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Kansas (band)

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American rock band

Kansas
Kansas in 2016 (L to R): Rich Williams, Billy Greer, Zak Rizvi, Phil Ehart, Ronnie Platt, David Manion, and David Ragsdale
Kansas in 2016 (L to R):Rich Williams,Billy Greer, Zak Rizvi,Phil Ehart,Ronnie Platt, David Manion, andDavid Ragsdale
Background information
Also known as
  • The Reason Why (1969)
  • Saratoga (1969-1970)
  • White Clover / Kansas I (1970-1971)
  • Kansas II / Proto-Kaw (1971-1972)
  • Re-formed White Clover (1972-1973)
OriginTopeka, Kansas, U.S.
Genres
WorksDiscography
Years active
  • 1973–1984
  • 1985–present
Labels
Spinoffs
Members
Past members
Websitekansasband.com

Kansas is an Americanrock band formed inTopeka, Kansas in 1973. They became popular during the 1970s initially onalbum-oriented rock charts and later with hit singles such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind".[4] The band has produced nine gold albums, three multi-platinum albums (Leftoverture 5x,Point of Know Return 4×, andThe Best of Kansas 4×), one other platinum studio album (Monolith), one platinum live double album (Two for the Show), and a million-selling single, "Dust in the Wind". Kansas appeared on the USBillboard charts for over 200 weeks throughout the 1970s and 1980s and played to sold-out arenas and stadiums throughout North America, Europe and Japan. "Carry On Wayward Son" was the second-most-played track on US classic rock radio in 1995 and No. 1 in 1997.[5][independent source needed] Jason Ankeny ofAllMusic referred to Kansas as "staples" ofclassic rock radio.[6]

History

[edit]

1970–1973: early years

[edit]

In 1969, Don Montre andKerry Livgren (guitars, keyboards, synthesizers) were performing in a band called the Reasons Why in their hometown of Topeka. After leaving to form the band Saratoga withLynn Meredith andDan Wright, they started playing Livgren's original material, with Scott Kessler playing bass and Zeke Lowe on drums.

In 1970 they changed the band's name to Kansas and merged with members of rival Topekaprogressive rock group White Clover.[7] White Clover membersDave Hope (bass) andPhil Ehart (drums, percussion) joined with Livgren, vocalists Meredith and Greg Allen, keyboardists Montre and Wright and saxophonist Larry Baker.[4] This early Kansas group, sometimes called Kansas I, lasted until early 1971 when Ehart, Hope and some of the others left to re-form White Clover.[citation needed]

Ehart was replaced by Zeke Lowe and later Brad Schulz, Hope was replaced by Rod Mikinski and Baker was replaced by John Bolton on saxophone and flute. This lineup is sometimes referred to as Kansas II, and 30 years later would re-form under the nameProto-Kaw.

In 1972, after Ehart returned from England (where he had gone to look for other musicians), he and Hope once again re-formed White Clover withRobby Steinhardt (vocals, violin, viola, cello),Steve Walsh (vocals, keyboards, synthesizers, percussion) andRich Williams (guitars). In early 1973 they recruited Livgren from the second Kansas group, which then folded.[8] Eventually they received arecording contract withDon Kirshner's eponymous label, after Kirshner's assistant,Wally Gold, heard one of their demo tapes and came out to check out the band at one of their local gigs in March 1973 inEllinwood, Kansas. After signing with Kirshner, the group decided to return to using the name "Kansas".

1974–1979: rise to national prominence

[edit]
Promotional poster for Kansas' 1976 concert inAllentown, Pennsylvania

Their 1974self-titled debut album, produced by Gold, was released in March 1974, nearly a year after it was recorded in New York.[7] It defined the band's signature sound, a mix of American-styleboogie rock and complex, symphonic arrangements with changing time signatures. Steinhardt's violin was a distinctive element of the group's sound, being defined more byheartland rock than the jazz and classical influences which most progressive rock violinists followed.

