Kansas

Biography

Kansas is an American rock band formed in Topeka, Kansas in 1973. They became popular during the 1970s initially on album-oriented rock charts and later with hit singles such as "Carry On Wayward Son×Carry On Wayward Son29 September 2017 · Single · LiveSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Carry On Wayward Son5:37" and "Dust in the Wind×Dust in the Wind1978 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksADust in the Wind3:26BPoint of Know Return3:11". The band has produced nine gold albums, three multi-platinum albums (Leftoverture×Leftoverture21 October 1976 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 8 tracksA1Carry On Wayward Son5:13A2The Wall4:47A3What’s on My Mind4:27A4Miracles Out of Nowhere6:29B1Opus Insert4:26B2Questions of My Childhood3:38B3Cheyenne Anthem6:50B4Magnum Opus: Father Padilla Meets the Perfect Gnat / Howling at the Moon / Man Overboard / Industry on Parade / Release the Beavers / Gnat Attack8:27 5×, Point of Know Return×Point of Know Return11 October 1977 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracksA1Point of Know Return3:11A2Paradox3:45A3The Spider2:06A4Portrait (He Knew)4:33A5Closet Chronicles6:28B1Lightning’s Hand4:21B2Dust in the Wind3:27B3Sparks of the Tempest4:15B4Nobody’s Home4:37B5Hopelessly Human7:07 4×, and The Best of Kansas×The Best of Kansas31 July 1984 · Album · CompilationSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracks1Carry On Wayward Son5:242Point of Know Return3:123Fight Fire With Fire3:414Dust in the Wind3:265Song for America9:096Perfect Lover4:197Hold On3:538No One Together6:589Play the Game Tonight3:2710The Wall4:49 4×), one other platinum studio album (Monolith×MonolithMay 1979 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 8 tracksA1On the Other Side6:23A2People of the South Wind3:40A3Angels Have Fallen6:36A4How My Soul Cries Out for You5:18B1A Glimpse of Home7:10B2Away From You4:20B3Stay Out of Trouble4:12B4Reason to Be3:50), one platinum live double album (Two for the Show×Two for the ShowOctober 1978 · Album · LiveSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks · 2 discsDisc 1A1Song for America7:04A2Point of Know Return3:07A3Paradox3:51A4Icarus: Borne on Wings of Steel5:44B1Portrait (He Knew)5:41B2Carry On Wayward Son4:43B3Journey From Mariabronn8:22Disc 2C1Dust in the Wind4:22C2Lonely Wind2:31C3Mysteries and Mayhem4:06C4Excerpt From Lamplight Symphony2:40C5The Wall4:41D1Closet Chronicles6:43D2Magnum Opus11:11), and a million-selling single, "Dust in the Wind". Kansas appeared on the US Billboard 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. Jason Ankeny of AllMusic referred to Kansas as "staples" of classic rock radio.

1970–1973: early years

In 1969, Don Montre and Kerry 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 with Lynn Meredith and Dan 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 Topeka progressive rock group White Clover. White Clover members Dave Hope (bass) and Phil Ehart (drums, percussion) joined with Livgren, vocalists Meredith and Greg Allen, keyboardists Montre and Wright and saxophonist Larry Baker. 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. This second version of White Clover included Warren Eisenstein, a close childhood friend of Jeffrey Epstein.
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 name Proto-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 with Robby Steinhardt (vocals, violin, viola, cello), Steve Walsh (vocals, keyboards, synthesizers, percussion) and Rich Williams (guitars). In early 1973 they recruited Livgren from the second Kansas group, which then folded. Eventually they received a recording contract with Don 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 in Ellinwood, Kansas. After signing with Kirshner, the group decided to return to using the name "Kansas".

