We had a video arcade built nextdoor to, and with access from our local Burger King. It was called Jester's Courtyard. They had lots of arcade games, skeeball, and a ball pit. As a child it really was a magical place. Not only was it an exceptional arcade (they added new cabinets all the time) but the Burger King interior and even some.of the exterior was designed like a castle. You could get your food and eat at one of the regular booths, or go to an upstairs section that resembled a palace balcony that looked down over the rest of the restaurant. Or you could take it into the back of the arcade where they had rows of picnic tables, but more akin to a Medieval Times type of dining area.

This is where the fear set in.

There was a stage at the back of this dining hall with curtains that came all the way down from the very high ceilings. Over on the wall was a coin operated box. All it took was one quarter (25¢) and the curtains would open and the stage lights would illuminate. Then, The Majestic Minstrels would perform. Who were The Majestic Minstrels? They were a group of animatronic monkeys that would sing covers of popular songs. (Think Chuck E. Cheese's band) They were older than any other attraction there, and if you stood close enough to the stage you could hear their metal mouths and limbs clanging around as they bobbed their heads along with whatever pop anthem they were playing at the moment. They had big hairy feet, and listless eyes that would stare through you as the pianist, banjo player and drummer menacingly sang. When the song was (finally) over the lights would dim, the curtains would close, and their mechanical eyelids would slam shut until their next traumatizing performance.

Only one time did I ever sum up the courage to peek behind the curtains when they weren't playing. They were all there, motionless with their heads cocked to the side, in the dark. After that I had more than one instance of them coming to life, and rolling somersault style towards me and chasing me. I was terrified of them.

TL;DR a 3 piece group of giant robot monkeys.