Kansas was my first concert. My Dad took me to the “Monolith Tour” at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, NM on Dec. 5, 1979, when I was 12 years old. Someone next to me asked if I wanted a joint. I didn’t even know what that was, but Dad’s shaking head provided the decisive answer. I didn’t need it anyway, seeing Steve Walsh, Kerry Livgren, and the boys owning the stage, that night left me forever hooked on live music. I’d played Kansas’ “Two For the Show” double live record countless times before seeing it in person, and the audio fidelity and electric energy recorded on what I believe is one of the best live albums ever was put on display that night.
So it was that I was feeling very nostalgic seeing them in Colorado Springs on their 50th anniversary tour on October 11. The band has made a long run of this anniversary tour, and the things I said back in August 2023 when I reviewed their show in Denver were still quite accurate nearly 15 months later.
I stated then my general aversion for tribute bands, and while it’s undeniable that the players have almost all changed (Rich Williams was the lone original remaining on the stage), the music is played with such respect and care to the previous lineups that the songs stand up still after 50 years. There’s no question that Kansas has been careful about the new blood that is playing to the Wheatheads. Just weeks before this show in Colorado Springs, longtime bassist and emcee Billy Greer announced his retirement. Dan McGowan has stepped into the role, bringing some surprising vocal agility along with the bottom-end tone that is clearly in the vicinity of original bass player Dave Hope.
Seeing this lineup is sort of like hearing a modern symphonic ensemble playing the music of Bach. It’s not the original performers (mostly), but the exceptionally ambitious and intricate songs are the stars of the show. If you’re in any doubt, check out “Song for America.” Epic still, especially played live. Kudos to Tom Brislin and Zak Rizvi, who are keeping the spirit of Kansas alive and writing new music that maintains the creative excellence of the band’s best work.
When they played “Throwing Mountains,” a track from their latest release, it sustained the vibe and energy of the classic songs surrounding it. Brislin displays deep respect and passion for the music itself and shows a joy while performing that’s endearing. Rizvi took a couple of spotlight solos that leaned heavy and speedy, like a train running hard down the tracks without brakes.
Brislin and Rizvi appear to be the new foundations of the band and they’re holding it steadily in place with their love for the music that makes their performances even more authentic. The quirkiness of founding violinist Robbie Steinhardt will always be missed, but Joe Deninzon does a yeoman’s job of filling the shoes of a classic rock strings player and his artistry and execution demonstrate he is the right man for the job.
As before, the band’s rowdy rendition of “Down the Road” blew the roof off and the backing vocals of “Hold On” were even a notch higher than the Denver show. Vocalist Ronnie Platte kept the energy high and the notes on key despite the challenging altitude, and sounded particularly good during “The Wall.”
While Rich Willams seemed particularly reserved, it was nice just to see him back on stage after Hurricane Helene’s devastation had pulled him away from some previous shows. He is, at this point, the last original member standing (or sitting). While the lineup has gotten decidedly younger, the songs representing 11 different studio albums over nearly 5 decades have all aged well, like a fine wine of a particularly good vintage.
In conclusion, despite the winds of change blowing through the heartland’s finest progressive rock band, Kansas is STILL a band… and one that should most certainly carry on!
