INTERVIEW: Styx’s Lawrence Gowan opens up on band’s legacy, new fans

 
Styx and Kevin Cronin, the iconic voice and writer behind REO Speedwagon's greatest hits, have one of the strongest brotherly bonds spanning 25 years, especially since they’ve crossed paths on the North American concert trail along with the occasional joint festival concert. Fittingly, next summer they’ll join forces for the sixth time for their “Brotherhood of Rock” tour, along with special guest Don Felder (a former lead guitarist for the Eagles), that will kick off May 28, 2025 in Greenville, SC at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

It wouldn’t be summer without a live celebration of some of the greatest Rock anthems of all time, including “Renegade,” “Keep On Loving You,” “Come Sail Away,” “Can't Fight This Feeling,” and “Hotel California.”

The official trailer for the “Brotherhood of Rock” tour can be seen on Live Nation’s YouTube page.

Styx and Kevin Cronin (as part of REO Speedwagon) first toured together in 2000 and in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks, they came together to form the Rock to the Rescue 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which still collects donations for local charities at every stop on Styx’s on-going tour.

General tickets for the trek, produced by Live Nation, will go on sale starting Friday, December 13 at 10am local time on LiveNation.com. Styx and Kevin Cronin will be offering VIP packages via their own exclusive pre-sales beginning Tuesday, December 10 at 10am local time, as well as at LiveNation.com.

Citi is the official card of the “Brotherhood of Rock” tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets in the U.S. beginning December 9 at 10am local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details, visit www.citientertainment.com.

Canadian fans who are American Express® Cardmembers can get Front Of The Line presale access to purchase tickets to the Toronto show before the general public beginning December 9 at 10am local time at https://www.ticketmaster.ca/americanexpress/94.

“The winter of 1975 I had returned home to Montgomery, Alabama after accepting the fact that there was very little, if any interest from club owners for seven-piece rock bands who played their original songs, (some of which were 10 minutes long) and we’d finally accepted the reality that people wanted disco music hits to dance to,” says STYX singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw. “A musician friend from home called me about a steady gig he and two other local musician friends had in the lounge of the local bowling alley. There was no dance floor, only tables and chairs, and they were playing music from bands like the Eagles, Dan Fogelberg, etc. and singing three-part harmony to locals who were loving it and not wanting to dance. And a steady weekly paycheck! I joined them and spent the rest of that year playing whatever we liked, bought a modest house, bought a used car, and was relieved to be off the road after two years of night club managers who wanted us to play disco. Thinking I’d found a secure life in my hometown, I got a call from a guy named Jim Vosecek, who’d introduced himself to me and the band at a club in Chicago. He explained that he was tour manager of the rock band STYX, that they had just released a new album called EQUINOX, and they were scheduled to embark on their first national tour when a member suddenly quit and left the band. He said to get on the plane they’d booked and come audition. Arriving at O’Hare airport, I met Kevin Cronin who was returning to rejoin his band, REO Speedwagon. It was the beginning of a lifelong friendship that finds us back on the road together, this time under much different circumstances! The BROTHERHOOD of ROCK is stronger than ever!”

“I remember seeing Tommy’s seven-piece funk/rock band at the Rush Up club in Chicago, during my mid-‘70s REO hiatus, and then bumping into him at O’Hare Airport a few weeks later,” remembers Kevin Cronin. “In no time I was back in REO Speedwagon and Tommy had become the newest member of Styx. REO and Styx dominated the Billboard charts in 1981 with HI INFIDELITY and PARADISE THEATRE, but for reasons unknown we had never toured together. So in the year 2000, Tommy and I decided to give it a shot. The ‘Arch Allies’ tour was a smashing success, and a life-long friendship was formed. Now, here we are 25 years later, having always had each other’s back, and psyched for our bands to join forces once again for the ‘Brotherhood of Rock’ tour. A lot has changed since that chance encounter at the airport in 1975, but our brotherhood has only become stronger through the years, as the songs of Styx and REO Speedwagon have found a place in the hearts and souls of people all across America.”

“I’m so excited to be hitting the road this summer with my friends Styx and Kevin Cronin,” declares Don Felder. “It’s such a great line up full of hit songs and lots of ROCK AND ROLL!!! We have so much fun together both on stage and off stage that it’s hard to find a more wonderful combination of great music and great friends. This is one show you won’t want to miss. See you soon.”