The band slowly developed a cult following due to promotion by Kirshner and extensive touring for the debut album and its two follow-ups,Song for America (February 1975) andMasque (October 1975).Song for America was co-produced by Wally Gold and their former White Clover bandmateJeff Glixman, who would go on to produce all of their albums fromMasque toTwo for the Show (October 1978) on his own, returning to the helm for 1995'sFreaks of Nature. BothMasque and their next release,Leftoverture, were recorded at a studio in the middle of the LouisianaBayou namedStudio in the Country.

Kansas released its fourth album,Leftoverture, in October 1976, which produced a hit single, "Carry On Wayward Son", in 1977. The follow-up,Point of Know Return, recorded atStudio in the Country inBogalusa, Louisiana andWoodland Sound Studios inNashville and released in October 1977, featuredthe title track and "Dust in the Wind", both hit singles.Leftoverture was a breakthrough for the band, hitting No. 5 onBillboard's pop album chart.Point of Know Return peaked even higher, at No. 4. Both albums sold over four million copies in the U.S. Both "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind" were certifiedgold singles, selling over one million units each. "Dust in the Wind" was certified gold as a digital download by theRIAA in 2005, almost 30 years after selling one million copies as a single.Leftoverture was eventually certified five-times platinum by the RIAA in 2001.

During this period, Kansas became a major headlining act and sold out the largest venues available to rock bands at the time, includingNew York'sMadison Square Garden. The band documented this era in 1978 withTwo for the Show, adoublelive album of recordings from various performances from its 1977 and 1978 tours. The band gained a solid reputation for faithful live reproduction of their studio recordings.

In March 1978 Kansas was brought over to tour Europe for the very first time and later on that same year, they were namedUNICEF DeputyAmbassadors of Goodwill.[9]

The follow-up studio album toPoint of Know Return wasMonolith (May 1979), which was self-produced. The album generated aTop 40 single in "People of the South Wind", whose title refers to the meaning of the 'Kanza' (Kaw) Native American people, after whom the state and the band are named. The album failed to garner the sales and radio airplay of its two predecessors. Nevertheless, the album eventually went platinum. Livgren's platinum award for the album is on display at theKansas Museum of History.[10] The band toured the US forMonolith during the summer and fall of 1979 then went over to tour Japan for the first time in January 1980.

1980–1984: creative tensions

[edit]

Kansas bandmembers began to drift apart in the early 1980s. During the tour supportingMonolith, Livgren became anevangelical Christian, and this was reflected in his lyrics on the next three albums, beginning withAudio-Visions (September 1980). "Hold On", a Top 40 single from that album, displayed his new-found faith. Hope soon converted to Christianity as well. This would be the final album with the original lineup (until they briefly reunited in 1999–2000), and also the last Kansas studio album to be certified gold by the RIAA.

Due to creative differences over the lyrical direction of the next album, Walsh left in October 1981 to form a new band,Streets. In early 1982 Walsh was replaced by vocalist/keyboardist/guitaristJohn Elefante,[4] who—unknown to Livgren and Hope at the time—was also a Christian.[11] He was chosen from over 200 applicants, such asSammy Hagar,Doug Pinnick,Ted Neeley (who played the title character in the movieJesus Christ Superstar),Warren Ham (ex-Bloodrock, who would join the band on the road in 1982 adding sax, flute, harmonica, back-up vocals and extra keyboards) andMichael Gleason (who would supply keyboards and back-up vocals on the group's 1983 tour).[citation needed]

The first Kansas album with Elefante,Vinyl Confessions, was released in May 1982. The record renewed interest in the group and generated the band's first Top 20 hit in several years, "Play the Game Tonight", which hit number 4 on Billboard's newly deployed Mainstream Rock chart. The album's mostly Christianity-based lyrics attracted a new audience and garnered radio airplay on the then fledglingContemporary Christian Music format. The album featured backing vocals fromQueen drummerRoger Taylor, who was recording in the studio next door. Still, sales of the album fell short of gold status.

