He described him as rudderless: uninterested in playing with any other bands, drinking at local taverns and getting kicked out of his swanky apartment building in Chicagos Gold Coast Historic District. There's been enough of that over the years.. and help keep the future of New Times, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. The smile he had was genuine andhis love of Styx was too! 2016, [+] Temecula, California (Photo by Daniel Knighton), Shaw does too. Reserved for the most devout fans, White Castle's. A huge arena sound spilled from the stage, and the band was loud as hell. He's a great man. Panozzo grew up in the Roseland neighborhood, the south side of Chicago, Illinois, with his fraternal twin brother, Chuck (born 90 minutes apart). Rock Musician. [John] cast a long shadow, and once I got out of that shadow I felt more comfortable just being myself on stage., Panozzo says the band members still talk about Johns immense contribution to the formative years of Styx, but that their present line-up is nothing short of exemplary. Much of it was that big-as-the-galaxy arena sound the big drums backing up all that prog-rock swagger. On July 16, 1996, Panozzo was found dead in his Chicago home, victim of a gastrointestinal hemorrhage, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. Jeanne, who oversees Styx merchandise and helps with Rock to the Rescue, a nonprofit founded by Styx and REO Speedwagon and run by Tommy's daughter, Hannah, has renovated 18 homes in their 21 years together, ranging from a mobile home on the beach to multimillion dollar estates. Roboto and the entire Kilroy Was Here rock opera concept album as the catalyst that led to the demise of the original Styx. By the time he did, no one cared. He was the one-liner king of the group with a wiseguy, neighborhood, smart-alecky sense of humor. 1970-1976. That year, a Gallup poll named Styx the most popular rock band among U.S. teenagers. Legendary Greek-born album cover artist IOANNIS is once again collaborating with the band STYX. I felt I had to back Dennis because hed led the charge to that point, but he really got carried away with. After years of gigging and recording, the band had a 1975 top-10 ballad, with "Lady," originally from 1973's Styx II. An eight-year resident of Wilton Manors, Chicago native Panozzo luxuriates in the peace that his private refuge provides a tranquil retreat from the pressures of a grueling travel schedule. In 1996, his brother John Panozzo died of cirrhosis, causing the band to recruit drummer Todd Sucherman. John Anthony Panozzo (September 20, 1948 - July 16, 1996) was an American drummer best known for his work with rock band Styx . Panozzo was one of the founders of the Midwestern band that had a string of pop hits during the 1970s and 1980s, including "Come Sail Away," "Babe," and "Too Much Time on My Hands.". To this day, the remaining members of the classic Styx lineupShaw, Young and Chuck Panozzoare still keeping the band alive well into their sixth decade of existence. On 9-20-1948, John Panozzo was born. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. Family members linked to this person will appear here. A series of successes, including a string of multiplatinum albums and number-one hits, resulted in a spectacular rise to fame. He founded a band called Tradewinds with his neighbor and future Styx bandmate Dennis DeYoung in 1961. Still mourning the loss of his brother, Chuck Panozzo was going through his own whirlwind. , Styxs fourth studio album, was released 46 years ago today by Wooden Nickel Records on November 8, 1974. And last year, after decades of ignoring their most controversial hit, Mr. I want all Styx fans to rejoice in the music. Y.) Celebrating the four-year anniversary of the release of Styxs most cosmic and most vibrant studio album, Join us in this celebration of Styxs magically inspired covers album, Three key reasons why February 22 is one of the most important dates in Styx history: 1) The band signed their first recording contract 49 years ago today on February 22, 1972; 2) they released, THESE ARE THE TIMES CONCEPTUAL VIDEO SET TO THE SONGS LYRICS ALSO OUT TODAY. The current members of Styx are Chuck Panozzo, Young, Tommy Shaw, Todd Sucherman, Lawrence Gowan, Ricky Phillips and Will Evankovich. "I came to the realization and this is the first time I would probably admit it in public that if I was drinking with him, I had to be an alcoholic with him. In 1999, Styx moved on without Dennis DeYoung, who was having health problems. After John Panozzo's death on July 16, 1996, Sucherman became a full-time member, appearing on the 1997 live album, Return to Paradise . Tommy Shaw, who had earlier replaced Curulewski, wrote the song "Dear John" as the band's final tribute to Panozzo. A system error has occurred. From the moment I heard the lads play, I knew they had what it took to get to the top. (Photo by Fin Costello/Getty Images), Casino, 2012, Hollywood, Florida. