Dennis DeYoung Gives Pointed Response To Tommy Shaw

Dennis DeYoung has responded sharply to his former Styx bandmate Tommy Shaw’s recent statements about letting go of past animosities. Shaw, in a recent interview, expressed his resolution to release his “resentment list,” which included long-held grievances towards DeYoung. The guitarist emphasized that he harbored “no hard feelings” towards the band’s former lead singer and even praised DeYoung’s songwriting prowess by acknowledging his honor in performing songs like “The Best of Times” during Styx’s concerts.

In a direct and cutting message shared on Facebook, DeYoung wasted no time in acknowledging Shaw’s remarks while subtly pointing out what he perceived as overlooked invitations. “A quarter of a century after the fact Tommy Shaw has an epiphany,” DeYoung began, responding to Shaw’s appreciation for his solo performances on songs like “The Best of Times” and “First Time.” Despite Shaw’s recognition, DeYoung lamented not being invited to join the recent tour to perform some of his beloved compositions, including the contentious hit “Mr. Roboto.”

“Mr. Roboto,” a pivotal song from Styx’s 1983 concept album Kilroy Was Here, marked a turning point in the band’s history. DeYoung, the creative force behind the album, was eventually dismissed from the band in 1999, partly due to creative differences centered around the theatricality of songs like “Mr. Roboto.” Although Styx initially resisted performing the song live for many years, it was reintroduced to their setlist in 2018 following fan demand.

Reflecting on the song’s significance and his role in its creation, DeYoung reminisced about the collaborative effort that went into its production, including Shaw’s contribution to the vocoder and collective involvement in the mixing process. He underscored the song’s thematic concerns about the impact of technology on human life, noting:

“We wanted it to sound like machines had recorded it.”

Closing his message with a mixture of nostalgia and pride, DeYoung expressed gratitude for the enduring popularity of both his ballads and the techno-infused tracks like “Mr. Roboto” among Styx fans. Despite the ongoing dynamics between the former bandmates, he remains appreciative of the audience’s continued enthusiasm for these songs.

Currently, Styx is on a summer tour alongside Foreigner, slated to continue through August. Meanwhile, DeYoung, whose last studio album was released in 2021, has no immediate plans for touring.