Lawrence Gowan
| Lawrence Gowan | |
|---|---|
Lawrence Gowan performing with Styx on 9 May 2000 at Universal Amphitheatre
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Lawrence Gowan |
| Also known as | Gowan, Larry Gowan |
| Born |
22 November 1956 Glasgow, Scotland |
| Origin | Scarborough, Ontario, Canada |
| Genres | Hard rock, progressive rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, Magician |
| Instruments | Vocals, keyboards, synthesizers, guitar |
| Years active | 1974–present |
| Labels |
Anthem Entertainment Columbia Records Atlantic Records (outside Canada) Linus Entertainment |
| Associated acts | Styx, Rhinegold |
| Website | gowan |
Lawrence Henry Gowan (born 22 November 1956) is a Scottish-born Canadian musician. Gowan has been both a solo artist and the current lead vocalist and keyboardist of the band Styx since May 1999. His musical style is usually classified in the category of progressive rock.
At the age of 19, he earned an ARCT in classical piano performance from The Royal Conservatory of Music, in Toronto, Ontario. Upon graduation, he enjoyed modest local success with the band Rhinegold in 1976.
After the band broke up five years later, Gowan began what was to become a successful solo career under the stage name Gowan, releasing his first album under that name in 1982, which was produced by Rob Freeman and featured Kim Mitchell of Max Webster on guitar. This album contained the singles "Victory", "Give In" and "Keep Up the Fight". His 1985 album Strange Animal was his commercial breakthrough in Canada, produced by British producer David Tickle and featuring a more 'theatrical' Gowan, backed by Peter Gabriel's rhythm section players Tony Levin and Jerry Marotta. The album spawned the hit singles "A Criminal Mind", "(You're a) Strange Animal", "Guerilla Soldier" and "Cosmetics". His 1987 follow up Great Dirty World gave him another hit single with "Moonlight Desires," featuring Jon Anderson (from Yes) on backing vocals as well as the fan favourite "Dedication".
1990's Lost Brotherhood, recorded at Metalworks Studios in Mississauga, Ontario, had a harder rock sound, and featured such players as Red Rider member Ken Greer, former Coney Hatch guitarist Steve Shelski and Rush's Alex Lifeson. It produced the singles "Lost Brotherhood", "All the Lovers in the World", and "Out of a Deeper Hunger". This was Gowan's first album for Anthem Records and his first US release.
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