American musician Tommy Shaw, who is best known for being the guitarist and singer for the rock group Styx, frequently thinks back on his travels. Shaw was born in 1954 and has performed and recorded music for decades, so he has a wealth of knowledge about what it's like to be a professional musician.

Shaw revealed in one of his interviews that writing songs is difficult for him when he is always on tour. Sound checks, shows, meet-and-greets, and traveling between cities are just a few of the many daily activities that come with touring. There isn't much time or mental room for creative writing in this busy schedule. The constant noise and activity can be distracting and counterproductive, much like when you're trying to paint a masterpiece while surrounded by a busy street fair.

Anyone who struggles to concentrate on creative work in the face of a hectic schedule can relate to Shaw's observation, which is not just relevant to musicians. Songwriters like Shaw feel overburdened and unable to devote themselves fully to their craft during the hectic pace of life on tour, which prevents them from doing so as much as they would like in slower times back home.

Shaw is still dedicated to his music career in spite of this, understanding that touring is a crucial component of connecting with fans worldwide. This harmony between developing new material and giving live performances emphasizes the difficult life of a professional musician, who must constantly balance short-term obligations with long-term artistic objectives.