PICTURE DISC AND
LIMITED-EDITION INDIVIDUALLY NUMBERED SILVER VINYL
AVAILABLE AT ALL TOUR STOPS STARTING JUNE 11
AND SELECT RETAIL JULY 12

“Cold As Ice,” “Too Much Time On My Hands,” “Juke Box Hero,” “Renegade” and more! Nothing sounds more like the soundtrack of summer than STYX’s and FOREIGNER’s biggest hits. Recently announced as inductees to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, FOREIGNER hits the road in June co-headlining the “Renegades & Juke Box Heroes” trek with STYX and special guest John Waite. Adding to the excitement, STYX and FOREIGNER announce RENEGADES & JUKE BOX HEROES, a very special limited-edition companion album, available exclusively at tour stops starting June 11 and at select retail on July 12.

This must-have collector’s album, available as a picture disc or in elegant silver vinyl, features both bands’ greatest hits and was mastered for vinyl by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound with lacquers cut by Joe Nino-Hernes. Tracks include FOREIGNER’s most beloved hits including “Feels Like The First Time,” “Cold As Ice”, and the worldwide #1 hit, “I Want To Know What Love Is,” alongside STYX massive hits “Blue Collar Man (Long Nights),” “Come Sail Away” and “Renegade,” and more.

Just 1,000 copies of the picture disc and only 5,000 individually numbered copies of the silver edition are available. With many tour dates already selling out, demand is sure to be high. When they are gone, they’re gone for good! A 13-track CD featuring all three artists and including the vinyl tracks is also available. The songs are available on all digital outlets. The picture disc will be available at https://foreigner.merchmadeeasy.com/products/renegades-jukebox-heroes-picture-disc and the silver edition will be available on Amazon on July 12.

The “Renegades & Juke Box Heroes” tour is set to launch June 11 in Grand Rapids, MI at the Van Andel Arena. John Waite’s #1 songs, “Missing You” and “When I See You Smile” will help ensure a summer evening of feel-good anthems. Tickets are going fast, available at LiveNation.com. For more information, please visit www.foreigneronline.com or www.styxworld.com.

May 17, 2024 -- Legendary group STYX begins its tour in the Maritimes and Quebec this evening and will play shows in Moncton (5/17), Summerside (5/18), Halifax (5/19), Laval (5/21), Trois-Rivières Rivières (5/22), Alma (5/24) and Quebec City (5/25). Tickets are available HERE. Juno Award winner and bilingual artist from Fredericton David Myles, heir to Johnny Cash, JJ Cale and Buddy Holly will open for all shows.

51 years ago today, Styx signed their first recording contract with Wooden Nickel Records on February 22, 1972. Not only that, but Kilroy Was Here was released 40 years ago today in 1983, and Damn Yankees was released 33 years ago today in 1990. In a Styxworld exclusive, co-founding bandmembers guitarist/vocalist James “JY“ Young and bassist Chuck Panozzo, as well as their bandmates guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw, keyboardist/vocalist Lawrence Gowan, drummer Todd Sucherman, bassist Ricky Phillips, and guitarist/vocalist Will Evankovich along with special guests Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen and Damn Yankees producer Ron Nevison share intimate insider details about the band's first 51 years (and counting).

20 years ago today, Styx released Cyclorama, their 14th studio album, on February 18, 2003. In a Styxworld exclusive, guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw, co-founding guitarist/vocalist James “JY” Young, keyboardist/vocalist Lawrence Gowan, drummer Todd Sucherman, former bandmember Glen Burtnik, the late producer Gary Loizzo, the late drum tech Paul Carrizzo, and lighting director/designer Libby Gray all chime in to tell us the tale of how Cyclorama came to be, and how it continues to live on in our hearts and minds today. 

42 years ago today on January 19, 1981, Styx made history by releasing their tenth studio album, Paradise Theatre, on A&M Records. In a Styxworld exclusive, co-founding guitarist/vocalist James “JY” Young, guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw, and co-founding bassist Chuck Panozzo, tell us how it all came together, while current bandmembers keyboardist/vocalist Lawrence Gowan, drummer Todd Sucherman, and guitarist/vocalist Will Evankovich (along with a few other notable musicians) tell us how much this classic album still impacts them to this day.

47 years ago today, Styx’s fifth studio album, Equinox, was released on December 1, 1975. In a Styxworld exclusive, co-founding bandmembers guitarist/vocalist James “JY” Young and bassist Chuck Panozzo tell us how Equinox was made, while guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw — who joined Styx fulltime less than two weeks after the album’s release! — along with keyboardist/vocalist Lawrence Gowan and guitarist/vocalist Will Evankovich, share their thoughts about what it’s like to play a good number of the album’s perennially great songs live and how Equinox continues to impact them to this day.

