Their 15th studio effort overall, the prog-heavy LP also marked the band's first new album in 16 years. [5][third-party source needed]. "Carry On Wayward Son" was removed from the 1977 movie Heroes when it was discovered that the movie had not obtained rights to use the song. In the end, we told him that he needed to go away for a while. The new line-up included bassist Billy Greer (of Streets) and guitarist Steve Morse (formerly of the Dixie Dregs). 3 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. 5 on Billboard's pop album chart. "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. Co-produced by drummer Phil Ehart, guitarist Rich Williams, and guitarist Zak Rizvi, it marked the studio debut of keyboardist Tom Brislin (Yes, Camel, Debbie Harry) who had come aboard in late 2018. Along with original Kansas band members Phil Ehart on drums and Richard Williams on lead guitar, Point Of Know Return Live & Beyond, features Tom Brislin on keyboards and vocals, Billy Greer on bass and vocals, Ronnie Platt on lead vocals and keyboards, David Ragsdale on violin and vocals, and Zak Rizvi on guitar and vocals. [4] The new lineup included Streets bassist Billy Greer and guitarist Steve Morse (formerly of the Dixie Dregs). Kansas is a progressive rock band that formed in Topeka, Kansas, United States in 1970. 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. Robby Steinhardt was from Lawrence. In early 1982, Walsh was replaced by vocalist/keyboardist John Elefante. Kansas will celebrate their 50th anniversary with extensive touring in North America in 2023. Two lineups of Kansas performing live in 2008 (top) and 2017 (bottom). In the 1989 movie Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, Ted, played by Keanu Reeves, quotes the song lyric "All we are is dust in the wind, dude" to philosophize with Socrates. Amid changing band personnel and musical tastes after the early 1980s, Kansas' music remains a staple not only classic rock radio but also on streaming platforms and in TV and movies. For Media Requests - J.R. Rees, KANSAS Management Office, [email protected] For Worldwide Booking in US & Internationally: Contact Keith Naisbitt / APA Agency | email: [email protected] | t: 615-297-0100 Kansas released its fourth album, 'Leftoverture', in November 1976, which produced a massive hit single in "Carry On Wayward Son" and brought comparisons to other records such as Yes' 'Fragile'. Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas, United States Members Billy Greer (1985 - present) Dave Hope (1973 - 2000) David Manion (2014 - 2018) David Ragsdale (1991 - present) Greg Robert (1990 - 1997) John Elefante (1982 - 1984) Kerry Livgren (1973 - 2000) Phil Ehart (1973 - present) Richard Williams (1973 - present) Robby Steinhardt (1973 - 2006) Ehart was replaced by Zeke Lowe and later Brad Schulz, Hope was replaced by Rod Mikinski on bass and Baker was replaced by John Bolton on saxophone and flute. Kansas continued to tour every year. The next decade found Kansas continuing to tour heavily and release compilations and live albums, culminating in their 2014 induction into the Kansas Hall of Fame and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, which coincided with the group's 40th anniversary. In early 1997, Robert and Ragsdale left the band and Steinhardt returned. The DVD release Theres Know Place Like Home captured this unique live performance and featured special guests Kerry Livgren & Steve Morse with spectacular lighting and high-resolution clarity. The band slowly developed a cult following, due to promotion by pop/rock impresario Don Kirshner and extensive touring for their debut album. Carry On Wayward Son continues to be one of the top five most played songs on classic rock radio, and Dust In the Wind has been played on the radio more than three million times! Now they are joined by Ronnie Platt (vocals) Billy Greer (bass), David Ragsdale (violin), Zak Rizvi (guitar) and Tom Brislin (keyboards). Since leaving the band, Elefante has become a popular Contemporary Christian music artist and has not performed with the group since. 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. While the 1978 live LP Two for the Show struggled to break the Top 40, its studio follow-up, Monolith, the band's first self-produced effort, reached the Top Ten. Kansas' Carry On Concert with the U.S. Army Orchestra, Veterans Day at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington. 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. From the band's 1976 album Leftoverture, the songs "Opus Insert" and the epic "Magnum Opus" could both be the inspiration for the name. The band's current lineup features constant members Williams and Ehart, alongside bassist and vocalist Billy Greer (since 1985, co-lead vocalist since 2006), violinist and guitarist David Ragsdale (from 1991 to 1997, and since 2006), vocalist and keyboardist Ronnie Platt (since 2014), and keyboardist Tom Brislin (since 2018). 