This year marks the 40th anniversary of the release of final Styx album of the '80s -- 1983's Kilroy Was Here.
Differences over the creation of that concept album followed by tensions on tour led to the band breaking up for six years.
But time heals as the band re-introduced the first single, "Mr. Roboto," in 2018 after not playing it for 35 years, and even its creator, their former singer and keyboardist Dennis DeYoung, could understand why it raised eyebrows from his bandmates and fans for being more pop than rock.
He writes on Facebook, "Of course, it was fun and catchy and if you didn’t have a political agenda why not. If you had an ingrained belief system regarding our music and you were protective of it I understand why you could find it not to your taste. But by 1983 if you hadn’t realized that Styx music was never just one thing I’m shocked...
"The biggest problem was Tommy [Shaw] quit to pursue a solo career right after the tour. And when I refused against JY and Chuck and John Panozzo’s wishes to replace him, 'Roboto' lingered for six years as the last song remembered [until we reunited in 1990]. Would it have been better if I had replaced Tommy in '84? You tell me. I still don’t think so.
"Of course if he had stayed with us the next album would have been nothing like Kilroy and most likely would have been a return to more familiar territory. C’est La Vie. Do I regret Kilroy? No. But as shadow producer and conceptualizer I should have realized the dearth of rock music on it... But hell, lots of bands like us turned to synths during that period, even ZZ Top. If they can is anyone safe?...
"My old pals still play 'Ro' nightly and rightly so. Watching the videos of the live audiences proves they love it.
"When they write the history of Styx in the future they won’t refer to 'Roboto' as catchy or part of the culture but controversial. A shame really because none of that would have happened had I not gotten sick in 1998. No way."
His viral illness in '98, which made his eyes sensitive to light, resulted in him being canned as the band wanted to tour and he didn't.
This Wednesday is Styx bassist Chuck Panozzo's 75th birthday. Same for his twin brother and late Styx drummer John.
And Tommy Shaw, who turned 70 on September 11th, has posted a thank you note to his fans for all their well wishes.