it's located in the mistake-by-t he -lake....Cle veland? Really???

Styx is on a list of bands both successful and practically unlistenable . Only the guitar work of Tommy Shaw -- workmanlike, but unable to save the band, after all -- keeps this bunch from sinking under the sheer mass of their own pretense. And DeYoung's voice? Sheer torture. They'll probably get into the Hall if we live long enough, but they will never belong there.

Originality seems to be the problem with most of you that want to keep Styx out of the Hall. From their complex musical notes to original lyrics, they are probably one of the most recognizable Rock groups in history. They write ALL of their own music and every nite they play live you get what you hear on the album. Hardly Corporate Rock. No lipsinc , no recorded music at any of their concerts. They are one of the cornerstones of Rock and keeping them out only leaves a big whole in the Hall.