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. Livgren turned 70 years old last week and is the only original member of Kansas to still live in Shawnee County.. Kansas resumed recording with The Prelude Implicit in 2016, featuring new lead vocalist and keyboardist Ronnie Platt. When he was in high school, he played defensive center for his . Greer joined them, along with keyboardist Greg Robert. On July 2, 2014 a statement was issued on the band's official Facebook page announcing the impending retirement of lead singer Steve Walsh. Formed in early 1973, the group originally featured lead vocalist and keyboardist Steve Walsh, violinist and co-lead vocalist Robby Steinhardt, lead guitarist and keyboardist Kerry Livgren, rhythm guitarist Rich Williams, bassist Dave Hope and drummer Phil Ehart. With Kansas, Walsh has released 12 studio albums, six live albums, and numerous singles. Thursday", "Kansas Violinist Robby Steinhardt Suffers Heart Attack", "Drastic Measures - Kansas: Songs, Reviews, Credits", "Audio Archaeology: Drastic Measures (1983)", "One of Donald Trump's Lawyers Is in a Rock Band with Former Kansas Singer John Elefante", The Friday Morning Quarterback Album Report, "Kansas to perform at Niswonger: Legendary rock band features Surgoinsville native Billy Greer", "Bass Transcription: Dave Hope's Bass Line on "Carry on Wayward Son" by Kansas", "Preview: Arena-rock titans Boston, Kansas and Styx all hit Pittsburgh on the same weekend", "Always Never the Same - Kansas: Songs, Reviews, Credits", "15 Years Ago: Kansas Release 'Somewhere to Elsewhere', "Steve Walsh On His Exit From Kansas: 'Time For Me To Go', "What really happened when Steve Walsh left Kansas", "Kansas Welcomes Ronnie Platt as Its New Lead Singer", "Kansas Welcomes New Keyboard Player, David Manion, to Band's Lineup", "Kansas Announce First New Album in 16 Years, 'The Prelude Implicit', "Rock Band Kansas Adds Zak Rizvi as 2nd Guitarist", "Kansas: Leftoverture Live & Beyond album review", "Kansas announces new keyboard player Tom Brislin", "Rock Utility Player Warren Ham on His Years With Ringo Starr, Toto, and Cher", "KANSAS Live Omaha 1982 full concert (7 piece line-up with John Elefante and Warren Ham)", "Michael Gleason: A bright new name on the American AOR scene - Michael Gleason", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Kansas_band_members&oldid=1152436394, Short description with empty Wikidata description, Pages using multiple image with auto scaled images, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Kerry Livgren guitar, keyboards, backing vocals, Steve Walsh vocals, keyboards, percussion, Robby Steinhardt vocals, violin, viola, cello, Billy Greer bass, guitar, backing vocals, David Ragsdale violin, guitar, backing vocals, This page was last edited on 30 April 2023, at 06:41. The violinist and vocalist died of acute pancreatitis at Tampa General Hospital, according to his wife Cindy. Kansas soon plans to record a new album, its first in 15 years, to document this version of the group. It led to a new studio album, Before Became After (2004), with most of the Kansas II members participating. [6] It defined the band's signature sound, a mix of American-style boogie rock and complex, symphonic arrangements with changing time signatures. Robby Steinhardt, an original member and frontman of the rock band Kansas, died on July 17 at the age of 71, reports Rolling Stone. [32] Livgren cited the 1960s band Touch as foundational to his development. "Point of Know Return" was featured as part of the soundtrack for the 2021 film The Suicide Squad. "[5], After around a year later, it was announced in July 1985 that Kansas had reformed with original vocalist Steve Walsh, who was then touring with Cheap Trick as their live keyboardist. Because Livgren was holding back some Christian-oriented songs for another solo album, he contributed only three songs to the album. Along with original KANSAS band members Phil Ehart on drums and Richard Williams on lead guitar, Point of Know Return Live & Beyond, features . The final show of the series, on January 28, 2011, is to be performed at McCain Auditorium on the campus of Kansas State University to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the state of Kansas being granted statehood. Other big names included Foreigner, Paul Rodgers, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Bachman & Turner, 38 Special, The Marshall Tucker Band, Blue yster Cult, Foghat and Molly Hatchet. Their singles during the period -- "Dust in the Wind," "Carry on Wayward Son," and their cover of J.J. Cale's "Bringing It Back" became staples of AOR radio and still receive airplay at classic rock radio. [25] The album was released in July and also featured original bassist Dave Hope on two tracks, marking the first time the band's original lineup had featured together on a recording since 1980. [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. The wide-ranging progressive rock album was released on InsideOut Music, and marked the bands first studio album release in 16 years. 