Drastic Measures followed in July 1983. For various reasons, Livgren contributed only three songs to the album; the rest were penned by John Elefante and his brother Dino. With violinist Steinhardt leaving the group before the recording sessions, the result was a more mainstream pop-rock album. Though the album charted lower than any Kansas album sinceMasque, peaking at number 41, its single "Fight Fire with Fire" fared better. It did not crack the Top 40 on theBillboard Hot 100, but reached No. 3 on theBillboard Mainstream Rock chart. It was the highest chart position of any Kansas release on any chart, though this particular chart did not exist prior to 1981. For their 1983 tour forDrastic Measures, Kansas was joined on stage by the aforementioned Michael Gleason and Terry Brock (who covered the absent Steinhardt's harmony vocals).

During the band's time with Elefante as lead vocalist, Livgren became increasingly uncomfortable with Kansas representing his Christian worldview. After a final New Year's Eve performance on December 31, 1983, Livgren and Hope left to formAD withWarren Ham andMichael Gleason. They were joined by drummer Dennis Holt.

Elefante, Ehart and Williams sought to continue as Kansas and recorded one more song, "Perfect Lover", which appeared on the retrospectiveThe Best of Kansas (August 1984), which has sold over four million units in the U.S. alone. The song would eventually be removed in favor of other songs on the remastered release of the compilation. The group disbanded after its release, which thus became the final Kansas recording with Elefante. Since leaving the band, Elefante has become a popularContemporary Christian music artist and has not performed with the group since.

In March 1984, Ehart, Williams and Elefante were part of aUnited Service Organizations (USO) tour of US military bases that had been put together by Ehart, called 1st Airborne Rock and Roll Division, that also includedPatrick Simmons (Doobie Brothers), Leon Medica (LeRoux),David Jenkins,Cory Lerios and John Pierce (fromPablo Cruise) andRobin Zander,Rick Nielsen andBun E. Carlos (fromCheap Trick). The supergroup began four days of rehearsals inHawaii on March 10 before beginning a 17-day tour playing for theUnited States Seventh Fleet in theIndian Ocean and land-based troops inKorea,Okinawa,Diego Garcia and thePhilippines. This was followed by a second USO tour in March 1985 that included Ehart, Williams and Steve Walsh.

1985–1990: reformation

[edit]
Kansas guitaristSteve Morse

In July 1985 the band came back together with Ehart, Williams and Walsh[7] (who had briefly played keyboards on the road for Cheap Trick in the spring and summer of 1985 after the break up ofStreets), but without Livgren, Hope or Steinhardt.[4] The new lineup included Streets bassistBilly Greer and guitaristSteve Morse (formerly of theDixie Dregs).[7] The first performances of the new lineup with Morse and Greer took place during a third USO 1st Airborne Rock and Roll Division tour that toured US military bases in the US, Japan, Okinawa, the Philippines,Singapore,Iceland and most of Europe during the late summer through early October 1986.

The re-formed band releasedPower on October 28, 1986.[7] The first single, "All I Wanted", became the last Kansas single to hit theBillboard Top 40 chart, reaching No. 19. It made the Top 10 on Billboard's Album Rock Tracks and received considerable airplay on MTV. Two more singles, the title track and "Can't Cry Anymore", were less successful, "Power" hitting the lower end of the Hot 100 and getting substantial play and charting on the Rock Charts, but "Can't Cry Anymore" receiving little airplay despite a clever music video. The album sold approximately 400,000 copies.

The band added Baton Rouge native Greg Robert on keyboards and back-up vocals at the suggestion of LeRoux's Leon Medica. Greg played his first show with Kansas on January 31, 1987, along with38 Special, atRoberto Clemente Coliseum inPuerto Rico.

