Who I Am

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the soulful track "Who I Am" by Tommy Shaw from his 1998 album 7 Deadly Zens for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This bluesy rock gem stands out for its introspective lyrics and gritty guitar work, with Shaw digging deep into his identity as a musician and man. In a 1998 interview with AllMusic, Shaw described the song as a reflection of his journey through the music industry, channeling the raw emotion of finding his place after years of highs and lows. Fans on Reddit’s Styx community have praised its Gary Moore-inspired vibe, with one user calling it “the most musical tune Shaw has ever written,” highlighting its emotional depth and standout violin flourishes.

Another tidbit about "Who I Am" comes from its recording process, which Shaw discussed in a rare behind-the-scenes QuickTime video included on the 7 Deadly Zens enhanced CD. He revealed that the track was one of the last written for the album, born out of a late-night jam session with producer Eddie Ashworth. The song’s haunting melody was shaped by Shaw’s experimentation with baritone guitars, giving it a distinctive, moody edge. On Amazon reviews, fans have noted the track’s personal resonance, with one reviewer sharing how its lyrics about self-discovery helped them through a tough period, making it a fan favorite for its relatability. The song also features subtle electronic flourishes, a bold choice for Shaw, reflecting the late-’90s rock trends he was exploring.

Tommy Shaw, born Tommy Roland Shaw on September 11, 1953, in Montgomery, Alabama, kicked off his musical journey in local bands during his teens. After high school, he joined a Chicago-managed outfit called MSFunk, which gave him exposure in the Midwest music scene. It was during a two-week club gig in Chicago that Styx spotted him, leading to a life-changing audition in 1975. Shaw recounted in a Wikipedia bio that he didn’t even play guitar during the audition—Styx was sold on his vocals and demo tape, particularly his ability to hit the high harmonies in their hit “Lady.” Joining Styx just before their national tour, Shaw contributed to their breakthrough album The Grand Illusion in 1977, cementing his place in rock history with songs like “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man).”

Before Styx, Shaw’s early years were marked by grit and hustle. He played with bands like The Smoke Ring and Harvest in Montgomery, honing his guitar and vocal skills. His move to MSFunk was a leap of faith, as he left home to chase bigger opportunities. This persistence paid off when he joined Styx, where his songwriting and electrifying stage presence helped the band achieve multiplatinum success. Beyond Styx, Shaw’s solo career and work with Damn Yankees and Shaw Blades showcased his versatility, but his roots remain in the raw, heartfelt rock he grew up playing. Fans can connect with him through his official website, Instagram (with over 16k followers), and YouTube channel (10k+ subscribers). He’s not active on Facebook or X with official accounts, but fans keep the vibe alive elsewhere.

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, there are vibrant fan communities celebrating Shaw’s work. The Styx Fans Facebook Group is a hub for devotees sharing stories, rare photos, and tour updates, often spotlighting Shaw’s solo gems like 7 Deadly Zens. Another great spot is Styx Toury, a fan site archiving Tommy’s performances, including his 1998 Borders store acoustic sets promoting 7 Deadly Zens. These communities reflect the enduring love for Shaw’s music, with fans swapping tales of how tracks like “Who I Am” hit home. So, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let the Zoo Crew keep the good vibes flowing with Shaw’s timeless sound.