Lawrence Gowan

At a very young age, Lawrence Gowan and his family left Scotland and moved to Toronto in Canada.  At age 10, Lawrence started taking piano lessons and later graduated from the Royal Conservatory of Music in classical music.

Gowan did eventually put aside classical music for pop music.  He joined the band Rhinegold who enjoyed success in the Toronto area.  In 1982, he decided to go solo and released his first album entitled Gowan.  This first effort did not get the recognition he had hoped for, however, his second album, Strange Animal released in 1985, allowed him to get on the Canadian music charts.  He soon became a familiar face with multiple nominations for the Juno Awards [Ed. note: Same as Grammy but for Canada].  In fact, his song A Criminal Mind is still considered a classic rock song today.

Great Dirty World was released in 1987 and brought Gowan back on the charts with the hit single Moonlight Desires on which Jon Anderson from YES sings back-up vocals.  This song conquered the heart of millions.  In 1990, he released Lost Brotherhood which includes another hit single All The Lovers In The World.

He went on and release But You Can Call Me Larry in 1993 and in 1995, The Good Catches Up.  In 1996, he treated his fans with a live album entitled Sololive: No Kilt Tonight.

In 1997, Gowan decided he wanted to please his French speaking fans and offered them a compilation of his best work. Gowan au Québec includes two songs in French: Pour un instant, a remake of the famous song by Quebec’s band Harmonium, and Stephanie, his very first composition in French.

During the summer of 1997, STYX’ fans in Canada were able to witness Gowan’s incredible talents when he opened for the band at the Montreal’s Molson Centre and the Quebec’s Colisée.  He showed up with only his piano and managed to keep the audience on the edge of their seat throughout the entire show.  Fans gave him two recalls, not bad for an opening act.  During the same year, he toured England and he also released a song in honour of Princess Diana, Healing Waters… For Diana.  He also played at Princes Diana's home with the BBC orchestra.  His performance was viewed by millions on television as the opening for her memorial.

In 1998, Gowan received the prestigious National Achievement Award from the Canadian Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.  Another album, Home Field, was released in England.

In 1999, Larry is joining STYX, replacing Dennis DeYoung for the summer tour.  Fans who already know this great performer will surely agree with STYX for choosing this talented singer, pianist and songwriter.  As for the others, they will have a golden opportunity to discover a wonderful artist who will definitely be an asset to STYX.

In 2001, Gowan's song "A Criminal Mind" is now part of the Styx song listing for their shows.  His implication in STYX is strongly appreciated.  Non only does he make the best coffee for his band mates, he also writes excellent songs.  In 2003, Gowan finally was able to put his writing talents to the service of STYX on "Cyclorama".  The songs "More Love For The Money" and "Fields Of The Brave" are the first songs written by Gowan for a band.  His contribution was highly noticed and even if his fans miss his solo material, the STYX fans surely hope that "Cyclorama" won't be the only album he will participate on.

His adventure with Styx continues and despite his implication with the band, he still finds time to work on other projects.  2010 marked the 25th anniversary of his solo effort, "Strange Animal".  To thank the fans, he went back on stage as a solo act to play the entire album and other of his greatest hits.  He also released "The Return of the Strange Animal" including a DVD. 

In 2011, Lawrence gets his star on the Scarborough Walk of Fame on May 12th.  Also, as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Juno Awards (same as Grammys but for Canada), the song "A Criminal Mind" was chosen to be included in a popular vote to find the best 10 songs from the last 40 years inCanada.  And of course, his adventure with Styx continues... 

Photo by Jason Powell

For more information about Gowan, Visit his official website.
Find out more about the Return of the Strange Animal.
Gowan on Facebook.
Gowan on MySpace.
Gowan on YouTube.

 Larry's fan club
 Larry's Canadian fan club
 Moonlight Desires club