Permanent Record Podcast

Episode 157: In Conversation with Lawrence Gowan of Styx (left to right:  Lawrence Gowan, Chuck Panozzo, Tommy Shaw, James “JY” Young, Ricky Phillips, Todd Sucherman, Will Evankovich - Photo credit Jason Powell) If you were to guess who Brian and Sarah have seen the most times in concert, you may not come up with the answer right away. The answer is Styx! The Chicago-based group has been a part of Brian and Sarah’s musical history for more than 40 years, so imagine how thrilled they were to get a chance to talk with a member of this legendary band!  Lawrence Gowan, lead vocalist and keyboard player extraordinaire, was kind enough to take a break during Styx’s current tour to chat with Brian and Sarah on a number of topics, including Styx’s latest album, 2021’s Crash of the Crown; the 2017 concept album The Mission; what led the members of Styx to return to the studio; and what it’s like playing these newer songs live.  There’s also talk of the resurgence of vinyl records, the 2020 “Styx Fix” online shows,