Light Up The Night - Official Music Video

[@Slaanash]

I still find it kinda funny how one of the friendliest, chillest bands I've ever met at a concert has the most cynical, depressing storyline.

[@Gunplabro]

I don't view it as Cynical at all. Light is just an idiot. Instead of sending protoman to attack wily directly he should have sent him after the power plants, water purification, plants, and oil refineries. Make the standard of living in the city so bad the people would have no choice but to fight if they want to survive. Light has no idea how to fight a guerilla war and got his son killed for it.

[@swguygardner]

@@Gunplabro Great idea, the only cost would be a few thousand innocent lives, but they'd probably only be the poorest, who couldn't afford medical treatment, or the youngest/eldest/most at risk. But if we've learned anything in the last few weeks, it's that those lives don't really matter, do they XD And let's face it, if a toddler doesn't have the strength of will to overthrow the ruling authority, it basically deserves to starve/freeze to death, amirite?

[@Gunplabro]

@@swguygardner clearly you know nothing of what actually happens in the story. Thousands of people broke curfew to watch protoman fight Wily's robots, and were killed for it, same thing happsns at the end of the story. They refused to fight back. Far fewer people would have died with my method.

[@rya3190]

@@Gunplabro I have no clue what's going on....

[@purpledragon1945]

Leaving at 111 likes

[@Zellig]

You guys should do a full-fledged gritty Megaman cyberpunk rock opera. No joke.

[@richardbean1707]

Zellig Can't tell if this is your first time hearing about the Protomen, or you just meant for them to make more videos like this, because gritty Megaman rock opera is all these guys have done for a decade+

[@Zellig]

Oh I know about the material, I just mean making it into a full fledged movie/episodic video type rock opera

[@sora543]

Zellig it is listen to there music

[@richardbean1707]

Just making sure. It would be nice to have all of act 1 and 2 in a series of videos like this though.

[@FlamingZelda3]

Bro, they already made a rock opera. That's literally what they started back in 2005

[@ryancape]

If I had one wish, it would be that Capcom make a new Megaman RPG...but with this vision of the world and Protomen contributing to the soundtrack. That would be my beautiful dark fantasy.

[@Gamefreak2998]

Ryan Cape honestly I’m surprised there hasn’t been a fan game of this version

[@cooldud7071]

@@Gamefreak2998 From what I've seen megaman fan games have been in a rut, the last Megaman RPG that had a good battle system was discontinued a decade ago and the only one people are still waiting for is Megaman X Corrupted

[@jabberjaw4289]

the commies won't allow it

[@zettovii1367]

Closest thing MegaMan got to having a spin off like The Protomen, is MegaMan Zero, where the world is essentially ruined and the reploids are viciously oppressed in favor of a complacent humanity within a futuristic city, one where a mad scientist rules from the shadows whilst using the face of a former hero to stomp out any potential rebellion. That said, Zero is still pretty different from The Protomen for a couple of reasons: The oppressed reploids in MMZ were willing to fight for their freedom early on, they were just helplessly outmatched until a hero joined the fray, leading to a bittersweet but ultimately hopeful ending. Whilst in The Protomen, the oppressed humanity as a collective gave up the fight before even trying, ultimately leading to even their heroes abandoning them.

[@crybirb]

YOOOOOOO THIS IS THE STUFF MAN IF THIS WAS A FULL LENGTH MOVIE I WOULD EXPLODE IN NEON COLORED SMOKE

[@Gigabyteme888]

Marcos Wicket it will be....

[@Emberson-9000]

Brandon Dewater What makes you say that?

[@Gigabyteme888]

E9000 OMEGA because they are already selling pre orders for it on their website.

[@Emberson-9000]

Brandon Dewater Link. NOW!!!

[@Emberson-9000]

Nevermind.

[@morrigangg]

R.I.P. JOE, THE HERO WE NEEDED.

[@speedlimate]

But we don't need a hero, we need the people.

[@羽-l5k]

"There are no heroes. Mankind is doomed."

[@AzrenSA]

If these people play this music for their children as they sleep, maybe someday, they'll see a hero is just a man who knows he's free.

[@itsamop]

Rip joe he will be remembered

[@Yellow_VA]

We don't need a hero, we need to rise for ourselves.