This limited-edition art print of 'Man of Miracles' is open for pre-order now. Published in collaboration with the cover artist, Leon Rosenblatt, and the band itself, this special edition marks the occasion of Styx's 50th Anniversary.

In Memory of Susan Young

48 years ago today, Styx released Man of Miracles, their fourth studio album, and final one for Wooden Nickel Records, on November 8, 1974. Co-founding bandmembers guitarist/vocalist James “JY” Young and bassist Chuck Panozzo tell Styxworld exclusively how Man of Miracles came to be, and how it showed the band beginning to stretch their creative muscles even further in the studio.

43 years ago today, A&M Records released Styx’s ninth studio album, Cornerstone, on October 19, 1979. In a Styxworld exclusive, guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw, co-founding bassist Chuck Panozzo, and co-founding guitarist/vocalist James “JY” Young tell us how all the building blocks for Cornerstone fell into place, with additional commentary from the band’s late, great co-producer/engineer Gary Loizzo and newest bandmember, guitarist/vocalist Will Evankovich. 

Enter for a chance to win a Styx merch pack ft. Tour Tees, Vinyl and more! Be sure to come back daily to earn more entries. Good luck! Styx "Rocktober" Giveaway

46 years ago today, Styx released Crystal Ball, their sixth studio album and first to feature Tommy Shaw on guitar and vocals, on October 1, 1976. In a Styxworld exclusive, Shaw, co-founding guitarist/vocalist James “JY” Young, and co-founding bassist Chuck Panozzo tell us how the album came together, in addition to their newest bandmember guitarist/vocalist Will Evankovich, co-founding Heart guitarist/vocalist Nancy Wilson, and Loverboy lead singer Mike Reno also tell us just how important the album is to each of them to this day.

44 years ago today, Styx’s mega-triple-platinum smash success Pieces of Eight was released by A&M Records on September 1, 1978. In a Styxworld exclusive, guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw and cofounding guitarist/vocalist James “JY” Young tell us how the album was made, plus album designer Aubrey “Po” Powell reveals the secrets of that forever-mystical cover art, Pittsburgh Steelers legends Kevin Greene and Jerome Bettis share why “Renegade” remains important to the team from both sides of the ball, and newest bandmember guitarist/vocalist Will Evankovich tells us what it’s like to be able to play some of Po8’s most iconic songs onstage night after night.

45 years ago today, Styx released their 7th album, The Grand Illusion, on July 7, 1977. In a Styxworld exclusive, all seven bandmembers — James “JY” Young, Tommy Shaw, Chuck Panozzo, Lawrence Gowan, Ricky Phillips, Todd Sucherman, and Will Evankovich — tell us why the album rightly remains the most heralded release in the entire Styx canon.

Ozark music supervisor Gabe Hilfer discusses how integral music is in general to the flavor of every Ozark episode, how the show’s lead actress Laura Linney interacted with the music she “heard” playing in her character Wendy Byrde’s car, and why Styx’s “Renegade” was the hands-down perfect choice for inclusion in the series’ next-to-last episode. 

Styx’s 17th studio album, Crash of the Crown, was released exactly one year ago today on June 18, 2021. In a Styxworld exclusive, every single bandmember tells us in fine detail how each prong of this vaunted recording came together to comprise one of the very best albums Styx has ever made.

Styx’s 16th studio album, The Mission, was released exactly five years ago today on June 16, 2017. In a Styxworld exclusive, every single bandmember tells the inside tale about how this most cosmically epic entry in the vaunted Styx canon came to be.

Legendary Greek-born album cover artist IOANNIS is once again collaborating with the band STYX. Celebrating their 50th anniversary and tour by creating a series of limited edition signed prints of his cover artwork for the band.

17 years ago today, Styx released Big Bang Theory on May 10, 2005. In a Styxworld exclusive, the entire band tells us the tale of how BBT came to be, and they assess the album’s continuing legacy — plus, a few other special guests chime in about it as well.

Styx drummer Todd Sucherman shares his fondest memories of his longtime drum tech Paul Carrizzo, who passed away last week at age 68.

In loving memory of longtime Styx drum tech Paul "Paulie" Carrizzo, who passed away at age 68 on March 16.

