Styx has confirmed Terry Gowan as their alternative for former bassist Ricky Phillips, who introduced his departure in March.

Terry – who’d been standing in at stay reveals since the spring – is the youthful brother of Styx keyboardist and singer Lawrence, whereas drummer Todd Sucherman beforehand labored with the siblings in Lawrence’s band Gowan.

“It is an honor and somewhere beyond a dream come true to be joining JY, Tommy, Chuck, Will, and my brother Lawrence – and to be reacquainted with decade-long Gowan bandmate Todd,” Terry stated in a press release. “Here’s to many years ahead on the Styx adventure!”

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His brother added: “Terry played on four of my six solo Gowan albums. He’s on records that include some of the world’s most renowned musicians – Tony Levin, Jerry Marotta, Jon Anderson and Alex Lifeson – as well as touring with Gowan from 1985 to 1990 and again from 2010 to this year. It’s really great to have him aboard!”

In an unique chat with UCR, guitarist Tommy Shaw revealed that the cut up with Phillips, a veteran of 20 years, had been a troublesome expertise. “It still aches,” he admitted.

“We’ve been friends for so many years and traveled the world together. It was a mutual decision… but I hope we never have to go through that again. We love Ricky so much… but it just became something that wasn’t working for him.”

Shaw stated they’d questioned the way to transfer ahead for a while earlier than Sucherman prompt Gowan. “After a while Todd said, ‘We really should see Terence… he’s a great musician, a great singer, he’s a multi-instrumental player. We know his voice will blend.’

Tommy Shaw Says New Styx Bassist ‘Fits Right In’

Shaw continued: “We gave him a try and it’s been a real blessing… Terence is not a flubber – he’s rock solid. We arrange our vocals like it’s a choral group and Terence fits right in. He loves Such’s style and he mixes his own style with that.

“It’s so nice to be able to carry on what we’ve always loved about Styx… our music really lends itself to being full-ranged.”

The band begin a run of 5 reveals in Canada tonight (May 17) earlier than hitting the highway with Foreigner on their Renegades & Juke Box Heroes tour, which kicks off on June 11.