The new lineup released a second album,In the Spirit of Things, in October 1988. The concept album and subsequent tour were popular with the fan base but did not receive widespread airplay beyond the "Stand Beside Me" video on MTV. Morse temporarily left the band at the end of a tour of Germany in April 1989.

On September 15, 1990, Walsh, Williams and Ehart played a charity event at the Saddlerock Ranch inMalibu, California, alongsideSaga,Lou Gramm (ofForeigner),Mr. Big,Eddie Money,Kevin Cronin (fromREO Speedwagon) and others.Alex Lifeson joined them on stage for a short set of Kansas beforeGeddy Lee flew in to join Alex for aRush set, with Ehart on drums subbing forNeil Peart.[12]

In November 1990 a German promoter arranged to reunite all the original members of Kansas (except for Steinhardt) for a European tour. Greer joined them, along with keyboardist Greg Robert. At the end of the tour, Hope left again, but Livgren remained on into 1991.

1991–1997: addition of David Ragsdale

[edit]
Kansas performing inGrand Rapids, Michigan, 2009

In March 1991, violinistDavid Ragsdale (who had submitted a tape of his playing to Ehart several years earlier) was invited to join the group and the return of the violin allowed Kansas to perform earlier material in arrangements closer to the originals. Livgren left during the 1991 summer tour, to be replaced temporarily by Steve Morse again. After the tour, Morse left the band for good to return to his own projects and eventually become a member ofDeep Purple, and Ragsdale took over the extra guitar parts, leaving Williams as the primary guitar player. The resulting lineup of Ehart, Greer, Ragsdale, Robert, Walsh and Williams lasted from 1991 to 1997. This period saw one live album and accompanying video,Live at the Whisky (July 1992), and one studio album,Freaks of Nature (May 1995).

During the fall of 1993, drummer Van Romaine (formerly ofBlood Sweat and Tears and Steve Morse's band) came in to substitute for Ehart, who was taking care of the group's business and putting togetherThe Kansas Boxed Set, which was released in July 1994. Bryan Holmes, fromThe Producers, likewise filled in for Ehart during the spring and summer of 1994 until that December, when Phil returned for a tour of Germany.

On July 28, 1995, Kansas was inducted into the Rock Walk of Fame in Hollywood.

1997–2006: return of Robby Steinhardt

[edit]

In early 1997, Robert and Ragsdale left the band and Steinhardt returned.

In May 1998, Kansas releasedAlways Never the Same, which featured Larry Baird conducting theLondon Symphony Orchestra. The album was a mix of older Kansas material (with new arrangements by Baird), several new songs and acover of "Eleanor Rigby".

Somewhere to Elsewhere, a new studio album released in July 2000, featured all the original members of Kansas, plus Greer, with all songs written by Kerry Livgren. That same summer, Kansas was the opening act forYes during their "Masterworks" tour.

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Livgren would occasionally attend Kansas shows and come on stage to play one or more songs with the band. At a March 9, 2002 concert atLake Tahoe, he played the whole show, subbing for Rich Williams who was "under the weather", and another live album andDVD from Kansas, entitledDevice - Voice - Drum, which was recorded in the band's present home ofAtlanta on June 15, 2002, was released that October.

Also in 2002, Kansas II (the lineup prior to the recording and release of the first Kansas album) released an album under the nameProto-Kaw, featuring demos and live material recorded from 1971 to 1973. It led to a new studio album,Before Became After (2004), with most of the Kansas II members participating. Proto-Kaw released a third album,The Wait of Glory, in 2006 and their fourth and final studio album,Forth, was released in 2011, after which the band ceased.

2006–2014: continued touring and regained popularity

[edit]
Kansas performing in 2008
David Ragsdale (left) andBilly Greer onstage with Kansas in 2010

Kansas continued to tour every year. The 2006 tour was delayed for a few weeks due to Steinhardt's second departure in March[13] and Ragsdale's subsequent return to the lineup.