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. John Panozzo, former drummer for the rock band Styx, has died of gastrointestinal bleeding linked to excessive use of alcohol, the coroner's office said Wednesday. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Oops, something didn't work. Join the New Times community and help support independent "I'm constantly amazed at how Tommy's songwriting continues to . Ive also posted some early pre-Styx pics and some from the height of our career to help put a band with a career that spans decades in perspective. Shaw understands that fans will never give up asking, but resolves that hed rather be happy than greedy. Thats because many fans of Styx are active on social media: sharing stories of yesteryear or tearing into each other about which lineup is more authentic. The only thing they do seem to agree on is the lasting impact Styx has made on generations of music fans. But the one thing that we learned is stay the hell out of it and let them work it out. 47 years ago today,Styxs fifth studio album, This limited-edition art print of 'Man of Miracles' is open for pre-order now. Uber offering horse drawn carriage rides in honor of royal coronation. CIRCA 1976: Chuck Panazzo, Tommy Shaw, Dennis De Young, John Panazzo, James Young of the rock [+] quintet "Styx." And relaxing at a massive, ten-foot-long Indonesian wooden table sits Styx cofounder and bassist Chuck Panozzo. Remembering the always upbeat founding Styx drummer John Panozzo, who passed away 25 years ago today on July 16, 1996. Remembering the always upbeat founding Styx drummer, who passed away 23 years ago today on July 16, 1996. John Panozzo is a member of the following lists: 1948 births, Musicians from Chicago, Illinois and Deaths from cirrhosis. Songs like Come Sail Away, Renegade and Too Much Time on My Hands became exemplary timepieces in popular rock. So he got determined., Chuck Panozzo, Chicago, 1983. However, after the obligatory double live album Caught in the Act, the now feuding components of Styx took an exten-ded break. GREAT NEWS! All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. And while the band enjoys playing 2017s The Mission, they continue to bust out tracks 1977s The Grand Illusion a timeless record to both the band and audience. The Matchbox Twenty song "3 AM" is about the difficult times lead singer Rob Thomas spent caring for his mother, who had cancer. A devoted Chicago Bears fan, he leads a low-key life with Susie, his wife of 42 years. Shaw was sad to see the severity of John Panozzos addiction. But Dennis DeYoung still thinks it's worth getting the band back together and the music is more important than any of the members egos. "People will tear you down and say you're no good and you're not going to happen and you're never going to go anyplace. Roboto the Japanese-laced track which postulates an apprehensive futurist view of the singularity of man and technology back to the stage. He concedes that some of their audience didnt understand the concept, but asserts that the narrative that Mr. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. His personal year number in 2023 is 9. "It is probably the best for a classic rock band that I know of. Styxs mega-triple-platinum smash success, was released 42 years ago today by A&M Records on September 1, 1978. You may request to transfer up to 250,000 memorials managed by Find a Grave. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. 12:42 AM Twins Chuck and John Panozzo, who played bass and drums respectively, founded the band that became pomp-rockers Styx in 1963 with keyboardist Dennis DeYoung in Chicago. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. To properly celebrate such a momentous, golden milestone in the history of the band, Styxworld speaks exclusively to co-founding members James. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. DeYoung still believes his firing was a result of pettiness and impatience that the band constructed their dismay with Kilroy Was Here and Mr. You can't blame people, Shaw says. Frankly, theyre tired of people suggesting it. He really wanted to learn how to drum, and in 1982 told Modern Drummer that he started at age 8, tutored by an uncle who helped shape his style and discipline that eventually resulted in Styx, a legendary arena-rock band of the 1970s and '80s. That was the fast track to the end.. quintet "Styx" pose for a portrait in circa 1973. 