1983 Hit PISSED OFF Longtime Fans & BROKE UP Legendary Band But It’s STILL HUGE! | Professor of Rock
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- Опубликовано: 8 июл 2024
- Today I have a very interesting interview with a legendary singer and former frontman of one of the biggest bands of the 80s Dennis DeYoung was with Styx for many years but his 1983 song Mr. Roboto may actually have been the straw that broke this band up. Mr. Roboto was a huge hit and it's still ahead of its time decades after it became a mega smash. It’ rocketed up the charts and has become the song that most know this band from even though they’ve had numerous hits. Problem is half the band hated it, including Tommy Shaw and some still do. It’s become synonymous with the 80s and a pop culture phenomenon but for years the band wouldn’t do it and even now when they do it, I’ve actually caught one member rolling his eyes… the song that divided fans and likely broke up the band… Mr. Roboto is covered in detail next by Dennis next.
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This is one of the most interesting stories of the 80s... Styx was one of the biggest bands in music from the late 70s into the 80s with massive songs like Lady, Come Sail Away, Renegade, Babe, The best of Times, Too Much times on My hands and more but by 1984 they were done until the 90s. It was likely the experiences creating their 1983 rock opera Kilroy was here that did them in.
With the pop culture phenomenon, Mr. Roboto, Styx broke through to a younger audience, The song had a healthy experimentation with synth pop and a weird yet fascinating concept that pretty evenly divided their audience. After the trying album session and a tour, Tommy Shaw quit the band, releasing a solo album. Dennis DeYoung would follow suit . In 1990 Styx would re unite, bringing in Glen Burtnik as the new guitarist as Tommy Shaw was part of the supergroup damn Yankees. Several years later the band reunited with Shaw to re-record Lady for their greatest hits album and then they would release a new album Brave New world in 1999.
Tension ran high again here, as styles clashed and Dennis De Young and styx would part ways. From that point on, Styx would not play a full version of Mr. Roboto for a long time . A few years ago in an interview Tommy Shaw said and I quote 'You know, I'd really like to play 'Mr. Roboto,' but there's just so much baggage that we had to go through when we made that record. It ultimately led to the band breaking up, but I actually like that song. I just didn't like the experience of making that album.’"
Dennis DeYoung has said in past interviews that he felt that the band hurt it’s legacy by distancing itself from the song. It was after all one of Styx biggest hits. I had the opportunity to interview the grand spectacle himself Mr. Dennis DeYoung about creating Mr. Roboto, as well as the concept behind the music video and it’s impact on pop culture. Let’s get into it. 
Развлечения
Poll: What is your pick for the greatest concept album of the rock era?
Olias Of Sunhillow
Sargent Pepper, The Beatles
Soul Cages, Sting
Misplaced Childhood and Clutching At Straws tied
Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Dark Side Of The Moon
I'll nominate Pink Floyd's The Wall.
"The problem is plain to see, too much technology. Machines to save our lives, machines dehumanize".
Could not be more poignant today. Album ahead of its time.
Definitely a futuristic song!
Bill Joy in a Wired Magazine article titled “ Why the Future doesn’t need us” discusses transhumanist ideologies and the advance of AI. Scary stuff that Dennis eludes to in latter part of interview. Interesting subject; perhaps I should have given “Mr. Roboto” more of a chance back then. Loved Styx’s early work.
@@chuckhutton5087 interesting guy
Always seemedforcedtomeandposeuerish
@@thepglennprobably because it was. It took Styx until 1981 to figure this out. Kraftwerk, Devo and Gary Numan just to name a few had been making songs about this for years before Styx finally woke up and decided it was important. Look over the interviewer’s left shoulder FFS!
Grand Illusion was an awesome Album
I agree.
My first concert heard of opening act and headliner. Head East and Foghat.
The second band to play I hadn't heard of STYX CAME OUT DID EQUINOX.
BLEW THE Place AWAY.
SUITE MADAM BLUE WAS JUST WOW.
FOGHAT COMES OUT TOO DRUNK TO PLAY.
Released 7/7/77.
The Grand Illusion was the first album I bought as a kid. Still have the record.
One of my all time faves....I guess we know pretty much how old we are 😂
I LOVE Mr. Roboto!! I'm 57 and still bust out my best robot moves when I hear it!!
It's almost scary how the lyrics of this song fit in today's world.
Too much technology is so correct…
Amen
Maybe, but the song still sucks.
@@markr.1984 Nah,it doesn't suck it's a classic. The song and video were very popular upon their release.
So true, and these morons promoting these A.I. , artificial intelligence in case some don't know, as a great thing ???? It can be the end of humanity, and that is what these Cabal globalist controllers want, to plant a chip in everyone's head to totally control you, that is the ones these evil devils let live !!
I was one of those people thinking about Mr. Roboto "wow, that's quite a departure from the past music", but that song turned out to be freakishly prophetic, we just couldn't see it then about technology.
It predicted the future…
Same here. If I had given it a chance and tried to understand the premise and narrative I would have enjoyed it so much more. Having Dennis explain it is huge. Great interview of a very misunderstood project.
