There's a 2015 documentary about the band, titled "Kansas: Miracles Out of Nowhere," that I watched last night and recommend for anyone who's a fan. It covers the band up to their "Point of Know Return" album, and is just full of very candid remarks by the band, associates, and by the guitarist of one of the world's most famous bands of all time who's a huge fan.
Phil
“The biggest problem people have is they don’t think they’re supposed to have problems.” - Hayes Barnard
I had a couple of 70's 8-tracks and then I bought my favorite Kansas album "Leftoverture" on LP, great stuff. Later I bought "The Best of Kansas" (1984) CD to get back some of the other classics.
One of my favorites from their later period in the 80's (as well as "Fight Fire with Fire", not to be confused with Metallica's song with the same name)...
,,,but like with Chicago, Styx, Journey, etc., you can't beat the early classics. I almost included Boston, except that I actually like "Third Stage", no idea what came after.
I had a chance to see Kansas once in Atlanta (with Alan Parsons Project, IIRC) and I regret not going. I also turned down Styx's "Return to Paradise" show. What a dumbass I was, thinking these opportunities will last forever.
The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in Gives way and suddenly it’s day again The sun is in the east Even though the day is done Two suns in the sunset, hmph Could be the human race is run
I saw Kansas open for Styx on the Return to Paradise tour, at the Oklahoma City Zoo amphitheater. Most fun I've ever had at a show.
Leftoverture is a great album, but I don't like its most successful track. Same goes for Point of Know Return. I'd have to say my favorite Leftoverture tracks are The Wall and What's On My Mind, and from Point Hopelessly Human and Closet Chronicles. But none of them are as good as Aperçu (Kansas), Song for America (SFA), and from the 3rd album, Masque, Icarus - Borne on Wings of Steel and The Pinnacle.
Phil Ehart is an absolutely phenomenal drummer, very jazzy. I'd honestly rank him right up there with Bill Bruford.
Phil
“The biggest problem people have is they don’t think they’re supposed to have problems.” - Hayes Barnard
I had a couple of 70's 8-tracks and then I bought my favorite Kansas album "Leftoverture" on LP, great stuff. Later I bought "The Best of Kansas" (1984) CD to get back some of the other classics.
Holy #%&*$#!
"America’s preeminent progressive rock band KANSAS will be touring select cities this fall celebrating the 40th Anniversary of their breakthrough album ‘Leftoverture’. To celebrate, for the first time in history, the band will be performing the album in its entirety. The tour will showcase two hours of classic KANSAS music including hit songs, deep cuts, and new songs from their recent album release, ‘The Prelude Implicit.”
Saturday night I'm going to hear the entire ‘Leftoverture’ album played live!
The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in Gives way and suddenly it’s day again The sun is in the east Even though the day is done Two suns in the sunset, hmph Could be the human race is run
Phil Ehart is an absolutely phenomenal drummer, very jazzy. I'd honestly rank him right up there with Bill Bruford.
The current Kansas lineup (especially without singer Steve Walsh) is as much a tribute band than what I know as classic Kansas, IMO (and that's ok, considering price and seats, I'm mainly going to hear the *music* of Kansas). However, I'll still be seeing Phil Ehart play.
Last edited by MarkG; 08/25/1704:32 AM.
The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in Gives way and suddenly it’s day again The sun is in the east Even though the day is done Two suns in the sunset, hmph Could be the human race is run
They played a local club here a few weeks ago, ticket prices were very reasonable but I couldn't find anyone to go along so I skipped it. When I saw them with Styx back in 96 they had the Walsh/Williams/Ehart/Greer/Ragsdale/Robert lineup, they sounded close enough to the original lineup for me.
Here's something that would have been cool to see! "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."
Phil
“The biggest problem people have is they don’t think they’re supposed to have problems.” - Hayes Barnard
^ That would have been freaking awesome (I have at least one song from every one of those names/bands you mentioned, as well as several albums of the big names)!
The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in Gives way and suddenly it’s day again The sun is in the east Even though the day is done Two suns in the sunset, hmph Could be the human race is run
Wife just gave me a very pleasant Sunday morning/afternoon surprise, recently recording onto DVR(?) a couple of shows off AXS TV she knew I'd enjoy (I didn't know it as I seldom play with the TV)...
- Dan Rather interview of three members of today's Kansas (Phil Ehart, Rich Williams, new singer Ronnie Platt)
- "Kansas: Miracles Out of Nowhere" documentary, mentioned in top post (all original members).
So I finally got to see this program and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'll be getting filtering earplugs soon (popular with musicians for hearing protection, supposedly doesn't degrade sound quality) and back to seeing who's playing where, although it looks like we missed a recent "Point of Know Return" concert. I still enjoy the new album while the old Kansas continues to grow on me.
Local venues are great, but I'm also so ready to make another Classic Rock mini-vacation road trip!
The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in Gives way and suddenly it’s day again The sun is in the east Even though the day is done Two suns in the sunset, hmph Could be the human race is run
- Roger Daltrey - Kansas - 38 Special - Night Ranger - Foghat - Nazareth - Sebastian Bach - The Edgar Winter Band
...and many others.
SAILING February 14th-18th, 2019 =========
Not a chance...pinching pennies for return to NYC in March. It's probably booked already anyway.
Wife agrees though, if one day Rush does one of these Rock Cruises, we'll be on that ship...budget be damned.
The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in Gives way and suddenly it’s day again The sun is in the east Even though the day is done Two suns in the sunset, hmph Could be the human race is run
Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 121,473PanzerMeyer
Pro-Consul of Florida
PanzerMeyer
Pro-Consul of Florida
King Crimson - SimHQ's Top Poster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 121,473
Miami, FL USA
For the longest time the venue of choice for legacy bands (ie bands where fans only care about their old classic stuff and couldn't care less about their new music) has been casinos but now it seems to be cruises!
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
PM, I don't want to spoil it for you so I won't post details, but since you're planning to see the 'Stones in 2019...
I checked their 2018 setlist and only one song was released this century (a song by Keith Richards). All the rest go waaaaaaaaaay back.
And of course, that's exactly what the fans want.
The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in Gives way and suddenly it’s day again The sun is in the east Even though the day is done Two suns in the sunset, hmph Could be the human race is run