4. 5 on the Billboard Music Video Chart the week after its release. Hope soon converted to Christianity as well. [4] In 1970 they changed the band's name to Kansas and merged with members of rival Topeka progressive rock group White Clover. 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. Their 1974 self-titled debut album, produced by Gold, was released in March 1974, nearly a year after it was recorded in New York. The performance was released on CD, DVD, and Blu-ray as There's Know Place Like Home that October and the DVD hit No. The record companies told us we needed to make a video for the overseas market where they were already using them on television, recalls guitarist Richard Williams. After signing with Century Media's InsideOut label, Kansas released The Prelude Implicit in 2016. Though the album charted lower than any Kansas album since Masque, peaking at number 41, its single "Fight Fire with Fire" fared better. A mix of clouds and sun with gusty winds. [22] Due to manufacturing delays, the album was released on July 17, 2020. This period saw one live album and accompanying video, Live at the Whisky (1992) and one studio album Freaks of Nature (1995). "I just said to him point blank, 'God, Steve. [24] Recording started in early 2000 for a new album, Somewhere to Elsewhere, at the guitarist's own Grandyzine Studios in Topeka, where the group had originally formed. [12] Alongside returning members Rich Williams and Phil Ehart, the group replaced lead guitarist Kerry Livgren with Steve Morse of Dixie Dregs and his own eponymous band, and bassist Dave Hope with Billy Greer, a former bandmate of Walsh's from his post-Kansas group Streets. [20] In 1997, Steinhardt returned as both Ragsdale and Robert departed. December 12, 2019 2:43pm Kansas band members include, from left, Tom Brislin, David Ragsdale, Zak Rizvi, Richard Williams, Phil Ehart, Billy Greer and Ronnie Platt. In April 2021, Kansas announced Zak Rizvi has resigned from the band and that he "looks forward to pursuing new projects". This period saw one live album and accompanying video, Live at the Whisky (July 1992), and one studio album, Freaks of Nature (May 1995). However, on July 4, after turning to prayer, he said that it was not meant to be. The first single, "All I Wanted," became the last Kansas single to hit the Billboard Top 40 chart, peaking at #19. [2][32], In a 2003 interview with The A.V. The new lineup released a second album, In the Spirit of Things, in 1988, but it was met with weak sales and Morse left the band at the end of the tour in 1989. The follow-up studio album to Point of Know Return was Monolith (May 1979), which was self-produced. On the strength of the smash hit "Carry on Wayward Son," the album reached the Top Five and sold over three million copies. The performance was released on CD, DVD and Blu-ray and the DVD hit #5 on Billboard's Music Video Chart the week after its release. In 2002, Kansas II (the lineup prior to the recording and release of Kansas' first album) released an album under the group name Proto-Kaw, featuring demos and live material recorded from 1971 to 1973. The next day when we came into the studio and listened to the playback, the metallic attack of me using those picks all tracked top of each other sounded like a herd of Clydesdales, so I had to re-record all of the tracks without them. Somebody comes, somebody goes; change is tough, but in our case, its worked out.. Somewhere to Elsewhere, released in July 2000, featured all the original members of Kansas, plus Greer, with all songs written by Livgren. Kansas is an American progressive rock band from Topeka, Kansas. the Eagles, American band that cultivated country rock as the reigning style and sensibility of white youth in the United States during the 1970s. That tour was released in 2017 as a live album, Leftoverture Live & Beyond.. Kansas will perform live on stage at the Glasgow, Kentucky Kentucky Plaza Theater on Friday May 13, 2011. Released in 1977, Point of Know Return was even more successful, spawning the monster hit "Dust in the Wind." Hilton Head's preserved natural beauty is part of its brand. "[29], On June 30, 2014 it was announced that Walsh would be leaving Kansas, with his final performance scheduled for August 16. Livgren left during the 1991 summer tour, to be replaced temporarily by Steve Morse again. Published: Jul. That same summer, Kansas was the opening act for Yes during their "Masterworks" tour. Fusing the complexity of British prog-rock with an American heartland sound representative of their name, multi-platinum-selling Kansas is among the most popular bands of the late '70s. The album was a mix of older Kansas material (with new arrangements by Baird), several new songs, and a cover of "Eleanor Rigby". Emily Butler Photography. He was 71. The resulting lineup of Ehart, Greer, Ragsdale, Robert, Walsh and Williams lasted from 1991 to 1997. Both Masque and their next release, Leftoverture, were recorded at a studio in the middle of the Louisiana Bayou named Studio in the Country. During the '70s, the band sold tens of millions of records, and the commercial success of Leftoverture (1976), Point of Know Return (1977), and Monolith (1979) propelled them to superstar status and sold-out concerts across the U.S., Europe, South America, and Asia. In 1970 they changed the band's name to Kansas and merged with members of rival Topeka progressive rock group White Clover. The resulting lineup of Ehart, Greer, Ragsdale, Robert, Walsh, and Williams lasted from 1991 to 1997. 