STYX vocalist/keyboardist Lawrence Gowan is featured in a new interview with Classic Rock Revisited founder Jeb Wright. An excerpt is available below:

Jeb: I have heard that you are reason that the band does not play 'Babe'.

Lawrence: "During the first meeting I had with Styx, I said, 'I know 'Babe' was a number one hit for you guys, and congratulations on that. During the show, a strong point was made that this song was written about Dennis’ wife. I don’t really want to sing that song; I honestly don’t, as I don’t feel right about it.' I remember hoping that I had just not sealed my fate but they said, 'No, we don’t have to play that song. We can do your song 'Criminal Mind' instead.'"

We did 'A Criminal Mind' in the live show, then we did it on a live album and then with the orchestra. 'A Criminal Mind' is sort of my little spade in the ground, my little point of entry.

The band, then, began to focus on the straightforward Rock and Progressive elements of the band and they let some of the other stuff go by the wayside, even though some of that stuff was extremely successful and nothing to be ashamed of at all. 'Babe' was a number one song and its part of the strength and the versatility of the band. Styx has been successful at anything they have ever done."

Jeb: I like that they did not go for a Dennis DeYoung clone.

Lawrence: "The band has never – not one time – asked me to sing something more like it was sung on the record. They have never wanted me to do an impression of something, and that, I think, goes to their credit. I think that is why it’s lasted as long as it has. At the end of the day, I do sound different, but in the live context it doesn’t matter."

Jeb: I am going to be honest with you about the album Regeneration. I understand that there is a business aspect to this type of release, concerning use of music in commercials and movies. It is better for the artist to own the masters.

Lawrence: "That is right."

Jeb: On the other hand, you are great musicians and you have to still be creating music, so why can’t we get a new album instead of the old songs rerecorded?

Lawrence: "I couldn’t agree with you more. The reality of the music business is that you will not thrive unless you get your music out in front of people. If you don’t do that then what does it matter? Styx has always been able to get their music out to the public during every era of the band. It so happens that in this era, the live performance has completely trumped everything else.

We have a ton of songs and we could go into the studio and make another studio album. Meanwhile, there are just not enough days in the year to play live for all of the dates that we are offered around the world. The live experience is the only thing that can’t be downloaded. You can bring up YouTube but that is nothing compared to the emotions one has at an actual rock concert.

If we decided to go into the studio and record our new stuff, then we would have to come off the road for a couple of years. Instead, we decided to do the Regeneration album so that we own the masters, and we did it for the new generation of fans, that’s why the word ‘generation’ is in the title. The younger generation of fans has only known this era of the band and they have only heard this era of the band sing those songs."

Go to this location for the complete interview.

As previously reported, Styx, REO SPEEDWAGON and TED NUGENT will join forces for The Midwest Rock ‘n Roll Express 30-date US tour. Rolling out May 1st in Hidalgo, TX, tickets for various cities went on sale February 22nd.

“Forget all those TV shows with glee clubs singing Rock songs,” exclaims Styx guitarist/singer James “JY” Young. “It’s time for mega-Platinum Illinois bands STYX and REO Speedwagon in a battle to the end of the Mayan Calendar with the Motor City Madman!”
"I am a Midwest boy, born and raised with Midwest values,” continues REO Speedwagon singer/guitarist Kevin Cronin. “In the Midwest we work hard, play hard, and rock hard. I am proud to join my brothers in Styx and Ted Nugent to celebrate Midwest rock 'n roll and represent the greatest rock fans in the world. I am ready to climb aboard the ‘Midwest Rock 'n Roll Express!’ Rock On baby!"

As Styx singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw proclaims, “It's gonna be a Twang Fest of screaming guitars and big, sing-along choruses that continue to be the soundtrack for the misbehavior of our collective fan base. In other words, a real good time.”

Ted Nugent couldn’t agree more. “The heart and soul of American R&B;&R;&R; has always gushed forth from the heartland of America. REO, Styx and The Nuge have always celebrated the power of our special music and on the mighty ‘Midwest Rock ‘n Roll Express,’ the energy, attitude and spirit is more intense than ever. This is the soundtrack for the hardcore.”

Check out The Midwest Rock ‘n Roll Express at any of the following stops. Ted Nugent hits the stage at 7 PM at every stop unless noted otherwise.

May

1 - Hidalgo, TX - State Farm Arena
3 - Albuquerque, NM - Hard Rock Casino Albuquerque Presents The Pavilion
4 - Tucson, AZ - Anselmo Valencia Amphitheatre (no Ted Nugent)
5 - Las Vegas, NV - Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
6 - Los Angeles, CA - Greek Theatre
8 - Denver, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheatre
10 - Council Bluffs, IA - Mid America Arena
11 - Oklahoma City, OK - Zoo Amphitheatre
12 - Houston, TX - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (no Ted Nugent)
13 - Corpus Christi, TX - Concrete Street Amphitheatre
17 - Charlotte, NC - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
19 - Virginia Beach, VA - Farm Bureau Live Amphitheatre
20 - Alpharetta, GA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

June

21 - Kansas City, MO - Starlight Amphitheatre
22 - St. Louis, MO - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
23 - Ft. Knox, KY - Godman Army Airfield
24 - Chicago, IL - Charter One Pavilion
26 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Music Center
28 - Detroit, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre
29 - Scranton, PA - Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain
30 - Cleveland, OH - Blossom Music Center

July

1 - Atlantic City, NJ - Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Event Ctr
3 - Verona, NY - Turning Stone Resort Casino
5 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena
6 - Big Flats, NY - Summer Stage
7 - Gilford, NY - Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion