Styx vocalist Lawrence Gowan discusses ‘Mr. Roboto’ evolution

Lawrence Gowan, the vocalist and keyboardist for the rock band Styx, has expressed an evolving appreciation for the song ‘Mr. Roboto’. Originally a Top 5 single from the 1983 concept album ‘Kilroy Was Here’, the track has historically been a polarizing element of the band’s repertoire.

Following the acrimonious departure of singer and writer Dennis DeYoung in 1999, the song was removed from live performances. However, the band reinstated the track in 2018 due to significant fan demand. Co-founder James ‘J. Y.’ Young noted that while the song may have impacted the band’s initial momentum, it helped cultivate a new generation of fans. The group has since reinterpreted the song to better suit the current lineup, including Gowan, Shaw, and Young.