Styx keeps the grand illusion alive after 5 decades

5/6/2026

Welcome to the “Grand Illusion.” Come on in and see what’s happening. Pay the price. Get your tickets for the show.

And what a show it’s been for the band Styx.

Over the past five decades, Styx’s iconic 1970s and 1980s rock has endured. Its classic keyboard sound, solid vocals and guitar riffs have produced four multiplatinum albums, Grammy nominations, and more than 54 million records sold.

In addition to “The Grand Illusion,” other timeless songs include “Come Sail Away,” “Too Much Time on My Hands,” “Fooling Yourself” and “Renegade.”

With more than a half-century of touring, Styx will make a stop at Des Moines Water Works Park on May 21. Cheap Trick will open as part of the Willis Summer Series at Lauridsen Amphitheater.

CITYVIEW spoke with singer and keyboardist Lawrence Gowan in advance of the show.

At a recent Styx concert, I witnessed Gowan’s moving, elevated keyboard, which keeps concertgoers engaged. He originally brought the ever-shifting keyboard to the stage during a video shoot.

“My part felt too rigid. I like to connect with the audience,” he said. “When I joined Styx, they asked, ‘Where’s that spinning thing?’ I’ve had it ever since.”

Gowan began his singing career in Canada, producing various hit songs and building a solo career. He thought he would always remain a solo act.

“I told my friends I didn’t think I’d ever be in a band,” he said. “But if I did, Styx would be the one.”

A year after that realization, Tommy Shaw asked Gowan to open for one of Styx’s concerts. While performing at an event tied to a Princess Diana memorial, Gowan shared the stage with Styx. Later, as the band searched for a new keyboardist and singer, his name surfaced.

“In a few months, I was part of Styx. It was a great coincidence in a very unusual way,” he said. “I’m in my 28th year with Styx.”

Gowan’s frontman style sets a glam-rock tone. His sparkling jackets and vibrant shoes are stage staples, and he often shops for new outfits while on tour.

“I splurged on shoes and have gotten so many comments,” he said. “People notice the details — women tend to recognize it more than men. I see that as important, as I’m an artist presenting on a stage.”

Gowan’s brother, Terry Gowan, recently joined Styx, playing bass and singing. Styx drummer Todd Sucherman and Terry Gowan had performed more than 200 shows together.

“When Terry auditioned, I was the quietest voice in the room,” he said. “It’s one of the greatest surprises that I would be introducing my younger brother in Styx.”

New music released in 2025 has gained momentum from the band’s 18th album, “Circling From Above.” The album reflects a traditional Styx sound with a fresh take, attracting fans of all ages.

Making new music is vital, Gowan said.

“Young people under 40 weren’t born in the classic rock era,” he said. “They listen to Styx and are the most vocal about us doing new music. Younger fans connect with the lyrics in their lives. We come up with lyrics that reflect today’s environment.”

Styx’s decades-long success combines elements longtime fans appreciate.

“A multitude of things add up. There was still a demand to see them long before I was part of the group,” he said. “A cross-generation of fans can relate to the narratives in the songs. The band consistently delivers a high-energy, epic, high-caliber rock show. The strength of the band and our endurance are why we do so well.”

At each concert, Gowan’s favorite part is the audience reaction.

“You see the audience in an ecstatic state of mind, every emotion, arms in the air,” he said.

He recalled performing at the Iowa State Fair, where the “audience was on fire.”

“Styx is alive and touring in our 54th year of existence,” he said. “We’re looking forward to performing in Des Moines. Life goes onward.” ♦