Kansas Announced Violinist Joe Deninzon

Kansas announced their new violinist, Joe Deninzon, who will replace David Ragsdale.

Earlier this week, Ragsdale revealed his departure from the band to “focus on personal matters”. His replacement Deninzon, is known to lead the prog band Stratospheerius and has more than 100 recording credits to his name.

Over the years, Deninzon has worked with legendary rock acts such as the Who, Bruce Springsteen, Ritchie Blackmore, and many more. Deninzon is often referred to by many as the “Jimi Hendrix of the violin” as he uses a seven-string instrument. He noted in a statement:

“As a lifelong fan of Kansas, I am overwhelmed and humbled to have been invited to join this legendary band.

“I have the deepest respect for Robby [Steinhardt] and David and will do my best to honor and build on their musical legacy.”

Drummer Phil Ehart said:

“We are extremely excited for Joe to be the newest member. … We believe Kansas fans will enjoy what Joe will bring to the band. … As the paragraph in the band’s first album said, ‘Kansas is a band,’ and we remain so to this day.”

Ragsdale performed with Kansas in more than 1,600 shows, the first of which began in 1991. Ehart said:

“For 23 years, David has been the best bandmate anyone could ever hope to work with

“He reinserted the band’s signature violin after years of its absence. Since then, he’s been a critical member of the Kansas family. I speak for the entire organization in saying we will miss him and wish him all the best.”

Deninzon’s first appearance with the band will be seen at the opening show of Kansas’ 50th-anniversary tour on June 2 in Pittsburgh. The trek will close on Jan. 24, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale.