My man went on stage wearing nothing but Larry Bird shorts, tube socks, and sneakers, busted out one-man-bongo+keyboard solo, played tetherball with a mic stand, and then proceeded to Van Damme kick his way to the end of the song while playing the keyboard. Dude was definitely dressed for the occasion. 10/10. Would carry on again.
Now I remember why I had such a huge crush on Steve Walsh after seeing Kansas live several times in the late 70’s,,,whew, what a voice and body to match!! 😍
I mean, look at the man. Covered in sweat, hair is dripping wet, he has had a full body workout on stage. This guy lived for the music and the performance, wow and a thousand times wow. This is passion, dedication and love at its best. The harmonies, creazy good. The whole band a bunch of pure professionals. If you love rock music, you must love and value this. I do
I love to see Steve Walsh get some well-deserved recognition. They guy is easily one of the greatest rock singers AND Hammond players ever! And he’s not too shabby on those congas, either, eh?
Steve Walsh was probably the best live rock vocalist of that era. His range was surprisingly high but had a rich deep sound even up in the stratosphere. He would go from a lyric emotional sound to wild resonant scream tone in the same song. I never thought the studio recordings caught him as well as their double live album. He was just glorious, and absolutely underappreciated.
I agree 100 % his voice on the Two for the Show live album was unparalleled in my opinion. I always compare his voice to a Stratocaster, it just has that little shimmer of gold at the top!
@@thomasluby1754as much as I fan I am of Brad I have to say Steve was the best. Jagger, Bowie? 😂 The top is this: Steve Walsh, Steve Perry, Brad Delp, Freddie Mercury. Not in that order. The order changes depending on the song etc.
@@First-gd7ci Isn't it funny how I almost never remember writing comments on YT.🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 But I just went back and edited it and took out Mick Jagger and David Bowie, although Bowie did have a wonderful live voice. Your list of Walsh, Perry, Delp and Mercury are right on. I don't think anybody's going to dispute those names.
I first heard this song when I was 12. I am now 59. It's truly one of those moments where I can say "This is a song that has a profound meaning in my life."
@iamclarasentience250 I thought about Paul also. Great choice and hard to argue with. I have been trying to come up with some criteria so my choice is not so subjective.
One of the most underrated and best bands in the last fifty years, Kansas was so gifted and tight musically. Steve Walsh had a terrific voice; so recognizable with a great range. I saw them live in 1976 for $8 and years later have to say it was one of my best purchases ever
This specific live Kansas performance is one of the best in the history of rock. Steve Walsh is phenomenal and one of a kind musician. My God. Kansas is one great band!
Saw them back in the 80s at Merriweather Post in Columbia, Maryland. He was doing handstands on the keyboards. One of the best concerts I have ever seen
Steve Walsh is one of the best rock singers EVER. His range is unbelievable too. They kind of change the chorus note choice a bit from the studio recording but it's still awesome.
I saw him on this tour wearing the exact same thing. He was like this the entire time. I'll never forget him singing Dust In The Wind after running all over like a madman. The guy was in incredible shape.
One of the weirdest impulses in rock music is Kerry experiencing the pinnacle of chemistry & mastery in the '70's with this incredible band, then thinking, "Nope. Pure evil. I better put a stop to this." Perhaps watching Steve bounding around all sweaty and nearly naked in his cute gym shorts gave him feelings that were.......confusing and.....uncomfortable.
When Kansas hit the radio in the 70’s, I was like WOW, what voice! I still say that…it will always stand the test of time.. for you young uns’, listen to ‘Dust In The Wind’… and listen really closely to the end fade out…
Hi! So cool to see you doing Kansas. I'm the nephew of Kerry Livgren, the blonde guitarist, but I'm primarily a lead singer who used Steve Walsh as my primary vocal inspiration, among many other greats. Really appreciate your vocal and musical analysis. Would love to hear you analyze some of my stuff!
Regarding harmonies, remember this is well before in-ears and only had foldback monitors. It was REALLY hard to hear yourself on stage back then. Great video. Thx!
I was lucky to see the original band in 1980 at the Los Angeles convention center. Steve was an animal, dressed in his usual short shorts, he leapt and did handstands on his keyboard, hardly standing still, never missing a single note…..Spectacular show!
It is the soul, the emotion and the beautiful tone that makes him better than most. It is not enough to just sing notes. The fact he was with the best band ever does not hurt. My favorite singers today are Rob Thomas and Chris Daughtry for similar reasons.
Shame on me for hearing and loving this song a million times and only just now seeing it performed. What a musical beast he is. And the entire band is so tight. What a group of talent I took for granted. Thank you so much for reacting to this. Of all the reactions to music videos I've seen, I learned the most from this one!
I fell in love with they’re music first, thanks to my big brother! Kansas was my First Concert 77-78, It was one of my most cherished memories, it takes me back when I listen to them , which We Call “The Good ‘Ole Days!” When Musicians had Talent!!
I’m so glad you commented on this particular performance, Bethany! Steve wasn’t always so animated. I think as the band grew, his confidence grew and he became this incredible performer as well as a phenomenal musician. This is the perfect example of how to give the audience their money’s worth and more! Kansas was incredibly successful, but also incredibly underrated. It made me really sad to see clips of Steve in later years struggling with his voice. I wonder if he ever went to a vocal coach for help? If not, he might’ve been able to preserve what he had. What a band!!
Thanks for highlighting the complete amazingness of the mighty Kansas! Faultless music and singing in a live setting. If you want painful accuracy stay in a laboratory, this is how live rock music should sound - and then it’s topped off with Steve and Robbie’s vocals. Y’just can’t lose! Thanks again from Ireland 🤘🇮🇪👍
The Wall live - see 2 for the show - is just a spectacular piece of vocal work. But also, let's go back an album, icarus, pinnacle & all the world - Steve in prime form. IMHO no one could sing those songs other than Steve. And there were plenty of singers with range at this time - Steve Perry, Mickey Thomas, Brad Delp, etc - but , again IMHO ( which is pretty close to gospel 🙂), they couldn't touch the stuff Walsh was doing .
This song…when I was a little girl, like elementary school age, I heard this song and fell in love instantly. I remember recording it on my tape recorder (it was the 70’s) and listening to a line, pausing it, then writing the lyric down! I still love it and then today. Great video!!