1974–1979: rise to national prominence

Their 1974 self-titled debut album, produced by Gold, was released in March 1974, nearly a year after it was recorded in New York. It defined the band's signature sound, a mix of American-style boogie rock and complex, symphonic arrangements with changing time signatures. Steinhardt's violin was a distinctive element of the group's sound, being defined more by heartland 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×Song for AmericaMarch 1975 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 6 tracks1.1Down the Road3:441.2Song for America10:031.3Lamplight Symphony8:182.1Lonely Street5:432.2The Devil Game5:052.3Incomudro - Hymn to the Atman12:12 (February 1975) and Masque×MasqueOctober 1975 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 8 tracks1.1It Takes a Woman’s Love (to Make a Man)3:061.2Two Cents Worth3:071.3Icarus—Borne on Wings of Steel6:021.4All the World7:082.1Child of Innocence4:332.2It’s You2:322.3Mysteries and Mayhem4:192.4The Pinnacle9:34 (October 1975). Song for America was co-produced by Wally Gold and their former White Clover bandmate Jeff Glixman, who would go on to produce all of their albums from Masque to Two for the Show×Two for the ShowOctober 1978 · Album · LiveSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks · 2 discsDisc 1A1Song for America7:04A2Point of Know Return3:07A3Paradox3:51A4Icarus: Borne on Wings of Steel5:44B1Portrait (He Knew)5:41B2Carry On Wayward Son4:43B3Journey From Mariabronn8:22Disc 2C1Dust in the Wind4:22C2Lonely Wind2:31C3Mysteries and Mayhem4:06C4Excerpt From Lamplight Symphony2:40C5The Wall4:41D1Closet Chronicles6:43D2Magnum Opus11:11 (October 1978) on his own, returning to the helm for 1995's Freaks of Nature. Both Masque and their next release, Leftoverture, were recorded at a studio in the middle of the Louisiana Bayou named Studio in the Country.
Kansas released its fourth album, Leftoverture×Leftoverture21 October 1976 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 8 tracksA1Carry On Wayward Son5:13A2The Wall4:47A3What’s on My Mind4:27A4Miracles Out of Nowhere6:29B1Opus Insert4:26B2Questions of My Childhood3:38B3Cheyenne Anthem6:50B4Magnum Opus: Father Padilla Meets the Perfect Gnat / Howling at the Moon / Man Overboard / Industry on Parade / Release the Beavers / Gnat Attack8:27, in October 1976, which produced a hit single, "Carry On Wayward Son×Carry On Wayward Son29 September 2017 · Single · LiveSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Carry On Wayward Son5:37", in 1977. The follow-up, Point of Know Return, recorded at Studio in the Country in Bogalusa, Louisiana and Woodland Sound Studios in Nashville and released in October 1977, featured the title track and "Dust in the Wind×Dust in the Wind1978 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksADust in the Wind3:26BPoint of Know Return3:11", both hit singles. Leftoverture was a breakthrough for the band, hitting No. 5 on Billboard'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 certified gold singles, selling over one million units each. "Dust in the Wind" was certified gold as a digital download by the RIAA 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, including New York's Madison Square Garden. The band documented this era in 1978 with Two for the Show, a double live 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 named UNICEF Deputy Ambassadors of Goodwill.
The follow-up studio album to Point of Know Return×Point of Know Return11 October 1977 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracksA1Point of Know Return3:11A2Paradox3:45A3The Spider2:06A4Portrait (He Knew)4:33A5Closet Chronicles6:28B1Lightning’s Hand4:21B2Dust in the Wind3:27B3Sparks of the Tempest4:15B4Nobody’s Home4:37B5Hopelessly Human7:07 was Monolith×MonolithMay 1979 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 8 tracksA1On the Other Side6:23A2People of the South Wind3:40A3Angels Have Fallen6:36A4How My Soul Cries Out for You5:18B1A Glimpse of Home7:10B2Away From You4:20B3Stay Out of Trouble4:12B4Reason to Be3:50 (May 1979), which was self-produced. The album generated a Top 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 the Kansas Museum of History. The band toured the US for Monolith during the summer and fall of 1979 then went over to tour Japan for the first time in January 1980.

1980–1984: creative tensions

Kansas bandmembers began to drift apart in the early 1980s. During the tour supporting Monolith, Livgren became an evangelical Christian, and this was reflected in his lyrics on the next three albums, beginning with Audio-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/guitarist John Elefante, who—unknown to Livgren and Hope at the time—was also a Christian. He was chosen from over 200 applicants, such as Sammy Hagar, Doug Pinnick, Ted Neeley (who played the title character in the movie Jesus 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) and Michael Gleason (who would supply keyboards and back-up vocals on the group's 1983 tour).
The first Kansas album with Elefante, Vinyl Confessions×Vinyl ConfessionsJune 1982 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracks1.1Play the Game Tonight3:241.2Right Away4:031.3Fair Exchange4:561.4Chasing Shadows3:171.5Diamonds and Pearls4:472.1Face It4:152.2Windows3:292.3Borderline3:572.4Play On3:392.5Crossfire6:35, 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 fledgling Contemporary Christian Music format. The album featured backing vocals from Queen drummer Roger 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 since Masque×MasqueOctober 1975 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 8 tracks1.1It Takes a Woman’s Love (to Make a Man)3:061.2Two Cents Worth3:071.3Icarus—Borne on Wings of Steel6:021.4All the World7:082.1Child of Innocence4:332.2It’s You2:322.3Mysteries and Mayhem4:192.4The Pinnacle9:34, peaking at number 41, its single "Fight Fire with Fire" fared better. It did not crack the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, but reached No. 3 on the Billboard 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 for Drastic 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 form AD with Warren Ham and Michael 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 retrospective The 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 popular Contemporary Christian music artist and has not performed with the group since.
In March 1984, Ehart, Williams and Elefante were part of a United Service Organizations (USO) tour of US military bases that had been put together by Ehart, called 1st Airborne Rock and Roll Division, that also included Patrick Simmons (Doobie Brothers), Leon Medica (LeRoux), David Jenkins, Cory Lerios and John Pierce (from Pablo Cruise) and Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen and Bun E. Carlos (from Cheap Trick). The supergroup began four days of rehearsals in Hawaii on March 10 before beginning a 17-day tour playing for the United States Seventh Fleet in the Indian Ocean and land-based troops in Korea, Okinawa, Diego Garcia and the Philippines. This was followed by a second USO tour in March 1985 that included Ehart, Williams and Steve Walsh.

