This might sound strange to you, but in my never-too-humble opinion, it is better for a band or act not to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as it has become polluted with politics and corruption. And what's worse is that human beings would allow it to get that way. Sorry, but its a darn disgrace.
Steve is still my favorite singer. I discovered Kansas when I first heard Carry On back in high school. The man gave 100% all the time. Ann Wilson is the female version of Steve. I never get tired of hearing their voices.
@@Marty1410 the craziest Kansas story I have: winter 1978, I saw Kansas in Providence, RI...I waited for my favorite song, "what's on my mind" they never played it 😢
Super kind man. Met him in Buffalo, NY after the show. We knew he was going to be interviewed at the local radio station, so we went there to see if we could meet him. We ran into another DJ outside and asked if we could come in to meet him. She thought we meant the night DJ, so she let us in! Steve came out and chatted with us for a while and signed autographs for us. He was genuinly kind to us.
Tommy Shaw during a Styx live album and video talked about Styx opening for Kansas in 1976 and said, “Leftoverture, that music was so…POWERFUL! It helped shape the writing of (The Grand Illusion)”. I saw Kansas open for Styx reunion “Return To Paradise” and will NEVER forget when it came to the instrumental part of Carry On Wayward Son Steve ran over, did a handstand ON the keyboard and played “upside down”! 😮 Are you freaking kidding me???!!! Maybe there were wires but truthfully I don’t know how he did that and I don’t want to know! It’s like learning the secret of a magic trick. I prefer to scratch my head and be mystified by that incredible and special memory!
@@neddoyle8304 When I think of Kansas I think of Kerry Livgren, maybe that's wrong and I'm just shallow, but we call Leftoverture "Classical Rock", you will not beat it.
I saw Steve Walsh in the 70's when he and Kansas were in their prime and these guys were high energy, especially Steve he was all over ,this guy was just a ball of energy. Kerry Livgren is also a great part of Kansas.
Steve's voice was golden. I became a fan when Masque came out. That album is still a fave for me. Rich is right, Steve was perfect at singing Kerry's songs.
Second your opinion on "MASQUE". Will probably always be my favorite since it was the LP they were promoting when I saw them live for the very first time. I didn't even come to that concert to see them - I came to hear/see Bad Company. I left a hardcore KANSAS fan. (PS: Bad Company did put on a good show, but....)
@@strattunerit really is hard to choose one as the best ever for me personally. It kind of goes by era. From Freddie Mercury, Bowie, Jim Morrison, Steven Tyler etc. I even have a hard time by decade
Don't forget Phil Ehart's contributions. He made prog drum tracks with lightning-quick grooves and shifts endless time changes seem effortless. Can't overlook Rich, either. Another master at his craft. Both of them contributed to the mysterious chemistry that kept the band going and out-doing themselves time and again.
I have been a huge fan of Kansas since I was in my early teens, I've seen them live 3 times and loved every show. Kerry Livgren wrote their most memorable songs. Steve was the voice behind those great songs.
Listen to "It's You" from Masque, a ridiculous whistle note at the end. Best Singer ever...and "damaged" he came back with a vengeance on Kansas "POWER" with Steve Morse and the follow up "In the Spirit of Things" ...his voice had never been better...saw them live at The Fox in Atlanta... incredible...also before Steve Morse, he toured as Streets with Mike Slammer on 2 Albums after he left Kansas and was better than any rock singer.... Years later after the struggles in Kansas, Steve had another comeback and finished strong with his slightly less powerful voice, still better than the clown that sings for them now.
I met the band at a record signing at Peaches in Fort Lauderdale. I asked the band what album they enjoyed making? They picked out Masque, it's a black color on the album cover. I had them sign it with their black markers. I still have that since 1980, not for sale.
My band opened for Kansas in the early 90s in Wildwood NJ and while we were all setting up the stage a fire broke out in the club’s AC unit and we had to vacate to the parking lot and get clearance from the FD before entering back in. While we were waiting we hung with the guys from Kansas and had great conversations especially their advice on owning publishing rights and worrying about our gear. 😂. Fun times. It was nice meeting them in odd circumstances.
I bought Left Overture when it came out. Being a long haired guitarist Carry On Wayward Son was a must to learn how to play. I learned to play it but didn't like the rest of the songs. I gave that album to a good friend. Fast forward to 2001 and I was in Walmart and I saw the CD . I bought it to hear Carry On again and started listening to the music and I finally got it !!!!! It took me fifteen years to realize that Kansas was the greatest band l had ever heard!!!! My favorite music till this day.
I had the awesome opportunity to see Kansas in 1977 from 2nd row, and this show was freaking awesome. They were all original and put on one great show as expected, Steve Walsh was on fire also. Great Singer. Take Care
There is much more to the Steve Walsh leaving Kansas story than "He wanted to be a rock star."". He has some personal problems that had to be overcome as well. He did overcome them but it wan't quick and it it wasn't easy. Love Kansas.