Steve Walsh has one of the clearest BRIGHTEST vocal tones in all of popular rock and roll. Plus, the dude can absolutely SKY. Of course, he gets credit for it, but he is also, often not the first lead singer selected in all of the internet lists. Not only that, but every person in the classic Kansas band was a MONSTER on their instrument. You observed how Steve could play this solo with his hair in his face. But Kerry Livgren and Rich Williams were BOTH insane on guitar. Robbie Steinhardt (R.I.P.) was brilliant on violin and vocals. Dave Hope was a BEAST on bass. And Phil Ehart truly IS a drummer whose genius is underrated. (Just listen to all of the tempo changes on "Magnum Opus." CRAZY stuff.) It was great to see your sheer delight at Steve's vocal performance. You're clearly a fan, enjoying this just as much as any of us other fans. (That is, if we were vocal coaches.) Thank you SO much for posting this one!
Steve Walsh is one of the best vocalist EVER! Period. Full stop! I’ve seen KANSAS several times & they never disappoint. They are one of my favorite bands. Truly talented musicians. Their song structure is insane!
I'm so grateful I saw them live in their prime. What a great band, miss Steve's dynamic talent, certainly one of the best rock vocalists of all time. Thank you for the review.
Pitch perfect. You can hear the short small runs and vibrato here and there as evidence of vocal dexterity, so evident. Again pitch perfect. Kansas is such a tight band. Great live band. Top notch vocals.
Listening to Steve from day One and to this day, his all around vocal facility remains as startling as it was then. Although Steve Perry with his Ultra Polished head voice perfection could easily match his range and clarity, Steve Walsh just had more tools in his box adding the perfectly applied fine distortions and fat, warm, tonal dynamics that are the necessary requirements of any ginuine ROCK Performance. For rock vocalists, the ability to develop and maintain ones facility over decades can be overwhelming and has proven for most to be simply impossible. At a young age and for the many decades that followed, Steve Walsh had set incomparable standards while millions listened in stunned silence wondering, How it could be possible that ANYONE could demonstrate such an amazing Vocal Prowess as he. What an EXTREMELY RARE Delight it has been for all of us.
"ALL THE WORLD"(From the álbum "Masque" ) is also a great example of technic of vocals using high and low notes...Steve Walsh is one of the most underrated frontman...
I’m totally in love with Steve Walsh, whew! 😅 saw them several times in the late 70’s, but forgot about his “shirtless” outfits, no wonder I crushed on him as a young teen. What a great band they are! Jimmie Spheeris opened for them once, I was blown away by him too, sadly he was killed in a motorcycle accident in CA in his early 30’s. His album “Isle of View” is fantastic!
I first saw Kansas (with Rossington Collins Band) in 1986. Steve was full tilt from beginning to end and even did a headstand on the keyboard holding the last chord of a song! It was an incredible show and the musicianship was impeccable.
Saw them in concert back in the 1980’s. Fantastic concert..it’s actually on RUclips.. Kansas at the Syria Mosque, Pittsburgh.. I just have to throw this in. It’s so encouraging to see a young person like yourself enjoying the 70’s bands like you are. I think sometimes it will be lost. The 1970’s was a magical time for rock. It really came into its own then..
Some of THE best music was created in the 70’s! Music that will never be made again. Even the bands that created masterpieces will never create that same level of music. As others have eluded to, it may have been the drugs.😂
You picked the absolute best live version available! I saw this tour and it was AMAZING for a 15 yr old kid to see, been a fan every since. Great reaction, love your channel.
Excellent band that I saw at MSG in 1977 while in High School. At that time a ticket was about $9.50, not orchestra, but got you into the concert. Glad you are discovering bands like this and particularly their masterpiece album Leftoverture.
I LOVE this performance. I was fortunate enough to have seen Kansas live around this time period - both for the Monolith tour in '79, and the Audio Visions tour a year or two later. Kansas were unbelievable back then. A band full of multi taskers switching from keys to guitars, to congas, to the vibraphone, from acoustic to electric guitars, vocals... Often all in the same song. Closet Chronicles is a great example.
Yikes! I'm not much of a social media person at 73....but do so remember working with Kansas while Budd Carr was managing them, both at BNB and as a solo manager. Those guys were the sweetest most humble musicians with integrity when I met them in 1975.....what an integrated group until ....well you all know the story. I was there for there working through 1979....good memories mostly.
Young lady, I saw them live in '78 in Madison, WI. This band was off the charts phenomenally talented. Steve Walsh stole the show with his energetic kicks and many talents he brought to the stage. That group was crazy good. However, if you get a chance, the Kansas band that is tour these days are certainly worth your time and money. Last I knew, there were to original members from the video you watched.
I saw Kansas once… when they opened for Yes during the “Masterworks” tour. To say that it was an amazing night of music is a real understatement! Brilliance on display from Kansas’s first note to Yes’s last.
I saw that same show at DTE in Michigan. Killer show! I couldn’t believe that my two favorite bands were touring together! Steve has one of the BEST voices ever!
I saw them in Hartford on that tour. Interviewed Steve pre-show and then hung out with the whole band afterwards. Rich was telling some of the funniest road stories from back in the 70s. He’s a very jovial and funny dude! 😆
@@crusheverything4449 WOW!!!! That must have been a real treat! Yeah, I’ve seen Rich in a few videos & he seems to have quite the sense of humor! He’s an awesome guitarist! Definitely in my top ten of favs. What was Steve like?
HE IS A GENIUS VOCALIST,in the top 5 in the world,when he's with kansas,he tries harder,its easy when you dance with the ones who brought you,STEVE IS THE VOICE OF THIS BAND,PERIOD
True regarding Steve’s vocals. But he wasn’t half the songwriter, composer, orchestrator, lyricist, or multi-instrumentalist that Kerry Livgren was (and is). No wonder he’s known as “the maestro.”
@@katesjanice true,but people have to learn that all of that beautiful melody and composing,has to have heavenly,stellar vocals,VOCALS IS THE ULTIMATE INSTRUMENT,its just a fact,or you are a instrumental band,they don't go very far
This song always takes me back to when my friend and I went to a high school football game in his VW bug. He played Leftoverture on his 8 track player. The first song on album is Carry On. This album was just released. Later I bought the vinyl and I still have that album. I rarely play it as I copied it to cassettes and burned out tapes then repeat. I love this album.
STEVE is in the top 5 in rock,many are good ,he's a genius on the mic,and then there's his musicianship on other instruments,total package,JUST RIGHT FOR KANSAS
I love your enthusiasm and getting all giddy over Steve Walsh and his performance and his vocals. I used to get that way from his vocals kind of.... he's just that good
I saw Kansas every time they came to Phoenix. Every show was a master class on performance and each time they played a song it seemed even better than the tour before. Steve had both smoothness and strength along with range and power. Obviously one of my favorite bands of all times.
Band I saw them live in concert and it’s the best one I ever in memory. His range had already started to fade here. And I was devastated when learned he pretty much lost it. This band was combining classical music with rock and it so fascinated me in the 70s. I was glad to see you’re enjoying them in this day/age. I also loved your reaction/comments on Karen Carpenter “Superstar”. I recently ran across much of their 60s/70s music and I discovered while singing along that most all the lyrics were still there (in my head) and I sang right along with them. I heard them first on LP Vinyl and 8-track tape.
I have always loved this song. Epic in scope, masterfully played, and of course the amazing vocals. If you like his voice, check out their song All I Wanted.
Greatest live performance awards of all time must to go to Steve Walsh. Including vocalist, keyboardist, crazy athletic talent, and more. And it was real. Unlike today where we can expect lip-syncing, and "performance tracks" from those who are popular but don't have a prayer of actual live talent. But the fans don't seem to notice.
He's always just pushed himself hard live. Here in St Louis they were played early and we exclusively broke the song from Steve Walsh solo "Every step of the way" which is one of the best tracks he ever put vocals to. It inspired me to start singing professionally... and look it up. Its an earwig!
I was at this concert, Canada Jam 1978, formerly rolling hills of Mosport Park or Track in Bowmanville, Ontario. It's now called Canadian Tire Motorsport Park since 1996, a winding racetrack with lots of parking. They built this huge stage and the gathering was obviously very large, people from all over. I came in from Toronto which is about 1 hr 15 minutes away just by accident picking up a couple young guys excited going there and I decided to go all the way for the experience. Kansas was the headliner band and came on as darkness set in. Perfect mood for people waving their lighters and these classic passionate songs they played. Great live performance!
Thank you for your kind reaction to the band Kansas. As an older native Kansan. I have been a fan of this band since the 1970's when I was in High School. Please consider reacting to Kansas performing the song Dust in the Wind. It is a remarkable song.
Steve before he became, er, "stimulant-free." 😂 He is an exemplar of what I most often prefer in a vocalist and why. Someone can have all the technique, dexterity, and latitude in the world, but if I don't like the sound of their voice, none of that matters. And there's just something about his timbre that has always gotten right to my soul. It's something you either have or you don't. (That said, part of his appeal is how he actually used his considerable abilities, as well.) As I mentioned elsewhere, it's a shame that he did so much to harm that golden tenor. I think this is my third time through this video and I caught something new in your observations with each viewing. Really great analysis.
For sure. I'm often amazed at fellow Kansas fans that don't get the difference between Steve, John Elefante, and Ronnie Platt. I try to explain the difference between hitting the notes, and TONE, depth, warmth, soul etc...
@@Incomudro1963 Absolutely. Steve's tone was magic. He never got thin and whiney in the upper register of his voice. It was always strong and pleasing in his heyday. Ronnie hits the notes, but there is no real identity in his tone. John has gotten better with age. His vocals were a bit like cotton in the early years of his Kansas tenure, which can be attributed to the production at times. Vinyl Confessions had a rather dull sound in terms of its sonics. Wonderful arrangements and songs, however.
You guys are spot-on about Steve, John and Ronnie Platt. Steve in his prime was untouchable, IMO. Steve Perry gets all the love, but Walsh is better, if you ask me. John really has gotten better with age. As for Ronnie Platt, I can’t listen to him or even look at the guy. He has the strangest body language I’ve ever seen in a performer and there’s no soul or balls in his vocals. What Phil and Rich saw or heard in him is beyond me. They could’ve had Ted Leonard or Jerome Mazza?!! Total head scratcher.
@@crusheverything4449 great, great comment. Walsh was truly in a league of his own, and as you rightly say, untouchable back then; Perry, Lou Gramm, Brad Delp (who Steve gets lumped in with) although good in their own way, do nothing for me, and neither do the bands they sang for, yet Walsh sears me to the bone and I marvel at his tone, control, pitch, range and his ability to put some elusive magic into the delivery of Kerry's beautiful lyrics.
@@carlscarlet- I’m a big fan of Gramm and Delp, as well as Foreigner and Boston ( the debut and Don’t Look Back, anyway), but I do feel that Steve was breathing rarified air in the 70s. There is real emotional impact in the combination of his tone, range and inflections. Walsh was just a natural-born singer like no one else I’ve ever heard. On top of that - and I always mention this - he’s one of the wickedest Hammond players in rock.
I fell in love with KANSAS as a child listening to an 8-track tape of "Leftoverture" that came with a used car that my father had purchased. I had never heard such opulent, mysterious and magical music before. It was LOVE at first listen! I have NOT had the opportunity to attend many Rock concerts in my life so I feel particularly blessed that this happened to me: I was at the Independence Day celebration on the 4th of July some years back, when I spotted a large Winnebago RV parked amongst the trees next to the fairground. It just looked out of place amongst the trailers for carnival rides and food trucks. I sat down beneath a tree and watched it. Soon the door opened and the largest man that I had ever seen stepped down onto the ground. He wore a black eye patch. I recognized him immediately as, Richard Williams, guitarist for the American Rock Band KANSAS! I got a hold of a program for the day's events, and it confirmed that KANSAS was playing HERE TONIGHT! I made my way to the stage and patiently waited for the sun to set and the show to begin. When Steve Walsh appeared onstage and began to play his keyboard and to sing, I could not believe that KANSAS was really right here in my mother's own neighborhood. Steve was in excellent physical shape, sang like a bird and even did handstands on his keyboard several times throughout the show! GOD Bless KANSAS! 😊
Dear Vocalyst, I reside in a "Skilled Nursing Facility" with 100 other residents, so I do NOT mind sending you my mailing address to ship the guitar to: Arthur J. Kulp c/o Zahav of Des Plaines Room No. 326A 9300 Ballard Road Des Plaines, IL 60016 Thank you so much! 🤗
Thank you for paying homage to Steve. However, may I chime in here? I realize Steve's vocals on this and Dust in the wind are what everyone hears and loves, but as someone who has studied his singing, you folks really owe it to yourselves to hear his voice on the first and second CD recorded before they achieved fame. His voice and skill, tone, range, and chest mix is off the charts in every sense of the word. The first CD is called Kansas, the second Song For America.