[@MegaBytesFTW]

God this just makes me want a full film version.

[@greenhead333]

Somespaceman right

[@nonamenoname9322]

Actually I think there is a full version film for sale, advertised by a link in the description.

[@ICARUSLIV3S]

ITS HERE TODAY SHALL FOREVER BE KNOWN AS PROTOMASS

[@victorb6537]

Love your doom mod videos. I've been a big fan for a while, now.

[@Intestine_Ballin-ism]

ICARUSLIV3S EY YOU FAT FUCK

[@ethandickinson4016]

Oh damn I stublled across your mod videos a few months back and have enjoyed them ever since. I never expected to see you here.

[@tortleproductions6331]

DARNIT MISSED IT BY 2 DAYS

[@killroypsalt5503]

I had no idea that Mr. Icarus was a protomen fan. That's doom-mod madness epic.

[@ThePickleBehindTheSlaughter]

Do you see this, Zero? We are victorious! Behold, Guns of the Patriots!

[@andrewv.9142]

8:00 can confirm - went to a Protomen concert and saw a robot beat the shit out of a mosh pitter (awesome music video guys!)

[@schmoo393]

"Got anything to drink?" "Oil" What a great line to show Light's sarcastic humor

[@lonestar6709]

Certainly better than; _"You must wecover aww da enewgy imeditly, um, m, Megaman."_

[@borisricardogarcesconforme4741]

Lmao XD

[@Lady_in_Yearning]

"Thomas, please don't cry for me I know you never meant for this I love you completely Just remember that If I should leave you now Then in my final hour I pray this letter finds you well Before it all goes to hell He could never cage the world It's too big for anyone, and soon the dark will pass I want so much to be with you but in my heart I know Tom The city needs you now THIS CITY NEEDS YOU NOW!

[@gull1265]

Joe... if you see Emily, tell her to wait... ...'cause I still have work to do.

[@lupusalbus3795]

THIS CITY!

[@messey12]

@@lupusalbus3795 NEEEEEEEEEDS YOU NOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWW

[@Yellow_VA]

THIS CITYYYYYY

[@lucasmcclanahan702]

My professor in audio school was the sound designer who edited the video in Pro Tools. I would sit in the studio in class and he would put this on with the 5.1 surround sound system. It sounded amazing.

[@rodrigoserafim8834]

We need a full featured movie for the 2 albums. The story arc is brilliant and the characters have room for huge depth if played correctly. My favourite part of the 2nd act is when Light and Wily are arguing past each other ending in "we will be heroes", "we will build heroes" with Wily slightly distorting every one of Light's goals.

[@mr_blinky1094]

The fact that almost eight years later this incredible piece of art still hasn't even 400k views is absolute insanity. I've watched the entire video probably a dozen times, I just do not understand how it is that so few people have seen this masterpiece.

[@mhopkins7954]

Great song and I agree!!!!

[@TheoriginalBMT]

Only recently have heard of the protomen and it's just so damn good. I can't get enough of all their music

[@lyleinnoe2210]

I LOVE the idea that Lights very acts of rebellion simply lead to Wily obtaining more and more power, like Lights desire to do good is only making Wily stronger. So tragic

[@KilosFoxo]

the fact that this confirmed that the protomen exist in their protomen universe could mean that dr light named protoman after music too just after a band that made songs about a suspicioulsy similar scenario to his instead of a genra

[@AdeptArcanist]

This is awesome. That said, does anybody else wish that it was done musical/rock opera-style with Light and Joe actually singing it instead of it just being an oddly thematic concert?

[@uglydisgusting6866]

It's an obvious nod to Streets of Fire, which I highly recommend.

[@TheWorldBelowDnD]

It might look a little goofy to have it dubbed over, but I definitely had the same thought when the music kicked in...

[@artcase8936]

Check out Man on The Internet's cover as it is Joe and Light singing there.

[@The_mechanick]

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I WAS THINKING!!! THANK YOU!!! It feels kinda half hearted as your focus is torn between the visual story and the music as you can’t pay attention to both at the same time. I love this album but this video seems like they couldn’t decide what to do so they just did both and it’s worse for it.