We were in 9th grade when we started playing the Hollywood clubs like Gazzarri's and other fire traps, and we were on Sunset more than in school. We saw the "next big thing" shows, which were industry shows, usually The Whiskey or The Starwood, where fresh, new bands were being showcased to record company and tour execs (We saw Rush play to 20 people at The Whisky; Neal Peart's first live gig with them). Kansas had just released their first album and KMET played a track at 2:00am that we loved (Jean Luc Ponty had softened up the R&R crowd to accepting a violin as a legitimate instrument). I forget the venue but we saw Kansas for their "industry show"; to a nearly empty venue. We were blown away, especially by Steve Walsh. We were teenagers but he was maybe 21 or 22? and he was cool to us, thanking us for liking the music (I'm pretty sure they played Song For America long before the album was released). We saw them at The Shrine, then the Santa Monica Civic, and we worshiped those guys. But by the time Point of No Return came out we were out of high school and our band scattered off to college, jail, and one to the morgue. But listening to that stuff nowadys nearly all the music really holds up, as eveidenced by my 30 year old guitar/bass player son owning all their ... um... downloads lol
In addition to Kansas, he had some incredibly good solo albums. I’ve always stuck with Steve Walsh AND with Kansas. I found the John Elefante era exceptional as well.
And "In the Spirit of Things" followed Power... both amazing albums and the tour with Steve Morse was incredible, saw them at The Fox in Atlanta, one of the best concerts I've ever seen from the 5th row.
I personally thought 'Power' was a good album with the new lineup. Definitely a different sound, but a good different. A lot of hard core Kansas fans have denounced 'Power' as trash, but I feel that's an unfair judgment. Plus, Steve Morse was such a potent force on that record. Hard to deny that.
I saw Kansas first time Point of Know Return tour. Steve was vocally flawless. A concert experience unmatched. I agree with Rich--one of my top 3 faves as well. I love watching video song reactions of people who've never heard them. They're always blown away by not only the band, but Steve. And sometimes they even drop a tear...which I completely understand.
Wonderful to pay homage to this virtuoso level vocalist. Absolutely incredible skill, tone, soul, range, and style. A huge influence on me. His voice was like a trumpet, times when you thought his voice was another instrument until you heard his vibrato. BTW, The new book is great. The irony is some of his most astounding vocals weren't the hits!
Big Kansas fan!! I was going to Topeka High School when their first album came out, EVERBODY was listening to that cassette at school. We were so happy that some fellow Topeka guys had made it! Angels Have Fallen is one of my favorite Kansas songs, and I have to admit I'm probably one of the few who thinks that Monolith was a great album. On that song though, Steve really shows his range. My daughter, who is a fantastic singer in her own right, was wowed by how effortlessly he hit the high notes on that song.
I saw Kansas once back in early 1981 for the Audio-Visions tour. It was announced on the radio the day before that Steve was dealing with the flu and the concert may be canceled or rescheduled. He came out and performed and even on a bad day Steve was fantastic. He didn't hit the high notes perfectly but he did a hell of a show.
Great interview. I've never really heard much from Rich, and he has so much to say. I was 13 when "Leftoverture" was released in 1976. Then, "Point Of Know Return" and "Monolith." To this day all those songs still hit hard! Steve Walsh was mesmerizing! A voice from heaven!
Saw Kansas in denver during the Point of Know Return , McNichols stadium. Was a blizzard outside. One of the top concerts I ever saw. Steve was magnificent.
I knew Steve was phenomenal from first listen.. probably the most overlooked singer of the 70's maybe all time.. what a beautiful voice and talented at musical instruments as well !
Saw them live a few decades ago in florida, yeah i was amazed when he did those handstands while playing the keyboard. Especially at the right moments in 'carry on'
Masque was the crowning accomplishment of the early band. Mysteries and Mayhem with The Pinnacle is probably still their tonal peak. Steve and Robby both sang their hearts onto that vinyl.
A friend GAVE me their first, self titled, LP. I went outside, and smoked a doobie that night, went inside put the headphones, dropped the needle - and proceeded to be BLOWN AWAY. 'Journey From Marriabron'? HOLY SHIT. Walsh was one of the most amazing rock singers in the middle 70s. Absolutely amazing.
Steve is from my hometown. he's an amazing musician. Kansas song "Lonely Street" killer tune! i'm a drummer and many of my friends played with him locally. When they were "White Clover" they played at my high school homecoming.
Remember the version of White Clover playing at the Frog Hop with two keyboardists & a guitarist that looked a lot like a shorter version of Hendrix from 20 feet away? Played a lot like him too. Heard a few fingers on one hand were severed in a table saw accident. Think the second keyboardist was Glixman, & he also sang just as high as Steve. Great memories watching Steve growing up in all of his local bands, playin places like The YWCA, The Exit, Frog Hop, ect.
I was at a Kansas concert and I turned around to talk to someone. I heard a loud thud and when I looked back at the stage, the singer (Walsh) was gone. After a few seconds, he rose from behind the barricade holding his head in his hands. He stumbled back on stage and continued the show. One of my favorite concert memories.
I was hearing Carry On Wayward Son, my first Kansas experience, when it was in the movie soundtrack from Heroes, and soon bought the album. I shortly thereafter owned MASQUE, SONG FOR AMERICA, and the title album, KANSAS. THEY ARE MY ALL TIME FAVORITE BAND
Many of the Kansas members will remember the little basement Church in North Atlanta. Pastor Lavern Campbell at a small Calvary Chapel church. Babble Mason was the music leader. I remember going to lunch after church with Kerry and Dave and families. There was a bunch of us at the buffet 😃
It really is that hard to be in the right place at the right time and have the right people sitting in a row ready to do it. You have to be a team driven with the same directive. The first time I had seen Kansas was an accident. I didn't even know who they were. I went to Pittsburgh to see Queen. WE get the the Stanley Theatre very early and way before doors. there is a sign in the box office window that says Queen has cancelled due to Freddie Mercury suffering with throat problems. Styx was on the bill. We were already in Pittsburgh and we liked Styx so we stayed. Kansas was the fill in act to headline and not a one us had heard of them but when we got home we all went out and bought their first album. You see they were in the right place at the right time because they got that last minute fill in for Queen and to headline!! WE were blown away by the fiddle / violin in rock music. I preferred Kansas and still do over Rush as the best prog rock band. Masque is incredible. Steve Walsh has some of the best pipes I have ever heard and have seen them plenty since then. that was in 76 I think. Yea, 1976. I was 18.