Saw them on this particular tour when they played at my school. Who'd think they'd have come to the Naval Academy? Always liked them prior to that show, but they really were incredible live, and that concert got me a lot more into their music. One of my top five shows ever.
HOLY TOPEKA!! Wasn't sure what the physical Ed "dress down" was about until Parallel Key's routine 😂 A Absolute Beast of a singer. Part of the intro was missing. For a mind blowing in-depth story behind the making of the entire album I recommend visiting The Professor Of Rock channel. Being a Bass player (& guitar) my favorite song is A SONG FOR AMERICA. It's a masterpiece and you can hear the gorgeous tone of the Rickenbacker Bass as well as all the other instruments. Even tripping on words you are The Best Splainner on the Tube!! Great Channel!! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎
Wow, what a performance! At the beginning, I'm like wow, basketball shorts and long tube sox, this is total '70s! After I saw him jumping, kicking and dancing at the keyboards I understood, it was a real workout so dress the part, right? Such a great band, and such a great song, what a talented singer. Also one of the two best bands named after geographical locations (along with Boston, Asia is way, way down the list....). Hold On is one of my all time faves.
For sure. I saw two different Kansas tours around this time frame, and Steve was essentially an athlete on stage. Shorts like this, and tube socks were worn by everyone doing anything athletic - or just on a hot day in the mid 70's, so there was nothing weird about it. Matter of fact it made complete sense.
Find the song Can't Cry Anymore by Kansas. Perhaps the most emotive male rock vocal I've ever heard from anyone. Steve Walsh's finest moment behind a microphone.
I miss the a capella vocal intro. I've seen Kansas a bunch of times. The band does this is as their final tune every show nowadays, and there's something indescribable about being in a crowd of a couple thousand people belting that intro along with the guys. 😀 Total goosebump moment. EVERY. TIME.
seen Big K for many a years, Steve, I've seen LiVE in Concert playing his keyboards, hand stand, jump down, ran over, grabbed the mic front stage, sing, throw the mic, or tossing it, perfect while back on keyboards, the mic front stage was still twirling around and just when the mic stopping, he was singing again the did the same thing, showmanship, vocals,all around talented!
I've seen Kansas in concert at least 10 times (isn't it terrible I can't remember how many?). Thanks for posting this video! Kansas Two For The Show is one of the best live albums ever recorded. Lots of songs to choose from. More please!
Saw them several times in the late 70’s; Jimmie Spheeris opened one of them, fell in love with his music also. Sad he died so young in a CA motorcycle accident. Kansas is a great band!
Steve was also very into working out in the gym and some weight lifting. He also found time during the concerts to do head/hand stands ON his piano. This is a bit later in their career and they are using some artistic license with the original song whereas early on they pretty much kept to duplicating the studio version.
My man went on stage wearing nothing but Larry Bird shorts, tube socks, and sneakers, busted out one-man-bongo+keyboard solo, played tetherball with a mic stand, and then proceeded to Van Damme kick his way to the end of the song while playing the keyboard. Dude was definitely dressed for the occasion. 10/10. Would carry on again.
Couldn't have said it better. There must be some kind of award for this. I'm sure the groupies came up with something commensurate.
Now I remember why I had such a huge crush on Steve Walsh after seeing Kansas live several times in the late 70’s,,,whew, what a voice and body to match!! 😍
When I saw them I thought he was gonna bounce off the bench into the lights!
During a time he was sponsored by "Adidas" (from Lp liner-notes), and he was also doing "Handstands" on the keys for many years!
Serious rock star shit.
I mean, look at the man. Covered in sweat, hair is dripping wet, he has had a full body workout on stage. This guy lived for the music and the performance, wow and a thousand times wow. This is passion, dedication and love at its best. The harmonies, creazy good. The whole band a bunch of pure professionals. If you love rock music, you must love and value this. I do
This is the concert finale so Steve had already sung 90 minutes or more at the start of this song. Phenomenal vocal stamina.
You fall in love with Steve Walsh every time you hear him sing it's very special gives me chills brings tears to my eyes so brilliant ❤️🤍⚡
I love to see Steve Walsh get some well-deserved recognition. They guy is easily one of the greatest rock singers AND Hammond players ever! And he’s not too shabby on those congas, either, eh?
Back in the day, Kansas, REO, Styx, Heart and many others. What a time for music!
Hell yea for all of those especially Styx
Steve Walsh was probably the best live rock vocalist of that era. His range was surprisingly high but had a rich deep sound even up in the stratosphere. He would go from a lyric emotional sound to wild resonant scream tone in the same song. I never thought the studio recordings caught him as well as their double live album. He was just glorious, and absolutely underappreciated.
I agree 100 % his voice on the Two for the Show live album was unparalleled in my opinion. I always compare his voice to a Stratocaster, it just has that little shimmer of gold at the top!
@dansonntag4685 Um, no. Better than Brad Delp, Freddy Mercury, Daltry, Plant, Steve Perry and Lou Gramm? Don't think so. Equal, not better.
Steve Walsh was just as good as all above you mentioned. To say better. Well I think they’re all equally as good , just different styles and ranges.
@@thomasluby1754as much as I fan I am of Brad I have to say Steve was the best. Jagger, Bowie? 😂 The top is this: Steve Walsh, Steve Perry, Brad Delp, Freddie Mercury. Not in that order. The order changes depending on the song etc.
@@First-gd7ci Isn't it funny how I almost never remember writing comments on YT.🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 But I just went back and edited it and took out Mick Jagger and David Bowie, although Bowie did have a wonderful live voice.
Your list of Walsh, Perry, Delp and Mercury are right on. I don't think anybody's going to dispute those names.
This girl is just so freakin' ridiculously cute.
What a classic. What a band. What a talent. What a show. Timeless greatness.
I first heard this song when I was 12. I am now 59. It's truly one of those moments where I can say "This is a song that has a profound meaning in my life."
Steve Walsh imo, is one of the top 5 rock vocalist ever!
