Lead Vocalist & Keyboard Player With Classic Rock Icons Has Been Enjoying Band's Legacy For Half of Their 54 Years

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

Formed in 1972 Styx arguably have one of the most legendary song catalogs of any classic rock band. 54 years later vocalist and keyboard player Lawrence Gowan has celebrated half of the bands legacy, replacing original founding member Dennis DeYoung in 1999. 

"It's quite remarkable, I'm heading into my 27th year with the band. The original goal was to extend the life of the band another five years. But we soon realized there was a potential for longevity. Now we don't talk about when it might end, rather how can we continue. It's become more open-ended." He adds, "I'm proud of my tenure with the band. Eventually the gods of rock will let us know when it's time to call it quits."

Long before he took over as the lead singer for Styx, Gowan had built a decent resume as a solo artist in his native Canada. A gifted pianist Gowan was born in Scotland, reared in Canada, graduating from Toronto's famed Royal Conservatory of Music, in the mid 1970's before embarking on an entertainment career. "I had a platinum selling album and a platinum single. I had established a huge following in Canada, so life was pretty good for me."

A short lived gig with the group Rhinegold paved the way for him going out on his own in 1981. His debut release under his last name garnered rave reviews but it was his follow up album 'Strange Animal' and the single 'A Criminal Mind' that caught the attention of Canadian radio. '(You're a) Strange Animal', 'Moonlight Desires', 'All The Lovers In The World', and 'When There's Time (For Love)' would become Top 10 singles, carrying his success into the 1990's earning Gowan numerous industry awards and nominations in Canada.

Oddly with his success in Canada, he never crossed over to the United States. "I was on a major label so I'm not certain why I didn't get airplay here in America. The industry is sometimes confusing. There were a lot of artists in the 70's, 80's, & 90's that you never heard here in the States."

Making headway in America isn't always a given. "Even then we'd hear bands from England that never got released in America. I had won some JUNO Awards (excellence in music handed out by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences), so primarily life was good."

Gowan sensed his calling early on in life. "Honestly, since I was a young kid, this is all I've ever wanted to do. I love playing music and relating to a live audience. I never imagined doing anything else. And becoming a full time member of Styx only added to my childhood dreams."

Ironically, how it all unfolded with Styx was due to Gowan opening for the band two nights during their 1997 Canadian tour. His larger than life stage persona caught the eye of long time Styx guitarist Tommy Shaw. "I opened for them during a couple of shows. What's weird about it, I hadn't opened for anyone in over 15 years when I did that gig with Styx at the Montreal Forum. Of course I was already well-known in Canada and had a good following, so I'm sure that's why the promoter put me on the bill."

As they say the audience went wild. "The reaction from the crowd must have reached backstage because all of a sudden the bandmembers from Styx are alongside the stage. When I came off I can remember Tommy (Shaw) saying to me, 'that's the first time anyone who's opened for us did two encores. I think we'll be seeing you again in the future."

A little over a year later Gowan recalls that remark coming full circle after getting a call from Shaw. "At first I immediately assumed they wanted me to tour with them and open their shows in America. I envisioned that would be a great way for audiences in the States to hear my music, and maybe discover what I had been doing for the past 20 years. This is still before the internet boom and YouTube, so music fans in America didn't know who I was."

Gowan had no idea they were looking to part ways with DeYoung, and replace him in the band. Although he was extended a golden ticket to the big time Gowan didn't say yes immediately. "It's not like I held out for long, but I had to grasp the reality of it. They were asking me to become a member of the band and take on a key role in the band. I told Tommy I needed an hour to think about it. So right after we hung up I went and listened to 'Grand Illusion' and 'Pieces of Eight' to further immerse myself in the decision making process."

However, Gowan knew it was meant to be. "Ultimately it was an offer I couldn't turn down. I looked at it back then as I do now. It was the second chapter in my musical career. I had a good solo career and played music for a living and now I was afforded an opportunity to become a member of one of the greatest rock n' roll bands of all time. Still to this day I feel honored to be a part of the band."

There was the usual getting to know each other. "After I accepted Tommy's offer I said we need to test this out. I went down to his place in Los Angeles and JY (guitarist James Young) and the others we all got together to see how we would fit together. It's amazing because we gelled immediately. I had no reservations after we jammed. It was simpatico right away." It wasn't until a short while later that it sunk in. "Suddenly it hit me. I just joined an awesome classic rock band."