50 years ago today, Styx signed their very first recording contract with Wooden Nickel Records on February 22, 1972. To properly celebrate such a momentous, golden milestone in the history of the band, Styxworld speaks exclusively to co-founding members James “JY” Young and Chuck Panozzo — as well as guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw, keyboardist/vocalist Lawrence Gowan, drummer Todd Sucherman, bassist/vocalist Ricky Phillips, and guitarist/vocalist Will Evankovich — in order to garner their feelings about our favorite band turning 50 years young.

Cyclorama, Styx’s 14th studio album and their first full-length collection of all-original material of the 2000s, was released 19 years ago today on February 18, 2003. In a Styxworld exclusive, guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw, co-founding guitarist/vocalist James “JY” Young, keyboardist/vocalist Lawrence Gowan, drummer Todd Sucherman, former bandmember Glen Burtnik, the late producer Gary Loizzo, drum tech Paul Carrizzo, and lighting director/designer Libby Gray all chime in to tell us the tale of how Cyclorama came to be, and how it continues to live on in our hearts and minds today. 

41 years ago today, Styx released their tenth studio album, Paradise Theatre, on A&M Records on January 19, 1981. In a Styxworld exclusive, guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw, co-founding guitarist/vocalist James “JY” Young, and co-founding bassist Chuck Panozzo tell us what it took to make Paradise work, along with additional comments and insight from keyboardist/vocalist Lawrence Gowan, guitarist/vocalist Will Evankovich, and a few other special guests.

Fan Club and VIP Presale begins Monday, 12/6/21 at 10am local time.
It’s been four years since legendary rockers REO Speedwagon and Styx joined forces for a summer co-headlining tour. While the world has changed since then, fans’ desire to rock out hasn’t. Styx and REO Speedwagon are telling you to close those laptops and get out of your sweatpants, because they’re set to once again bring their rock & roll classics to the masses, this time with special guest Loverboy for the “Live & UnZoomed” tour that kicks off May 31, 2022 in Grand Rapids, MI at the Van Andel Arena.

Styx released their fifth studio album, Equinox, 46 years ago today on December 1, 1975. In a Styxworld exclusive, bandmembers James “JY” Young, Tommy Shaw, Chuck Panozzo, Lawrence Gowan, and Will Evankovich join us in this celebration to tell us how the album was forged, and how it continues to resonate to this day.

15 years ago today, Styx released their seventh live album, One With Everything: Styx and the Contemporary Youth Orchestra, on November 14, 2006. In a Styxworld exclusive, guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw, conductor Liza Grossman, and Contemporary Youth Orchestra alums Lavinia Pavlish and David B. Ellis tell us how this truly magical show was conducted from start to finish.

Man of Miracles, Styx’s fourth studio album, was released 47 years ago today by Wooden Nickel Records on November 8, 1974. In a Styxworld exclusive, co-founding bandmembers James “JY” Young and Chuck Panozzo tell us the inside tales about how Miracles came to pass.

42 years ago today, Styx released their ninth album, Cornerstone, on October 19, 1979. In a Styxworld exclusive, bandmembers Tommy Shaw, Chuck Panozzo, and James “JY” Young tell us how it all came together, while Will Evankovich, Lawrence Gowan, and the late great producer Gary Loizzo share additional insight.

45 years ago today, Styx released Crystal Ball, their sixth studio album and the first to feature Tommy Shaw on guitar and vocals, on October 1, 1976. In a Styxworld exclusive, bandmembers Tommy Shaw, James “JY” Young, and Chuck Panozzo tell us so many things we need to know about how the album was made, and newest bandmember Will Evankovich and Loverboy vocalist Mike Reno share how the album (and most especially its title track) continues to impact them to this day.

43 years ago today, Styx released their eighth studio album, Pieces of Eight, on September 1, 1978. In a Styxworld exclusive, bandmembers Tommy Shaw, James “JY” Young, and Will Evankovich share their insights about the album's songs and their enduring legacy, along with additional exclusive comments from Hipgnosis creative director Audrey  “Po” Powell about designing the album's unique cover artwork, guitar guru Steve Lukather on his favorite Po8 song, and Pittsburgh Steelers legends Kevin Greene and Jerome “The Bus“ Bettis on the impact “Renegade“ continues to have on Steelers Nation. Oh Mama!!

Remembering the always upbeat founding Styx drummer John Panozzo, who passed away 25 years ago today on July 16, 1996.

Styx’s biggest-selling album, The Grand Illusion, was released 44 years ago today by A&M Records on the cosmically cool stardate of July 7, 1977. In a Styxworld exclusive, all seven bandmembers recount the impact The Grand Illusion has had over the years — and continues to have, day in and day out. 

