Styx fans have banded together in the hopes of getting the band recognized and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The group who call themselves “High Time For Styx” launched a Change.org petition targeting the Rock Hall making the case for the band’s induction.
The petition’s mission statement says, in part, “For over 20 years Styx has been eligible for induction into the Rock & Rock Hall of Fame. We as fans believe the recognition for their achievements and influences in rock music is long overdue…As an American Rock Band, Styx embodied the American Spirit. The lyrics in their songs dealt with angst, adversity and disillusionment but through hope and determination, we will overcome the odds.”
The petition has even received the attention of former Styx singer/keyboardist and co-founder Dennis DeYoung. Per Broadway World, DeYoung said, “Thanks for your support, it’s much appreciated. Hey, it worked for Rush, why not Styx? They both have four letters.”
DeYoung has previously expressed his desire to be inducted into the Rock Hall. In a March 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, he said, “I want to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame because we deserve to be. I’m sickened by the fact that we’re not. I know that’s going to look really bad in print. There was a time the Hall was controlled and run by a certain mentality, which I respect. I do. The people who raise the money and got it, those people have the right to put who they want in there. It’s their deal. But in recent years, too many of our peers have gotten the nod.”
He added, “Is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame the be all, end all? Of course, it isn’t. But it’s the only one…We’re human. We’re looking for a pat on the head. We’re asking for someone to tell us, ‘Nice job! You’re not as bad as we thought. I don’t want to die first…I want the fans to see this thing that I gave my life to. It defines who I am outside of being a father and a husband.”