1985–1990: reformation

In July 1985 the band came back together with Ehart, Williams and Walsh (who had briefly played keyboards on the road for Cheap Trick in the spring and summer of 1985 after the break up of Streets), but without Livgren, Hope or Steinhardt. The new lineup included Streets bassist Billy Greer and guitarist Steve Morse (formerly of the Dixie Dregs). 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 released Power on October 28, 1986. The first single, "All I Wanted×All I Wanted1986 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAAll I Wanted3:19BWe’re Not Alone Anymore4:16", became the last Kansas single to hit the Billboard 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×Power28 November 1986 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracks1Silhouettes in Disguise4:282Power4:263All I Wanted3:224Secret Service4:415We’re Not Alone Anymore4:166Musicatto3:337Taking In the View2:578Three Pretenders3:559Tomb 193:5110Can’t Cry Anymore3:59" 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 with 38 Special, at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in Puerto Rico.
The new lineup released a second album, In the Spirit of Things×In the Spirit of Things25 October 1988 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracks1Ghosts4:082One Big Sky5:183Inside of Me4:454One Man, One Heart4:205House on Fire4:426Once in a Lifetime4:147Stand Beside Me3:328I Counted on Love3:349The Preacher4:1910Rainmaker6:4511T.O. Witcher1:4012Bells of Saint James5:39, 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 in Malibu, California, alongside Saga, Lou Gramm (of Foreigner), Mr. Big, Eddie Money, Kevin Cronin (from REO Speedwagon) and others. Alex Lifeson joined them on stage for a short set of Kansas before Geddy Lee flew in to join Alex for a Rush set, with Ehart on drums subbing for Neil Peart.
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

In March 1991, violinist David 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 of Deep 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×Live at the Whisky7 July 1992 · Album · LiveSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1Introduction1:052“Howlin at the Moon” From Magnum Opus1:303Paradox4:144Point of Know Return4:445Song for America8:586The Wall6:097Hold On4:188Dust in the Wind4:049Miracles Out of Nowhere6:3110Mysteries and Mayhem4:5511Portrait5:4412Carry On Wayward Son7:1713Down the Road6:1014Lonely Street6:29 (July 1992), and one studio album, Freaks of Nature×Freaks of Nature30 May 1995 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 9 tracks1I Can Fly5:212Desperate Times5:253Hope Once Again4:344Black Fathom 45:545Under the Knife4:546Need3:597Freaks of Nature4:058Cold Grey Morning4:149Peaceful and Warm6:44 (May 1995).
During the fall of 1993, drummer Van Romaine (formerly of Blood 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 together The Kansas Boxed Set, which was released in July 1994. Bryan Holmes, from The 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

In early 1997, Robert and Ragsdale left the band and Steinhardt returned.
In May 1998 Kansas released Always Never the Same, which featured Larry Baird conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. The album was a mix of older Kansas material (with new arrangements by Baird), several new songs and a cover 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 for Yes 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 at Lake Tahoe, he played the whole show, subbing for Rich Williams who was "under the weather", and another live album and DVD from Kansas, entitled Device - Voice - Drum, which was recorded in the band's present home of Atlanta 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 name Proto-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