Styxworld exclusive! Every member of Styx discusses the ins and outs of how Crash of the Crown, the band’s truly transcendent 17th studio album that’s being released today, June 18, 2021, came to be.

Celebrating the four-year anniversary of the release of Styx’s most cosmic and most vibrant studio album, The Mission, which was released on June 16, 2017.

Styxworld Exclusive! Styx discuss the making of The Same Stardust, the band’s first-ever official EP release that comes out exclusively on 12-inch vinyl today in celebration of Record Store Day on June 12, 2021.

Styx’s 17th studio album, Crash of the Crown, is set for release on June 18, 2021. The entire band discusses how it all came to be, in a story you’ll only see right here on Styxworld.

Join us in this celebration of Styx’s magically inspired covers album Big Bang Theory, which was released on May 10, 2005.

Styx’s 17th studio album, Crash of the Crown, is set for release on June 18, 2021. The entire band discusses how it all came to be, in a story you’ll only see right here on Styxworld.

Three key reasons why February 22 is one of the most important dates in Styx history: 1) The band signed their first recording contract 49 years ago today on February 22, 1972; 2) they released Kilroy Was Here 38 years ago today on February 22, 1983; and 3) Tommy Shaw and Damn Yankees released their self-titled debut 31 years ago today on February 22, 1990. In a Styxworld exclusive, guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw, co-founding guitarist/vocalist James “JY” Young, and co-founding bassist Chuck Panozzo give us all the inside details — with special additional commentary from keyboardist/vocalist Lawrence Gowan.

Cyclorama, Styx’s first full-length studio album of all-original material of the 2000s, was released 18 years ago today on February 18, 2003. In a Styxworld exclusive, guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw recalls the unique location for recording some of Cyclorama’s vocal tracks, the initial and wisely discarded title for “One With Everything,” and the evergreen poignancy of “Genki Desu Ka.”

40 years ago today, Styx’s tenth studio album, Paradise Theatre, was released by A&M Records on January 19, 1981. In a Styxworld exclusive, bandmembers Tommy Shaw, James “JY” Young, and Chuck Panozzo tell the inside tale of how this fine slice of recorded Paradise came to be.

Remembering our good friend Kevin Greene, the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame outside linebacker and all-time Pittsburgh Steelers great who was also one of the biggest Styx fans you'd ever meet.

STYX has just released a video for its classic hit "Too Much Time On My Hands", filmed from the band's home studios in support of the Pittsburgh #SteelersNation and their game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Check it out below!

Equinox, Styx’s fifth studio album, was released 45 years ago today on December 1, 1975. Co-founding guitarist/vocalist James “JY“ Young and co-founding bassist Chuck Panozzo tell Styxworld exclusively how it was made, guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw shares what it was like joining the band mere weeks after the album was released, and keyboardist/vocalist Lawrence Gowan notes how it impacted him years before he joined the band.

One With Everything: Styx and the Contemporary Youth Orchestra, Styx’s seventh live album, was released by NewDoor/UMe 14 years ago today on November 14, 2006. Guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw, then-CYO conductor Liza Grossman, and onetime CYO members Lavinia Pavlish and David Ellis exclusively tell Styxworld how it all came together.

Man of Miracles, Styx’s fourth studio album, was released 46 years ago today by Wooden Nickel Records on November 8, 1974. In a Styxworld exclusive, co-founding guitarist/vocalist James “JY” Young and co-founding bassist Chuck Panozzo tell us how it all came together.

Celebrating Cornerstone, Styx’s ninth studio album, which was released 41 years ago today by A&M Records on October 19, 1979. Bandmembers Tommy Shaw, Chuck Panozzo, and James “JY” Young, along with their late, great producer/engineer Gary Loizzo, share their memories of recording Cornerstone exclusively with Styxworld.

White Castle®, America's first fast-food hamburger chain, has been an inspiration to artists and bands for decades. The home of The Original Slider® celebrated titans of the music industry by inducting three extraordinary Cravers into its exclusive Cravers Hall of Fame.

STYX singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw, renowned concert promoter Danny Zelisko, and the late singer-songwriter John Prine join fellow legends in the Castle halls of Crave. John Prine very sadly passed away in April 2020 due to complications caused by COVID-19.

Reserved for the most devout fans, White Castle's Cravers Hall of Fame has been inducting legends from main street to the main stage for nearly 20 years. Among the well-known honorees are rock icon Alice Cooper, the late comic pioneer Stan Lee, and the stars of "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle," John Cho and Kal Penn.