Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
1 week ago
United Kingdom Lawrence Gowan is a multi-talented musician and performer, known for his electrifying live shows and soaring vocals, who transitioned from a successful solo career to become the lead keyboardist and vocalist for the band Styx.
Lawrence Gowan serves as the lead keyboardist and vocalist for the band Styx. He joined the group in May 1999, initially as a temporary replacement for Dennis DeYoung, eventually becoming a permanent member. He has since performed on numerous Styx albums and tours, contributing to their ongoing legacy. His solo hit, 'A Criminal Mind,' is also frequently performed by the band. His brother, Terry Gowan, also joined Styx as their new bass player.
Gowan released his 1990 album 'Lost Brotherhood' for Anthem Records. This album featured a harder rock sound and contributions from notable musicians such as Ken Greer, Steve Shelski, and Alex Lifeson.
Gowan was signed to Columbia Records during his early solo career. The label funded his second album, 'Strange Animal,' which became his commercial breakthrough in Canada. After three albums, he was dropped by the label.
Atlantic Records was the label responsible for releasing Gowan's music outside of Canada during certain periods of his solo career.
Gowan acquired the master tapes to his solo catalogue from CBS Records International in the 2010s and assigned them to Linus Entertainment, operating under the True North Records label. This partnership has facilitated the re-issuing of remastered versions of his earlier works.
In 2005, Canadian hip-hop artist Maestro covered Gowan's song 'A Criminal Mind.' Gowan made an appearance in Maestro's music video for the song, and his vocals were sampled on the track, demonstrating a cross-genre collaboration.
Canadian gypsy jazz music group The Lost Fingers covered Gowan's song 'A Criminal Mind,' showcasing the versatility and enduring appeal of his music across different genres.
Gowan's song 'A Criminal Mind' was sampled in a song performed by Akon and Freck Billionaire, indicating its influence and recognition in contemporary music production.
Gowan's home was featured on MTV's 'Cribs' in 2006, offering a glimpse into his personal life and further raising his public profile.
Styx, with Lawrence Gowan, partnered with Topeka for an event in Miramar Beach, Florida, featuring two special performances by Styx, along with performances by Loverboy and Cheap Trick.
Styx (featuring Lawrence Gowan) and Foreigner formed a "power partnership" for tours, such as the "Brotherhood of Rock Tour" and the 2014 Summer Soundtrack tour, combining their legendary statuses to perform for audiences.
In 2013, Gowan performed a solo concert titled 'In Kilt Tonight' at the Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto, Ontario, with all proceeds donated to McDermott House Canada, a charitable organization. This demonstrates his involvement in philanthropic endeavors.
Lawrence Henry Gowan was born on November 22, 1956, in Glasgow, Scotland, and later raised in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. His musical journey began early, culminating in earning an ARCT in classical piano performance from The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto at the age of 19. Following this, he achieved local success with the band Rheingold from 1976 to 1981. After the band’s dissolution, Gowan embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album, “Gowan” in 1982. While his initial solo effort did not achieve widespread commercial success, his subsequent 1985 album, “Strange Animal,” proved to be his breakthrough in Canada. This album featured hit singles such as “A Criminal Mind,” “(You’re a) Strange Animal,” and “Cosmetics.” The music video for “A Criminal Mind” earned a Juno Award for its innovative use of Rotoscoping.
His career continued with the 1987 album, “Great Dirty World,” which produced the hit single “Moonlight Desires,” featuring Jon Anderson of Yes on backing vocals. Over the years, Gowan released several more solo albums, including “Lost Brotherhood” (1990) and “…But You Can Call Me Larry” (1993), which saw him incorporate a harder rock sound and more acoustic elements, respectively. He consistently charted in Canada with singles like “All the Lovers in the World” and “Dancing on My Own Ground.” In 1998, Gowan was honored with the National Achievement Award at the SOCAN Awards in Toronto, recognizing his significant contributions to music. His solo work has been characterized by a blend of pop, rock, and classical influences, showcasing his distinctive vocals and virtuosic keyboard skills.
A significant turning point in Gowan’s career occurred in 1999 when he was invited to join the legendary rock band Styx. Initially filling in for their lead singer Dennis DeYoung due to illness, he soon became the band’s permanent vocalist and keyboardist. This union brought a new dynamic to Styx, and Gowan has since performed on several Styx albums, including “Cyclorama” (2003), “Big Bang Theory” (2005), and “The Mission” (2017). His solo hit, “A Criminal Mind,” is frequently performed by Styx during their concerts. Gowan continues to tour and record with Styx, while also maintaining his solo work, having announced plans for new original material and re-issuing remastered versions of his classic albums, thus cementing his legacy as a prominent figure in rock music.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