Kansas continued to tour every year. The 2006 tour was delayed for a few weeks due to Steinhardt's second departure in March 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 called Native 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 as There's Know Place Like Home that October and the DVD hit No. 5 on the Billboard Music Video Chart the week after its release.
In July 2010 Kansas completed a 30-day "United We Rock" tour with fellow classic rock acts Styx and Foreigner. 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 the Best Buy Theater in New York City. Opening for them was the band King's X and a one-man-band called That 1 Guy. This tour featured many hits from the albums Leftoverture×Leftoverture21 October 1976 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 8 tracksA1Carry On Wayward Son5:13A2The Wall4:47A3What’s on My Mind4:27A4Miracles Out of Nowhere6:29B1Opus Insert4:26B2Questions of My Childhood3:38B3Cheyenne Anthem6:50B4Magnum Opus: Father Padilla Meets the Perfect Gnat / Howling at the Moon / Man Overboard / Industry on Parade / Release the Beavers / Gnat Attack8:27 and Point of Know Return×Point of Know Return11 October 1977 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracksA1Point of Know Return3:11A2Paradox3:45A3The Spider2:06A4Portrait (He Knew)4:33A5Closet Chronicles6:28B1Lightning’s Hand4:21B2Dust in the Wind3:27B3Sparks of the Tempest4:15B4Nobody’s Home4:37B5Hopelessly Human7:07, 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 aboard Royal Caribbean International's Liberty of the Seas departed January 10, 2013, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Other big names included Foreigner, Paul Rodgers, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Bachman & Turner, 38 Special, The Marshall Tucker Band, Blue Öyster Cult, Foghat and Molly 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 the 40th 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 documentary Miracles Out of Nowhere.

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

On July 2, 2014 a statement was issued on the band's official Facebook page announcing the impending retirement of lead singer Steve Walsh.
On July 6, 2014 former Kansas lead singer John 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.
A statement was issued on July 14, 2014, through the band's official Facebook page, stating that Chicago native Ronnie Platt (who had previously sung with Shooting 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 vocalist Billy Greer's band, Seventh Key.
In March 2015 the band released the aforementioned documentary, Miracles Out of Nowhere. The documentary chronicles the band's formation and follows them throughout their success with Leftoverture and Point 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 with Inside Out Music, a German label dedicated to progressive rock and related genres, for the release of their upcoming 15th studio album. The release of this album marked the longest period to date between studio releases since the previous album, Somewhere to Elsewhere×Somewhere to Elsewhere11 July 2000 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 11 tracks1Icarus II7:172When the World Was Young5:513Grand Fun Alley4:394The Coming Dawn (Thanatopsis)5:445Myriad8:566Look at the Time5:377Disappearing Skin Tight Blues7:038Distant Vision8:489Byzantium4:1510Not Man Big8:3911Geodesic Dome1:24, had been released over 15 years prior, in 2000. On February 26, 2016, the group officially announced The Prelude Implicit for a September 2016 release. 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.
On September 30, 2016 the current lineup kicked off a multi-city tour at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the release of Leftoverture, 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 full Leftoverture 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 of Point 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 December Tom Brislin (who had played with Yes, Meat Loaf, Debbie Harry, Renaissance, Camel, Dennis DeYoung and others) was announced as the new keyboardist, with the second leg of the Point 40th anniversary tour slated to resume in March 2019.
In December 2019 the band played the entire Leftoverture and Point of Know Return albums in a special performance at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.

