Gowan article in today's Sun newspaper

[Jodes]

This was in today's Edmonton Sun newspaper, and coast to coast in the "Sun Franchise"

NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. — The question still makes Lawrence Gowan chuckle: Why put a successful solo career on the shelf to join a band? Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around?

It was the mid ‘90s, he was about to release a Greatest Hits album, and he was still drawing crowds in Canada thanks to ‘80s staples like “Moonlight Desires” and “A Criminal Mind.”

That’s when his publicist suggested he should think about joining a band. The year before, Genesis was looking for a new lead singer and she thought Gowan would have been ideal.

Join a band? He had been a solo singer for 14 years – why would he do that? Then he started thinking about it. Joining Van Halen didn’t hurt Sammy Hagar’s career. Ditto for Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham with Fleetwood Mac.

“I suddenly realized, it’s not that crazy,” says Gowan, a staple on Canadian radio in the mid ‘80s. “I didn’t think about it any further.

But less than a week later, Tommy Shaw asked me if I would join Styx. I thought, okay, the universe is trying to tell me something right now, and for once I’m going to listen.”

Twelve years later, Gowan is just about to enjoy the longest tenure as Styx’s lead singer. Though founding member Dennis DeYoung was with the band on and off for nearly 30 years, Gowan’s seamless stint has been without the drama and bickering. And while Styx isn’t topping the charts any more, they continue to pack theatres and concert halls.

Two years ago, DeYoung headlined the New Year’s Eve show down at Queen Victoria Park. This year, the rest of Styx - with Gowan - ring in 2010.

It seemed like an odd pairing at first, even to Gowan. He recalls his manager once asking if he wanted to open for Styx at the new Molson Centre (now called the Centre Bell). Gowan hesitated, believing his days as an opening act were over. But the huge crowd was tempting, and he missed hearing his songs in an arena setting.

The rest of Styx watched his set backstage, and when they chose a new singer a year and a half later, Gowan was their man.

It meant compromise from both camps. Gowan gave up his solo career to play several songs written by DeYoung. But Styx also gives Gowan the spotlight every show, often performing “A Criminal Mind” (especially in Canada). Some U.S. fans even think it’s a new Styx song.

“I want this band to work … so sometimes you have to subjugate your own ego-driven moments (laughs) to the greater cause,” says Gowan. “As a more seasoned musician, you’re more apt to make the right call in a lot of those situations.”

For Styx, the road to Gowan was littered with plenty of fights and bruised egos. Guitarist Shaw was regarded as the rocker, penning some of the band’s arena favourites (“Renegade,” “Too Much Time on My Hands”).

But starting with the syrupy chart-topper “Babe” in 1979, DeYoung started asserting control with more pop-based, theatrical songs (“The Best of Times”). It came to a head with 1983’s “Kilroy Was Here,” a concept album about a future where rock music is banned. Though it spawned one of Styx’s biggest hits (“Mr. Roboto”), it was essentially DeYoung’s project and caused an irreparable rift in the band.

There would be sporadic comebacks, with and without Shaw and DeYoung, and the tension continued. When the band brought Gowan aboard, DeYoung launched a lawsuit which was settled eight years ago.

Since then, DeYoung has been practically banished from the band’s bio, and only a few of his hits are in the set list (don’t expect “Mr. Roboto” on New Year’s Eve).

“From the very first moment we sang together, (the band) was not looking for a soundalike in any way,” says Gowan. “They had guys chomping at the bit to do that, but I said to them, “I can’t sound like him – I’m going to put as much of my own personality into those songs and relate to those lyrics as honestly as I can.’”

Suddenly, Gowan was part of a collective with songs that still endure, despite an endless drubbing from critics. Styx shows up in movies (“Big Daddy,” “The Virgin Suicides”) and TV shows (“Freaks & Geeks,” “Sex and the City”). Adam Sandler is a huge fan and was even thanked in the 1999 album “Brave New World”.

In the “South Park” Season 2 episode “Cartman’s Mom is Still a Dirty Slut,” Cartman reveals he can’t hear the beginning of “Come Sail Away” without rushing through to the end.