50 Years Ago Today, Styx Sign Their First Recording Contract! Try again later. The documentary also painted a picture of underwhelmed concertgoers and bandmates who were unenthused about the complex theatrics of the Kilroy tour. John Panozzo died on July 16, 1996 at the age of 47. Sorry! (Photo by Paul Natkin), He continues: It brought a whole new generation of fans to Styx. Roboto tore apart the band is a total fabrication. His drumming is heard on the band's Top 40 Chart hits "Come Sail Away", "The Best of Times", "Babe", "Too Much Time on My Hands", "Lady" and "Mr. Roboto". "We became popular with the name, so there was no point in changing it. But the singer remembers that time very differently saying that while he was tied up with other commitments, he tried his hardest to make Styx work and that the band left him behind once he fell ill. DeYoung estimates he spent 16 months going to doctors trying to find the cause of his chronic exhaustion. He didn't realize that he had gotten that bad. Howard explains his positive songwriting method and how uplifting songs can carry a deeper message. In 1999, he wasn't well enough to go out on tour. (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns/Getty Images). The original version with his group Brinsley Schwarz was kind of somber, but Elvis Costello made it a classic with his 1978 uptempo take. A monthly update on our latest interviews, stories and added songs. If you look at these people yelling at each other, it's sickening to me, DeYoung says. along with keyboardist/vocalist Lawrence . Next year, Styx's. The band dedicated their 1996 Return to Paradise tour to him. All of the vocals are DeYoung, who recorded himself to create the harmonies. , Styxs fifth studio album,was released 45 years ago today on December 1, 1975. In 1996, his brother John Panozzo died of cirrhosis, causing the band to recruit drummer Todd Sucherman. Failed to delete memorial. Styxworld Exclusive! John J. Curulewski (October 3, 1950 - February 13, 1988) was an American musician who was one of the original members of Styx . Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. More recently, the band recorded "Lady 95", a new version of their 20-year-old hit, and was still touring on the nostalgia and middle America shed circuits. CIRCA 1973: Chuck Panozzo, John Curulewski, Dennis DeYoung, John Panozzo, James Young of the rock [+] quintet "Styx" pose for a portrait in circa 1973. Celebrating their 50th anniversary and tour by creating a series of limited edition signed prints of his cover artwork for the band. "I was in such bad shape that [Styx vocalist] Tommy Shaw said, 'I'm afraid I'll never see you alive again.'?". In a Styxworld exclusive, every single bandmember tells the inside tale about how this most cosmically epic entry in the vaunted Styx canon came to be. , was released 44 years ago today by A&M Records on the cosmically cool stardate of July 7, 1977. Become a member to support the independent voice of South Florida But I don't dwell on it. The Cook County medical examiner's office said he was suffering from cirrhosis of the liver and chronic alcoholism, and died from a hemorrhage. He recalls losing 40 pounds, shrinking his stocky five-foot, nine-inch frame to a frail 132 pounds. But the fact of the matter is the reason they're doing the song now is the same reason they replaced me in 1999: its money. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. Try again. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives), Suga Ties Jimin For One Of The Most Important Billboard Chart Records Among Korean Solo Musicians, Phone Free Policies Like Dave Chappelles Open Door For Better Comedy, High Vis Singer Graham Sayle Is Making Peace With Himself, Wednesday On Their Indie Rock Success And Latest LP Rat Saw God, Rest In Peace, Chef: MasterChef Australia Judge Jock Zonfrillo Dies At 46, American Idol Viewers Send Judges Message With Top 10 Live Vote, Celebrating 100 Years: Ralph Senensky, TV Director, Reaches The Century Mark, Jennifer Aniston Discusses LolaVies First Retail Partnership With Ulta Beauty: It Is A Huge Step, Styx denied that claim to Billboard in 2018. Though some of the members started solo careers, the Panozzo brothers remained relatively quiet before participating in. . Top 20 Sexiest R&B Songs from the '90s to Today, Ten Jimmy Buffett Parrothead Fashion Essentials, JPEGMafia and Danny Brown Prepare to Scare at Revolution Live, Rolling Loud (Finally) Announces