Was a Styx fan before and after Mr Roboto. It is a song that is different than their others, but for me doesn’t take away their legacy. Styx has a lot of great song, Mr. Roboto being one of them.
41 here. We loved Mr. Robotic! How can people not love that song?!
It’s fun!
I'm 53, and I genuinely hated this song until I was about 50. I don't know what happened exactly, but it came on a random Spotify playlist and I let it play. I ended up singing along with it and grinning the whole time. Hearing it as an odd track from a musical instead of an odd single by a rock band makes it work a lot better. These days, I kind of love it.
Funny, I have never heard the whole song. Turn it off every time since 1983. :)
Haha, that’s a great way to get over it!
Better late than never. The song was 40 years ahead of its time.
It sucked 40 years before it should have sucked?@@benjaminframe5530
I'm just a year older than you but had the same feelings when the song came out. If I was to hear it on a playlist, I'd probably sing along as well, but it's not something I would seek out. It's an ok song, definitely not one of my favorites from Styx, but I don't hate it, etiher.
Dennis DeYoung and the love songs Styx delivered shouldn’t be dismissed so lightly. They carried me and many of my friends through our late teens and early 20’s and I easily associate a song with the memories of love won and lost.
I loved his love songs. Hard driving but still beautiful.
The Best of Times was a great one for this…
Babe was my first slow dance with Cindy legene 1979 9th grade haha she was pregnant in 10th grade only met her a couple times and my buddies were fn with me congratulating me I never had sex with her I don’t know why remember shit like that 😂
And the only no 1 hit they had also seen them when they got back together what a hell of show in the mid 90s
First Time on their Cornerstone album was one of my favorite Styx songs.
I love 70's Styx! The first 45 my sister ever bought for herself was Babe. Since we shared a room, until I developed my own tastes, I was strongly influenced by my siblings. Im grateful for the music they introduced me to and 70's Styx is still so fantastic! My own daughter loves Renegade😊 and sharing music with my kids is a great privilege as a parent! ❤
Thanks for sharing! Did you ever get to see them live?
@@ProfessorofRock No, I was too young ☺. My brother probably did though!
Renegade is my favorite too!
I love Come Sail Away!
Renegade melted and set on fire my first self built car stereo. The local classic rock station added extra bass to their signal so there was so much power pumping through an amp meter that had no business being in-line to the speakers that it melted the meter and caught the wires and speaker box carpet on fire. Ah, live and learn. This would have been summer of 1991 or 92.
Saw his solo show at the Orpheum theater in Wichita a few years ago. One of the best concerts I've ever been to. Dennis's voice is so incredible to this day. I'd see his show over Tommy's Styx any day of the year.
Agree - incredible voice
Hate I missed that concert in Wichita
I saw Dennis DeYoung in concert a few years ago. The man puts on a great show! And I could listen to his stories anytime. Out of all of the members of Styx, past and present, he is always the most interesting person to listen to in conversation.
Dennis and Tommy both have their amazing voices to this day. It’s a shame they can’t bury the hatchet and reunite. The blend of their voices is a huge part of their popularity and it’s just not the same without them both.
I agree. I think it's time for Styx to allow their personal hell to freeze over 🤘
I liked Tommy much more with Damn Yankees
Absolutely agree 👍
@@dannyvela4521 Because you are a right wing fundamentalist Christians gun nut or because you actually believe that music is more creative, complex and valid than Styx?
Kind of reminds me of the situation with Ramones, Johnny and Joey.
Kilroy Was Here was my first concert ever. I was 16 years old and on vacation for a family reunion. My brother got tickets and I begged him to take me. It was a phenomenal show! Mr. Roboto worked so well as a lead into the concert. I loved it at the show, but as a stand alone song, it isn't one of my favorites. But, every time I hear it, it brings me back to that 1983 concert!
I saw the show twice and loved it both times. First in Omaha in Fall '83, then in Lincoln in Spring of '84. Just an amazing experience. Still one of my favorite shows ever.
"Styx: Kilroy Was Here" was my first cassette tape ever! (Commercially released cassette tape, not counting the ones of music I recorded off the radio, or made copies of from others!) I was 8 years old when it came out, and "Mr. Roboto" was my favorite song! At the time, I didn't know it was a concept album, and just liked all the songs, and played that tape over and over again. Good times! 🙂 Also, I was the first one to own an actual commercial cassette tape - my older brother, sister and I only had vinyl up to that point, and mostly only singles.
Senior year of high school, listening to local FM on my boombox and "Mr. Roboto" came on the air. It blew my mind. The science fiction concepts, the philosophical implications, the music. I bought the album as soon as I could get to a record store. It was the first time I understood what a concept album is.
And then Styx came through Logan, UT, that fall on tour. First time I'd ever seen a rock concert and it was the Kilroy tour. Loved it! Still one of my favorite music experiences ever.
Didn't see them again live until they were touring with Bad Company and Billy Squier. Also a great show.
Wow - Styx, Bad Company, and Billy Squier?
@@Antyvas oh yeah. Killer stuff!
LOL, Dennis is the man!! Love his first album, but never knew he was this cool. Great interview.
