Dennis DeYoung, a founding member and lead vocalist of the band Styx, has publicly criticized the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's induction process. DeYoung expressed his frustrations on Facebook on Thursday, November 13, stating that many deserving musicians are forced to wait too long for recognition, often until they are too ill to attend or have passed away.
His comments followed the recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 8, where Bad Company’s Paul Rodgers was notably absent due to ongoing health issues. DeYoung, 78, highlighted Rodgers' situation as a prime example of what he calls the 'tragic manner' in which the institution operates.
Key Takeaways
- Dennis DeYoung believes the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame delays inductions for many deserving artists.
- Paul Rodgers' absence from the 2025 ceremony due to health issues sparked DeYoung's recent criticism.
- DeYoung argues the Hall's criteria for induction are a 'ruse' to justify personal choices.
- He suggests the Hall should change its name due to the lack of live performances from inductees.
Criticism of Delayed Recognition
DeYoung pointed directly to Paul Rodgers, 75, a legendary singer from Bad Company, as a clear illustration of his concerns. Rodgers was unable to perform at the 2025 induction ceremony. This was due to significant health challenges, including two major strokes in 2016 and 2019, and 11 minor strokes.
"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," DeYoung wrote. He emphasized that he would have preferred to see Rodgers perform years earlier, showcasing his talent as one of rock's premier vocalists.
"Making so many musicians wait until they either incapacitated or dead is shameful."
Quick Fact
Paul Rodgers, 75, has suffered two major strokes (2016, 2019) and 11 minor strokes, impacting his ability to perform at the induction ceremony.
DeYoung also questioned the timing of inductions for other artists. He cited musicians like Joe Cocker and Warren Zevon, who were recognized decades after their peak success, often posthumously. "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?" he asked.
The Hall's Mission Statement Under Scrutiny
The Styx frontman did not hold back in his assessment of the Hall's fundamental principles. He asserted that the initial mission statement regarding eligibility criteria was always a pretense. According to DeYoung, it served as a 'ruse and a joke' designed to protect the personal choices of those on the selection committee.
He argued that the Hall now admits its errors, but often only when it is too late for the artists to fully appreciate the honor. DeYoung stated that the popularity of musicians like Cocker and Zevon has not recently increased. This suggests their delayed induction stems from internal biases rather than a change in public appeal.
Background
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, established in 1983, aims to recognize and archive the history of the best-known and most influential artists, producers, engineers, and other figures who have had a major influence on the development of rock and roll.
DeYoung also suggested a name change for the institution. "I have said this repeatedly for decades, just change the damn name," he wrote, implying that the 'Rock & Roll Hall of Fame' no longer accurately reflects its operations, especially when inductees cannot perform.
Styx's Own Induction Status
While DeYoung's band, Styx, has not yet been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, he admitted that receiving the honor would be meaningful. He reiterated a sentiment he shared in a 2020 interview, expressing his belief that Styx deserves to be recognized.
In that interview, DeYoung conveyed his frustration, saying, "I’m sickened by the fact that we’re not." He acknowledged that the Hall was once controlled by a specific mentality, which he respected. He also understood that those who raise funds and established the institution have the right to choose inductees.
- Cher
- Cyndi Lauper
- The White Stripes
- Soundgarden
- Outkast
These were among the artists inducted during the November 8 ceremony, alongside Bad Company.
The Broader Picture of Recognition
DeYoung clarified that his criticism is not solely driven by Styx's exclusion. He emphasized that his remarks might appear as 'sour grapes' because his band has never been considered for induction. However, his core argument centers on the perceived systemic flaws within the Hall's decision-making process.
He concluded that while the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame may not be the ultimate measure of an artist's legacy, it remains the only institution of its kind. This makes its induction process particularly significant for musicians and their fans.
The ongoing debate surrounding the Hall's selection methods continues to spark discussion among artists and music enthusiasts alike. DeYoung's recent comments add another prominent voice to those advocating for changes in how rock and roll legends are honored.