Heard Kansas back in the days, opening for Kiss or some group like that. Kansas kinda blew us all away. Their performance, including ALL of Steve's singing, sounded as good as their studio albums.
The music of the 70s was so great that none of us knew what we had. It just happened organically, in the third decade of rock, bouncing off of all the greatness of the 1960s, but in the 1970s, the production values got so much better, and all the musicians launched upwards along with it. Then, at the end of the decade, an underground of rock started up as well, and both the underground and the mainstream continued apace into the fourth great decade of rock, the 80s. Video games were just a distraction, Daltrey said it best, 'All we had was cinema, music and sex'. Life was a blast and the music reflected it.
I remember buying Leftoverture back in 1976. I bought it from Korvette’s Department Store on Central Avenue in Yonkers, NY. I remember it like it was yesterday. I wish it was still 1976.
I was a transplant from Ohio as a junior in high school to Topeka West '73. Kansas was in their infancy in the transition from white clover to Kansas. They were known locally from the buddies I got to know. I saw them twice in the next year. Once in the outdoor amphitheater and then in the school auditorium. By then they had their first album. I fell in love, especially with the violin. The first house we lived in backed up to the highway straight across from Burnett's mound where that picture on their first album was taken. At the time a few of them were a little bit healthy and bought their jeans/ overalls where my sister worked. There was a moment in 73 at a local bar during the day that had foosball tables that I wondered if I had seen them playing as we play. We also watched them play at a local bar called grandmother's right after their release. I remember sitting on the stairs of this dinner theater thinking this stage is too small for them LOL. Especially in their first three -4 albums told a story and took you on a journey. With my kids I always tell them listen from the beginning of their chronology. Steve Walsh on schemer dreamer has a couple of good songs. Kerry livegren put out a solo.
I have to say that as far as Christian music, The Wall is like the ultimate, but Kerry's writing came through on all his songs. I had no idea (I am 63) there was such a division in Kansas .It was super inspiring to all of us.
I would have no problem with someone saying Steve Walsh was the best rock vocalist ever.. There are so many .. but he is up there. He is that good.. and his keyboards. Otherworldly. Ronnie Platt really surpassed my expectations. He is great. He is right about the end of duat in the wind.. I actually have done that and sang with that many times. You really should listen. You always hear people say underrated but Kansas.. and Steve are the undisputed champions of that. Rock Legends to me.
Icarus/Borne on the Wings of Steel, Song for America, Closet Chronicles, The Wall, People of the South Wind, Curtain of Iron all songs I still have on rotation
I got to see Ronnie a bunch of times during his tenure with the local Chicago band "Arra". They were so great to see live, and Ronnie was the greatest showman, host, MC, everything, every time. He came to recognize the regulars and always gave us great thumbs up and smiles when he'd see us. You're right-- he's a genuinely terrific guy.
It's interesting that the (2) songs for which KANSAS is most "well known" aren't close to representing the writing/performances that best demonstrate their output. Take a listener familiar with "Dust In The Wind" and play for them most any track from the MASQUE LP and watch their heads explode. I am grateful for "Carry On" and "Dust In The Wind" in providing resources for the band to continue making music and LPs. As for a track that exemplifies "the real KANSAS", I'd point a listener to the "Mysteries and Mayhem/The Pinnacle" mashup that's posted to RUclips. Great band and in it's original form, a fantastic LIVE band.
@@randyjohnson6540 I'm sitting here wishing there were a website that details the guitar work on every KANSAS song. In the original stereo days, "left speaker was Rich Williams" and "right speaker was Kerry." I've not ever heard anyone ask Rich/Kerry how guitar solos were "divided up" or how it was decided who played what. Obviously as the primary writer, I'd assume Kerry probably had first dibs. I would really enjoy an index listing of the KANSAS catalog showing who played what on every KANSAS song. "I've got a KANSAS problem." :o)
I’ve seen the original Kansas probably seven or eight times. Steve was a ball of energy. I can remember the shows he would have a keyboard on each side of the stage and he would run back-and-forth and play each one and it was like he would do a handstand on the keyboard while he was playing. And if I remember correctly, I saw them when they backed up Bad Company and when Bad Company got on stage people yelling for Kansas. But one of the best bands that I came across that actually backed Kansas up was The Alex Harvey Band
I thought They were Really Cheesy , I was a Prog Snob , But Then a Friend took me to See the Monolith Tour and They Completely Kicked my ass .And Yeah Steve was Killer . I went out and Bought Monolith and the Live LP the Next Day.
What an interesting video! While I’ve known Kansas all my life, this piece made me appreciate Kansas and Steve Walsh all the more. It may have taken 50 years for the world to really understand how much Kansas / Steve were able to accomplish, it is never too late to finally acknowledge how good this band really was.