[@anachronologist2017]

No joke, this is the best music video I've ever seen, and not just because I love the song/band. It encapsulates everything about what makes this band great. The dystopian operatic themes of the music, subtle Mega Man references, it's all just spot on and so. damn. GOOD.

[@Nachoidess]

I've got this burning like my veins are filled With nothing but gasoline. And with a spark, It's gonna be the biggest fire they've ever seen.

[@pseudogenesis]

What would a cyberpunk dystopia be without arbitrary Japanese in neon lettering? lol Awesome video though, it's cool to see Joe's story visualized like this. What I would have given to get Breaking Out into this, though.

[@Legiondude]

I figured it was split between a vague handwave towards the franchise's origins and a reference towards Blade Runner

[@pseudogenesis]

AquaPhoenix Productions Cyberpunk has a really long history with Japanese neon, I imagine it's mostly just a stylistic choice. See: Akira, Ghost in the Shell, etc

[@ChristopherMelkus]

You know Japan didn't invent cyberpunk, right?

[@expunkstep7226]

I can see New York or LA fusing with Japan in 40 years...

[@LordOfSilense]

Cyberpunk with Japan lettering stems from American cyberpunk in which they feared that Japan would be the nation to rise up in power to become the center of the world- but that was before the Lost Decade happened. So a Cyberpunk without Japanese lettering means it's another place in the world that became the super power.

[@DustInTheWind64]

"Protomen and The Attackers" just couldn't resist could you?

[@notmartha6077]

This song is still one of the raddest performances I've seen live. I am so glad they toured with TWRP a few years ago so I could be introduced to such a sick bunch!

[@NACDuff]

Saw It: Chapter 2 on Saturday and I was trying to think why the actor for adult Eddie looked familiar - it's because he plays Joe in this. James Ransone. Brilliant actor.

[@archimagirus_sancti]

Why does this still only have 290K views. It should be at least 290M. I have loved this band since 2005 and they are so effin brilliant yet don't get the attention they deserve. You will literally become a better and more intelligent person by listening to their second album for a week.

[@scynx]

I can't stop blasting this at full volume in my car. The female choir in the background is so good.

[@greyworks9]

So glad my boyfriend made me watch this. It's like a Syd Mead painting in motion.

[@MaxMarriner]

This is *remarkable.* I can't believe I hadn't seen this until now. All these years of imagining Act II in my head (basically just visualizing the art style of the album cover), now finally given tangibility. I'm not totally sure about the big story change (the bombs at the top of the building instead of exploding prematurely), but everything else? Pretty much perfect.

[@iammaxhailme]

ACT 3 WHEN ALSO COME TO NYC YOU DORKS

[@aslonz5308]

How in the mother of pearl have I not seen this before?! 10/10 will watch again.

[@Glitchtophertm]

I'm a little upset they didn't have the song at the end where Tomas reads Emily's letter. Sorry, I forgot the name of the song...

[@Falcon4224]

Glitch Michaels Here Comes the Arm. The intro to the song is actually what's playing during the credits.

[@Glitchtophertm]

True, but I would've liked the lyrics included.

[@Lightshockie]

Was totally thinkin' the same thing, Trevr. Missed opportunity. Hype either way, tho

[@TheRoleplayer40k]

I think joe paid the price he thought he had to pay, but Emily that debt was meant for me....that death...was meant for me......

[@freemushrooms]

I think the next best move after Act III comes out would be to release a comic series. I could see reading that over and over while jamming out to the trilogy (and of course Cover Up.) Thanks so much for your hard work guys. This city loves you.

[@boustroop661]

Tfw no act 3

[@eat-lc5rx]

If I'm ever rich I intend to fund the making of a broadway play with act 1, 2, and 3 of all albums. SO FINISH ACT 3!

[@NoobixCube]

Well, this makes me want to see you do the whole of Act 2...

[@feldoth]

Don't leave it there, Act 1 & 3 obviously need this treatment too!

[@Sassybng]

Feldoth my thoughts exactly,i think sons of fate or hope rides alone would be amazing

[@bamweasel]

Act 3 Would have to exist first.

[@thehappy15a]

I would watch this as a movie

[@Maniacman2030]

This looks like a retro 80's dystopia movie and I love it. Thank you Protomen, you have done us a great service.