I could listen to Dennis all day!
My first concert in 1981 was Styx - Paradise Theater. I was a piano man, and Dennis DeYoung was my hero. Two years later, I was first in line when this album came out. Just like you, man, I ran home, played the whole album, tried to figure out what the band was trying to say. I went to the concert, general admission, and fought my way to the edge of the stage like Mark Wahlberg does in 'Rockstar.' The screen was so large I had to crane my neck to watch the movie, and then the screen raised like a curtain and there was Kilroy (Dennis) and Johnathan (Tommy) standing on the stage in costume and character. It was chilling, right up to the simulation of Kilroy's final concert with one of Righeous's goons beating the fan to death with a guitar. Powerful stuff. One of the highlights of my concert-going years.
I was 18 when the album came out. Mr. Roboto was the best song on the album and Double Life my second favorite song. As a whole, I was disappointed in the album, but not the song. I had expected their next album to go back to what they were known for, but that wouldn't happen for another 7 years when they reformed. The band was blessed with two great singers and JY who could hold his own. Three different styles that made Styx well, Styx. Thanks for doing this episode.
Love your interviews with Dennis DeYoung. He's a great storyteller and so down-to-earth. He also happens to have an incredible voice. When I was very young, I was blown away when I heard "Lady." Still love that song. When I was older, I saw them live. The first time was during their Paradise Theater tour. They were great live. Saw them live many more times. Always a great show.
He is great! Thanks for watching.
@@ProfessorofRock - Thanks for the awesome interviews and reminding us all of the great music we grew up on. Many times I will go back and listen to the music of whatever band you talked about or whoever you interviewed. Always look forward to your next episode.
I saw STYX/REO/Journey '03, STYX alone '07 and Dennis De Young '18. My favorite song is "Sweet Madame Blue."
Dennis is so hilarious!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 - I agree. Looking forward to more Dennis DeYoung interviews.
"Mr. Roboto" was to Styx what "Jump" was to Van Halen. A clash of styles that split the band. It split fans too.
That's right. What did you think of both songs?
Styx fans were divided long before Kilroy came out, there was always the “rock” vs the “soft” side to the fan base. Just like Journey and REO, these band were conflicted between ballads and money or rock and loyalty to early fans and it was usually the guitarist vs the singer/songwriter except for Schon lol. Personally I enjoyed it all because success for them meant more music for me.
What “Kokomo” was to The Beach Boys.
And fans still blame Hagar for the keyboards…
@@ProfessorofRock - I wasn't a fan of either band so I didn't mind either song, but I can see why fans did. - It's that age old argument: Is the band forgetting its roots and betraying their fans, or are they just growing artistically? It's a fine line.
This was my first concert...I went to it in Toronto in the summer of 83, and it was awesome.
I have always been so thankful this was my first concert because of the amazing show Styx put on.
I’ve been a Styx fan since the mid-70s when Lady hit the charts. I like their hits but really appreciate their more progressive oriented non-hits too. I still think The Grand Illusion album one of the top concept albums of all time. The message is as relevant today as in 1977. And 3 singer song writers 👍
I loved Paradise Theater.
Agree! Grand Illusion was top notch
What about Pieces of Eight!!!!!!!!!!! There are certain "eras" where a band is in a state of grace and can do no wrong. Like Rush, with their run from Hemispheres, Permanent Waves and then Moving Pictures. Same thing with Styx, with Grand Illusion and then Pieces of Eight.
Mr. Roboto was one of my favorite songs when it came out. I get why it's on some peoples "Worst" Lists, but I personally still love this song.
It does grow on you. I think when you play an album for the first time, you don't initially like it if it was not what you were expecting at first.
I get made fun of for loving Mr. Roboto.
YESSSSS! I absolutely loved it when it came out
Same!
@@ProfessorofRockI like it now, but it was a wtf moment when it came out. "From 'Come Sail Away' to this?!" A major departure.
It’s one of them songs that stays in your head all day after you hear it.
No kidding... Especially the chorus. IS that a good thing for you?
Very catchy.
Yep, the songs that suck the most stick in your head and are hard to get out. So it goes both ways.
An “ earworm “ song.
I used to work at an arena in the very early 80s and saw a lot of concerts. Worked for most but paid and went as a fan to quite a few as well. I can say without a doubt that Styx had the best set up for sound that I have ever heard. Crystal clear with every single note coming through without distortion. It didn't just sound 'good', it was perfect. If memory serves it was the Paradise Theater tour, probably 81 or 82. Fantastic band and an even better show
Mine was Jethro Tull 11 or 12 years ago at the Hollywood Bowl. Greatest sounding concert ever. Seen Tull 18 other times and none sounded this good (Ian's flute was often way too loud and piercing). Funny, back then their website tried streaming audio of Ian's pre show and soundcheck and the very first stream he went in this rant about how horrible modern amphitheatres are built for good sound and management decided the preshow streams weren't such a good idea.
While Styx songs make up a huge portion of my music playlists I have yet to see them in concert… 🫤. Whenever they come, I have no cash, or timing is bad… But I do hope to see them someday..