I completely agree that Steve was an integral part of Kansas' success. But no piece about Kansas' vocals is complete without mentioning Robby Steinhardt (RIP). To me, Steve was able to do what he did because there was a second, very able vocalist belt it out with the best of them and give Steve a rest. Long instrumental passages also helped, so credit has to be given to the writers -- Kerry, in particular -- for such innovative material. Can't underestimate this band's chemistry. I'm sure there were the inevitable creative differences, but they figured out a way to make it work. Steve (vocals and keys), Kerry (guitars and keys), Robby (violin and vocals), and Rich (rhythm and lead) all assumed these dual roles with finesse and grace. Each of them had ample opportunity to shine as individual virtuosos contributors to Kansas' unique sound, but all forged an outstanding ensemble, with any issue with egos left offstage. To say nothing of their rhythm section, who were/are able to negotiate treacherous groove shifts and meter changes as if it were a walk in the woods . . .
Saw them.right after "Point.of Know Return". He was.running all around the stage singing and playing the keyboards with his FEET IN THE AIR! I thought i'd seeen some everything with Ian Andersoñ singing and playing the flute!
I saw Kansas at "Day on the Green" in 1981 at the Oakland (CA) Coliseum. This was the lineup (reverse this order for opener to headliner); Day On The Green #2: REO Speedwagon, Kansas UFO Gamma 38 Special August 2, 1981
Always wndrd 'bout details of Steve Morse getting in the group, thx. Also never knew about Steve Walsh's albums with a group called Streets. It's waykool to hear this stuff JB.
Check out his 1980 solo release Schemer-Dreamer, it's got one of my fav songs of Steve on it, Every Step Of The Way. His lifelong bud he was in grade school & high school bands with plays lead on it & it's great.
One of my neighbors and I saw Kansas in concert several years back, with Mr. Walsh handling his usual duties. I could swear that was sometime between 2016 and 2018. Mr. Walsh was straining to sing with the same vigor from his heyday, and he barely pulled it off. 👏🏻👍🏻
Kansas should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Boston as well.
BTO too. Rock And Roll HOF is inept.
The RNRHOF, is nothing more than a bad joke. Not to be taken seriously.
How the hell are they not in there, 2 of the best bands of all time, and they're still around. Rock and roll Hall of Fame is a huge joke, imo.
This might sound strange to you, but in my never-too-humble opinion, it is better for a band or act not to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as it has become polluted with politics and corruption. And what's worse is that human beings would allow it to get that way. Sorry, but its a darn disgrace.
Sometimes I feel like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame sucks.
Steve is still my favorite singer. I discovered Kansas when I first heard Carry On back in high school. The man gave 100% all the time. Ann Wilson is the female version of Steve. I never get tired of hearing their voices.
Good point mentioning Ann.
ah, funny you mentioned Ann. Ive always thought the exact same thing. Always thought they sould ve done a duet!
Ann Wilson is the female version of Steve Perry.. I've been saying it forever!
@@Marty1410 the craziest Kansas story I have: winter 1978, I saw Kansas in Providence, RI...I waited for my favorite song, "what's on my mind" they never played it 😢
Britney spears is the female version of steve walsh. And jessica simpson can take both of them on her worst night. The end.
Kansas's drummer was phenomenal.
Phil Ehart. One of my favorite drummers.
Modest, while running the band's business Phil Ehart. Serious chops and big glue in keeping KANSAS going.
Phil Ehart was a monster.
Super kind man. Met him in Buffalo, NY after the show. We knew he was going to be interviewed at the local radio station, so we went there to see if we could meet him. We ran into another DJ outside and asked if we could come in to meet him. She thought we meant the night DJ, so she let us in! Steve came out and chatted with us for a while and signed autographs for us. He was genuinly kind to us.
Yes. I'm very jealous. Cool story.
Tommy Shaw during a Styx live album and video talked about Styx opening for Kansas in 1976 and said, “Leftoverture, that music was so…POWERFUL! It helped shape the writing of (The Grand Illusion)”. I saw Kansas open for Styx reunion “Return To Paradise” and will NEVER forget when it came to the instrumental part of Carry On Wayward Son Steve ran over, did a handstand ON the keyboard and played “upside down”! 😮 Are you freaking kidding me???!!! Maybe there were wires but truthfully I don’t know how he did that and I don’t want to know! It’s like learning the secret of a magic trick. I prefer to scratch my head and be mystified by that incredible and special memory!
Well, they started by strapping Steve to his bench and then… hey! Just kidding man!
I too am a deeply impressed Kansas fan in its earlier times.
@@neddoyle8304 When I think of Kansas I think of Kerry Livgren, maybe that's wrong and I'm just shallow, but we call Leftoverture "Classical Rock", you will not beat it.
Hearing that Paul Rodgers was Steve's idol makes a lot of sense. What magic they both made.
Steve letting his inner Keith Emerson (RIP) out. Walsh was a physical dynamo - even if aided by lots of oregano. :o)
@neddoyle8304 ha, that was pretty good man. Most sincerely, well done
STEVE PUT HIS.FULL HEART AND PASSIONATE.SOUL IN EVERY NOTE.
It was more cocaine than heart and soul.
Only recently have I learned to really appreciate what this band did. They were amazing. 🎻 🎸 🎹
I saw Steve Walsh in the 70's when he and Kansas were in their prime and these guys were high energy, especially Steve he was all over ,this guy was just a ball of energy. Kerry Livgren is also a great part of Kansas.
Kerry is simply Genius!
That energy was cocaine fueled.
Kerry Livgren is KANSAS...
Livgren with his long blonde hair, Les Paul over his shoulder....while wearing out the synth or other keyboards.
Steve's voice was golden. I became a fan when Masque came out. That album is still a fave for me. Rich is right, Steve was perfect at singing Kerry's songs.
Masque is one of my favorite albums of all time.
One of the top vocalists of all time imho..