In 2008, the Kansas website announced that four of the five members (Ehart, Ragsdale, Williams, and Greer) had formed a side recording group calledNative Window and they released their self-titled debut album in June 2009.

In February 2009, Kansas recorded a concert in Topeka featuring a full symphony orchestra, with Larry Baird conducting. Morse and Livgren appeared as special guests on several songs. The performance was released on CD, DVD, and Blu-ray asThere's Know Place Like Home that October and the DVD hit No. 5 on theBillboard Music Video Chart the week after its release.

In July 2010, Kansas completed a 30-day "United We Rock" tour with fellow classic rock actsStyx andForeigner. Kansas then began a collegiate tour in September 2010. On this tour they performed with the symphony orchestras of various US colleges in an effort to raise money for the individual schools' music programs. The success of the tour led the band to start another one the following year.On September 13, 2012, Kansas began a new tour with a performance at theBest Buy Theater in New York City. Opening for them was the bandKing's X and a one-man-band calledThat 1 Guy. This tour featured many hits from the albumsLeftoverture andPoint of Know Return, as well as material from a number of their other albums.

The band kicked off 2013 being featured on the Rock Legends II cruise. The floating rock festival for a cause aboardRoyal Caribbean International'sLiberty of the Seas departed January 10, 2013, fromFort Lauderdale, Florida. Other big names includedForeigner,Paul Rodgers,Creedence Clearwater Revisited,Bachman & Turner,38 Special,The Marshall Tucker Band,Blue Öyster Cult,Foghat andMolly Hatchet.

On March 1, 2013, Kansas announced a 40th anniversary celebration was in the works. However, Steinhardt suffered a heart attack days before the concert and was unable to participate. Nevertheless, the show went on, billed as the40th Anniversary Fan Appreciation Concert, performed in Pittsburgh on August 17, 2013, at the same venue,Benedum Center (formerly The Stanley Theater), which had propelled them to national recognition. The show featured guest appearances by Kerry Livgren and Dave Hope and the first set featured symphonic accompaniment by the Three Rivers Orchestra, conducted by Larry Baird. Intermission featured Phil Ehart overseeing random prize drawings of autographed band merchandise, videotaped 40th anniversary well-wishes from other bands, and an exclusive first-look at the trailer for the upcoming feature-length documentaryMiracles Out of Nowhere.[14]

2014–2020: retirement of Steve Walsh,The Prelude Implicit

[edit]

On July 2, 2014, a statement was issued on the band's officialFacebook page announcing the impending retirement of lead singerSteve Walsh.

On July 6, 2014, former Kansas lead singerJohn Elefante issued a statement that he had been contacted by the band on July 2 to discuss rejoining. However, on July 4, after turning to prayer, he said that it was not meant to be. At that point, he also cited Steve Walsh as one of the reasons he wanted to become a singer.[15]

A statement was issued on July 14, 2014, through the band's official Facebook page, stating that Chicago nativeRonnie Platt (who had previously sung withShooting Star) had been selected as the band's new lead vocalist and keyboard player.

On July 24, 2014, the band announced that their longtime lighting specialist David Manion would be handling the main keyboard parts for the band on stage along with Platt, giving the group a full-time keyboardist for the first time since Greg Robert's departure in 1997. Manion had also handled keyboard responsibilities for Kansas bassist and vocalistBilly Greer's band,Seventh Key.[16]

In March 2015, the band released the aforementioned documentary,Miracles Out of Nowhere.[17] The documentary chronicles the band's formation and follows them throughout their success withLeftoverture andPoint of Know Return. It was initially available in a limited-edition release that contained an extra DVD of bonus interviews. The documentary was released alongside a companion CD of the same name that contained a selection of the band's greatest hits along with snippets of commentary from the documentary.

