As Styx readies its return to Las Vegas with a highly anticipated residency at The Venetian, the band continues to balance legacy with creative momentum. Few embody that balance more fully than keyboardist and vocalist Lawrence Gowan, whose career spans decades of global touring, chart-topping records, and an enduring curiosity for the places music can take you—both on and off the stage.
Ahead of the residency, we caught up with Gowan to talk about life on the road, performing Pieces of Eight in its entirety, and the destinations that have left a lasting impression along the way. From the spectacle of the Las Vegas Strip to the quiet cultural revelations of Japan, Gowan reflects on how travel continues to inform his artistry, creativity, and connection to audiences around the world.
You’re heading back to Las Vegas for a Venetian residency. Do you have favorite things to do while you’re there?
One of my favorite things actually went away, which was Love by Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage—that was incredible. But Vegas still has so much magic for me. During our last Venetian residency, the Liberace Foundation loaned me one of Liberace’s pianos to play onstage, and Todd Sucherman’s wife even wore one of Liberace’s coats during the show. That connection really opened my eyes to Liberace’s profound influence on Las Vegas culture.
Beyond that, I genuinely love just walking the Strip. It may sound simple, but taking in the lights, the gondoliers at the Venetian, and the sheer scale of everything never gets old. And the Venetian theater itself is one of the most beautiful places we get to play.
Styx is performing Pieces of Eight in full. Why spotlight an entire album?
We come from an era where the album itself was the centerpiece—it was a complete musical statement, not just a collection of singles. Playing The Grand Illusion in full was such a success that fans immediately asked, “Can you do Pieces of Eight next?” And the answer was yes—after rehearsing the hell out of it.
Albums let you take people on a 40-minute theater-of-the-mind journey, and we love honoring that experience, especially in a setting like Las Vegas.
You’re Canadian, and I’ve spent a lot of time there this year. What’s your ideal Canadian vacation?
Honestly, you’ve already hit some of the best spots—Banff, Kelowna, Quebec City. Experiencing Quebec’s francophone culture is a must. But I’d also urge people to visit the Maritimes—places like St. John’s, Newfoundland, or Halifax, Nova Scotia. The East Coast personality is incredibly welcoming. Fair warning, though—you may not want to leave.
Do you still have travel bucket-list destinations left?
Absolutely. I recently played Peru, which was my first real taste of South America, and now I’d love to play Brazil. Australia and New Zealand are high on the list too—I even have cousins there. South Korea also fascinates me. After all these years, there’s still so much left to see.
What are your must-pack items, especially for Vegas?
I always travel with a small piano keyboard—that’s essential. Vegas is an extreme environment, especially for singers, so I also pack a vocal steamer, lip balm, moisturizer, and vitamins. That steamer is my secret weapon; it makes a massive difference in show quality. And of course, workout clothes and a couple of jackets—you never know where you’ll end up at midnight in Vegas.
Has any place you’ve traveled surprised you?
Japan completely stunned me. It felt like another planet—immaculately polite, incredibly helpful people, and such a deep cultural immersion. It left a lasting impression and even led me to start reading Japanese authors. Vegas also overwhelmed me the first time I saw it, especially playing historic venues like the Hilton—it’s a sensory overload you’re never fully prepared for.
Any travel memories with Styx that stand out?
Playing the London Palladium in 2019 was unforgettable. Standing on the same stage as legends like Judy Garland, Sinatra, and The Beatles—especially with family in the audience—was surreal. We’ve also played through torrential rainstorms where audiences just pushed through with us. And performing at the Super Bowl, with fireworks exploding behind us and heat blasting our backs, was next-level.
Are you working on new music right now?
Always. Our latest album, Circling From Above, just came out, and we’re playing songs from it every night alongside the classics. Writing never stops—it’s how the band has survived for 53 years.
If you could magically teleport after a show, where would you go?
If it were magical, I’d teleport straight to the next city—it would save a lot of time. But if I had to choose? In the U.S., probably New York. Internationally, London. Those two cities have shaped my musical life more than anywhere else.
Styx’s Circling From Above is out now, and the band continues to blend new music with classic albums on the road—proving that after five decades, curiosity, creativity, and a love of travel still fuel everything they do.