I really liked that album too.. Liked the long track: All the World's"
Second your opinion on "MASQUE". Will probably always be my favorite since it was the LP they were promoting when I saw them live for the very first time. I didn't even come to that concert to see them - I came to hear/see Bad Company. I left a hardcore KANSAS fan. (PS: Bad Company did put on a good show, but....)
@@1satisfiedmind masque was one of my favorites. I had all their records back then.
In his prime. He was the best ever IMO.
I WILL SAY THIS,HE WAS IN THE TOP 5 IN THE WORLD,gramm-walsh-perry-rodgers-mark farner-pete rivera-bostons front man--bob seger,you name the rest
@@strattunerit really is hard to choose one as the best ever for me personally. It kind of goes by era. From Freddie Mercury, Bowie, Jim Morrison, Steven Tyler etc. I even have a hard time by decade
Yes - SW - GOAT.
@@strattuner Peter Gabriel
Steve Walsh was so phenomenal and had some much energy in his performance’s. I say them a couple of times in Kansas City. Kansas was so good!
Steve Walsh - one of the great rock vocalists, absolutely!!!
Don't forget Phil Ehart's contributions. He made prog drum tracks with lightning-quick grooves and shifts endless time changes seem effortless. Can't overlook Rich, either. Another master at his craft. Both of them contributed to the mysterious chemistry that kept the band going and out-doing themselves time and again.
I have been a huge fan of Kansas since I was in my early teens, I've seen them live 3 times and loved every show. Kerry Livgren wrote their most memorable songs. Steve was the voice behind those great songs.
All I am, and all that I was ever meant to be, in harmony!!
I was a huge Kansas fan, back in the day and as a musician, their songs were fun to play.
Can I tell you was the first Kansas song I heard on FM radio. Then I bought the Song for America album which I loved.
STEVE IS ONE OF THE BEST SINGERS IN THE LAST 55 YEARS
Thanks Richard, for fifty plus years of great memories.
Listen to the end of the pinnacle off of Masque. Steve’s range is unmatched. Hearing him live before his voice was damaged was such a treat.
One of my all time favorite Kansas songs
Listen to "It's You" from Masque, a ridiculous whistle note at the end. Best Singer ever...and "damaged" he came back with a vengeance on Kansas "POWER" with Steve Morse and the follow up "In the Spirit of Things" ...his voice had never been better...saw them live at The Fox in Atlanta... incredible...also before Steve Morse, he toured as Streets with Mike Slammer on 2 Albums after he left Kansas and was better than any rock singer....
Years later after the struggles in Kansas, Steve had another comeback and finished strong with his slightly less powerful voice, still better than the clown that sings for them now.
Masque is my favorite Kansas album.
I met the band at a record signing at Peaches in Fort Lauderdale. I asked the band what album they enjoyed making? They picked out Masque, it's a black color on the album cover. I had them sign it with their black markers. I still have that since 1980, not for sale.
Masque, to me, is their best work. One of my favorite albums of all time.
My band opened for Kansas in the early 90s in Wildwood NJ and while we were all setting up the stage a fire broke out in the club’s AC unit and we had to vacate to the parking lot and get clearance from the FD before entering back in. While we were waiting we hung with the guys from Kansas and had great conversations especially their advice on owning publishing rights and worrying about our gear. 😂. Fun times. It was nice meeting them in odd circumstances.
Oh my goodness, so many bands lost their rights, somebody had to be sober!
I bought Left Overture when it came out. Being a long haired guitarist Carry On Wayward Son was a must to learn how to play. I learned to play it but didn't like the rest of the songs. I gave that album to a good friend. Fast forward to 2001 and I was in Walmart and I saw the CD . I bought it to hear Carry On again and started listening to the music and I finally got it !!!!! It took me fifteen years to realize that Kansas was the greatest band l had ever heard!!!! My favorite music till this day.
Yes sir
Steve Walsh is my absolute all-time favorite male rock singer.
I had the awesome opportunity to see Kansas in 1977 from 2nd row, and this show was freaking awesome. They were all original and put on one great show as expected, Steve Walsh was on fire also. Great Singer. Take Care
There is much more to the Steve Walsh leaving Kansas story than "He wanted to be a rock star."". He has some personal problems that had to be overcome as well. He did overcome them but it wan't quick and it it wasn't easy. Love Kansas.
I was and have always been a huge fan!!! Always will be. Great interviews, as always!
Steve Walsh is the best ever! And it's all cause the emotion put to each and every note. What a voice!
We were in 9th grade when we started playing the Hollywood clubs like Gazzarri's and other fire traps, and we were on Sunset more than in school. We saw the "next big thing" shows, which were industry shows, usually The Whiskey or The Starwood, where fresh, new bands were being showcased to record company and tour execs (We saw Rush play to 20 people at The Whisky; Neal Peart's first live gig with them). Kansas had just released their first album and KMET played a track at 2:00am that we loved (Jean Luc Ponty had softened up the R&R crowd to accepting a violin as a legitimate instrument). I forget the venue but we saw Kansas for their "industry show"; to a nearly empty venue. We were blown away, especially by Steve Walsh. We were teenagers but he was maybe 21 or 22? and he was cool to us, thanking us for liking the music (I'm pretty sure they played Song For America long before the album was released). We saw them at The Shrine, then the Santa Monica Civic, and we worshiped those guys. But by the time Point of No Return came out we were out of high school and our band scattered off to college, jail, and one to the morgue. But listening to that stuff nowadys nearly all the music really holds up, as eveidenced by my 30 year old guitar/bass player son owning all their ... um... downloads lol
In addition to Kansas, he had some incredibly good solo albums. I’ve always stuck with Steve Walsh AND with Kansas. I found the John Elefante era exceptional as well.