I love Mr. Roboto! In the wake of Blade Runner, it was part of the zeitgeist of the early eighties.
It's incredible how many great hits Styx had. I'm one of those fans who didn't care for Mr. Roboto. Thanks to this interview though, I understand it better. It's interesting how relevant it is today. Thanks for another great episode, Adam. Have an excellent day.
Thanks Jill!
Would you put it on your Worst List though?
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980, I might. LOL! Keep on rockin' 🤘🏻
@@jillwklausen Rock on Jill 🤘
Totally agree with you Jill. After Paradise Theater (still one of my favourite albums) Kilroy was a big disappointment particularly Mr Roboto. However I probably quote the song almost any time any word sounds like arigato! Was great to hear Dennis e plain it in detail and that why we love this channel.
I have been a Styx fan from the beginning. I saw them in the middle 70s when they were playing local venues in the Chicagoland area. I was in my early 20s when this came out and I was in the camp that was disgusted by this song and album. However through time I've learned to appreciate it more, and after watching this interview, I now have even more appreciation. BTW...we saw Styx last summer in Tinley Park, IL and you could see a couple of band members "rolling their eyes" then too ! Thanks, Prof !! I really enjoy all of your interviews, anecdotes and factoids !!!
TS is a disgrace for the way he has treated his meal ticket all these years. He's basically tried to re-write history and eliminate Dennis DeYoung from the band's history. I came this close to getting tickets to see them earlier this year and in the end, my stomach turned and the thought repulsed me.
What else did they play?
I loved Kilroy Was Here... the entire album. I knew just about every word to every song. I listened to the album all the time. In fact, I played air drums to Mr. Roboto often. I never played it on an actual drum set. But I studied it enough that I felt like I could pick up a pair of sticks and just rock that song on the drums. Lol
I didn't know until years later that there was a division amongst fans about that album. I didn't understand. I always thought it was an amazing album. Then I started hearing some of the back story and actually saw videos of Styx being booed while performing the album live. I was taken aback. What I considered to be a great album, others felt was the worst album they'd ever made. It was really shocking to me.
I really enjoyed hearing Dennis DeYoung's story on this song and album.
Thanks Professor. Great work, as always.
I’m not one to hate on the song or album either!
Yeah I agree!
I heard the whole album and that concept was amazing..."keep rock n roll alive...keep it alive" were hard hitting lyrics.
To this day...I still don't get the hate. Mr roboto was on Mtv and late night videos on constant rotation.
Domo arigoto mister roboto was a meme before there were memes.
Ugh. Unmitigated garbage. After Paradise Theatre it was downhill for Styx. Tommy Shaw got tired of the "concept" album and he was right.
@@gheller2261oh shut up critic
@gheller2261 your life is garbage
Mr. Roboto is the definition of How to Kill a Career in Just One Song.
My crystal ball gently weeps.
It was 110% Dennis being Mr. Drama saying look at me, look at me.
@@jefsiv
Right! He seems one of those high maintenance front men.
Yet he was the voice of Styx!
Dennis was/is to Styx as Steve Perry is/was to Journey. One of the only bands that was able to change there lead vocals and keep there iconic sound was I believe Van Halen? Not many succeed doing that. Same thing happened with Pink Floyd, goofy Roger thought he was the band and said I’ll show you and look what happened? You can have the best lyrics in the world, but without a good singer it’s just poetry at best!
Indeed. Using Van Halen as a reference. Sometimes an egotistical front man (be it singer or player) gets to be enough. Van Halen jammed on and Roth lost out imo.
There's plenty of stories to back that up in rock history.
While DeYoung was the voice, or just one of the other singers for Styx l still think he could have been replaced successfully. Their style is their unique sound not so much the voice .
I love so much this song. Huge impact at that time.. Dennis great songs as solo and with styx...My kids love that song....anything else who cares...thanks Adam
Great to see Dennis, he always does such great interviews! Thanks, PoR!
WOW!!🤯
Truly prophetic, needs re-released NOW.
One of my favs.
I was introduced to Styx from Mr. Roboto. I was a young teen. And, fell in love with "To much time on my hands," and really like most of the songs.
That moment, when you told Dennis DeYoung you bought the album the day it came out. I was 14, and stood in line for 8 hours at Tower Records in California for my copy. All 3 sisters ended up getting their own copy. Why share. We raised our children on Styx. Now it is time to raise those grandchildren.
I remember being 11 years old and I would listen to Casey Kasem every Sunday to hear Mr. Roboto and it climbing the charts. I STILL have my original Kilroy Was Here on cassette from1983!!!!
Very cool! Love Casey!
Where is it?
Well of course it's in my cassette tape case with all my others....haha. Still have it.@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
yeh casey we listended to show local sat. night tge cassettes were usually out months before the records local and cheap one example i have is fixx reach the beach i found a used copy but then stores had dirt cheap sometimes bogo free and sometimes promo give away if you bought a few
Damn bro that's an achievement
Love this song. One of my favs from the 80's I think D. Young sang the hell out of this song, Just as he did all of his songs. Love to hear this guy sing. Love the band as well.