I agree completely. I have a couple of others...Robert Plant, Ronnie James Dio, Marko Heitala. Haven't figured out my fifth yet.
@@tomfavorite1020 Steve Perry from Journey comes to mind.
100%
@iamclarasentience250 I thought about Paul also. Great choice and hard to argue with. I have been trying to come up with some criteria so my choice is not so subjective.
@@tomfavorite1020 how about rob halford bruce dickinson prime axl rose or bon jovi maybe sebastian bach
One of the most underrated and best bands in the last fifty years, Kansas was so gifted and tight musically. Steve Walsh had a terrific voice; so recognizable with a great range. I saw them live in 1976 for $8 and years later have to say it was one of my best purchases ever
maybe 500 years 😀😀
Underrated????
@@BrandonWestfall Perhaps I used the wrong word; no matter, Kansas will live forever
I agree that Kansas is underrated because they certainly deserved more airtime with some of their other great songs. Kansas is truly awesome!
One can never understate the importance of Robbie Steinhardt’s harmony vocals on the sound of the band.
RIP Robbie
Like Michael Anthony in Van Halen
Yes, I was going to make this very comment. Those two guys are what creates the sound that we're so used to hearing.👍
Not just the backing vocals, some of their best songs are where Robby and Steve traded lead vocals!
And Chris Squire in YES. Rest In Peace. 🥲@@jimherron5540
This specific live Kansas performance is one of the best in the history of rock. Steve Walsh is phenomenal and one of a kind musician. My God. Kansas is one great band!
really cool to see a man do a Triathlon while singing Carry On Wayward Son
😂 so true!!
Saw them back in the 80s at Merriweather Post in Columbia, Maryland. He was doing handstands on the keyboards. One of the best concerts I have ever seen
Steve Walsh is one of the best rock singers EVER. His range is unbelievable too. They kind of change the chorus note choice a bit from the studio recording but it's still awesome.
I saw him on this tour wearing the exact same thing. He was like this the entire time. I'll never forget him singing Dust In The Wind after running all over like a madman. The guy was in incredible shape.
Steve Walsh singing Kerry Livgren's songs...pure magic!
Exactly!
One of the weirdest impulses in rock music is Kerry experiencing the pinnacle of chemistry & mastery in the '70's with this incredible band, then thinking, "Nope. Pure evil. I better put a stop to this." Perhaps watching Steve bounding around all sweaty and nearly naked in his cute gym shorts gave him feelings that were.......confusing and.....uncomfortable.
Then Gwar took a stab 😂
When Kansas hit the radio in the 70’s, I was like WOW, what voice! I still say that…it will always stand the test of time.. for you young uns’, listen to ‘Dust In The Wind’… and listen really closely to the end fade out…
Hi! So cool to see you doing Kansas. I'm the nephew of Kerry Livgren, the blonde guitarist, but I'm primarily a lead singer who used Steve Walsh as my primary vocal inspiration, among many other greats. Really appreciate your vocal and musical analysis. Would love to hear you analyze some of my stuff!
So cool
Jeff pollard of LeRoux shared Jesus with your uncle. :-)
Very cool. A collaborative effort of course, but it was Kerry's band.
It was Steve and Robbie's band. Kerry just ripped it apart with his ego and machinations. Stroked out, huh? meh.
gracious that man was eye and ear candy
Regarding harmonies, remember this is well before in-ears and only had foldback monitors. It was REALLY hard to hear yourself on stage back then. Great video. Thx!
I was lucky to see the original band in 1980 at the Los Angeles convention center. Steve was an animal, dressed in his usual short shorts, he leapt and did handstands on his keyboard, hardly standing still, never missing a single note…..Spectacular show!
Thanks for this Steve is one of my all time favorites. His live performances were always on point. So accurate. He sang with such passion.
It is the soul, the emotion and the beautiful tone that makes him better than most.
It is not enough to just sing notes.
The fact he was with the best band ever does not hurt.
My favorite singers today are Rob Thomas and Chris Daughtry for similar reasons.
Shame on me for hearing and loving this song a million times and only just now seeing it performed. What a musical beast he is. And the entire band is so tight. What a group of talent I took for granted. Thank you so much for reacting to this. Of all the reactions to music videos I've seen, I learned the most from this one!
His voice is just great.
I fell in love with they’re music first, thanks to my big brother!
Kansas was my First Concert 77-78, It was one of my most cherished memories, it takes me back when I listen to them , which We Call “The Good ‘Ole Days!” When Musicians had Talent!!
one of my all-time fav rock vocalists! Steve's voice is amazing!
I’m so glad you commented on this particular performance, Bethany! Steve wasn’t always so animated. I think as the band grew, his confidence grew and he became this incredible performer as well as a phenomenal musician. This is the perfect example of how to give the audience their money’s worth and more! Kansas was incredibly successful, but also incredibly underrated. It made me really sad to see clips of Steve in later years struggling with his voice. I wonder if he ever went to a vocal coach for help? If not, he might’ve been able to preserve what he had. What a band!!
She's mesmerised by Steve. I've watched this several times. She's well done and over.
Thanks for highlighting the complete amazingness of the mighty Kansas! Faultless music and singing in a live setting. If you want painful accuracy stay in a laboratory, this is how live rock music should sound - and then it’s topped off with Steve and Robbie’s vocals. Y’just can’t lose!
Thanks again from Ireland 🤘🇮🇪👍
I think my favorite Steve Walsh performance is on Closet Chronicles or maybe The Wall. Such an amazing voice.
The Wall live - see 2 for the show - is just a spectacular piece of vocal work. But also, let's go back an album, icarus, pinnacle & all the world - Steve in prime form. IMHO no one could sing those songs other than Steve. And there were plenty of singers with range at this time - Steve Perry, Mickey Thomas, Brad Delp, etc - but , again IMHO ( which is pretty close to gospel 🙂), they couldn't touch the stuff Walsh was doing .
Steve Walsh is soooo underrated! His vocals are so solid, plus an attractive timbre and incredible range! I wish I could have seen him live.
This song…when I was a little girl, like elementary school age, I heard this song and fell in love instantly. I remember recording it on my tape recorder (it was the 70’s) and listening to a line, pausing it, then writing the lyric down! I still love it and then today. Great video!!
Steve Walsh has one of the clearest BRIGHTEST vocal tones in all of popular rock and roll. Plus, the dude can absolutely SKY.