[@jonathansaldana2319]

A music video 7 years overdue. And it did not disappoint.

[@cosmicmuse2195]

Criminally underrated. There is no reason this should not have at least a million views.

[@Astrosimi]

Light Up the Night gets me pumped like no other, but when the Kilroy bot says "It has begun" at 9:42 and The Fall starts playing... that's when this music video rockets to a whole other level. (Though I'd half expect it to have said "So it begins!")

[@erraticbear5898]

this needs to be a Broadway musical

[@TeaTimeWithDeadpool]

Legitimately one of my favorite memories. Being a part of this music video. I never get through it dry eyed. My favorite band, telling a story of a childhood video game character of mine..? I don’t stand a chance

[@travismcnasty51]

I've been here before... I've done this before... I'm going to let this happen again. As I stand. I will not let evil rise again.

[@NovaTheSeahorse]

been gigging about 20 years and this is still the best band i've ever seen live. Let's get a full length movie!

[@TheMightyPatapon]

Coming back to this another year and change later and it's still among the best things available to watch online.

[@TheRoleplayer40k]

My limited edition Joe's jacket will be on its way, and I will be making my replica Joe's helmet, ready for my Joe's cosplay for the protomen's next visit to AUS! Wanna rock out with them on stage!

[@johnsledge3942]

HOLY CRAP ITS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@eckitronix]

John Sledge Understatement of the century. But mortal words cannot describe what we both feel.

[@johnsledge3942]

Mega Dan couldn't agree more!

[@Gigabyteme888]

John Sledge not enough exclamation marks! Haha

[@DecodingDoom]

Is the main char {crazy-hair guy) THE Dr. Wily?

[@Jakawh]

Debonaire Death it was Dr light you fool

[@KilosFoxo]

i love the fact that wily didn't think that any resistance would do a good enough job blowing the tower up

[@BillyFlower-d7r]

I love this band so much this is more cyberpunk than 2077

[@JeepusChrystler]

Man, if I won that billion dollar Powerball a couple months ago, I'd have just given you the money to make a full movie. What's there is good. *Damn* good. But sixteen minutes of wet dream just isn't enough. Still, this was the best Christmas present I could ask for and more. Keep fighting the good fight.

[@rocknrollnerd5]

That was so great, The Protomen really could make an entire movie this way out of this album

[@samgray49]

This isn't a music video, it is a short film with a video thrown in the middle!

[@eckitronix]

And technically it's TWO songs in there, so not only do you get a sense for what's going on already but then you get TWO full tracks with lyrics A lot of care for the fanbase, here~

[@N8Dogg5k]

The Streets of Fire levels are through the roof on this short film/music video, and I couldn't be more jazzed by it. Congrats to you Protomen, through the sheer caliber of your gloriously 80's bravado, you've earned a new fan this day.

[@RebelNiki]

Great job I love it. Also love it the fact that it's inspired by Streets of Fire (1984)!

[@fernandomaron87]

Yeah, also Blade Runner obviously

[@MrPikaGammer]

It's based on Mega Man aswell, the dude on the bike is literally the generic Sniper Joe enemy in human form. Being a dude named Joe wearing the "Snipers" helmet.

[@GarbaggioGoblino]

Worth the wait. Also, why is the fade to black at the end so long? I was expecting something like an Act 3 tease with that whole wait there.

[@GarbaggioGoblino]

Yeah, bit of a shame there. The State vs. Thomas Light and the end of Here Comes the Arm are my favorite parts of the album.

[@Xerodude]

Cskye yeah, that would have MADE it... Better. It would have made the amazing video better.

[@Legodrumskateg]

Oh my god your avatar is a picture of Yahtzee's self portrait

[@GarbaggioGoblino]

"Well here you go 'Yahtzee', satisfied?"

[@AzrenSA]

Keep Quiet is the one that does it for me.

[@coldkittn]

The whole album needs to become a full length rock opera movie like Repo.

[@Gigabyteme888]

Amazing! The written word cannot even begin to convey how much I've been waiting for this, and you guys did not disappoint! Did anyone else think the "protection droids" resembled the droids from "Kilroy's World" in Mr. Roboto from Styxx?