Lineup for Miami 2023. They also mention that high-paying private performances often request it. We own the name and he gets a piece of the action. We met at soundcheck, and I was thunderstruck at the sound John and Chuck were getting in that small venue. In 1975, "Lady", a ballad culled from their second album, started to pick up nationwide airplay and eventually became a Top Ten US hit three years after its original release. What I didnt realize early on in that process was that just getting the sound wasnt the most important thing youve gotta get the feel too. But by 1996, the full original lineup came together for a massive reunion tour. has been inducting legends from main street to the main stage for nearly 20 years. There was a physical presence to John. The early Seventies were heady days for the neoclassical music of Yes and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, but at first Styx struggled to get recognition outside their native Illinois. 51 years ago today, Styx signed their first recording contract with Wooden Nickel Records on February 22, 1972. Styx then released a series of four triple-platinum records: The Grand Illusion (1977), Pieces of Eight (1978), Cornerstone (1979) and Paradise Theater (1981). The lineup using the eponymous name features three members from the bands golden years. New World, their first (with their most famous lineup) since 1983. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. When DeYoung discusses the ephemeral nature of the songs he penned so many years ago, he cant help but get choked up. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Help keep John Panozzo profile up to date. This account has been disabled. He describes each performance as a religious experience.. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, As supporters pray, Kim Pegula's father shares her words: 'I will continue to fight', Former waitress sentenced to 2 to 5 years in prison in $50,000 lottery scheme, Nicholas D'Angelo pleads guilty to 8 felonies in rape case, The prayerful goal for Bills and Sabres owner Kim Pegula: 'Full recovery', New York State speeding cameras are coming to a highway work zone near you, Instagram mom convicted for fabricating story about kids' kidnapping, King Charles and Queen Camilla's will use thrones recycled from King George VI's coronation, Rare images captured of butterflies taking flight after emerging from chrysalis, Ride like royalty! Thanks for your help! Young and John Curulewski, changing their name to TW4. In 1993, Panozzo played drums on two tracks for guitarist/vocalist James Young's solo album Out on a Day Pass. They even say they drew inspiration from a cover by a band called The Protomen. Hemingway (Housemartins, Beautiful South), 39; Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme). Chuck Panozzo recalls the moment when he couldn't live the lie anymore. Jim Cahill(Styx promotion guru/coordinator,197783, and a member of The Mission promo team, 2017):I remember first meeting John in Racine, Wisconsin in 1975 on a Rick Carr-promoted show at Racine Memorial Hall [on January 3, 1975]. As if the road wasnt rocky enough, Panozzo also overcame cancer twice in the last 15 years. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. I intend to do it for a long time to come. American Musician John Panozzo was born John Anthony Panozzo on 20th September, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois and passed away on 16th Jul 1996 Chicago, Illinois aged 47. (Photo by Paul Natkin). The entire plane would erupt in laughter. source of local news and culture, Wendy Rhodes American Musician John Panozzo was born John Anthony Panozzo on 20th September, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois and passed away on 16th Jul 1996 Chicago, Illinois aged 47. The entire band discusses how it all came to be, in a story youll only see right here on Styxworld. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? Advertisement There was an error deleting this problem. John began injecting his sense of humor into the solo with some personality the whistle, the cowbell, quiet spots, thunder. Of all those who made the trek to Nashville, original STYX bassist Chuck Panozzo who, along with his late twin brother, drummer John Panozzo, formed the initial nucleus of STYX when they began jamming together in their basement on the south side of Chicago in 1961 is hands down the most effusive about the experience. They took one of the most loyal fan bases second only maybe to Kiss we were Kiss without the makeup fractured and turned it into a pissing match. the Shaw-less Styx reunion LP, 