I've always loved it since I was a kid, and the vocalist is fantastic 👌
It’s still got its charm!
I was a Styx fan starting with The Grand Illusion. Saw them for the first time on the Kilroy Was Here tour. I was absolutely blown away by the mix of music, video, and on stage acting by the band. I thought it was a brilliant concept! I have since seen video footage of fans walking out mid show in disgust during that tour. I truly do not understand the hate. Thanks for another great installment, Professor!
i wish i was born in the 70s to enjoy proper music in its hay day
@@Linkblasrocks late 70s to mid 80s was absolutely magical!
We want MUSIC, not showmanship and broadway bullshit. That's what a concert is for - music, and a show is for broadway.
@TheCriminalViolin it don't matter i love both
@@Linkblasrocks Of course, its all subjective. But that's why so many people would walk out of the Kilroy Was Here concerts. Broadway and Rock typically do not mix well in terms of the respective demographics and what they enjoy most. I know I certainly adore classic rock music, and am a diehard of styx, but I cannot stand broadway/plays and showtunes is just not my thing at all.
The audience loves it though, myself included. I saw them this summer and the crowd went wild for it 😁
I absolutely LOVE Dennis De Young!! I wish he just did a whole series of stories. It's funny, my son was born in 1987 and he LOVED Mr. Roboto. When he was 6-7 years old, he'd sing the whole song! Even had the movements down. It was so cool really. I grew up listening to Styx and my kids did as well.
Dennis was ahead of his time. His thoughts and creativeness were in higher dimensions than the rest of the band. Dennis wanted to put on a show and the other guys wanted to Rock out only. To each their own, no judgement, just what the truth appears to be.
I wish Dennis would have taken the whole idea with Mr. Roboto and ran with it as a solo project. The same with some of his ballads. It would have set him apart and clearly shown he was the main driver and rightful leader of the band.
I take nothing away from Tommy Shaw, James Young, and the Brothers. They were a world class band. Tommy's powerful vocals and guitar play were and still are world class and he is a solid leader. But there is and will only ever be, one Dennis DeYoung.
All of their earlier hits were so much better in my opinion. I still have several albums I received as Christmas gifts from my Aunt and Uncle who lived in Chicago. These albums are treasures to me! The music was awesome!
What is your favorite Styx song?
Are you taking about the first 4 albums, if yes I agree
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 since you asked, I went down and found my beloved vinyls that I mentioned above. Off of "The Grand Illusion" 1977, Come Sail Away. Off of "Pieces of Eight" 1978, Renegade. Off of "Cornerstone " 1979, Babe. There are several more on each album but those were, are my favorites.
Yes! The Grand Illusion, Pieces of Eight and Cornerstone are the albums I personally have.
@@n.leeball3049 you need to get the first 4 or just download the following songs:
The Grove of Eglantine
Father OSA
Winner Take All
Rock n roll feeling
Havin a Ball
Best thing
Quick is the beat of my heart
Evil Eyes
Man of Miracles
I played in a Styx Tribute band for 12 years, and it is one of the bands that are STILL in great shape! We hung out with STYX backstage at two separate events, and never saw them again, which is understandable. STYX for me was what got me started on guitar at about 13. The Tribute Band (Blue Collar Men) had a singer or two who could cover the incredibly high vocals, and it turned out to be a great ride! Tommy Shaw, James "JY" Young, and of course Dennis DeYoung could ALL sing, and they are a hard act to follow, musically and vocally! ROBOTO was not a favorite of mine, but fun to play anyway.
I saw this tour and it was so cool for the time that not only did they write a musical opera but the movie at the concert was excellent that went with the show. Styx was perfect for the 70s-80s!!!
I was just a kid when this came out, as were you, and I adored this song. I had the tape a wore it out. I was much older before I began to really listen to and like their older stuff.
Truly love Styx! Such a diverse band musically, as well as in their catalog. Though I do see it as whenever a song is defining and legendary, it's never without its consequences. Love the interviews and anecdotes that come with these great songs.
I agree. Dennis is aways a great interview!
Thanks for watching RC32!
@@ProfessorofRock Absolutely! My pleasure to watch!
In this case, the consequence is the people rolling their eyes.
Styx was my favorite band. I wrote them to an address on the back of the "Pieces of Eight" album I still treasure as the favorite in my collection. I must've made a million cassette tapes of that album. And when Mr Roboto came out I was done. Followed JT and split.
Did you think Roboto was a sellout move?
I love that album.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 it just didn't make sense. I thought they were having a split between pop and rock at the time.
@@evanwalters63 it's the best. ✌️
I was 6 when Mr Roboto came out. That song is part of my earliest childhood memories and I still love it.
Mr. Roboto was the first 45 single I bought with my own money. Always makes me smile.
Blue Collar Man and Crystal Ball, the best of Styx's Mid-western cultural angst. Mr. Roboto added to that theme of self-determination lost to the changing times.
Intentional or not, it was described perfectly about the whole album concept and music appealing to younger listeners. I was barely a teen listening to it on a no-name brand Walkman mowing my parents lawn. It was really the first time that I can remember where a collection of songs (and some liner text in the cassette case) really created a movie in my mind. I think I actually mowed a part of the lawn twice just to finish the cassette.