[@timprimetal5380]

That's gotta be intentional. They have one of them with them when they perform live, and his name is KILLROY

[@starking2162]

There’s also the coverup album, which tells a version of Lights time in hiding before the trial, featuring Mr Roboto

[@aaroninlatin]

I opened for them at the Khyber in Philly on a random week night in 2008ish. They were great and super nice.

[@Dan-O]

Thank you Protomen! You continue to amaze me throughout the years!

[@Chris-yz7cs]

Is James Ransone a friend of the band or just an actor they hired? Because he is probably one of the best underrated actors of this generation. If anybody wants to check out Generation Kill or the Sinister series he hap a big part in those, he also played one of the grown up kids in IT pt2. But Gen Kill is his best work so far.

[@heyitsjustaz]

feels too real tonight

[@fonzcorp]

If done right, this album can be made into a very beautiful musical.

[@WestPictures]

This is everything I hoped it would be. I love this band!

[@bancaer8515]

Just heard Act II. One of the best Concept Albums ever created. Fantastic Stuff!!!!!

[@themadyokai]

I would so watch a full musical movie of this

[@ButterflyColors]

I can say without a shadow of a doubt that this is the coolest thing ever

[@SenisterDenister]

Fuck now I want to make pudding.

[@8LiterallyJustTheNumber8]

SenisterDenister my life is falling apart

[@misterscorpius1446]

It's always 4 AM somewhere.

[@tillyedwards9850]

This meme never gets old.

[@Rurattee]

Light up the pudding

[@Paul-A01]

It's 4 'clock in the morning. Why on earth would you want to make pudding?

[@levirodriguez3641]

At 9:50 I got goosebumps man I love this song

[@Eredash]

So Albert had the tower rigged to blow all along! Great stuff. I'd love to see more.

[@NightmareDetective]

This is all I could've asked for ❤ Thank you Protomen!!!

[@tammysilverwolf1085]

I was eagerly awaiting this and you guys did a fantastic job. Really high quality stuff-- know I'm behind you 100% and eagerly awaiting Act 3 :)

[@Banjo-Oz]

Incredible. Looks and feels more like Cyberpunk 2020 than CD Projekt Red's official Cyberpunk 2020 game.

[@TheMightyPatapon]

This song and video were far more than humanity deserved. Thank you Protomen.

[@Fouxjin]

I have serious trouble picturing the guy playing Wily singing The Hounds

[@Lockfin]

Fouxjin that's because The Hounds is sung by a considerably younger Albert Wily. A whole generation has grown up in his City by this point, so he's likely about 20 years older.

[@sanictheheadhug3936]

@@Lockfin Yeah but it also shows wily when emily is killed and he looks the same

[@Gunplabro]

@@sanictheheadhug3936 It's just for the sake of the short film. There is no reason to assume he doesn't look different in the album version.

[@Genecidel]

This is ART!

[@vii408]

it is truly criminal how unknown The Protomen are, such an amazing group of talented musicians and singers!

[@matthewscala5489]

This is the best music video EVER made

[@oddfreaks6452]

This city's sleeping like a soldier Trapped inside of an iron lung. Machines can keep you breathing But what happens when you find a new war's begun? Flip a switch and turn it off, you won't be able to breathe. So either way you're a casualty. I've got this burning like my veins are filled With nothing but gasoline. And with a spark, It's gonna be the biggest fire they've ever seen. Cut me down or let me run, Either way it's all gonna burn... The only way that they'll ever learn We've got to turn it off, Flip a switch. Light up the night! There is a city that this darkness can't hide. There are the embers of a fire that's gone out, But I can still feel the heat on my skin This mess we're in, well you and I, Maybe you and I, We can still make it right. Maybe we can bring back the light. At the heart of the city there is a Building that looks down over all there is. And the man in the tower controls It all without raising a single fist. It's like they gathered up the City, they sold it to the devil, and now It's gone to hell and they wonder how. Well, a friend once told me: Men, they would follow any man who would turn the wheels. Now the wheels are spinning out of Control; what would they do if we held them still? If you destroy the working parts, what you'll get is a broken machine. A beacon of light from a burning screen. Light it up. Light up the night. There is a city that this darkness can't hide. There are the embers of a fire that's gone out, But I can still feel the heat on my skin. This mess we're in, well you and I, Maybe you and I, We can light up the night. There is a city that this darkness can't hide. There are the embers of a fire that's gone out, But I can still feel the heat on my skin. This mess we're in, well you and I, Maybe you and I, We can light up the night. There is a city that this darkness can't hide There is a fire that will burn through the Streets of the city, and we will stand in the light. We will stand in the light, You and I. You and I. We can bring back the light.

