Classic Rock Legends Kansas Reunite for Special Concert After Major Lineup Changes
via Paul Braoudakis / YouTube
Reunion in Bonner Springs
Kansas staged a memorable hometown-style reunion on Friday night in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Classic members Phil Ehart, Richard Williams, Kerry Livgren, and Dave Hope joined the band’s current lineup for the encore, playing “Hold On” and the enduring hit “Carry on Wayward Son.” The performance marked a rare onstage gathering of past and present members after years of lineup shifts.
Ehart and Williams remain official members, but both have faced recent challenges. Ehart, the group’s original drummer, stepped away from the 50th anniversary tour last year after suffering a heart attack. Williams, Kansas’ founding guitarist, was recently joined by Scott Bernard, who now covers many of the live guitar duties.
Richard Williams’ Update
“I am not stepping down nor retiring, but I am slowing down,” Williams said last month, describing Bernard as “my hand-picked choice to help carry on the legacy of the band Kansas.” Williams, now 75, co-founded the group with Ehart in Topeka in 1973 and helped create classic songs such as “Carry On Wayward Son,” “Dust in the Wind,” and “Play the Game Tonight.”
Williams famously lost his right eye in a childhood fireworks accident and wore a prosthetic eye for years before adopting his signature eye patch. Health issues have also affected his touring schedule. “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 said in August.
Former Members Return
Kerry Livgren and Dave Hope added to the night’s sense of history. Livgren contributed guitars, keyboards, and backing vocals from 1973 to 1983 and has participated in multiple reunions. Hope played bass and provided backing vocals during the same period and has also returned for occasional appearances.
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Current Lineup and Tour
Today’s Kansas lineup features vocalist and keyboardist Ronnie Platt, keyboardist and vocalist Tom Brislin, guitarist Zak Rizvi, violinist and guitarist Joe Deninzon, bassist and vocalist Dan McGowan, and drummer Eric Holmquist, who has filled in for Ehart since last year.
Kansas continues touring through mid-February with shows alongside .38 Special, Jefferson Starship, and Blue Öyster Cult. Tickets are available through major vendors including SeatGeek and Vivid Seats.
