Dennis DeYoung Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Dennis DeYoung, the vocalist and keyboardist from Styx, has officially joined the ranks of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

At 78, DeYoung expressed his thoughts in a heartfelt post on Facebook, noting that the organization has been slow to honor legendary musicians. He pointed out that Bad Company had to wait an unreasonably long time for their induction and lamented that Paul Rodgers couldn’t perform due to health issues.

“I really wish I had seen his performance years ago—he’s one of rock’s top singers,” DeYoung remarked. “It’s such a shame.”

DeYoung also went on to criticize the Hall for its failure to update their eligibility criteria and suggested that they should change their name to reflect a more accurate representation of the artists being honored.

The 2025 induction ceremony took place in Cleveland on November 8, but unfortunately, Rodgers, now 75, was unable to attend due to ongoing health challenges following multiple strokes.

DeYoung lamented that Rodgers’ absence highlighted the unfortunate reality of such honors being delayed until artists face significant health setbacks or pass away. “It’s really disappointing that many musicians have had to wait until they’re no longer able to perform,” he said. “Joe Cocker and Warren Zevon didn’t suddenly become eligible after all those years—what changed except for the Hall’s biases?”

He continued, “Frankly, the Hall’s criteria for eligibility has always come off as a bit of a farce, meant to serve their preferences.” It’s interesting, he notes, that as someone who’s never been considered before, his reactions may sound like “sour grapes.”

The Hall of Fame did not respond immediately to inquiries regarding DeYoung’s comments.

According to their guidelines, artists can be nominated for induction only after they have released their first commercial recording 25 years prior to the induction year.

This year’s ceremony also welcomed Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, Joe Cocker, Outkast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes into the Hall of Fame.

In a previous interview with Rolling Stone, DeYoung shared his desire for Styx to be recognized, expressing frustration over their exclusion. “I believe we deserve it. It’s discouraging that we’re not in there yet,” he said candidly.

He acknowledged that the Hall reflects a certain mindset, recognizing that those who fund and manage it have the right to decide its inductees. However, he feels that too many of his contemporaries have finally been acknowledged—leaving him to question the Hall’s importance. “Is it the ultimate measure of success? No, but it’s significant.”