Shows the sheer power of concept albums, the ability to tell a story over multiple songs.
Ever listened to Marillion’s Misplaced Childhood?
@@davethompson3800 - No, but I will look that up. Thanks.
When I was a kid my older brother took me down to a warehouse on the docks where Styx was actually practicing!!! It was the first time I’ve ever seen live music and they were just a local band-at the time, a few years later when their music hit the radio I always had a story to tell my friends
Enjoyed Mr. Roboto, but when it comes to Styx, I had my first kiss while listening to the Pieces of Eight album. It still amazes me how quick a song can bring back a memory.
I saw Styx live last week. They played this one. I wasn't sure they would. They played it straight, as far as I could tell. No eye rolling detected.
Where?
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980Firekeepers Casino, Battle Creek, MI
That is awesome to hear. I will be seeing them in a few days
Kilroy Was Here and Mr. Roboto marked my entrance into adolescence. Styx remains one of my favorite bands to today. Always loved Mr. Roboto, though it was not really cool to admit until the 2000's. It's too bad the controversy from this period of Styx's career overshadowed the album itself. I find it a strong album that's stood the test of time, (or like a fine wine gets better with age.) I still enjoy many of its forgotten "filler" songs: "Just Get Through This Night", "Double Life", "Haven't We Been Here Before."
My friends used to laugh at me when I would play this song but I didn't care. It was different. I loved STYX and along with Queen they were one of my favorite bands at the time. I saw "Jesus Christ Superstar" with the original actor who portrayed Jesus in the movie at the Arts Centre in my city in 1993 and Dennis played the part of Pontius Pilate and my God was he ever amazing...multiple standing ovations. Cheers from Ottawa, Canada🍁
The 1st time I heard Roboto was sitting in my buddies 73 pinto up on Mulholland at 2am. Karl had 14 speakers crammed into it with monster amps and woofs, the whole song was just so clean crisp, new, yes it was, but who could doubt Styx wouldn't be delivering the goods after so many athems. Personally as an audiophile and Karl's stereo Roboto checked all the box's. Dennis Deyoung has absolutely no reason to feel his vision of the future of music and mankind weren't in jeopardy, and he couldn't have been more right than where those two things are right now, thanks Mr Deyoung and Styx 🤖🎸🎸🎹🥁
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Kilroy Was Here was a great album. A very coherent concept album........ Mr. Roboto can't be viewed as stand-alone. It blends in with the other songs.
It's unfortunate that this album splintered the group. DeYoung on one side, Shaw/Young in the other. Sometimes bands can't see the success in front of them.
Thanks for this Professor. Styx was a huge band, but due to their acrimonious split, they are often overlooked.
You are truly the best.
It’s a shame they couldn’t figure things out.
I have always loved “Mr. Roboto.” I also love many other songs by Styx, it’s not an either/or for me 👍
Thank you for creating this video, it’s very cool to learn all of this back-history.
This was my first album purchase. Great record for a 14 year old.
“I wrote a hit record with some Japanese in it”-
Yes Mr DeYoung but you were not the first.
Eric Bloom did it in 1977 and he actually spoke the Japanese in the correct dialect.
The song “Godzilla” by Blue Oyster Cult ¿ from the album “Spectres”
Spectres was a great album!!
Godzilla is a classic.
Hey, in '63 a song entirely in Japanese topped the Billbiard Top 100 chart. "Ue O Muite Aruko" also known as "Sukiyaki." 😊
Did he claim to be the first? I love Godzilla but I don't really see why this has to be some kind of competition.
BOC RULES!
he never said he was the only person
Thanks Professor!! They were the backup band in ‘74 when I saw them!! They were better than Black Oak Arkansas!🤘🔥
Did you see em in Arkansas?
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 lived in OKC when I was a kid.
I had the opportunity to see the Kilroy show in its first run, so my awareness of the song is in line with Dennis. I hate that it is Styx's most recognizable track for younger generations. My son-in-law says his mother is a huge Styx fan, so I asked him what his favorite Styx song without naming Mr. Roboto. He fumbled for almost two minutes before coming up with Come Sail Away. Mine is Lady, and always will be. Dennis DeYoung's massive vocals on the world's first rock power ballad will always be at the top of the list of many great songs.
STYX was killing it when I was a teenager, I only have good memories of Mr. Roboto.
I saw Styx live on the Paradise Theater tour, and they were absolutely amazing live. Some of the best use of theatrics I've ever seen, including the end where they effectively made the band disappear behind a wall of fog. I have to admit I did NOT like Mr. Roboto when it came out, and I still would not say that album is one of my favorites, but I have grown to like a few of the tracks over the years, and am a fan of Mr. R now. Although, if one of the main members rolled their eyes to the song, and it wasn't Tommy Shaw, it would have to be J.Y., since all the other members weren't around back then.
Yeah, JY seems to be the one guy who holds the biggest grudge against DDY, so that would fit.