To me the pinnacle of Walsh's vocals with Kansas was on "Can't Cry Anymore" from the "Power" album.
Many people don't remember the band he fronted when he left in 81, Streets. A great underrated album. Power was also a great return from Kansas.
"If Love Should Go"
👍🔥
And "In the Spirit of Things" followed Power... both amazing albums and the tour with Steve Morse was incredible, saw them at The Fox in Atlanta, one of the best concerts I've ever seen from the 5th row.
I personally thought 'Power' was a good album with the new lineup. Definitely a different sound, but a good different. A lot of hard core Kansas fans have denounced 'Power' as trash, but I feel that's an unfair judgment. Plus, Steve Morse was such a potent force on that record. Hard to deny that.
This person owned both Streets lps. Saw them open for Loverboy 2/18/84. Great band.
Agreed! I found them on Apple Music when it said fans of Kansas might also like and I love them!
I saw Kansas first time Point of Know Return tour. Steve was vocally flawless. A concert experience unmatched. I agree with Rich--one of my top 3 faves as well. I love watching video song reactions of people who've never heard them. They're always blown away by not only the band, but Steve. And sometimes they even drop a tear...which I completely understand.
I saw the same tour in Denver, it was flawless.
Wonderful to pay homage to this virtuoso level vocalist. Absolutely incredible skill, tone, soul, range, and style. A huge influence on me. His voice was like a trumpet, times when you thought his voice was another instrument until you heard his vibrato. BTW, The new book is great. The irony is some of his most astounding vocals weren't the hits!
Big Kansas fan!! I was going to Topeka High School when their first album came out, EVERBODY was listening to that cassette at school. We were so happy that some fellow Topeka guys had made it!
Angels Have Fallen is one of my favorite Kansas songs, and I have to admit I'm probably one of the few who thinks that Monolith was a great album.
On that song though, Steve really shows his range. My daughter, who is a fantastic singer in her own right, was wowed by how effortlessly he hit the high notes on that song.
I love the song Monolith, it's fantastic.
Loved "How My Soul Cries Out For You". Saw them on the Monolith tour at the Boston Garden. Excellent show.
He sang "Dust In The Wind"with passion & sensitivity.No one could have sung it better.
I saw Kansas once back in early 1981 for the Audio-Visions tour. It was announced on the radio the day before that Steve was dealing with the flu and the concert may be canceled or rescheduled. He came out and performed and even on a bad day Steve was fantastic. He didn't hit the high notes perfectly but he did a hell of a show.
He had an AMAZING voice!!!!!
Great interview. I've never really heard much from Rich, and he has so much to say. I was 13 when "Leftoverture" was released in 1976. Then, "Point Of Know Return" and "Monolith." To this day all those songs still hit hard! Steve Walsh was mesmerizing! A voice from heaven!
Saw Kansas in denver during the Point of Know Return ,
McNichols stadium.
Was a blizzard outside.
One of the top concerts I ever saw.
Steve was magnificent.
I knew Steve was phenomenal from first listen.. probably the most overlooked singer of the 70's maybe all time.. what a beautiful voice and talented at musical instruments as well !
Great singer!
I grew up listening to Kansas. Always loved their music and was disappointed when Steve Walsh left the band. He had to do what was right for him.
I loved Streets too. His other band.
The most energetic lead singer ever handstands on the keyboard
Saw them live a few decades ago in florida, yeah i was amazed when he did those handstands while playing the keyboard.
Especially at the right moments in 'carry on'
Masque was the crowning accomplishment of the early band.
Mysteries and Mayhem with The Pinnacle is probably still their tonal peak.
Steve and Robby both sang their hearts onto that vinyl.
A friend GAVE me their first, self titled, LP. I went outside, and smoked a doobie that night, went inside put the headphones, dropped the needle - and proceeded to be BLOWN AWAY.
'Journey From Marriabron'? HOLY SHIT.
Walsh was one of the most amazing rock singers in the middle 70s. Absolutely amazing.
@@JohnnyNowhere I saw them on the "Song For America" tour. Loved them after that.
Lonely Street might be my favorite Walsh vocal track. But everything he did was absolutely killer.
Insane how good he is!!!! And almost by mistake. They didn’t realize what they had til the studio… ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️🤘🤘🤘🤘
I've always thought Steve Walsh was just a fantastic singer. Kansas will always be one of my top five all-time favorite bans; still listen to them.
I also agree Steve was one of the best ever!! He made me want to sing...
Steve is from my hometown. he's an amazing musician. Kansas song "Lonely Street" killer tune! i'm a drummer and many of my friends played with him locally. When they were "White Clover" they played at my high school homecoming.
Remember the version of White Clover playing at the Frog Hop with two keyboardists & a guitarist that looked a lot like a shorter version of Hendrix from 20 feet away? Played a lot like him too. Heard a few fingers on one hand were severed in a table saw accident. Think the second keyboardist was Glixman, & he also sang just as high as Steve. Great memories watching Steve growing up in all of his local bands, playin places like The YWCA, The Exit, Frog Hop, ect.
I was at a Kansas concert and I turned around to talk to someone. I heard a loud thud and when I looked back at the stage, the singer (Walsh) was gone. After a few seconds, he rose from behind the barricade holding his head in his hands. He stumbled back on stage and continued the show. One of my favorite concert memories.