Of course, he gets credit for it, but he is also, often not the first lead singer selected in all of the internet lists.
Not only that, but every person in the classic Kansas band was a MONSTER on their instrument. You observed how Steve could play this solo with his hair in his face.
But Kerry Livgren and Rich Williams were BOTH insane on guitar. Robbie Steinhardt (R.I.P.) was brilliant on violin and vocals. Dave Hope was a BEAST on bass. And Phil Ehart truly IS a drummer whose genius is underrated. (Just listen to all of the tempo changes on "Magnum Opus." CRAZY stuff.)
It was great to see your sheer delight at Steve's vocal performance. You're clearly a fan, enjoying this just as much as any of us other fans. (That is, if we were vocal coaches.)
Thank you SO much for posting this one!
Steve Walsh is one of the best vocalist EVER! Period. Full stop! I’ve seen KANSAS several times & they never disappoint. They are one of my favorite bands. Truly talented musicians. Their song structure is insane!
i 100% agree. there is not and has never been a voice like his in his prime.
I'm so grateful I saw them live in their prime. What a great band, miss Steve's dynamic talent, certainly one of the best rock vocalists of all time. Thank you for the review.
Pitch perfect. You can hear the short small runs and vibrato here and there as evidence of vocal dexterity, so evident. Again pitch perfect. Kansas is such a tight band. Great live band. Top notch vocals.
Listening to Steve from day One and to this day, his all around vocal facility remains as startling as it was then. Although Steve Perry with his Ultra Polished head voice perfection could easily match his range and clarity, Steve Walsh just had more tools in his box adding the perfectly applied fine distortions and fat, warm, tonal dynamics that are the necessary requirements of any ginuine ROCK Performance. For rock vocalists, the ability to develop and maintain ones facility over decades can be overwhelming and has proven for most to be simply impossible. At a young age and for the many decades that followed, Steve Walsh had set incomparable standards while millions listened in stunned silence wondering, How it could be possible that ANYONE could demonstrate such an amazing Vocal Prowess as he. What an EXTREMELY RARE Delight it has been for all of us.
"ALL THE WORLD"(From the álbum "Masque" ) is also a great example of technic of vocals using high and low notes...Steve Walsh is one of the most underrated frontman...
Gotta love the Robby tambourine throw!!
I’m totally in love with Steve Walsh, whew! 😅 saw them several times in the late 70’s, but forgot about his “shirtless” outfits, no wonder I crushed on him as a young teen. What a great band they are! Jimmie Spheeris opened for them once, I was blown away by him too, sadly he was killed in a motorcycle accident in CA in his early 30’s. His album “Isle of View” is fantastic!
I've never seen anyone turn the keys into a bucking bronco. Definitely gonna look for more of this energy.
Top 5 rock vocalists of all time. Steve Walsh was supreme!
""THOSEYEARS WERE THEBEST OF TIMES FOR-THEKANSAS-BAND BACKTHEN, ""WE WILLNEVER SEETHAT EVERAGAIN FORDECADES TO COME""!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I first saw Kansas (with Rossington Collins Band) in 1986. Steve was full tilt from beginning to end and even did a headstand on the keyboard holding the last chord of a song! It was an incredible show and the musicianship was impeccable.
Saw them in concert back in the 1980’s. Fantastic concert..it’s actually on RUclips.. Kansas at the Syria Mosque, Pittsburgh..
I just have to throw this in. It’s so encouraging to see a young person like yourself enjoying the 70’s bands like you are. I think sometimes it will be lost. The 1970’s was a magical time for rock. It really came into its own then..
The 70’s and 80's were a magical time for cocaine. It really came into its own then.
@@Mr.Ekshin😂
@@Mr.EkshinDon’t forget the opposite, but equally important (to some of us), Quaaludes. I loved them both, and often!
@@egalitarian-rex - 714 to the rescue!
Some of THE best music was created in the 70’s! Music that will never be made again. Even the bands that created masterpieces will never create that same level of music. As others have eluded to, it may have been the drugs.😂
You picked the absolute best live version available! I saw this tour and it was AMAZING for a 15 yr old kid to see, been a fan every since. Great reaction, love your channel.
Excellent band that I saw at MSG in 1977 while in High School. At that time a ticket was about $9.50, not orchestra, but got you into the concert. Glad you are discovering bands like this and particularly their masterpiece album Leftoverture.
I LOVE this performance.
I was fortunate enough to have seen Kansas live around this time period - both for the Monolith tour in '79, and the Audio Visions tour a year or two later.
Kansas were unbelievable back then.
A band full of multi taskers switching from keys to guitars, to congas, to the vibraphone, from acoustic to electric guitars, vocals...
Often all in the same song.
Closet Chronicles is a great example.
Kansas Monolith tour was my very first concert, and this is exactly how I remember it. Steve was a madman!
Yikes! I'm not much of a social media person at 73....but do so remember working with Kansas while Budd Carr was managing them, both at BNB and as a solo manager. Those guys were the sweetest most humble musicians with integrity when I met them in 1975.....what an integrated group until ....well you all know the story. I was there for there working through 1979....good memories mostly.
A staple of Progressive Rock bands - many members absolutely gushing with talent.
One of the most underrated 70's bands. These guys could rock
Young lady, I saw them live in '78 in Madison, WI. This band was off the charts phenomenally talented. Steve Walsh stole the show with his energetic kicks and many talents he brought to the stage. That group was crazy good.
However, if you get a chance, the Kansas band that is tour these days are certainly worth your time and money. Last I knew, there were to original members from the video you watched.
Awesome! Never seen this performance of this perfect song before! Thanks Beth!
I saw Kansas once… when they opened for Yes during the “Masterworks” tour. To say that it was an amazing night of music is a real understatement! Brilliance on display from Kansas’s first note to Yes’s last.
I saw that same show at DTE in Michigan. Killer show! I couldn’t believe that my two favorite bands were touring together! Steve has one of the BEST voices ever!
I saw them in Hartford on that tour. Interviewed Steve pre-show and then hung out with the whole band afterwards. Rich was telling some of the funniest road stories from back in the 70s. He’s a very jovial and funny dude! 😆
@@crusheverything4449 WOW!!!! That must have been a real treat! Yeah, I’ve seen Rich in a few videos & he seems to have quite the sense of humor! He’s an awesome guitarist! Definitely in my top ten of favs. What was Steve like?