1990's Edge of the Century. Ive lived a charmed life., Singer Dennis DeYoung, of American rock group Styx, performing on stage, circa 1976. Songs about drugs, revolution and greed that have been used in commercials for sneakers, jeans, fast food, cruises and cars. At the end of that year, the De Young ballad "Babe" became an American no 1 and a million-seller. The cult of celebrity is to the point where it's maddening. (chuckles) He would not think twice about having a wrestling match, or him and Chuck getting into brotherlyfightsin the car, or whatever. Back in that era, the drum solo was amust dofor arena acts, but this night in Detroit was something incredibly special. The band then rode a wave . Watch on. Every member of Styx discusses the ins and outs of how. At the turn of the millennium, DeYoung unsuccessfully sued for rights to the bands name. 50 years ago today, Styx signed their very first recording contract with Wooden Nickel Records on February 22, 1972. its late '70searly '80s hitmaking heyday. Dennis was controlling, egomaniacal, he led us down the path that changed our music style! If you tell the fan base, We replaced Dennis because he was sick, that's a bad story to tell.. ", At 67, Panozzo and Styx are out on tour with Def Leppard and Tesla, and after 45 years performing live, he says he wouldn't trade that honor for anything in the world. In 1990, the other four Styx members recruited Glen Burtnik to replace Shaw and hit the comeback trail with their Edge of the Century album. Not only that, he was just a lot of fun! He didn't envision it as a Styx song - just something personal for Suzanne - but when his record company heard it, they pegged it as a hit and insisted it be on the album. (Photo by Larry Marano). Young and Shaw cite a variety of reasons for bringing Mr. And most times, drums are very difficult to record well. It just energized the whole touring party with a rowdy spirit. But the only way you can honor a person is not to quit.. tell us how this truly magical show was conducted from start to finish. The following year, on a wave of patriotism fuelled by the Gulf War, their "Show Me the Way" single (not the Peter Frampton song of the same title) became an anthem and a US Top 10 hit. "Research changed the world in 1996," he says. Young released three albums, too. Chuck and John Panozzo were born 52 years ago today in Chicago. Roboto as a defensive narrative about the bands creative dissolution. The unfortunate truth was that Panozzo, like many rockers, had been struggling with alcohol abuse for years, and it finally caught up with him. On July 16, 1996, Panozzo was found dead in his Chicago home, victim of a gastrointestinal hemorrhage, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time. He made me cry a lot. A successful tour followed the next year. In John Panozzo's case, it was drumming. As a founding member, Panozzo continued to play throughout Styx's years of remarkable success. Learn more about managing a memorial . Drummer Panozzo, working with his fraternal twin brother, Chuck, on bass, and Dennis DeYoung on vocals and keyboards, became a rising and influential presence in American rock music, starting in their hometown of Chicago, then moving throughout the Midwest. 0 cemeteries found in Alsip, Cook County, Illinois, USA. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. In a Styxworld exclusive, co-founding guitarist/vocalistJames JY Young and co-founding bassist Chuck Panozzo tell us how it all came together. It's torture. I have no bitterness. and DeYoung attended Chicago State University and Nardini left the band. As the 50-year anniversary of the bands debut album approaches, current day Styx is more comfortable than ever. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. The fact that it gets a huge response from the crowd means we waited a sufficient amount of time, 69-year-old James JY Young says. They would play weddings at age 12 and were paid $15 apiece. And I'm not dead yet.. The grave of John A. Panozzo, former drummer of the rock band Styx, in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, IL. As such, they have forever been lumped together with acts like Asia, Boston, Foreigner, Journey, Kansas, Reo Speedwagon and Toto whose songs dominated American radio and the Simon Bates Our Tune and Golden Hour slots 15 years ago. Styx hit the very big time in 1975 with the release of their single "Lady" and four consecutive triple-platinum albums "platinum" indicating sales of 1 million copies. abuse. I personally thought it was one of the best-sounding big rooms. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. Panozzo says he's "very happy" with the caliber of the musicianship. (Photo by Venla Shalin), In 2019, there are two actively touring bands playing the iconic songs of Styx. ", Shandroise De Laeken from Davao City, Philippines, More songs that are also the names of movies, (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding, Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses. January 27, 2016 People were dying these horrific deaths. We were all saddened by his untimely passing, but his music lives onand thats a great thing. Chuck was so thin and so ill. I went to proton therapy which is really space age medicine. ], Tommy Shaw during Styx's 'Kilroy Was Here Tour' at the Auditorium Theater, Chicago, Illinois, April [+] 25, 1983. Shaw was back in the Styx fold, along with Chuck Panozzo, Young and, DeYoung for Brave New World, featuring "Number One" and the title, track. LIVE & UNZOOMED TOUR 2022 - STYX, REO SPEEDWAGON, with LOVERBOY, Styxworld Exclusive: Styx Talk About the Making of Crash of the Crown. STYX~Live (Dennis DeYoung /John Panozzo) @ Freedom Festival 4th of July 1991 Houston TX~"Edge of the Century Tour" Sony CCD-V5000 (HI 8) to JVC Super Vhs to . Patterson Hood on Drive-By Truckers' Lockdown Album, Ella Mai's Pre-Pandemic Success Was No Fluke, Lil Baby Announces It's Only Us Tour, Heading to FLA Live Arena in September, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. "Musicians are known to be sensitive people," he told Modern Drummer. For one, they say members of their crew suggested it after overhearing fans who were disappointed the song was omitted from their set. John (above left, with Chuck, Tommy, and unidentified interviewer) could care less if you were the promoter or the guy who swept the floorshis only agenda was being the best drummer. "Basically, I should be dead. I was in remission for a decade, Panozzo says. I was codependent. He was the drummer and co-founder of the rock band Styx, which he started with his twin brother, bassist Chuck Panozzo. Roboto was a number one single. (Photo by Fin Costello/Getty Images). It will go full cycle. 43 years ago today, A&M Records released Styxs ninth studio album, 44 years ago today, Styxs mega-triple-platinum smash success, was released by A&M Records on September 1, 1978. Panozzo wants to make sure that doesn't happen when he dies. Young felt the departure from straight-forward rocknroll to a synthy-electronic sound alienated an audience the band worked hard to develop and dragged Styx into a category away from classic-rock contemporaries like Foreigner and Kansas. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. He also had suffered from cirrhosis of the liver as a result of chronic alcoholism. He says his face was always red and hot, his eyes bloodshot. I don't know what it means exactly, except it's a song about technology taking over, which is actually hitting the nail square on the head. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives). There was a lot of bullying in those days." Resend Activation Email. "Babe" was immediately jettisoned from their setlists along with most of his other tracks. With Def Leppard and Tesla. But their hot-streak came to a screeching halt. Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. Panozzo, 47, was found unconscious At the height of their fame in the late Seventies and early Eighties, the Chicago five-piece Styx, of whom John Panozzo was co-founder and drummer, were prime exponents of the much-maligned power ballad and pomp-rock genres. Something other than, say, a cowboy, or an astronaut, or a ballerina. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need.". It's not for us to say. cemeteries found in Alsip, Cook County, Illinois, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. (Photo by Paul Natkin), bassist Chuck Panozzo. Learn more about merges. The problem was I waited quite a while before I started medication, but once protease inhibitors were on the market they changed a death sentence into a chronic illness., Wed been on a long break, Shaw says. STYX singer/guitaristTommy Shaw, renowned concert promoterDanny Zelisko,and the late singer-songwriterJohn Prine join fellow legends in the Castle halls of Crave. The Power of 2.22: Styx Signs Their First Recording Contract 49 Years Ago, Plus Kilroy Was Here Turns 38 & Damn Yankees Turns 31 Today! That's the easiest thing to do to tear down. Yeah, because I think it's detrimental to the name of Styx. He remembers Tommy Shaw using the voice vocoder for the tracks opening mantra, Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto.. They weren't playing enough hits.