Yeah, he was. Oh my he was really really awesome. Really good singer
I was hearing Carry On Wayward Son, my first Kansas experience, when it was in the movie soundtrack from Heroes, and soon bought the album.
I shortly thereafter owned MASQUE, SONG FOR AMERICA, and the title album, KANSAS.
THEY ARE MY ALL TIME FAVORITE BAND
agreement with ronnie in the dust fadeout…its hauntingly good
I saw them in 1980 at Northern Illinois University….
Fantastic show….44 years later and still one of my best memories….
Many of the Kansas members will remember the little basement Church in North Atlanta. Pastor Lavern Campbell at a small Calvary Chapel church. Babble Mason was the music leader.
I remember going to lunch after church with Kerry and Dave and families. There was a bunch of us at the buffet 😃
It really is that hard to be in the right place at the right time and have the right people sitting in a row ready to do it. You have to be a team driven with the same directive. The first time I had seen Kansas was an accident. I didn't even know who they were. I went to Pittsburgh to see Queen. WE get the the Stanley Theatre very early and way before doors. there is a sign in the box office window that says Queen has cancelled due to Freddie Mercury suffering with throat problems. Styx was on the bill. We were already in Pittsburgh and we liked Styx so we stayed. Kansas was the fill in act to headline and not a one us had heard of them but when we got home we all went out and bought their first album. You see they were in the right place at the right time because they got that last minute fill in for Queen and to headline!! WE were blown away by the fiddle / violin in rock music. I preferred Kansas and still do over Rush as the best prog rock band. Masque is incredible. Steve Walsh has some of the best pipes I have ever heard and have seen them plenty since then. that was in 76 I think. Yea, 1976. I was 18.
Heard Kansas back in the days, opening for Kiss or some group like that. Kansas kinda blew us all away. Their performance, including ALL of Steve's singing, sounded as good as their studio albums.
I saw Steve in his band Streets in 1983.
And? How was it? I should give them a try. He’s such a great singer.
He was amazing, listen to both records...my favorite is the second one though.
Mike Slamer was a great session guitarist for that band.
I saw streets live around that same time Steve and his band kicked A##!
I met Steve when I saw Streets in 1984. They were awesome. Steve was very kind.
Kansas has been my favorite band since the late 70’s…their first 3 albums were the best. Walsh was the best! 😊
Saw em' 75' in Indy, warmed up for Yes.
I've always held Steve Walsh in highest regard as a singer, though I was but a part-time Kansas fan. Amazing voice.
The music of the 70s was so great that none of us knew what we had. It just happened organically, in the third decade of rock, bouncing off of all the greatness of the 1960s, but in the 1970s, the production values got so much better, and all the musicians launched upwards along with it. Then, at the end of the decade, an underground of rock started up as well, and both the underground and the mainstream continued apace into the fourth great decade of rock, the 80s. Video games were just a distraction, Daltrey said it best, 'All we had was cinema, music and sex'. Life was a blast and the music reflected it.
I remember buying Leftoverture back in 1976. I bought it from Korvette’s Department Store on Central Avenue in Yonkers, NY. I remember it like it was yesterday. I wish it was still 1976.
@@alexanderdukeler3948 Forgot about Korvette's.
I was a transplant from Ohio as a junior in high school to Topeka West '73. Kansas was in their infancy in the transition from white clover to Kansas. They were known locally from the buddies I got to know. I saw them twice in the next year. Once in the outdoor amphitheater and then in the school auditorium. By then they had their first album. I fell in love, especially with the violin. The first house we lived in backed up to the highway straight across from Burnett's mound where that picture on their first album was taken. At the time a few of them were a little bit healthy and bought their jeans/ overalls where my sister worked. There was a moment in 73 at a local bar during the day that had foosball tables that I wondered if I had seen them playing as we play. We also watched them play at a local bar called grandmother's right after their release. I remember sitting on the stairs of this dinner theater thinking this stage is too small for them LOL. Especially in their first three -4 albums told a story and took you on a journey. With my kids I always tell them listen from the beginning of their chronology. Steve Walsh on schemer dreamer has a couple of good songs. Kerry livegren put out a solo.
Saw Kansas in west Germany in 77 or 78 . Can’t remember now. Wow !
And let's not forget Steve's keyboard parts. The fact that he could play those complicated lines and sing at the same time was amazing.
My very 1st concert of my life, Cheap Trick opened, I believe it was 1977 or 1978. I remember him doing hand stands on his keyboard.
Steve was a fantastic singer, and his keys were awesome as well.
Thanks for this video John
I have to say that as far as Christian music, The Wall is like the ultimate, but Kerry's writing came through on all his songs. I had no idea (I am 63) there was such a division in Kansas .It was super inspiring to all of us.
Nice interview. Wasn’t a big Kansas fan but did appreciate their songs
The two Steve's are the best singers in rock. Walsh and Perry!
@@normslivinski7483 I have to add Ian Gillan
I would have no problem with someone saying Steve Walsh was the best rock vocalist ever..
There are so many .. but he is up there.
He is that good.. and his keyboards. Otherworldly.
Ronnie Platt really surpassed my expectations.
He is great.
He is right about the end of duat in the wind..
I actually have done that and sang with that many times.
You really should listen.
You always hear people say underrated but Kansas.. and Steve are the undisputed champions of that.
Rock Legends to me.
Icarus/Borne on the Wings of Steel, Song for America, Closet Chronicles, The Wall, People of the South Wind, Curtain of Iron all songs I still have on rotation
Telling Kansas their no good , how is that possible,. AMAZING BAND.❤
I got to see Ronnie a bunch of times during his tenure with the local Chicago band "Arra". They were so great to see live, and Ronnie was the greatest showman, host, MC, everything, every time. He came to recognize the regulars and always gave us great thumbs up and smiles when he'd see us. You're right-- he's a genuinely terrific guy.