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

On March 20, 2020 the band announced the upcoming release of a new studio album, The Absence of Presence×The Absence of Presence17 July 2020 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 9 tracks1The Absence of Presence8:222Throwing Mountains6:213Jets Overhead5:174Propulsion 12:175Memories Down the Line4:386Circus of Illusion5:197Animals on the Roof5:138Never4:519The Song the River Sang5:06. 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×Throwing Mountains17 April 2020 · SingleSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Throwing Mountains6:21", "Memories Down the Line" and "Jets Overhead". Recording for the album took place simultaneously during the band's 2019 touring schedule.
To promote the album, an autumn 2020 tour of Europe was scheduled, but following the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the tour was postponed to 2022.
Guitarist Zak Rizvi left the band in April 2021 in order to pursue new projects.
On May 28, 2021 the group released Point of Know Return: Live and Beyond, with performances taken from various dates on the 2019 to early 2020 legs of the Point of Know Return 40th Anniversary Tour.
Former violin player and vocalist Robby Steinhardt died from pancreatitis on July 17, 2021, at the age of 71.
On December 9, 2022 the three disc compilation Another 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 from Power×Power28 November 1986 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracks1Silhouettes in Disguise4:282Power4:263All I Wanted3:224Secret Service4:415We’re Not Alone Anymore4:166Musicatto3:337Taking In the View2:578Three Pretenders3:559Tomb 193:5110Can’t Cry Anymore3:59 and In the Spirit of Things×In the Spirit of Things25 October 1988 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracks1Ghosts4:082One Big Sky5:183Inside of Me4:454One Man, One Heart4:205House on Fire4:426Once in a Lifetime4:147Stand Beside Me3:328I Counted on Love3:349The Preacher4:1910Rainmaker6:4511T.O. Witcher1:4012Bells of Saint James5:39 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.
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 for kidney stones, 2018, and again in the fall of 2022 and 2023 after Ehart sprained his arm. 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.
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 band Stratospheerius.
In November 2023 Kyle Henderson of The Producers filled in on bass and vocals on tour for Billy Greer.
In January 2024 former Kansas guitarist Zak Rizvi filled in for Rich Williams for some Florida shows while Williams recovered from a brief illness.
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 in Richmond, VA.
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.
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 26 (Morristown, NJ) through May 4th (Toronto, ON.) But even though Greer returned after that, the band's show at The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor in Windsor, 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.
Due to the devastation in the Western Carolinas caused by Hurricane 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 (from Kenny 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×Carry On Wayward Son29 September 2017 · Single · LiveSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Carry On Wayward Son5:37".
At their final show of the year, in Pittsburgh at Benedum Center on December 11, 2024, the group was joined for a few songs by drummer Phil Ehart, original bassist Dave Hope and Kerry Livgren's daughter Kate, who played viola on "Dust in the Wind×Dust in the Wind1978 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksADust in the Wind3:26BPoint of Know Return3:11" alongside the group's current violinist Joe Deninzon.
Joe Deninzon's Stratopheerius band mate, drummer Jason Gianni, filled in on drums for the group at Seminole Casino in Coconut Creek, Florida on January 23, 2025.
In February 2025 lead singer Ronnie Platt was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. But thanks to early detection and surgery, he was singing again, cancer-free, by April. But shortly after Platt's return, bassist Dan McGowan became a first-time father and had to miss a few dates. Tom Brislin's friend Dave Edwards filled in on bass during this time.
Guitarist Scott 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.
For the encore at their show at Azura Amphitheater in Bonner Springs, Kansas on September 26, 2025, the current lineup of Kansas (including Rich Williams) was accompanied by Kerry Livgren, Dave Hope and Phil Ehart.
On November 2, 2025 Kansas played a concert with the New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players at Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, NJ, with Dave Edwards returning to conduct the orchestra.

Musical style and influences

Kansas's musical style, a fusion of hard rock, southern rock, and progressive rock, was influenced by several bands. The music of Yes and Genesis was inspirational to Kansas, especially demonstrated in the lyrics of Walsh. Livgren cited the 1960s band Touch as foundational to his development. Livgren's evolving spirituality is reflected in the band's songs, with early works showing an interest in the mysticism of Eastern religions, works in the late 1970s influenced by the American spiritual philosophy of The Urantia Book, followed in the early 1980s by works embracing born-again Christianity. The re-formed band produced a harder pop metal album in the late 1980s. In addition to British progressive rock, Jason Ankeny of AllMusic noted the apparent influence from American heartland rock also present in Kansas' work.

Appearances in other media

"Carry On Wayward Son×Carry On Wayward Son29 September 2017 · Single · LiveSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Carry On Wayward Son5:37" has been covered by many artists. The song is frequently played throughout the show Supernatural and also appears in Supernatural: The Anime Series (as the ending for each episode). It is often hailed as the show's unofficial theme song.
"Dust in the Wind×Dust in the Wind1978 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksADust in the Wind3:26BPoint of Know Return3:11" was featured near the end of the Highlander: The Series 1993 episode "The Darkness" (Season 2 Episode 4) as lead character Duncan MacLeod is mourning the death of his fiance Tessa.
"Dust in the Wind" was parodied by comedian Tim Hawkins, the parody called "A Whiff of Kansas" which is on the Pretty Pink Tractor album, and a video parody on the Insanitized live DVD. In 2016, the music video for the song was parodied on The Late Late Show with James Corden.
"Point of Know Return×Point of Know Return11 October 1977 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracksA1Point of Know Return3:11A2Paradox3:45A3The Spider2:06A4Portrait (He Knew)4:33A5Closet Chronicles6:28B1Lightning’s Hand4:21B2Dust in the Wind3:27B3Sparks of the Tempest4:15B4Nobody’s Home4:37B5Hopelessly Human7:07" was featured as part of the soundtrack for the 2021 film The Suicide Squad.

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)