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Tommy Shaw & Jack Blades
Biography
Although he wasn't an original member, guitarist Tommy Shaw not only penned some of Styx's best-known songs but served as a musical foil for Dennis DeYoung during the band's heyday. Born on September 11, 1953, in Montgomery, AL, Shaw's interest in music began at a young age and he spent years playing in local bands. He was still living in Montgomery when he was offered an audition to replace departed guitarist John Curulewski for the group's tour to support 1975's Equinox. By the time Styx released their next record, Crystal Ball, Shaw was not only a full-time member, he had written the album's title track. From 1976 through 1983, Styx was one of the most successful rock bands in America and Shaw contributed songs like "Fooling Yourself," "Blue Collar Man," and "Too Much Time on My Hands" to their catalog.

With personal tensions causing the band to go on hiatus, Shaw released his first solo album in the fall of 1984 and managed to score a Top 40 single with the title track, "Girls with Guns." He followed that set with two more solo releases, 1985's What If? and 1987's Ambition, but neither was as commercially successful.
Selected Discography
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