Styx singer Lawrence Gowan sees band as family, fraternity

STYX lead singer and keyboardist Lawrence Gowan in action in 2012 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by Scott Kiefer
An accomplished musician on his own, Lawrence Gowan received the biggest opportunity of his life when asked to join on of America's iconic rock bands replacing the original keyboardist and co-author of many of the biggest hits the group had. Not only the biggest opportunity, but some big shoes to fill. Since his official joining of the band in May of 1999 as keyboardist and vocalist of Styx, he has adapted to the role, making it his own, brining his own spin to the bands sound, yet keeping it remarkable the same.
On the Midwest Rock and Roll express tour that hits Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Saturday night, fans will once again get to experience the "thrill of a Styx show" as Gowan calls it, alongside touring buddies REO Speedwagon, Ted Nugent, and a special St. Louis appearance by Mama's Pride.
"I joined the band in 1999, and knew all about who Styx was, and what they were all about, because who didn't?" Gowan remarked in an exclusive telephone interview. "Well at least I thought I did. It wasn't until we did the St. Louis show and the Arch Allies DVD with REO that I realized just what the whole Styx factor is. It's really a comaraderie, and it is a family. I know many people say that all the time, but for this band, it really is true."
Gowan said that coming into the band as the 'new guy' mad him a little apprehensive at first, but those feelings quickly went away.
"Of course it was a little nerve racking," Gowan said, "but this was already a professional organization, and we had rehearsals, but getting out there on the stage the first time, was quite something to get over. Everything went well, and 14 years later, well here are."
Talking about replacing Dennis DeYoung is something that Gowan doesn't dwell on, or even makes a common practice.
"Of course I get asked all the time, but it's been so long now, that question doesn't come up as much," Gowan said. "We are just working hard to keep the music of Styx alive and well, and coming up with new music whenever we get the chance. From the time I joined the band, we have looked forward. They were looking forward then, and still are today."
Speaking of the family aspect of the band, Tommy Shaw's daughter, Hannah travels with the band in support of her charity work, Rock to the Rescue. The charity, founded by her father's band, has primarily focused on its animal rescue programs, both nationally and each market the band plays. Since the Boston bombings however, it was collectively decided that the the proceeds from the rest of the tour would go to relief charities there.
The Rock to the Rescue charity organization will be giving away a guitar signed by all three acts as part of a silent raffle at each show.   Seventy-five percent of the proceeds will be donated to a local charity in Boston to help victims of the recent explosions.  The remaining twenty-five percent will be given to local charities in the respective tour market.
"Hannah has been, and is doing such great work the charity," Gowan said. "She is the perfect fit for it too. She represents the band well, and helps us to give back. It's may not be much, but it's the least that we can do, because every little bit helps. Giving the money to the Boston fund was important to us, but it's also important that these local charities get the resources they need as well."
Gowan is continuing to work on solo projects, and is expected to have a solo project finished this year.
"We've been working hard on it," Gowan said. "I think we have most of the recording tracks done, maybe a few more. Now it's on to post-production things. It's just been so busy with Styx, that it's kind of an outside hobby. It's the summer season, but our big tour was in early spring, so I hope to have it completed around the end of the summer."
There is no working title at the moment for the solo project.
"In the meantime, we are going to fishing up the RNR Express Tour, play some other dates throughout the summer at some festivals and things, and enjoy what we're doing. We're looking forward to our annual pilgrimage to St. Louis, and especially with REO and Ted, again this year. We're looking forward to a night full of hits, fun, and just good old rock n' roll with some good old friends."

WHO: Styx
What: The Midwest Rock and Roll Express with REO Speedwagon, Ted Nugent, and Mama's Pride
When: Saturday, May 18
Where: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Tickets: www.livenation.com