Steve Walsh will never get his due he was just an amazing live performer. Great keyboard player. Songwriter He he really gave it his all every night.
HE IS A GENIUS VOCALIST,in the top 5 in the world,when he's with kansas,he tries harder,its easy when you dance with the ones who brought you,STEVE IS THE VOICE OF THIS BAND,PERIOD
True regarding Steve’s vocals. But he wasn’t half the songwriter, composer, orchestrator, lyricist, or multi-instrumentalist that Kerry Livgren was (and is). No wonder he’s known as “the maestro.”
@@katesjanice true,but people have to learn that all of that beautiful melody and composing,has to have heavenly,stellar vocals,VOCALS IS THE ULTIMATE INSTRUMENT,its just a fact,or you are a instrumental band,they don't go very far
Hard working man, that Steve !
Only the "invisible drummer" Phil Ehart in the background works this hard.
Great performance of the whole band !
Walsh was the perfect lead singer - and a hell of an entertainer and keyboardist.
This song always takes me back to when my friend and I went to a high school football game in his VW bug. He played Leftoverture on his 8 track player. The first song on album is Carry On. This album was just released. Later I bought the vinyl and I still have that album. I rarely play it as I copied it to cassettes and burned out tapes then repeat. I love this album.
STEVE is in the top 5 in rock,many are good ,he's a genius on the mic,and then there's his musicianship on other instruments,total package,JUST RIGHT FOR KANSAS
Steve was athletic. Impressive !
I love your enthusiasm and getting all giddy over Steve Walsh and his performance and his vocals. I used to get that way from his vocals kind of.... he's just that good
Go see Kansas now that's a recommendation.
I saw Kansas every time they came to Phoenix. Every show was a master class on performance and each time they played a song it seemed even better than the tour before. Steve had both smoothness and strength along with range and power. Obviously one of my favorite bands of all times.
Band I saw them live in concert and it’s the best one I ever in memory. His range had already started to fade here. And I was devastated when learned he pretty much lost it. This band was combining classical music with rock and it so fascinated me in the 70s. I was glad to see you’re enjoying them in this day/age. I also loved your reaction/comments on Karen Carpenter “Superstar”. I recently ran across much of their 60s/70s music and I discovered while singing along that most all the lyrics were still there (in my head) and I sang right along with them. I heard them first on LP Vinyl and 8-track tape.
My home state (for 20+ years)… great band!
I have always loved this song. Epic in scope, masterfully played, and of course the amazing vocals. If you like his voice, check out their song All I Wanted.
Greatest live performance awards of all time must to go to Steve Walsh. Including vocalist, keyboardist, crazy athletic talent, and more. And it was real. Unlike today where we can expect lip-syncing, and "performance tracks" from those who are popular but don't have a prayer of actual live talent. But the fans don't seem to notice.
He's always just pushed himself hard live. Here in St Louis they were played early and we exclusively broke the song from Steve Walsh solo "Every step of the way" which is one of the best tracks he ever put vocals to. It inspired me to start singing professionally... and look it up. Its an earwig!
I was at this concert, Canada Jam 1978, formerly rolling hills of Mosport Park or Track in Bowmanville, Ontario. It's now called Canadian Tire Motorsport Park since 1996, a winding racetrack with lots of parking. They built this huge stage and the gathering was obviously very large, people from all over. I came in from Toronto which is about 1 hr 15 minutes away just by accident picking up a couple young guys excited going there and I decided to go all the way for the experience. Kansas was the headliner band and came on as darkness set in. Perfect mood for people waving their lighters and these classic passionate songs they played. Great live performance!
Kansas! One of the great musical bands from the 70's. From symphonic rock to very catchy singles.
Steve Walsh also does handstands on his keyboard.
Dust in the Wind. I could listen to Steve sing that 24/7. Every time I hear it I hear something new.
Kerry Livgren is such a criminally underappreciated songwriter. He wrote this, Dust in the Wind, and many of Kansas's other great songs.
One of the GREATEST songs EVER CREATED!!! The Main Riff is a MASTERPIECE!!!!
Thank you for your kind reaction to the band Kansas. As an older native Kansan. I have been a fan of this band since the 1970's when I was in High School. Please consider reacting to Kansas performing the song Dust in the Wind. It is a remarkable song.
Your excitement for great talent is infectious! I was smiling with you! ❤
Steve before he became, er, "stimulant-free." 😂 He is an exemplar of what I most often prefer in a vocalist and why. Someone can have all the technique, dexterity, and latitude in the world, but if I don't like the sound of their voice, none of that matters. And there's just something about his timbre that has always gotten right to my soul. It's something you either have or you don't. (That said, part of his appeal is how he actually used his considerable abilities, as well.) As I mentioned elsewhere, it's a shame that he did so much to harm that golden tenor.
I think this is my third time through this video and I caught something new in your observations with each viewing. Really great analysis.
For sure.
I'm often amazed at fellow Kansas fans that don't get the difference between Steve, John Elefante, and Ronnie Platt.
I try to explain the difference between hitting the notes, and TONE, depth, warmth, soul etc...
@@Incomudro1963 Absolutely. Steve's tone was magic. He never got thin and whiney in the upper register of his voice. It was always strong and pleasing in his heyday. Ronnie hits the notes, but there is no real identity in his tone. John has gotten better with age. His vocals were a bit like cotton in the early years of his Kansas tenure, which can be attributed to the production at times. Vinyl Confessions had a rather dull sound in terms of its sonics. Wonderful arrangements and songs, however.
You guys are spot-on about Steve, John and Ronnie Platt. Steve in his prime was untouchable, IMO. Steve Perry gets all the love, but Walsh is better, if you ask me. John really has gotten better with age. As for Ronnie Platt, I can’t listen to him or even look at the guy. He has the strangest body language I’ve ever seen in a performer and there’s no soul or balls in his vocals. What Phil and Rich saw or heard in him is beyond me. They could’ve had Ted Leonard or Jerome Mazza?!! Total head scratcher.
@@crusheverything4449 great, great comment. Walsh was truly in a league of his own, and as you rightly say, untouchable back then; Perry, Lou Gramm, Brad Delp (who Steve gets lumped in with) although good in their own way, do nothing for me, and neither do the bands they sang for, yet Walsh sears me to the bone and I marvel at his tone, control, pitch, range and his ability to put some elusive magic into the delivery of Kerry's beautiful lyrics.
