Styx has a new bass player.

The band’s official Facebook page announced Terry Gowan has joined as its new bass player, after longtime member Ricky Phillips departed earlier this year.

Terry is the brother of Styx’s longtime vocalist and keyboardist Lawrence Gowan.

“The seven band members are committed to thrilling audiences around the world as they begin their second decade with an average of more than 100 shows per year,” the announcement said.

The band currently consists of James “JY” Young, Tommy Shaw, Chuck Panozzo, Lawrence Gowan, Todd Sucherman, Will Evankovich and now Terry Gowan.

“It is within 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 — in taking on the mantle as the new bassist of the legendary STYX,” Terry Gowan said in an official statement, shared on the Styx Facebook page. “Here’s to many years ahead on the Styx adventure!”

Terry’s brother Lawrence released a statement via the band’s official website.

“I’m very pleased and proud to have my brother, Terry, join Styx,” Lawrence Gowan said. “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 2010 to this year of 2024. It’s really great to have him aboard!”

Styx guitarist and Alabama native Tommy Shaw said in the band’s release, “We’re all looking forward to the Canadian shows that are coming up soon and introducing Terry Gowan on bass guitar and vocals as the newest Styx member!!! Are you ready to rock? We are too! See you soon!”

Drummer Todd Sucherman added, “I’ve had the pleasure of being a rhythm section partner with Terry Gowan for several years in Gowan’s band, and I look forward to welcoming this talented multi-instrumentalist into the fold.”

The group’s longtime bass player of 20 years, Ricky Phillips, in March announced his departure, which he reminded fans is not a retirement.

“Dear Friends, after touring for 50 years with The Babys, Bad English, opening for Tina Turner (on the Private Dancer tour with John Parr), Belinda Carlisle’s first solo tour, rehearsing in Tahoe and recording at Little Mountain in Canada with Jimmy Page and David Coverdale and writing, touring, and co-producing 10/10 with Ronnie Montrose, to name a chosen few … I’m taking a breather,” Phillips wrote.

“My last 20+ years of touring and recording with my friends in Styx has come to an end. I am taking a break from the road. I’m not retiring, just taking a break.”

Phillips wrote he has accepted an offer to co-produce a project “in a studio close to home.” He said that he’s known since he was a child that live performance is “in my blood” so he will share any plans on future gigs.

“Of course, I will always cherish the adventurous days recording and touring with Styx,” he wrote. “And, I will truly miss the wonderfully-crazy and faithful Styx fans … whose smiling faces I often saw more than my own family.”

He signed off, adding “Peace be with you all … and Happy Trails, Ricky.”

The Styx official Facebook page (writing as “The Styx Family”) also posted, wishing Phillips well. “It was a joy to spend two decades with Ricky Phillips in Styx and we wish him all the best in his next adventure,” the band wrote. “He’ll always be a part of the Styx family and we’ll miss his presence on our stage and in our touring lives.”

Born in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, the 71-year-old Phillips joined Styx in 2003, replacing Glen Burtnik and splitting duties with original bassist Chuck Panozzo. He’s also performed with Ted Nugent, The Babys, Bad English, and Nasty Habit.

Formed in Chicago in 1972, Styx is a widely beloved rock band knwn for hits like “Come Sail Away,” “Renegade,” “Lady,” “Blue Collar Man (Long Nights),” “Babe” and more.

The band is currently on a North American tour that has two Alabama stops: Aug. 16 at The Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach and Aug. 17 at Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville.