There aren’t many bands with a half-century of history, but it’s been that long since a group of young Chicago-area musicians changed their name to Styx upon signing a recording deal. One of the biggest acts in the world from the late ’70s through the early ’80s, Styx weathered changes in musical trends and personnel as they continued along a path that led to their current inspired phase, one that finds them celebrating their 50th anniversary with a return to the Venetian Theater for a five-show engagement, Jan. 28-Feb. 5, with Heart’s Nancy Wilson as opening act.
Had the band not recruited Scottish/Canadian musician Lawrence Gowan in May 1999, Styx may never have made it past the millennium. “In Canada, you couldn’t possibly be unaware of Styx. It was impossible,” the classically trained keyboardist said in an interview with Las Vegas Magazine. “What really impressed me was they were the first American band that had prog-rock leanings. They were doing prog-rock and being successful at it.”
Gowan, a solo star in his home country, had never been able to see Styx live until 1997, when he opened a show for them in Montreal. His exuberant performing style well complements guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw’s effervescent stage presence, and his custom-made rotating keyboard helped enhance the band’s overall showmanship. Gowan’s voice fits songs originated by Dennis DeYoung such as “The Grand Illusion,” “Lady” and “Suite Madame Blue” like a cashmere glove.
His vocals also blend well with Shaw’s and guitarist James “JY” Young’s for Styx’s trademark soaring harmonies, as found in abundance on Styx’s latest album, Crash of the Crown. Despite spending the first act of his early career squarely in the spotlight, Gowan is equally at home sharing it.
“I’ve had years to reflect on why this has worked out so well, and almost effortlessly,” says Gowan. “When I first joined the band, there was never an inference or a suggestion that I try to do an impression or mimic anything that Dennis DeYoung did when he was in the band. He’s got a unique style and made great contributions to the band, obviously, to that point, but when I came in they said, ‘Interpret these songs in the most honest, straightforward way that you can. Basically, make them something than means something to you.’”
Gowan cites the relatability of the lyrics as the main factor in making that possible. He also drew inspiration from how Ron Wood became an integral part of the Rolling Stones and Phil Collins moved from the drums to lead singer in Genesis. “When I got to join Styx, I think something of the spirit of the band survived that change, and it was palatable enough for the band to thrive and move into another era of existence,” he says.
It’s also the era of the spinning keyboard, although Gowan had one made nine years before he joined Styx. “There’s enough slack where I can spin it 12 times one way then 24 times the other way,” says Gowan. “I took it onstage, and people instantly liked it.”
The Venetian, 702.414.9000
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