@@carlscarlet- I’m a big fan of Gramm and Delp, as well as Foreigner and Boston ( the debut and Don’t Look Back, anyway), but I do feel that Steve was breathing rarified air in the 70s. There is real emotional impact in the combination of his tone, range and inflections. Walsh was just a natural-born singer like no one else I’ve ever heard. On top of that - and I always mention this - he’s one of the wickedest Hammond players in rock.
Saw this live in 70s,his energy and spirit were incredible,u could look around at people in awe,like in a trance, spiritual in nature too in lryics .
I fell in love with KANSAS as a child listening to an 8-track tape of "Leftoverture" that came with a used car that my father had purchased. I had never heard such opulent, mysterious and magical music before. It was LOVE at first listen! I have NOT had the opportunity to attend many Rock concerts in my life so I feel particularly blessed that this happened to me:
I was at the Independence Day celebration on the 4th of July some years back, when I spotted a large Winnebago RV parked amongst the trees next to the fairground. It just looked out of place amongst the trailers for carnival rides and food trucks. I sat down beneath a tree and watched it.
Soon the door opened and the largest man that I had ever seen stepped down onto the ground. He wore a black eye patch. I recognized him immediately as, Richard Williams, guitarist for the American Rock Band KANSAS!
I got a hold of a program for the day's events, and it confirmed that KANSAS was playing HERE TONIGHT! I made my way to the stage and patiently waited for the sun to set and the show to begin.
When Steve Walsh appeared onstage and began to play his keyboard and to sing, I could not believe that KANSAS was really right here in my mother's own neighborhood.
Steve was in excellent physical shape, sang like a bird and even did handstands on his keyboard several times throughout the show!
GOD Bless KANSAS! 😊
I am new to Telegram. I do NOT know if the message I sent to you went through. Is there another way we might communicate (email, Cell?)
Dear Vocalyst,
I reside in a "Skilled Nursing Facility" with 100 other residents, so I do NOT mind sending you my mailing address to ship the guitar to:
Arthur J. Kulp
c/o Zahav of Des Plaines
Room No. 326A
9300 Ballard Road
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Thank you so much! 🤗
Thank you for paying homage to Steve. However, may I chime in here? I realize Steve's vocals on this and Dust in the wind are what everyone hears and loves, but as someone who has studied his singing, you folks really owe it to yourselves to hear his voice on the first and second CD recorded before they achieved fame. His voice and skill, tone, range, and chest mix is off the charts in every sense of the word. The first CD is called Kansas, the second Song For America.
You forgot Song for America
@@gouldflaWill correct Thx
Absolutely classic, best rock music ever. Defines pure rock of the 70s Steve Walsh phenomenal. All the musicians of Kansas masters at their craft.
Saw them on this particular tour when they played at my school. Who'd think they'd have come to the Naval Academy? Always liked them prior to that show, but they really were incredible live, and that concert got me a lot more into their music. One of my top five shows ever.
He had to be in such good shape to have the breath to sing and do all the moving he did on stage. No wonder he was sweating!
All the coke helped a lot as well.
HOLY TOPEKA!! Wasn't sure what the physical Ed "dress down" was about until Parallel Key's routine 😂 A Absolute Beast of a singer. Part of the intro was missing. For a mind blowing in-depth story behind the making of the entire album I recommend visiting The Professor Of Rock channel. Being a Bass player (& guitar) my favorite song is A SONG FOR AMERICA. It's a masterpiece and you can hear the gorgeous tone of the Rickenbacker Bass as well as all the other instruments. Even tripping on words you are The Best Splainner on the Tube!! Great Channel!! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎
The documentary about Kansas: “Miracles Out of Nowhere” is a must watch Bethany.
Wow, what a performance! At the beginning, I'm like wow, basketball shorts and long tube sox, this is total '70s! After I saw him jumping, kicking and dancing at the keyboards I understood, it was a real workout so dress the part, right? Such a great band, and such a great song, what a talented singer. Also one of the two best bands named after geographical locations (along with Boston, Asia is way, way down the list....). Hold On is one of my all time faves.
This is the most 1970s thing I've ever seen, outside of Disco and Blaxploitation.
For sure. I saw two different Kansas tours around this time frame, and Steve was essentially an athlete on stage.
Shorts like this, and tube socks were worn by everyone doing anything athletic - or just on a hot day in the mid 70's, so there was nothing weird about it.
Matter of fact it made complete sense.
Disagree... Asia deserves way more respect
Find the song Can't Cry Anymore by Kansas. Perhaps the most emotive male rock vocal I've ever heard from anyone. Steve Walsh's finest moment behind a microphone.
Someone has a tiny little crush on young Steve Walsh I feel ;D great video
Jeez!...I'm sweaty and exhumed just WATCHING these guy play this song. Another fantastic reaction video!
I miss the a capella vocal intro. I've seen Kansas a bunch of times. The band does this is as their final tune every show nowadays, and there's something indescribable about being in a crowd of a couple thousand people belting that intro along with the guys. 😀 Total goosebump moment. EVERY. TIME.
I saw them live in 1980 and was right up front and loved the band!
Saw them live in 1979 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, In. Such an amazing energetic performance....
seen Big K for many a years, Steve, I've seen LiVE in Concert playing his keyboards, hand stand, jump down, ran over, grabbed the mic front stage, sing, throw the mic, or tossing it, perfect while back on keyboards, the mic front stage was still twirling around and just when the mic stopping, he was singing again the did the same thing, showmanship, vocals,all around talented!
That was an incredible performance...both the music and the ENERGY!
Thank you for the lovely review.
I've seen Kansas in concert at least 10 times (isn't it terrible I can't remember how many?). Thanks for posting this video! Kansas Two For The Show is one of the best live albums ever recorded. Lots of songs to choose from. More please!
Agree with that. Two for the Show really turned me on to how great they were live.
i remember seeing you at all the shows.
Saw them several times in the late 70’s; Jimmie Spheeris opened one of them, fell in love with his music also. Sad he died so young in a CA motorcycle accident. Kansas is a great band!
Steve was also very into working out in the gym and some weight lifting. He also found time during the concerts to do head/hand stands ON his piano. This is a bit later in their career and they are using some artistic license with the original song whereas early on they pretty much kept to duplicating the studio version.