Styx has been a major influence in the music world for over four decades. Over the years, they have gained a loyal fan base spanning many generations. These loyal followers come from all over and enjoy Styx on the road during their numerous tours. Since Styx began, they have produced some mega hits such as “Renegade,” “Come Sail Away,” and “Mr.Roboto.” Though some of their members have changed, their music has stayed consistent with a classic rock sound that is instantly recognizable and loved by many. Members include Chuck Panozzo, James “J.Y.” Young, Tommy Shaw, Todd Sucherman, Ricky Phillips and Lawrence Gowan. Gowan recently chatted with us about all things STYX, giving us an inside look into one of today’s most well known classic rock bands.

Who would you say inspires you as an artist?

I would say Beethoven, Woody Allen, John, Paul, George and Ringo, Freddie Mercury, and Salvador Dali.

How do you use their influence in your daily life?

I think somehow, like anyone who has people that they admire, incorporate some of the ideals of that person into your own existence. Some of the ways that you do that are subtle and some of them are very obvious. For myself, obviously, the musical inspiration that I have manifests itself in my pursuit of music. But also what people can do artistically I find astounding as well. I’d have a couple more names to add to that list… I’ve never made one like that before and I like it. I’m going to add Neil Armstrong and Bobby Orr.

Read more of this interview with Lawrence Gowan at PopEntertainment.com!

Photo by Ally Abramson