[@JF-qe8dc]

My god that was a thing of beauty

[@signofthehammer2640]

2023 and still haven´t found this kind of vibe in any other band

[@kaikaih5771]

Found anything as good?

[@signofthehammer2640]

@@kaikaih5771 actually found GunShip - Monster in paradise

[@kaikaih5771]

@@signofthehammer2640 I can see why you like that but it just doesn't do it for me to be honest

[@Foxarocious]

This was... Everything in my head come to life in a unique way since I first heard Act II years ago... Magnificent, guys and gals...magnificent is the word. Thank you so much. I look forward to more stuff like this, but for now, I just wanna celebrate one of my favorite bands manifesting their longest-held ideas. Godspeed, Proto.

[@JacobHillSBD]

I heard this song years ago in VGHS, I had no idea it was about Mega Man.

[@CrashST2003]

A masterpiece? Yes. Underrated? Definitely. AWESOME AS ALL HELL!? YOU BET YOUR SORRY ASS! This Video is one of the few things that cheer me up when times are tough. It's one of the few pieces of Inspiration for various things. Thank you guys. Remember, no matter how dark this city gets.. there will be LIGHT!

[@TheMightyPatapon]

You guys deserve so much more praise and adulation than you get. Nothing short of a full on rock opera movie could do you all justice.

[@Karls_Clips]

Climb, to the top of the world, and as you stand tall you will see that when you fall, you will fall from a height most men will never reach.

[@therealrogb]

Wow! I literally never see any references to Streets of Fire in any other aspect of pop culture. Well done @Protomen!! 👍👍👍 Ellen Aim would be proud!

[@kellythefury]

That was fuckin insane, hell yeah! Netflix should pick this up hahah

[@treblemarquis5604]

This has been around for an entire year and I’m just now seeing it???!

[@MapleGregs]

HOLY CRAP IT'S OUT

[@InfiniteChances]

I had heard about them before but I finally got to hear them live at PAX East a few hours ago. They are absolutely amazing!

[@thequalitycomedian7842]

A 16 minutes music video... That’s a new one.

[@cliftooze]

Not sure if sarcastic or not. Have you never heard of Thriller by Michael Jackson????

[@thequalitycomedian7842]

cliftooze wait was that really that long? WHY HAVE I NOT SEEN THAT XD

[@expunkstep7226]

There's also that one song by Green Day

[@kingpatrick1265]

But this one's the best out of them all

[@Anon_Spartan]

To be fair we haven't seen music videos this long in nearly 40 years outside of a few special cases. It was definitely more of an 80's thing.

[@coffeeninja88]

I just randomly got this song stuck in my head yesterday and had to listen to it again for the first time in forever. Because of that, this video popped up in my suggestions and I see it's from just a week ago? That's so awesome.

[@gulliman100]

That was pretty cool and had some pretty great camera work.

[@cakecakeham5823]

Where is the fund to make a feature length movie of this album and how do I give it my life savings?

[@MrThetronica]

This. THIS. This needs to be fledged out into a full length feature film.

[@dorkandproudofit]

It would have to be expanded a good deal to fit a feature-length running time, and probably a new song or two added. That said, in the right hands it could be awesome.

[@iSirath12]

this should be a full fledge movie, im interested to know more!

[@stackedjack8886]

That was the greatest Christmas present I could have ever asked for. That was fucking amazing guys, thank you.

[@kokubo399]

Holy shit, this is actually almost exactly how I imagined it.

[@DomoZorroOorroZomoD]

Be well Thomas Light. 🕊️

[@Maverick180c]

I had envisioned the comic book style shown in the beginning ever since I started listening to your music

[@missatralissa]

This was so amazing. Now I just need Act III and my life will be complete. Well, seeing them live would be awesome, but I doubt I'll ever get that lucky.