Gowan admits that two areas concerned him most about becoming a vocalist and keyboard player with Styx. "The spirit of the band had to stay intact. The way we all reacted with each other and just the overall camaraderie of the band. Secondly and just as important to me was the integrity of the songs. You're talking about a band that has some of the most recognizable songs in the history of rock music. The authenticity of the songs and the way they are delivered mean a lot to the fans."

69 years young, Gowan was a fan of Styx long before his solo career even took shape. "I remember when I was about 16 or 17 discovering Styx. I've always been into progressive rock, and being a keyboardist, bands that have a strong piano presence always caught my attention. I was into bands such as Genesis, ELP (Emerson Lake & Palmer), Queen, and Elton John. So when Styx hit I was drawn to them right away. I believe Styx actually gained more traction in Canada early on, with songs like 'Suite Madame Blue' and 'Lorelei'."

If you're wondering how popular Lawrence Gowan is in Canada, in 2011 he was awarded a star on the Scarborough Walk of Fame. "It's heartwarming to grow up in a part of the landscape of Canada you feel that embraces what you do. Scarborough is a district on the eastside of Toronto. A lot of talent has come out of there. Mike Meyers and the Bare Naked Ladies are from Scarborough. I'm humbled and honored to be recognized in my hometown."

27 plus years as a respected member of the band, Gowan has established his own history with Styx. "Even though I've been with them for this long, quite honestly I'm still honored to a part of the the band's legacy. I love making new records with the guys and getting them signed. Looking back, I had a decent solo career and then I was given the opportunity to take another musical path. I feel extremely fortunate to be where I'm at."

All total, Gowan has recorded five albums with Styx. His second with them (the band's 15th overall) was 'Big Bang Theory', their first ever album covering songs of the classic rock era. "What a fun project." 

It all came about via another rock n' roll legend. "We played Eric Clapton's festival, and everyone was performing blues songs. We wanted to do something different. We went out and did 'I Am the Walrus' (the Beatles). Our version went out live on the radio and was met with overwhelming response."

Gowan says that lit a spark. "We thought it would be great to do an entire album of covers." He adds, it was a collaborative effort. "Everyone had a say. Basically we all carried two or three songs in we wanted to cover. For my part I brought in 'A Salty Dog' (Procol Harum) and the R&B song 'I Don't Need No Doctor' (Ray Charles).'

He adds, "I also brought in 'Talkin' About the Good Times' from The Pretty Things (60's English rock band hugely successful in the UK). I had a connection to the song." Released in 2005 among the 14 tracks on 'Big Bang Theory' include 'Locomotive Breath' (Jethro Tull), 'I Can See For Miles and Miles' (The Who), 'Summer In the City' (Lovin' Spoonful), and 'Manic Depression' (Jimi Hendrix Experience). "What's really cool is we all provided vocals on the album."

While the Styx lineup in the 21st century has been mostly consistent, including founding member James (JY) Young and Tommy Shaw or guitars, long time bass player Ricky Phillips (formerly with The Babys & Bad English) decided to hang up his bass guitar after 20 years with the band in 2024.

Phillips' replacement is no stranger to Gowan, because it just happens to be his younger brother Terry Gowan. "I had a 14 year solo career before joining Styx, and I toured extensively from 1985 to 1993, playing to sold out seven and eight thousand seat arenas. Terry was always a part of that. When I revived my solo career back in 2010 Terry was with me."

According to Gowan it was an easy transition. "It was Todd (Sucherman) who actually suggested that Terry take Ricky's place. Todd had been working alongside me during my solo gigs away from Styx, so he knew Terry had talent. It just seemed like a natural progression." Gowan's overall sense of having Terry alongside him on the Styx stage. "It's surreal. All the guys in the band are like family to me, but having my actual brother in the band is truly something special."

How does Gowan describe the legacy of Styx. "They are tied into the great musical statement of the 20th century. The songs have stood the test of time and have made a huge impression on people. With four successful platinum records Styx are firmly entrenched in the whole classic rock era."

With 16 easily recognizable rock n' roll staples including 'Come Sail Away', 'Renegade', 'Babe', 'Show Me The Way', 'Too Much Time On My Hands', and 'The Best of Times' Styx have a juggernaut of songs for fans to enjoy. So the lingering question remains, 'why aren't they among the bands represented in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame.

As there is every year, fans petition to have certain bands inducted into the HOF. Gowan admits JY and Tommy don't dwell on the yearly snub. "For them it's usually a 30 second conversation and then they move on. I find it quite baffling, given the band's impact and legacy in rock n' roll over the past 50 years." On a more serious note, "It would nice if it happened. Styx certainly deserve it. I'm not sure how that would look when it comes to the ceremony, but that's not for me to decide, but the band definitely deserves it."

