"We get asked [about Mega Man] a lot. And it wasnt so much that we were drawn to it, it was just always there. It was something we grew up with and continued to love well past the age when we were expected to throw our Nintendos in the trash and get real jobs. The music is stellar. The story is classic. So really, the framework was there, and we just kind of took it a bit further."
The Protomen are an American rock band that composes and performs science fiction rock opera concept albums inspired by pop culture including films and video games. The band was formed in 2003 and is based out of Nashville, Tennessee. They first gained exposure with their 2005 self-titled debut rock opera album The Protomen. The act is one of the most renowned in the video game music and geek rock
"...much of the storyline, and even some of the lyrics, are inspired by the literary masterpiece 1984. Both stories have a very pronounced theme that the common man (the “proles” of 1984 and the humans of The Protomen) need to stand up and fight. It’s not a enough for a Hero (be it a member of the Ingsoc society or mechanical savior) to take a stand."
"The bands use of creative synthesizers and keyboards with theatrical spoken word reminds me of video game characters. And their outfits set them aside, far to the side, from any other local band in Murfreesboro or Nashville even and possibly Tennessee."
"That’s how they started playing in robot drag — the original gag was that they were robots built by Mega Mans creator, Dr. Light, to tell his tragic story. Since then, the premise has slipped a little, but the silver facepaint stuck around, along with aviator shades and uniforms out of a post-apocalyptic Wild West. It’s all a little over-the-top—but that’s part of the point."
"The only band who seems to realize that no career breaks are coming out of the Warped Tour is the Protomen, a rock band that smells terrible and paints their faces silver. One of them hears I’m from VICE and asks, "Why is VICE here?" After a brief interview, they pick me up and throw me over their shoulders."
"Light up the night. There is a city that this darkness cant hide. There are the embers of a fire thats gone out but I can still feel the heat on my skin and this mess were in, well, you and I. Maybe you and I. We can light up the night."
"I know what Ill do. Ive made my choice and Ill make my stand. I may not be the hero they need, but, God, I can still be a man."