The series finale of “The Sopranos” gave Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” a new life. Styx has a similar catalogue ripe for pop culture picking.

“I wasn’t there when those songs were written” says Gowan, “but I am part of what they continue to be, especially in a live setting.”

Now firmly part of the Styx family, Gowan isn’t ruling out revisiting his solo stuff in the new year.

“If a song is as successful (as ‘A Criminal Mind’) was, you know it’s going to have a life,” he says. “Every career has its up and downs, and during some of the downs I could always turn to that song and things were fine again.

“I’m still loving being in this band, but at the same time I never want to denigrate my solo career. I’d like to next year find some moment that I can acknowledge it again.”

Styx, Glass Tiger and Robyn Dell’ Unto play Queen Victoria Park in Niagara Falls on New Year’s Eve. Admission is free.

[Babyblue]

Thanks Jodes, i saw that as well it was a good read for sure.I just wish i could see the show like the rest of you in Canada.That is going to be a super show.I am thrilled that gowan is here to stay.And fingers crossed maybe a cd from the man himself.

[blt man]

Its interesting that almost every article written on Styx in a Canadian newspaper incorrectly refers to Gowan as the lead singer or front man.

[Higgy]

Its interesting that almost every article written on Styx in a Canadian newspaper incorrectly refers to Gowan as the lead singer or front man.

Who IS the front man now?

[Everett]

Its interesting that almost every article written on Styx in a Canadian newspaper incorrectly refers to Gowan as the lead singer or front man.

Who IS the front man now?

That little guy on the far right side. I think he sings that song about "long nights & impossible odds"

[brywool]

Nice article. I would think that it would ring 'okay' with rabid DeYoung fans... at least for Gowan's quotes if not the interviewer's. Gowan show's plenty of respect for the songs and admits he's not trying to sound like DeYoung and couldn't sound like him. That's cool of him.

On the other hand, the article acknowledges all those movie inclusions of Styx songs.... which were largely Dennis' songs, if I'm not mistaken. They should mention that fact.

The more I hear from Gowan in the press, the more I like him. He's not out to tarnish anyone's legacy, he's simply replacing a member that no longer can work with the band. He's doing a fine job. Now, if the band would just get up off of their creative butts and give us an album of new songs...

I definitely think Styx should take the high-road and acknowledge Dennis more in their bio. Pretty silly that they don't, but that's the way the music business is.

... And now, I'll pass you over to Froy.... Froy-hoy-hoy?

[Higgy]

Nice article. I would think that it would ring 'okay' with rabid DeYoung fans... at least for Gowan's quotes if not the interviewer's. Gowan show's plenty of respect for the songs and admits he's not trying to sound like DeYoung and couldn't sound like him. That's cool of him.

On the other hand, the article acknowledges all those movie inclusions of Styx songs.... which were largely Dennis' songs, if I'm not mistaken. They should mention that fact.

The more I hear from Gowan in the press, the more I like him. He's not out to tarnish anyone's legacy, he's simply replacing a member that no longer can work with the band. He's doing a fine job. Now, if the band would just get up off of their creative butts and give us an album of new songs...

I definitely think Styx should take the high-road and acknowledge Dennis more in their bio. Pretty silly that they don't, but that's the way the music business is.

... And now, I'll pass you over to Froy.... Froy-hoy-hoy?

This is the same band that refers to Dennis as "our former keyboardist". Nice, huh?

[Babyblue]

Nice article. I would think that it would ring 'okay' with rabid DeYoung fans... at least for Gowan's quotes if not the interviewer's. Gowan show's plenty of respect for the songs and admits he's not trying to sound like DeYoung and couldn't sound like him. That's cool of him.

On the other hand, the article acknowledges all those movie inclusions of Styx songs.... which were largely Dennis' songs, if I'm not mistaken. They should mention that fact.

The more I hear from Gowan in the press, the more I like him. He's not out to tarnish anyone's legacy, he's simply replacing a member that no longer can work with the band. He's doing a fine job. Now, if the band would just get up off of their creative butts and give us an album of new songs...

I definitely think Styx should take the high-road and acknowledge Dennis more in their bio. Pretty silly that they don't, but that's the way the music business is.