I remember seeing Steve Walsh in White Clover. Blew me out the door!
It's interesting that the (2) songs for which KANSAS is most "well known" aren't close to representing the writing/performances that best demonstrate their output.
Take a listener familiar with "Dust In The Wind" and play for them most any track from the MASQUE LP and watch their heads explode.
I am grateful for "Carry On" and "Dust In The Wind" in providing resources for the band to continue making music and LPs. As for a track that exemplifies "the real KANSAS", I'd point a listener to the "Mysteries and Mayhem/The Pinnacle" mashup that's posted to RUclips. Great band and in it's original form, a fantastic LIVE band.
@@NVRAMboi ABSOLUTELY!!! The two "hits" stand for themselves, but in the end, they are merely the proverbial "tip of the iceberg!"
@@randyjohnson6540 I'm sitting here wishing there were a website that details the guitar work on every KANSAS song. In the original stereo days, "left speaker was Rich Williams" and "right speaker was Kerry."
I've not ever heard anyone ask Rich/Kerry how guitar solos were "divided up" or how it was decided who played what. Obviously as the primary writer, I'd assume Kerry probably had first dibs.
I would really enjoy an index listing of the KANSAS catalog showing who played what on every KANSAS song.
"I've got a KANSAS problem." :o)
My first concert. I was in 9 th grade. Seattle center Louisiana Laruex opened. Amazing show. 1979 or 80 I believe.
Fascinating interviews. Love it, and Kansas!
I’ve seen the original Kansas probably seven or eight times. Steve was a ball of energy. I can remember the shows he would have a keyboard on each side of the stage and he would run back-and-forth and play each one and it was like he would do a handstand on the keyboard while he was playing. And if I remember correctly, I saw them when they backed up Bad Company and when Bad Company got on stage people yelling for Kansas. But one of the best bands that I came across that actually backed Kansas up was The Alex Harvey Band
I saw Kansas in the mid 90's at a bar in Ft. Smith Arkansas.......it was magic.....maybe 500 people....
I named my dog Kansas in 1977. Saw them in a small music hall in 76 and they blew the roof off.
I thought They were Really Cheesy , I was a Prog Snob , But Then a Friend took me to See the Monolith Tour and They Completely Kicked my ass .And Yeah Steve was Killer . I went out and Bought Monolith and the Live LP the Next Day.
What an interesting video! While I’ve known Kansas all my life, this piece made me appreciate Kansas and Steve Walsh all the more. It may have taken 50 years for the world to really understand how much Kansas / Steve were able to accomplish, it is never too late to finally acknowledge how good this band really was.
I worked with a guy who went to high school with Steve Walsh in St. Joseph Mo. He was a great singer and keyboardist.
I completely agree that Steve was an integral part of Kansas' success. But no piece about Kansas' vocals is complete without mentioning Robby Steinhardt (RIP). To me, Steve was able to do what he did because there was a second, very able vocalist belt it out with the best of them and give Steve a rest. Long instrumental passages also helped, so credit has to be given to the writers -- Kerry, in particular -- for such innovative material. Can't underestimate this band's chemistry. I'm sure there were the inevitable creative differences, but they figured out a way to make it work. Steve (vocals and keys), Kerry (guitars and keys), Robby (violin and vocals), and Rich (rhythm and lead) all assumed these dual roles with finesse and grace. Each of them had ample opportunity to shine as individual virtuosos contributors to Kansas' unique sound, but all forged an outstanding ensemble, with any issue with egos left offstage. To say nothing of their rhythm section, who were/are able to negotiate treacherous groove shifts and meter changes as if it were a walk in the woods . . .
First thing I ever heard from Kansas was " Journey To Maribonne" and then I saw them on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert and had to have that first album.
Havent been to a kansas show since steve walsh left in 2014 just not the same without him
Kerry Livegeen is a super underrated guitarist. He's in my top 10 guitarist of All the time
Masque is my favorite Kansas album. Something pure about it.
He's the reason I took voice class in high-school.
Saw them.right after "Point.of Know Return".
He was.running all around the stage singing and playing the keyboards with his FEET IN THE AIR!
I thought i'd seeen some everything with Ian Andersoñ singing and playing the flute!
My favorite lead vocalist!
Great band, great music with great lyrics, always wins.
I saw Kansas at "Day on the Green" in 1981 at the Oakland (CA) Coliseum.
This was the lineup (reverse this order for opener to headliner);
Day On The Green #2:
REO Speedwagon,
Kansas
UFO
Gamma
38 Special
August 2, 1981
Always wndrd 'bout details of Steve Morse getting in the group, thx. Also never knew about Steve Walsh's albums with a group called Streets. It's waykool to hear this stuff JB.
Check out his 1980 solo release Schemer-Dreamer, it's got one of my fav songs of Steve on it, Every Step Of The Way. His lifelong bud he was in grade school & high school bands with plays lead on it & it's great.
One of my neighbors and I saw Kansas in concert several years back, with Mr. Walsh handling his usual duties. I could swear that was sometime between 2016 and 2018. Mr. Walsh was straining to sing with the same vigor from his heyday, and he barely pulled it off. 👏🏻👍🏻
i like steve walsh cool guy. i love journey from mariabronn my favourite kansas song. kansas is still good.
Great video! I love these guys.