Tommy Shaw
Tommy Shaw
Tommy Roland Shawis an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and performer best known for his work with the rock band Styx. In between his stints with Styx, he has played with other groups including Damn Yankees, Shaw Blades as well as released several solo albums and he is not just a rhythm guitarist, but also a capable lead guitarist...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionGuitarist
Date of Birth11 September 1953
CityMontgomery, AL
CountryUnited States of America
We're kind of defined by our mistakes
When I was a kid, I liked the newer music that was coming out. I have never really felt confined by any style of music. I would play in bands that were soul bands or that played standards - any kind of music that I enjoyed playing.
I wrote songs all my life, where anyone wanted to hear them or not
If I have an idea, I write it down, although I usually carry a little dictation machine with me because I'm too lazy to write
I remember my first moment onstage was at a 4-H contest at the Pratville Junior High School cafeteria auditorium around 1965. I had my first electric, a Silvertone with the amp built into the case, and I won first prize.
I never did heroin, because I thought that meant I was doing heavy drugs, which shows you the insanity of doing drugs. I probably should have done heroin, because I understand heroin actually makes you feel good. Cocaine just makes you stupid.
I wish I had a nickel for every song that I've left in the bathroom, written down on a matchbox, or just totally forgotten about
Success is fickle, but creativity is a gift.
I love the idea of stepping out of the band situation into a solo world with no boundaries, no expectations, where nothing is out of bounds