Renowned singer and keyboardist Lawrence Gowan has solidified his place in the legendary band Styx since joining their ranks in 1999. However, Gowan recognizes that the band’s resurgence and appeal to a younger audience have been significantly influenced by a cultural phenomenon from the late ’90s. This influence can be traced back to a memorable scene in an episode of South Park from season two titled “Cartman’s Mom is Still a Dirty Slut.” In this iconic episode, the character Eric Cartman, voiced by co-creator Trey Parker, humorously admits that he can’t hear the opening lyrics of Styx’s 1977 classic “Come Sail Away” without feeling compelled to sing the entire song. This moment prompted his friends, Stan Marsh and Kyle Broflovski, to join in, showcasing the infectious nature of the tune. Cartman’s performance, which also featured on the 1998 album Chef Aid: The South Park Album, played a pivotal role in reintroducing Styx to a new generation of music lovers.

In a recent interview with Boomerocity, Gowan reflected on how South Park has significantly broadened the band’s fanbase by attracting younger listeners who may not have otherwise discovered their music. He remarked, “I’m happy to admit that’d I’d say it’s 1% our effort and 99% South Park’s influence,” acknowledging the show’s unparalleled impact on their popularity. Gowan humorously declared that Cartman’s rendition of “Come Sail Away” is, in his opinion, the definitive version, placing it above the original Styx recording, with his own version trailing in third place. This playful acknowledgment highlights the unique interplay between pop culture and classic rock.

Watch Cartman Sing ‘Come Sail Away’ on ‘South Park’

Lawrence Gowan Shares His Love for ‘South Park’ on the Styx Tour Bus

While Gowan’s admiration for Cartman’s comedic singing was delivered with a hint of tongue-in-cheek humor, he openly confessed his long-standing affection for the animated series South Park. “Every night after the show, that’s one of the things I go to when I’m on the tour bus,” Gowan revealed, emphasizing the show’s role in his post-performance relaxation routine. He elaborated that if there’s an episode of South Park or Family Guy airing, he’s likely to tune in. “It’s one or the other. But there’s always great musical references between those two cartoons,” he added, showcasing how these shows cleverly intertwine humor and music, enriching the viewing experience for fans.

In exciting news for fans, Styx is set to release their highly anticipated new album, Circling From Above, in late May. Furthermore, the band will be hitting the road with fellow rock icon Kevin Cronin starting in April, marking the beginning of their much-anticipated Brotherhood of Rock tour, which promises to deliver electrifying performances and unforgettable moments for fans.