On September 1, 2015, a press release announced that Kansas had signed withInside Out Music, a German label dedicated to progressive rock and related genres, for the release of their upcoming 15th studio album.[18] The release of this album marked the longest period to date between studio releases since the previous album,Somewhere to Elsewhere, had been released over 15 years prior, in 2000. On February 26, 2016, the group officially announcedThe Prelude Implicit for a September 2016 release.[19] The album's co-producer and co-writer, Zak Rizvi, was subsequently named as a full member of the band, giving Kansas a second full-time guitarist for the first time since Steve Morse's departure in 1991.[20]

On September 30, 2016, the current lineup kicked off a multi-city tour at the Benedum Center inPittsburgh, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the release ofLeftoverture, which was done again in the spring of 2017 with a twelve show 40th anniversary tour, that, like the fall jaunt, included performances of newer tracks, older songs and a complete rendering of the fullLeftoverture album. A two CD set,Leftoverture Live & Beyond, was released in November 2017 that contained nineteen songs culled from different shows during the tour and the band's 2017 fall dates also included further 40th anniversary shows.

In 2018, the group decided to celebrate the 40th anniversary ofPoint of Know Return by playing that album in its entirety at the shows on a tour, set to begin in September.

After the conclusion of the fall tour dates, keyboardist David Manion departed the band, and in DecemberTom Brislin (who had played withYes,Meat Loaf,Debbie Harry,Renaissance,Camel,Dennis DeYoung and others) was announced as the new keyboardist, with the second leg of thePoint 40th anniversary tour slated to resume in March 2019.[21]

In December 2019, the band played the entireLeftoverture andPoint of Know Return albums in a special performance at theBeacon Theatre in New York City.[22]

2020–present:The Absence of Presence, 50th anniversary and beyond

[edit]

On March 20, 2020 the band announced the upcoming release of a new studio album,The Absence of Presence.[23] Due to manufacturing delays, the album was not released until July 17, 2020. It was promoted by the release of videos for three songs: "Throwing Mountains", "Memories Down the Line" and "Jets Overhead".[24] Recording for the album took place simultaneously during the band's 2019 touring schedule.[25]

To promote the album, an autumn 2020 tour of Europe was scheduled, but following the2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the tour was postponed to 2022.[25]

Guitarist Zak Rizvi left the band in April 2021 in order to pursue new projects.[26]

On May 28, 2021 the group releasedPoint of Know Return: Live and Beyond, with performances taken from various dates on the 2019 to early 2020 legs of thePoint of Know Return 40th Anniversary Tour.[27]

Former violin player and vocalistRobby Steinhardt died fromPancreatitis on July 17, 2021, at the age of 71.[28]

On December 9, 2022 the three disc compilationAnother Fork in the Road - 50 Years of Kansas was released to commemorate the band's 50th anniversary in 2023. Included on it are various tracks from all 16 Kansas studio albums, however, tracks fromPower andIn the Spirit of Things are omitted on disc 2 of the North American version. Also featured is a new 2022 recording of "Can I Tell You", a track originally from Kansas'debut album.[29]

Eric Holmquist, the band's drum tech since 2003, has filled in for drummer Ehart as needed over the years, including 2016 when Ehart was being treated forkidney stones, 2018, and again in the fall of 2022 and 2023 after Ehart sprained his arm.[30][31] Ehart returned to the stage in June 2023, at the start of the band's 50th anniversary tour, to play the final songs of the set after Holmquist had covered the bulk of the show.[32]

In May 2023 just prior to the start of the band's 50th Anniversary tour, it was announced that violinist David Ragsdale was leaving for personal reasons to be replaced by violinist/guitarist Joe Deninzon, from the progressive rock bandStratospheerius.[33]

In November 2023 Kyle Henderson ofThe Producers filled in on bass and vocals on tour for Billy Greer.[34]

In January 2024 former Kansas guitarist Zak Rizvi filled in for Rich Williams for some Florida shows while Williams recovered from a brief illness.[35]

