Styx’s Dennis DeYoung hits out at “shameful” Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Styx singer Dennis DeYoung has slammed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which he describes as “shameful”.
The ceremony took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on November 8th with inductees including Cher, The White Stripes, Cyndi Lauper, Bad Company, Soundgarden and OutKast.
Taking to Facebook, DeYoung shared his grievances with the ceremony, beginning by highlighting that Paul Rodgers was unable to celebrate Bad Company’s induction due to health issues, stating that this wouldn’t have been the case if the band were rightfully inducted while they were at the peak of their powers.
The rock singer wrote, “It’s a shame that Bad Company had to wait so long to get in that it rendered Paul Rodgers unable to perform due to health concerns. Bollocks!! I would have liked to have seen him perform years ago to demonstrate how one of rock’s premiere singers ACTUALLY ROCKS.”
He then shared his issue with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s name, adding, “You know, like the name on their institution’s logo. I have said this repeatedly for decades, just change the damn name.”
DeYoung then spoke about the group of artists, including Joe Cocker and Warren Zevon, who were inducted posthumously at this year’s event rather than when they were alive.
The Styx vocalist said, “The induction ceremony clearly pointed out the tragic manner in which this joint operates. Making so many musicians wait until they either incapacitated or dead is shameful. Joe Cocker, Warren Zevon et al are suddenly eligible decades after their success? Explain that, what’s changed except the Hall’s inability to let go of their clear prejudices and induct them? They now admit, when it’s far too late that they have erred.”
He added, “Have Joe, Warren and others recently become more popular? …no. The Hall’s initial mission statement about who qualifies was always a ruse and a joke concocted to protect their own personal choices.”
DeYoung then conceded, “As someone whose band has never been considered, whatever I write ends up sounding like sour grapes,” before noting, “’Sour Grapes’ would be a good name for a band.”
Notable events that occurred at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, including The Killers covering Warren Zevon, Elton John honouring the late Brian Wilson, and Jack White’s powerful acceptance speech on behalf of The White Stripes.
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