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. It was also featured in the video games Grand Theft Auto V, Guitar Hero II, Guitar Hero Smash Hits, Rock Band 2, and Rock Band Unplugged. 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.[11]. Kansas Carries On With New Lead Singer By Jon Norton Published April 3, 2018 at 4:16 PM CDT Listen 4:30 Michie Turpin / From left, Kansas is Richard Williams, Billy Greer, Zak Rizvi, Phil Ehart, Ronnie Platt, David Manion, and David Ragsdale. His wife, Cindy. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Cool Things, Kansas Platinum Record, Kansas Historical Society", "Kansas - Live - 1990 - Carry On Wayward Son w/ Alex Lifeson(Malibu,California)", "Classic Rock Revisited your online source for Rock and Metal fans", "KANSAS Violinist Robby Steinhardt Suffers Heart Attack", "Kansas signs worldwide recording deal with InsideOutMusic", "Kansas - "The Prelude Implicit," the new album by KANSAS, | Facebook", "Kansas Announces the Addition of Acclaimed Keyboardist Tom Brislin - CelebrityAccess", "Kansas still carrying on after five decades", "KANSAS Announces New Album 'THE ABSENCE OF PRESENCE' Out June 26, 2020 Kansas Band | Classic Rock Band | The Absence of Presence", "New Song & Music Video for "Jets Overhead" Kansas Band | Classic Rock Band | The Absence of Presence", "Interview with Kansas singer Ronnie Platt", "Kansas Announces Live Concert Album Point of Know Return Live & Beyond to be Released May 28 Kansas Band | Classic Rock Band | The Absence of Presence", "Robby Steinhardt, Violinist and Co-Lead Vocalist of Kansas, Dead at 71", "CRR Interview - Eric Holmquist the Wizard of Kansas! During the tour supporting Monolith, Livgren became a born-again Christian, and this was reflected in his lyrics on the next three albums, beginning with Audio-Visions (September 1980). Read Full Biography. KANSAS continues to perform in front of large and enthusiastic audiences around the world. 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. Two more singles, the title track and "Can't Cry Anymore," were less successful. [26], Former violin player and vocalist Robby Steinhardt died from pancreatitis on July 17, 2021, at the age of 71. [35] After another live album recorded on a tour to mark the 40th anniversary of Leftoverture,[36] Manion left Kansas "to pursue other musical endeavors" in December 2018, with Tom Brislin taking his place.[37]. Steinhardt's violin was a distinctive element of the group's sound, which set them apart from other progressive rock groups of the era. Topeka, Kansas. The song is frequently played throughout the show Supernatural and also appears in Supernatural: The Anime Series (as the ending for each episode). I can't imagine how miserable this must be for you. 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. The following year Kansas released Always Never the Same, which featured Larry Baird conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. On February 26, 2016 the group officially announced The Prelude Implicit for a September 2016 release. Higher wind gusts possible.. Clear skies. [34] The album marked the debut of new guitarist Zak Rizvi, who had originally been brought in as a co-producer but was later made a full member of the group. [citation needed]. You clearly hate it.' Nevertheless, the album went platinum. Greg played his first show with Kansas on January 31, 1987 along with 38 Special at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in Puerto Rico. Kansas will be touring September 2010 to January 2011. 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. [18] The 1991 touring cycle also saw the Kansas debut of David Ragsdale, the band's first violinist since Robby Steinhardt left in 1982, who joined in April. Cringe-worthy, sure, but it points to the promotional power of the MTV era. The success of the tour led the band to start another one the following year. [36] In the 2003 movie Old School, the song was sung by Frank "The Tank" Ricard, played by Will Ferrell, at the funeral for Joseph "Blue" Pulaski, a fraternity brother, played by Joseph Patrick Cranshaw, and as such, the song appears on the movie's soundtrack. 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. Kansas was much more than one song or one style of playing, but its typical designation as a prog-rock act doesnt really concern Williams. She announced his death in a statement posted on her Facebook page. 