The Backstage Beat is honored to speak to Lawrence Gowan of STYX and learn a little more about him and the tour that will bring him through Atlanta and the Gulf Coast.

Lawrence is a Canadian born musician with an extensive resume.  His list of awards and nominations are great, with these as highlights:

The following are Gowan’s Juno nominations:

• 1983 – Nominated – “Most Promising Male Vocalist of the Year”
• 1985 – Winner – “Best Video” for “Criminal Mind” with director Rob Quartly Animation & Direction by Greg Duffell / Lightbox Studios Inc.
• 1985 – Winner – “Best Album Graphics” for Strange Animal (awarded to designers Rob MacIntyre and Dimo Safari)
• 1985 – Nominated – “Male Vocalist of the Year”
• 1985 – Nominated – “Album of the Year” for Strange Animal
• 1985 – Nominated – “Best Selling Single” for “A Criminal Mind”
• 1985 – Nominated – “Best Video” for “You’re a Strange Animal” Animation by Greg Duffell / Lightbox Studios Inc.
• 1986 – Nominated – “Best Video” for “Cosmetics” (director: Rob Quartly)
• 1987 – Nominated – “Male Vocalist of the Year”
• 1987 – Nominated – “Album of the Year” for Great Dirty World
• 1987 – Nominated – “Canadian Entertainer of the Year”
• 1991 – Nominated – “Male Vocalist of the Year”

On November 16, 1998, Gowan received the prestigious National Achievement Award from the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN).

In 2003, Gowan was presented with the SOCAN award (along with three other musicians) for songs that have surpassed the 100,000 radio airplay mark for his song, “Moonlight Desires”.

Lawrence has a great understanding of his role in one of the most recognizable bands and was a pleasure to talk with.

Have a listen:

[audio: TBBLawrenceGowanStyx.mp3]

 

I look forward to catching up with him at the Atlanta show, July 14th at Verizon and covering them in Orange Beach, AL at The Wharf.

Photo by Leisa Foretich at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards 2010