During his downtime from Styx Gowan still records and tours playing his own music. "Besides being able to share the stage with great musicians and perform some of the greatest songs ever for appreciative fans, I feel fortunate to be able to do my own thing. I enjoy the best of both worlds."

Apparently it's rejuvenating for Gowan and the band. "It's very cool. I get to sing with Styx and then I can go off and do solo shows. And I do those with my brother and with Todd (Styx drummer)." Gowan believes there is an added benefit. "It sharpens my skills. Tommy says every time I do 10 or 15 solo shows I bring something special back to Styx."

While Styx exist on their arsenal of hit songs from the 1970's and 1980's, they've continued to release albums well after 2000. Their most recent 'Circling From Above', (the first with Terry on bass) was released in July of last year. Goldmine Magazine rated it as one of the 11 top progressive albums of 2025, mainly due to bridging vintage Styx with today. 

Gowan agrees. "The focus on the musical element of the album is classic Styx, similar to he feel of 'Grand Illusion'. However, the lyrics are concurrent with today, with what's happening around us."

That sentiment is evident in the album's debut single 'Build and Destroy, a track carrying a thoughtful, cautionary, and slightly dark sentiment, exploring the tension between human creation, technological advancement, and environmental consequences. "It's the whole tone of humanity vs. nature."

While their concerts are primarily focused on songs from their heyday, with newer ones occasionally thrown in the mix, Gowan says continuing to write new songs is essential. "It's the lifeblood of any band. Certainly fans want to hear the songs they're familiar with, but for band it's critically important to keep challenging ourselves lyrically and in the recording studio."

Aside from founding member James Young aka JY (vocals, lead guitar), Shaw (vocals, guitar) whose been with the band since 1976, and Gowan (vocals, keyboard), the rest of the Styx lineup include Sucherman (1995) on drums, Will Evankovich (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars) who joined the the band in 2021 after producing their 'Crash Of the Crown' album, with the final touring member in 2024 becoming Lawrence's brother Terry on bass guitar.

Bassist and founding member Chuck Panozzo is still active with the band on a part time basis. According to Gowan it's strong and seasoned lineup. "It's a well oiled machine. We're all dedicated musicians who not only want to record good music, but put on a great show every time we're on stage. Fans realize that when they see us perform live."

54 years and counting, Gowan sees no foreseeable end to Styx. "When I became a permanent member in 1999 the mandate from JY and Tommy was let's play 100 shows a year, and hopefully extend the life of the band five years." Just how did that timeline keep going on. "I was the first major member change in the band. So we decided to play cities we've never played before. Essentially extending our fan base."

Gowan adds the band's draw went deeper. "The internet was blossoming back then. You couldn't download live concerts. However fans, including newer fans were seeking reality. You have to remember classic rock was the musical statement of nearly half of the 20th century. Children of baby boomers or their younger siblings who came up during the grunge or rap era were suddenly introduced to bands like Styx, no doubt drawn in due to the strength of the songs, and by the musicianship."

Without question Styx are seeing a generational change. "Around 2008, nine years into our five year experiment we started seeing younger audiences." Gowan credits newer bands for supplying additional interest. "Of course. When bands like Muse or Keane sample or cover songs from Queen or Led Zeppelin, that only helps younger audiences gain knowledge of bands that came before them."

The bottom line. "Our music is reaching a new audience, and that's a good thing." With that in the equation there's no finish line for Styx in sight. "Obviously it will end at some point, but as long as we're healthy and the touring gods allow, we will be out on the road." Adding, "When the 'gods of rock n' roll' ring the final bell, we'll know." 

Charleston SC fans of Styx will have their opportunity to see them live when they perform live at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center on Wednesday April 22nd. Concert kicks off at 7:30pm. For tickets and info visit https://www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com/events/detail/styx-1 For their 2026 tour dates visit https://styxworld.com/pages/tour

What can fans expect. "All the songs they have become accustom to plus a few new tracks. We know how to rock, and fans are fully satisfied when they leave." 

One final note. Gowan welcomes being a tourist when he's out on he road. Perhaps it's the best way to catch a glimpse of him away from the stage. "I walk around every American city I can. I try to drink in as much of the cities I'm fortunate to perform in when I'm in their part of the world. Cities such as Charleston with its rich history really has an appeal to me. Usually I'll buy a patch or some artwork to remind me of my visit. Often it's a new book to read while I'm on tour."