Styx was one of those babds whose songs I heard in single digits without knowing their name. I think "Roboto" was my first Styx song. I remember as a 3-year-old enjoying the part of it that related with popular robot culture of the time. It took me until I became an adult before I learned what Dennis was writing about and realized that it was unfolding in the real world. It was partly listening to the music from *Kilroy was Here* that I had a yardstick to write and record my own album about the Brooklyn Bridge. That's based on real events, but I think it pertains to the here-and-now as well.
Fascinating interview with Dennis. What a character! Interesting creative concept behind this memorable tune, which was really ahead of its time. And yes, Japan's economy was the envy of the world back in those days. Domo arigato, Adam san!
Adam sensei.. he's a Prof after all
@@jeroenwarner4834 Good catch!👍
We have to domo arigato the Japanese!
OK, so quick introduction here, I am a guitarist and vocalist, former pro touring musician, yadda yadda, you know the deal. I am almost 50 now, but when I was about 8, my mom stuck me in the 1972 Nova we had, drove to Woolco just to get the new Styx "Kilroy Was Here" album. We got it on tape, but the car had no tape player, so on the drive home, I opened the cassette case, read all the liner notes, checked out the art and so forth, and I thought it looked rad. I Already loved Styx from the 8 track albums we had prior to, in fact, Paradise Theater was my fave at the time. So we got home, my mom put in the tape, and I was hooked instantly. I even went on to write out all the lyrics to all the songs, and you gotta remember, I was 8 years old. Anyway, I loved that whole album, I got the concept of the tyrannical censorship, the control over people, the dystopian world that the album hinted towards. (Kind of interesting how it actually came to be reality hey?). Anyway, FFWD to today (pun intended, lol) and I have since retired as a professional musician, but I will on occasion sing at Karaoke night at a pub when we are out, or step on stage at an open jam. Nobody knows who I am, I am unimportant, just some guy these days, but if I sing Mr. Roboto at a bar, the place goes nuts! Not even shittin' ya, people LOVE it. So that song has held merit for 4 decades, and I don't see it losing any traction at all in the near or distant future. This was a really cool video, hearing Dennis speak from the heart and shoot from the hip, I loved it! Thanks for yet another GREAT video Prof, you rock sir, and I always enjoy watching your content. Cheers folks, stay safe, be well, and always keep on rockin' the Paradise! EDIT: I still have Paradise Theater on vinyl, just played it last night.
I liked this album. It was ahead of it's time, if you look around today. And Dennis if you read this, I loved Desert Moon album.
Mr Roboto was the first song I downloaded on Napster in 2000. Never heard anything like it before or since. Dennis DeYoung's paranoid vocals are what make the record.
Dennis DeYoung is going to see this and show up at your house demanding 99 cents.
The instrumental makes the record for me.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Ohh yeah, the opening will give you chills.
@@DukesMusic84 It’s the strangest intro to a 1983 hit song.
I love Styx. They're in my top three bands of all time. Grand Illusion was the first album I ever bought with money I'd earned from actual work (not allowance). Just yesterday I wore a Styx Killroy Was Here t-shirt. I love Styx. But man... Dennis DeYoung is just EXTRA. If he's been like this the whole time, I can see how tensions and conflict with the rest of the band can arise and how when sides are picked, he's on the outside. I still wish they could put aside their differences and come together for one more Styx super-album.
Great interview! People like this fascinate me. You fascinate me Professor. Love your content!❤
I was at the taping of the video for MrRoboto. For my effort, and all those who showed up, we received a copy of the album or cd.
Went to their concert that started with the 12 minute film. Not a single bad song during the entire show. The band seemed to be enjoying themselves all the way through. Would love to see them all on stage together again, know that won't happen though, too bad.
What year did you see them?
@@ProfessorofRockit was in the spring of 1983. Great show, at least 2 hours and probably 21/2, maybe even longer. They only took 2 breaks during all that time!
When was this and where?
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Oklahoma City, at the old Myriad.
Mr. Roboto and the accompanying film were above and beyond everything else Styx ever did. I loved it the first time I saw it, and I still stop to listen to the song whenever it comes on.
Back when the song first came out, I didn't think too much about it. The hook was very catchy. Recently with a more discerning ear, I listened to the lyrics and finally got the story behind the song. BTW one of my favourite lines is "my brain is IBM". My dad used to work for IBM. Great interview. 🎸😎
To this day, every time I see some technology screwing things up, I think of this song, especially that one line Dennis mentioned. Crazy how ahead of the times that song was
I've always loved this song. This song opened up the story of the album and it's been prophetic. I get why it divided fans. I knew a fan in high school - when the album came out - who preferred their older material like “Grand Illusion,” but the whole album had some great material from beginning to end.
Tommy saying that he didn't like the experience of making “Mr. Roboto” echoes the hatred that the rest of The Beatles had for “Maxwell's Silver Hammer” from their album “Abbey Road.” Groups make great songs that fans like, but sometimes lead to the breakup of the band which is a sad statement, but it happens.
Excellent interview.
Thanks for the interesting interview. I’ve always liked Mr. Roboto but it’s not my favorite Styx song. Some of my faves are Lorelei, Light Up, The Grand Illusion and Blue Collar Man. Saw them in concert and they were wonderful. Awesome show.