... And now, I'll pass you over to Froy.... Froy-hoy-hoy?

Thank You! Gowan is perfect for the band.He dose not try to be a sound alike ....like some other band.I like gowan myself and hope to get to see them next year.

[styxfanNH]

Larry is always respectful to Dennis when you talk to him. He is very aware of Dennis' role in the band prior to him being there. Anyone who has met him knows this. The ones that create the animosity are the fans and the newspaper writers.

[Higgy]

Larry is always respectful to Dennis when you talk to him. He is very aware of Dennis' role in the band prior to him being there. Anyone who has met him knows this. The ones that create the animosity are the fans and the newspaper writers.

and JY... and Todd Sucherman...

[Babyblue]

Larry is always respectful to Dennis when you talk to him. He is very aware of Dennis' role in the band prior to him being there. Anyone who has met him knows this. The ones that create the animosity are the fans and the newspaper writers.

Thank You, this just makes me like him that much more.They picked the right man when they got Larry. He has put new life back into the band. And i must say he has made me love the band that much more.

[chowhall]

Larry is always respectful to Dennis when you talk to him. He is very aware of Dennis' role in the band prior to him being there. Anyone who has met him knows this. The ones that create the animosity are the fans and the newspaper writers.

and JY... and Todd Sucherman...

and Glen Burtnik...Oh wait I forgot. That was when Glen was still in Styx and not with Dennis's solo career.

[blt man]

So the New Years Eve show from Niagara Falls is on Global TV in Canada but only for one hour. Since glass tiger is also performing and there will be commericals and useless ET Canada banter, I presume there will only play on air for 3 or possibly 4 songs. Like Dennis' same gig a few years ago, they will probably sing most tunes off camera and then perhaps finish with a few hits. Any thoughts on what songs will be shown on air? Renegade, CSA and ???? Since this is Canada, my guess would be Criminal Mind.

[Toph]

Larry is always respectful to Dennis when you talk to him. He is very aware of Dennis' role in the band prior to him being there. Anyone who has met him knows this. The ones that create the animosity are the fans and the newspaper writers.

Thank You, this just makes me like him that much more.They picked the right man when they got Larry. He has put new life back into the band. And i must say he has made me love the band that much more.

If you consider "new life" horrible singing, then I am right there with you.

[Everett]

So the New Years Eve show from Niagara Falls is on Global TV in Canada but only for one hour. Since glass tiger is also performing and there will be commericals and useless ET Canada banter, I presume there will only play on air for 3 or possibly 4 songs. Like Dennis' same gig a few years ago, they will probably sing most tunes off camera and then perhaps finish with a few hits. Any thoughts on what songs will be shown on air? Renegade, CSA and ???? Since this is Canada, my guess would be Criminal Mind.

Your probably most likely gonna hear blue collar man/renegade quranteed. The other two not sure, don't count on come sail away remember they can't play any ddy only songs if it's on air or recorded because of that stupid lawsuit. Thanks dennis

[ChicagoSTYX]

Nice article. I would think that it would ring 'okay' with rabid DeYoung fans... at least for Gowan's quotes if not the interviewer's. Gowan show's plenty of respect for the songs and admits he's not trying to sound like DeYoung and couldn't sound like him. That's cool of him.

On the other hand, the article acknowledges all those movie inclusions of Styx songs.... which were largely Dennis' songs, if I'm not mistaken. They should mention that fact.

The more I hear from Gowan in the press, the more I like him. He's not out to tarnish anyone's legacy, he's simply replacing a member that no longer can work with the band. He's doing a fine job. Now, if the band would just get up off of their creative butts and give us an album of new songs...

I definitely think Styx should take the high-road and acknowledge Dennis more in their bio. Pretty silly that they don't, but that's the way the music business is.

... And now, I'll pass you over to Froy.... Froy-hoy-hoy?

This is the same band that refers to Dennis as "our former keyboardist". Nice, huh?

Whats wrong with that? That's what he is. What would you like them to call him? How about the "Old Showtune Guy"

[Higgy]

Nice article. I would think that it would ring 'okay' with rabid DeYoung fans... at least for Gowan's quotes if not the interviewer's. Gowan show's plenty of respect for the songs and admits he's not trying to sound like DeYoung and couldn't sound like him. That's cool of him.

