Former Styx frontman and main songwriter Dennis DeYoung is reveling in the fact that the band has finally included “Mr. Roboto” in its concert set lists — following years of remaining members J.Y. Young and Tommy Shaw publicly disavowing the 1983 DeYoung-written hit. In a lengthily Facebook post, DeYoung, who was forced out of the band in 1999, spoke to fans about the song — and by extension himself — finally being validated. DeYoung posted: “It’s just two guys finally admitting the obvious. People like it. Can’t imagine how many times the boys were asked the question ‘hey how come you ain’t playing Roboto?’ (Millions) wanted to hear it. But no, this song ruined the band. And so now, 35 years later nearly to the day, June 2nd, 1983 Tommy quit the band on stage in D.C. because of Kilroy (Was Here) and ‘Mr. Roboto’ and now it’s resurrected. Hallelujah. A whole bunch of time has been spent over the last 18 years denigrating Kilroy (Was Here) and ‘Mr. Roboto’ and yours truly. Why? Why? In light of this move ‘is a puzzlement to me.’ Well he’s baaaaack! Like a bad penny or a wooden nickel or simply a damn catchy tune; your choice. Tap your foot and sing after me, Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto, rinse and repeat.”
DeYoung went on to write: “I imagine it will become obvious to them when they perform it. . . what they have been missing. It’s something I have known for 18 years. And that is. . . people will go bananas when it’s played cause they like it, it’s fun. It’s that simple, and a whole bunch of Styx fans became so after hearing this song. They then went back and bought the catalogue. I know this because I have read it and heard it from fans countless times. Also, the song was placed in the most prestigious spot in their show, the encore, a spot reserved for the big ones. Usually ‘Come Sail Away’ or ‘Renegade.’ Wow that’s a reversal of fortune from derision and ignominy to the encore. Good for ‘Ro’ I wish I knew his secret. . . secret secret. Perhaps he’ll share it with me and one last reunion tour will happen. By playing this song after all the vitriol it’s an admission, but of what? Kids you tell me. I predict that ‘Mr. Roboto’ will ultimately become Styx’s most popular song over time. Not because it’s one of our best songs, but because it is what it is. Go figure. I never thought it was a hit record when I wrote it and said so then.”
