Kansas Welcomes a New Guitarist While Original Member Admits He’s “Slowing Down”
via AXS TV / YouTube
A Change in the Lineup
Kansas announced that guitarist Scott Bernard has officially joined the band. Bernard has already been performing with the group, filling in for longtime member Rich Williams, who will remain part of the lineup but is taking fewer shows.
“Scott Bernard is a fantastic guitar player, a great guy, and is my hand-picked choice to help carry on the legacy of the band Kansas,” Williams said in a statement. “I am not stepping down nor retiring, but I am slowing down.”
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Why the Shift Happened
The change comes shortly after Kansas completed tour dates with .38 Special. The band still has more than 30 concerts lined up for this fall. Williams, who co-founded Kansas in 1973, has been central to its sound, performing on classic hits like Carry On Wayward Son, Dust in the Wind, and Play the Game Tonight.
At 75, Williams continues to perform but has faced challenges. He lost his right eye in a childhood fireworks accident and now deals with macular degeneration, a condition that affects vision. “Macular degeneration has made travel increasingly difficult to the point where it impedes my ability to get to as many shows as I want. I will still be at, and perform at, as many concerts as I can,” he explained.
Who Is Scott Bernard?
Williams referred to Bernard as a “Wheathead,” the nickname given to Kansas fans. Bernard is a seasoned guitarist and vocalist with decades of experience. He spent 17 years performing with Kenny Loggins, including seven as Loggins’ musical director. His résumé also includes work with Michael McDonald, Alan Parsons, Richard Marx, Al Stewart, and guitarist Joe Bonamassa.
Bernard expressed his gratitude for joining the group. “To say that I am excited to join the Kansas family is quite the understatement,” he said. “As a lifelong Kansas fan, their music has been an integral part of my musical upbringing.”
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A Lifelong Fan Steps In
For Bernard, the opportunity feels deeply personal. “My first concert that I attended as a young teen was Kansas and I have closely followed their career ever since. They were and remain my favorite band ever. I am deeply humbled to be chosen to help perpetuate their legacy, which is both a privilege and a surreal experience.”
Alongside Bernard and Williams, Kansas’ lineup includes vocalist and keyboardist Ronnie Platt, keyboardist and vocalist Tom Brislin, guitarist Zak Rizvi, violinist and guitarist Joe Deninzon, and bassist and vocalist Dan McGowan. Drummer Eric Holmquist continues to fill in for founding member Phil Ehart, who is recovering after a heart attack last year.