On the other hand, the article acknowledges all those movie inclusions of Styx songs.... which were largely Dennis' songs, if I'm not mistaken. They should mention that fact.

The more I hear from Gowan in the press, the more I like him. He's not out to tarnish anyone's legacy, he's simply replacing a member that no longer can work with the band. He's doing a fine job. Now, if the band would just get up off of their creative butts and give us an album of new songs...

I definitely think Styx should take the high-road and acknowledge Dennis more in their bio. Pretty silly that they don't, but that's the way the music business is.

... And now, I'll pass you over to Froy.... Froy-hoy-hoy?

This is the same band that refers to Dennis as "our former keyboardist". Nice, huh?

Whats wrong with that? That's what he is. What would you like them to call him? How about the "Old Showtune Guy"

How about "the reason there is a band in the first place".
Maybe this new Styx should stop playing those "showtunes". Maybe they should stop playing showtunes like "Come Sail Away" and "Lady" and "Rockin' The Paradise" and all the other showtunes he wrote. Oh, they should also disavow the money and fame they sit on for showtunes that they are too cool to play like "Babe" and "Mr. Roboto" and "Show Me The Way". Yeah. They should drop all those stupid showtunes and play all those Tommy and JY rockers! You know, rockers like "She Cares" and "Sing For The Day" and "Fooling Yourself".

Happy fuckin new year, Douche.

[chowhall]

Maybe they should stop playing showtunes like "Come Sail Away" and "Lady" and "Rockin' The Paradise" Happy fuckin new year, Douche.

You might want to look at the writing credit for Rockin the Paradise Mr Kettle.

[Higgy]

Maybe they should stop playing showtunes like "Come Sail Away" and "Lady" and "Rockin' The Paradise" Happy fuckin new year, Douche.

You might want to look at the writing credit for Rockin the Paradise Mr Kettle.

and YOU might want to look at the writing credit for Snowblind Mr Shit

And who really gives a shit about either one? Are you trying to say DDY didn't write RTP just because he shares writing credit?

And yeah - DDY was the primary writer on that. The whole PT thing was DDY's concept. As was the GI concept, the POE concept, etc etc

[chowhall]

and YOU might want to look at the writing credit for Snowblind Mr Shit

And who really gives a shit about either one? Are you trying to say DDY didn't write RTP just because he shares writing credit?

And yeah - DDY was the primary writer on that. The whole PT thing was DDY's concept. As was the GI concept, the POE concept, etc etc

I don't have to look up the credit on Snowblind because I didn't make myself look like a dumbass like you do continually. If I said something inane like Dennis shouldn't be able to sing Snowblind because he wasn't the original singer, that would make me look just as stupid as you, so I'll refrain.

[Higgy]

and YOU might want to look at the writing credit for Snowblind Mr Shit

And who really gives a shit about either one? Are you trying to say DDY didn't write RTP just because he shares writing credit?

And yeah - DDY was the primary writer on that. The whole PT thing was DDY's concept. As was the GI concept, the POE concept, etc etc

I don't have to look up the credit on Snowblind because I didn't make myself look like a dumbass like you do continually. If I said something inane like Dennis shouldn't be able to sing Snowblind because he wasn't the original singer, that would make me look just as stupid as you, so I'll refrain.

You are amazingly stupid. Why don't you reread the thread and see if you can divine the point you so awesomely missed.

[Babyblue]

Larry is always respectful to Dennis when you talk to him. He is very aware of Dennis' role in the band prior to him being there. Anyone who has met him knows this. The ones that create the animosity are the fans and the newspaper writers.

Thank You, this just makes me like him that much more.They picked the right man when they got Larry. He has put new life back into the band. And i must say he has made me love the band that much more.

If you consider "new life" horrible singing, then I am right there with you.

I happen to think he is a damn good singer myself.

[Babyblue]

I wish i could see the show tonight. Oh well the ones in Canada hope you enjoy watching and tell us about it.

[chowhall]

You are amazingly stupid. Why don't you reread the thread and see if you can divine the point you so awesomely missed.

Higgy What don't you just go and Have yourself a Happy New Year!!!

[Higgy]

You are amazingly stupid. Why don't you reread the thread and see if you can divine the point you so awesomely missed.

Higgy What don't you just go and Have yourself a Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year!!!

[ChicagoSTYX]

Nice article. I would think that it would ring 'okay' with rabid DeYoung fans... at least for Gowan's quotes if not the interviewer's. Gowan show's plenty of respect for the songs and admits he's not trying to sound like DeYoung and couldn't sound like him. That's cool of him.

On the other hand, the article acknowledges all those movie inclusions of Styx songs.... which were largely Dennis' songs, if I'm not mistaken. They should mention that fact.

The more I hear from Gowan in the press, the more I like him. He's not out to tarnish anyone's legacy, he's simply replacing a member that no longer can work with the band. He's doing a fine job. Now, if the band would just get up off of their creative butts and give us an album of new songs...

I definitely think Styx should take the high-road and acknowledge Dennis more in their bio. Pretty silly that they don't, but that's the way the music business is.

... And now, I'll pass you over to Froy.... Froy-hoy-hoy?

This is the same band that refers to Dennis as "our former keyboardist". Nice, huh?

Whats wrong with that? That's what he is. What would you like them to call him? How about the "Old Showtune Guy"

How about "the reason there is a band in the first place".
Maybe this new Styx should stop playing those "showtunes". Maybe they should stop playing showtunes like "Come Sail Away" and "Lady" and "Rockin' The Paradise" and all the other showtunes he wrote. Oh, they should also disavow the money and fame they sit on for showtunes that they are too cool to play like "Babe" and "Mr. Roboto" and "Show Me The Way". Yeah. They should drop all those stupid showtunes and play all those Tommy and JY rockers! You know, rockers like "She Cares" and "Sing For The Day" and "Fooling Yourself".

Happy fuckin new year, Douche.

Hey ass-wipe I never said he didn’t write some good songs in the past! I’ve been a fan of Styx since 1972. I’ve meet DDY many times and most of the time he was very nice. My point was that he has changed direction and just doesn’t fit in a rock band anymore unless the band was Air Supply! Why don’t you go back and read the last 5 years of my posts and learn something and then listen to 10 From Broadway.
Where the hell is Froy!

[Jodes]

They actually played:

Grand Illusion
Too Much Time
Criminal Mind
Fooling Yourself
Come Sail Away
Renegade

I think Styx played a full set, they just "cut" in for the above songs.

They cut their songs for commericals just like they did for DDY's set back in 07.

Happy New Year All..

[Everett]

They actually played: Grand Illusion Too Much Time Criminal Mind Fooling Yourself Come Sail Away Renegade I think Styx played a full set, they just "cut" in for the above songs. They cut their songs for commericals just like they did for DDY's set back in 07. Happy New Year All..

I thought they couldin't play any ddy only songs on air or recorded or is the lawsuit now in void? Or does that only apply to the states? Where's sterling when ya need him?

[chowhall]

They actually played: Grand Illusion Too Much Time Criminal Mind Fooling Yourself Come Sail Away Renegade I think Styx played a full set, they just "cut" in for the above songs. They cut their songs for commericals just like they did for DDY's set back in 07. Happy New Year All..

I thought they couldin't play any ddy only songs on air or recorded or is the lawsuit now in void? Or does that only apply to the states? Where's sterling when ya need him?

I think any artist can play what they want. I think Styx avoids playing Dennis's songs because they have to pay him money to do so IMO.

[Everett]

They actually played: Grand Illusion Too Much Time Criminal Mind Fooling Yourself Come Sail Away Renegade I think Styx played a full set, they just "cut" in for the above songs. They cut their songs for commericals just like they did for DDY's set back in 07. Happy New Year All..

I thought they couldin't play any ddy only songs on air or recorded or is the lawsuit now in void? Or does that only apply to the states? Where's sterling when ya need him?

I think any artist can play what they want. I think Styx avoids playing Dennis's songs because they have to pay him money to do so IMO.

Ok but why wasin't GI/CSA on the cyo dvd?