On February 23, 2024 Kansas announced that Phil Ehart was forced to step away from the stage after suffering a heart attack. Eric Holmquist again assumed the drums, starting with a March 1, 2024 show inRichmond, VA.[36]

On April 18, 2024 Kansas announced that Zak Rizvi had rejoined the band. He played his first show after rejoining on April 26, 2024 in Morristown, New Jersey.[37]

On April 26, 2024 Kansas announced that bassist Dan McGowan, of the band The Tea Club, would be filling in for bassist Billy Greer at their upcoming KANSAS 50th Anniversary Tour concerts from April 26th (Morristown, NJ) through May 4th (Toronto, ON.)[38] But even though Greer returned after that, the band's show at The Colosseum atCaesars Windsor inWindsor, Ontario, Canada on September 1, 2024 was Greer's final one with Kansas, as he announced his retirement after thirty nine years with them. Dan McGowan was then brought back as Greer's permanent replacement.[39]

Due to the devastation in the Western Carolinas caused byHurricane Helene, the band's Las Vegas show scheduled for September 28, 2024, had to be canceled and Rich Williams was unable to travel to the next concerts scheduled for the first week of October in Topeka, Kansas and Park City, Kansas. Guitarist Scott Bernard (fromKenny Loggins's band) was announced as fill-in guitarist, while former members Kerry Livgren and Dave Hope were brought back for guest appearances on "Hold On" and the encore of "Carry on Wayward Son".[40]

Joe Deninzon's Stratopheerius band mate, drummer Jason Gianni, filled in on drums for the group atSeminole Casino inCoconut Creek, Florida on January 23, 2025.

In February 2025 lead singer Ronnie Platt was diagnosed withthyroid cancer. But thanks to early detection and surgery, Ronnie was singing again, cancer-free, by April. But shortly after Platt's return, bassist Dan McGowan became a first-time dad and had to miss a few dates. Tom Brislin's friend Dave Edwards filled in on bass during this time.

Guitarist Bernard, who filled in for Rich Williams previously in 2024 and earlier in 2025, was announced as a new full-time Kansas member as of August 22, 2025, while original member and guitarist Williams would remain an active member but would be scaling back on touring.[41]

For the encore at their show atAzura Amphitheater inBonner Springs, Kansas on September 26, 2025, the current lineup of Kansas (including Rich Williams) was accompanied by Kerry Livgren, Dave Hope and Phil Ehart.[42]

On November 2, 2025 Kansas played a concert with theNew Jersey Symphony Chamber Players atBergen Performing Arts Center inEnglewood, NJ, with Dave Edwards returning to conduct the orchestra.

Musical style and influences

[edit]

Kansas's musical style, a fusion ofhard rock,southern rock, andprogressive rock,[43] was influenced by several bands. The music ofYes andGenesis was inspirational to Kansas, especially demonstrated in the lyrics of Walsh.[44] Livgren cited the 1960s bandTouch as foundational to his development.[45] Livgren's evolving spirituality is reflected in the band's songs, with early works showing an interest in the mysticism ofEastern religions, works in the late 1970s influenced by the American spiritual philosophy ofThe Urantia Book, followed in the early 1980s by works embracing born-again Christianity.[46] The re-formed band produced a harderpop metal album in the late 1980s.[2][44] In addition to British progressive rock, Jason Ankeny ofAllMusic noted the apparent influence from Americanheartland rock also present in Kansas' work.[6]

Appearances in other media

[edit]

"Carry On Wayward Son" has been covered by many artists. The song is frequently played throughout the showSupernatural and also appears inSupernatural: The Anime Series (as the ending for each episode). It is often hailed as the show's unofficial theme song.[47]

"Dust in the Wind" was featured near the end of theHighlander: The Series 1993 episode "The Darkness" (Season 2 Episode 4) as lead characterDuncan MacLeod is mourning the death of his fiance Tessa.[48]

