Sterling Whitaker at We Will Rock You recently caught up with STYX keyboardist/vocalist Lawrence Gowan and drummer Todd Sucherman. Part 1 of the audio interview is available at this location to check it out.

The interview covers the band’s recent private tour of the White House, lack of an overt public political stance, the summer tour with REO and 38 SPECIAL, the recording of 'Can’t Stop Rockin’' and re-recording 'Renegade', 'Too Much Time On My Hands' and 'Blue Collar Man' for Rock Band.

The Huffington Post recently issued the following report:

Shortly after Robert Gibbs ended his daily briefing on Monday, the White House press corps was treated to an unexpected guest appearance.

The members of the '80s band, STYX, suddenly took the podium to snap a couple pictures behind the famous lectern. The press, naturally, went crazy, with photographers gathering around the foursome and correspondents chatting like their youth had been restored.

The band happened to be in town for a gig. And as the long-haired musicians took questions and posed for pictures, a few members of the media could be heard chanting the lyrics to "Mr. Roboto" and "Come Sail Away." One member of the Obama communications team, laughing at the spectacle, whispered: "This is why I love working in the White House."

It was keyboardist Lawrence Gowan's first time in the place. "I'm a Canadian," he said. "I voted for [Obama] but my vote was rescinded."

Asked how the thought the president was doing, drummer Todd Sucherman responded with a thumbs up. Did he know if Obama was a fan?

"Someone had mentioned that we are in his iPod," he replied, "but I can't substantiate that claim."