Why Styx Refuses to Play ‘Mr. Roboto’ in Concert

Styx singer Lawrence Gowan revealed to us why you won't find "Mr. Roboto" on the band's set list anymore.

Regardless of how you feel about the song, Mr. Roboto was Styx's third highest-charting song of all time and one of their best sellers. So why wouldn't they play it in concert? Styx singer Lawrence Gowan answered that question for us when we recently spoke to him.

Those who are familiar with the history of Styx knows that the band parted ways with lead singer, Dennis DeYoung in 1999. Some believe that it was his insistence on taking the band in a more "theatrical" direction that led to their bitter breakup and legal battles that would follow.

The controversy seems to have been flamed by "Kilroy Was Here." The 1983 concept album was wild successful on a commercial level, left some rock fans scratching their heads over the synth-pop tunes the band was now playing. DeYoung was the driving force behind the new sound for Styx, and continued to push the the band in a more pop-sounding direction

In 1999 the band even performed a short rock opera version of the album to open their shows. Not all of the members of Styx were in agreement about the idea. Some say that the idea wound up being a disaster, causing fans to boo and walk out. The whole episode is said to have caused a rift in the band that would never be repaired.

So if you were planning on jumping out of your seat and doing the robot at the WPDH 40th Anniversary Concert with Styx next month, don't count on it. The band will, however, be playing an incredible set list with all of your other favorite hits on September 23 when they take the stage at the Mid Hudson Civic Center.

But for those of you who really need some "Mr. Roboto" in your life, don't worry. We've still got you covered: