Inside Styx’s Songbook: The Stories Behind the Songs (feat. Lawrence Gowan)

This week, I’m joined by Lawrence Gowan — keyboardist and singer for Styx — for a deep dive into the stories behind some of the band’s biggest songs and their musical evolution over the last five decades.

We talk about how Styx’s sound has grown and shifted over time and what it’s like stepping into a legacy band while still carving out your own creative voice. Lawrence also reflects on his solo career, including the songs that defined it, and how writing on his own differs from collaborating within a band as storied as Styx.

Along the way, we get into his experiences writing and recording with some of the most influential names in progressive rock — including Tony Levin, Jerry Marotta, and David Rhodes (of Peter Gabriel’s touring band), Jon Anderson of Yes, and Alex Lifeson of Rush.

It’s an inside look at a catalog that’s still evolving, and the creative relationships that continue to shape it.

🎙️ Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform—and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review to help more music fans find the show! Then, scroll down to hear all of the songs discussed in this episode! 👇