I loved Styx before Mr Roboto and loved them more because of Mr Roboto.
It is a great song and great idea.
I saw Styx a couple of years ago with their stand in Dennis DeYoung and they were good, but without Dennis they aren’t Styx
I love hearing Dennis tell stories.
This was an excellent interview.
I'm 62.When it first came out , I hated it ! But all these years later, the memories it brings back ! Love it !
I must be in the minority,
Professor. I loved the whole album! When I listen, never seek perfection in any album.
Always leave an opening,
to come back for second
and third listens.
As a hypothetical, Dennis' viewpoint mirrored Peter Gabriel's
daring thinking. Ruffling other band mates.
Look to both solo works,
I.e. Peter's 3rd, Dennis'
Desert Moon. There's a brave new world out there!
Styx is probably my all time favorite rock band…. And believe me, they are indeed a ROCK band! I can’t even pick a song I love best because they’re all THE best!!! ❤
I still love the song🤘 Thank you for doing this episode🤘
Mr. Roboto as a song and as a concept blew me away. I listened to Kilroy Was Here over and over and can still recite most of the lyrics from heart. Along with ELO's Time album and Alan Parsons Project's Eye In The Sky, my impressionable teenage heart and mind were sculpted into the shape they retain even today FORTY YEARS (!!!) later. To Dennis, Tommy, and the rest of Styx... Thank you! Your music, especially the Kilroy LP, means more to me than my words can say, and more than you guys can imagine.
Have to admit, by the time Mr. Roboto came out, I had moved on from Styx and really straight up rock and was listening exclusively to Alt rock. I was listening to REM’s Murmur, U2’s War, Spandau Ballet’s True, Tears For Fears The Hurting, Talking Heads Speaking In Tongues, The Fixx Reach The Beach, The Politics Of Dancing by Re-Flex. I’m sure there were a lot of smaller records I’m not thinking of too.There were so many great Alt Rock albums in 1983. Industry's EP wioth the song State Of The Nation was out in 1983 too. So, there wasn’t really any room for a Styx record to come on my radar. I actually hated the song Mr. Roboto when I heard it on the radio. I had no idea this was a concept album. But you have me curious now. I’m checking out the film on youtube.
Gotcha. My favorite alt band at the time was the Psychedelic Furs. Their “ All of This and Nothing” collection of best early hits remains one of my favorite albums.
I’m split on the whole Kilroy era. On one hand, I applaud Dennis for his progressive mindset and wanting to break new ground in the rock genre. Remember, this was not long after Pink Floyd did The Wall. I can also see Tommy and JY’s side of things when they say they were musicians, not actors. The live show was a bit much for fans who wanted to see a rock show and got a Broadway musical, instead. Big risks can reap big rewards, but this is one case where it just fell flat to the extent that it caused the band to break up.
Loved Styx, but hated Mr. Roboto. I never really liked the theatrics on stage either, so I see what the rest of the band was feeling about it. But I thought Tommy was a little snipe after that. He complained about anything Denis did afterwards.
Wait, so they actually put on mini plays while doing tours for Kilroy?
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Prog rock. They were all trying it.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I showed up to the concert expecting a Stix show but got a rock opera. Started with a short film and transitioned to a live show starting with Mr Roboto. I have to admit I was a little taken back but decided to give it a chance because the entire band was seem to be into it. It tried to accept it and eventually did. So they went into "mini plays" thoughout the show and had their other sond in between. It was an iteresting experience for me to witness.
@@Snapshott1 When did you see them?
My favorite band of all time. The only band to have 3 consecutive double platinum records in a row the next closest was Guns and Roses with 2 consecutive double platinum records. Records meaning albums.
I saw Styx in the late 90s and they played it and I loved the entire show. Great interview!!!
I love Styx, and loved this song. It was different and it’s good to step out of their comfort zone occasionally. DDY is a phenomenal artist, and it’s their loss for not having him in the band. But bands are like families, everybody don’t see eye to eye, and they don’t always get along.
I'd rather listen to disco than Mr. Roboto....
@@markr.1984 that’s the wonderful thing about music, there is something for everyone. And if there’s something you don’t like, you can can turn it off, but that doesn’t mean everyone should feel the same.
Same with the Beatles. Everyone wasn’t getting as much of the spotlight 🤷🏻♂️
Love Styx and Mr. Roboto! How could you not move or sing along to this hit! 😂
No kidding. So catchy!
@@ProfessorofRock Thanks so much for your videos! I really enjoy watching.
Like a robot, no less.
I was a young man of about 7 loving rollerskating at the rink to Mr. Roboto.
This is such a unique track and has always been one of my favorite songs from them. I did a cover of this song on my Karaoke channel and it got pretty good results. One of the funniest things was that, after I did it, I asked a friend of mine, who is a huge music fan, what he thought of it, and he said he'd never heard the song before. I thought he had to be joking because I thought everyone had heard this song! It just blew me away that he'd never heard it before because it was one of the first songs I ever heard from Styx!