"Dust in the Wind" was parodied by comedianTim Hawkins, the parody called "A Whiff of Kansas" which is on thePretty Pink Tractor album, and a video parody on theInsanitized live DVD. In 2016, the music video for the song was parodied onThe Late Late Show with James Corden.[49]

"Point of Know Return" was featured as part of the soundtrack for the 2021 filmThe Suicide Squad.[50]

Members

[edit]
Main article:List of Kansas band members

Current members

  • Phil Ehart – drums, percussion(1973–1984, 1985–present;not touring 2024–present)
  • Rich Williams – lead and rhythm guitars(1973–1984, 1985–present;part-time touring 2025–present)
  • Ronnie Platt – lead and backing vocals, keyboards(2014–present)
  • Zak Rizvi – lead and rhythm guitars, backing vocals(2016–2021, 2024–present;touring substitute 2024)
  • Tom Brislin – keyboards, backing and lead vocals(2018–present)
  • Joe Deninzon – violin, seven string electric violin, rhythm guitar, backing vocals(2023–present)
  • Dan McGowan – bass, backing and lead vocals(2024–present;touring substitute 2024)
  • Scott Bernard – guitar, backing vocals(2025–present;touring substitute 2024-2025)

Touring members

  • Eric Holmquist – drums, percussion(2016, 2018, 2022–present)

Discography

[edit]
For a more comprehensive list, seeKansas discography.

References

[edit]
  1. ^Wagner, Jeff (2010).Mean Deviation: Four Decades of Progressive Heavy Metal. Bazillion Points Books. p. 7.ISBN 978-0-9796163-3-4.
  2. ^abPrown, Pete; Newquist, Harvey P. (1997).Legends of Rock Guitar: The Essential Reference of Rock's Greatest Guitarists. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 87.ISBN 978-0-7935-4042-6.
  3. ^Weinstein, Deena (2015).Rock'n America: A Social and Cultural History. University of Toronto Press. p. 164.ISBN 9781442600157.
  4. ^abcdStrong, Martin C. (2000).The Great Rock Discography (5th ed.). Edinburgh: Mojo Books. pp. 524–525.ISBN 1-84195-017-3.
  5. ^"KANSAS Signs with APA".Kansasband.com (Press release). Kansas. April 2, 2015. RetrievedDecember 14, 2020.
  6. ^ab"Kansas Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More | Al..."AllMusic. RetrievedDecember 19, 2024.
  7. ^abcdeColin Larkin, ed. (1997).The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music (Concise ed.).Virgin Books. p. 696.ISBN 1-85227-745-9.
  8. ^Rock Movers & Shakers by Dafydd Rees & Luke Crampton, 1991 Billboard Books.
  9. ^"Kansas - Point Of No Return". Nehrecords.com. June 27, 1978. Archived fromthe original on March 9, 2012. RetrievedApril 18, 2011.
  10. ^"Cool Things, Kansas Platinum Record, Kansas Historical Society". Kshs.org. RetrievedApril 18, 2011.
  11. ^Brown, Bruce."Elefante Interview". progrock.org. RetrievedMarch 12, 2012.
  12. ^"Kansas - Live - 1990 - Carry On Wayward Son w/ Alex Lifeson(Malibu,California)".YouTube. September 26, 2009.Archived from the original on November 8, 2021.
  13. ^"Classic Rock Revisited your online source for Rock and Metal fans".Classicrockrevisited.com. Archived fromthe original on October 13, 2007.
  14. ^"KANSAS Violinist Robby Steinhardt Suffers Heart Attack". ultimateclassicrock.com. August 12, 2013. RetrievedJune 27, 2014.
  15. ^"John Elefante".Facebook.com. RetrievedOctober 8, 2019.
  16. ^"Kansas Band".Facebook.com. RetrievedOctober 8, 2019.
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