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. At the end of the tour, Hope left again, but Livgren remained on into 1991. There were five or six tracks, and back then you had to play each take in its entirety so we spent all day recording just that. The group spent the early part of the decade touring relentlessly and struggling to gain recognition; initially, their mix of boogie and prog rock baffled club patrons, but in due time they established a strong enough following to win a record deal with the Kirshner label. There is a video online of the classic rock band Kansas performing Dust in the Wind while wearing 70s-style formal wear and standing in what looks like a cloud. Robby Steinhardt was among the original members of Kansas, along with 1967 Topeka West High School graduate Kerry Livgren; 1968 Topeka West grads Rich Williams, Phil Ehart and Dave Hope; and. Let us help you find something to do around town. "[7] His role was not replaced the band was reduced to a five-piece for Drastic Measures. The album failed to garner the sales and radio airplay of its two predecessors. 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. 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. [27], After several more years touring, Kansas parted ways with violinist and vocalist Robby Steinhardt for a second time in March 2006, which Steve Walsh described as "one of the most difficult things we've ever had to do". 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. The London Symphony-assisted Always Never the Same followed in 1998, and in 2000 Kansas issued Somewhere to Elsewhere, their 14th studio album, which saw the return of founder singer/songwriter Kerry Livgren. It was kind of a bore, but now when I look back those videos are kind of awesome. KANSAS appeared on the Billboard charts for over 200 weeks throughout the 70s and 80s and played to sold-out arenas and stadiums throughout North America, Europe and Japan. Along with constant touring, KANSAS continues to remain a fixture of Classic Rock radio. Only Two Original Members Remain, But Kansas Keeps Going, Nashvilles The Vegabonds bring seasoned Southern Rock to Rosewood Crawfish festival, Koger Center of Arts will host free music festival emphasizing southern sounds, Singer/songwriter Rebekah Todd brings soulful style to Southern Sounds Music Festival, 12-year-old Columbia singer nabs 3rd nomination for national gospel artist award, The Berkeley Independent - Moncks Corner, SC, SC woman charged in fatal collision with golf cart carrying wedding party on Folly Beach, North Charleston approves $6M purchase of 400 acres for urban park. Kerry Livgren's platinum award for the album is on display at the Kansas History Museum. In 2009, in their hometown of Topeka, KANSAS celebrated their 35th Anniversary with a symphonic concert, accompanied by the Washburn University Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Larry Baird. [10] In 1984, the remaining trio of Elefante, Williams and Ehart recorded one song, "Perfect Lover", for the compilation album The Best of Kansas issued that year. 2016 marked the release of The Prelude Implicit, KANSASs fifteenth studio album. 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 record renewed interest in the group and generated the band's first Top 20 hit in several years, "Play the Game Tonight." Forming somewhat of a career high point, 'Leftoverture' was certified five times platinum by the RIAA in 2001. 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 became a born-again Christian, and this was reflected in his lyrics on the next three albums, beginning with Audio-Visions. Both "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind" have also been RIAA certified as gold singles, selling over one million units each. In July 2010 Kansas completed a 30-day "United We Rock" tour with fellow classic rock acts Styx and Foreigner. [28][29], 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. The band added Baton Rouge native Greg Robert on keyboards and back-up vocals at the suggestion of LeRoux's Leon Medica. Despite key personnel changes -- the departure of founding guitarist Kerry Livgren and the eventual retirement of lead vocalist Steve Walsh among them -- the band continued to work across the globe and record regularly. The floating rock festival for a cause aboard Royal Caribbean International's Liberty of the Seas departed January 10, 2013 from Fort Lauderdale, FL. The song would eventually be removed in favor of other songs on the remastered release of the compilation. Due to creative differences over the lyrical direction of the next album, Walsh left in October 1981 to form a new band, Streets. [1][23], In 1999, Kansas reunited with original lead guitarist Kerry Livgren, who had written and produced demos for several new songs described by drummer Phil Ehart as sounding "like classic Kansas".