As a long time diehard fan of the original Kansas lineup, it was difficult at times to watch live versions of great Kansas numbers that were but pale imitations of earlier versions. "Journey From Mariabronn" is one of the most excellent prog-rock songs ever written and live versions of it performed over the years seemed sluggish and uninspired as Kansas struggled to keep both originality and momentum. This performance simply stops any musical erosion dead in it's tracks. This lineup is nothing short of fantastic and could offer no better renditions of classic Kansas than one could hope for. While what was originally Kansas can never be replicated, this current version deserves respect and acceptance from any true Kansas fan. As far as I'm concerned, this present tense lineup is as true to the past as humanly possible. I'll get the best seats as I possibly can.
Randy Nelson I was at that concert at the Ryman ( and a week from this Sunday I will be 5 rows back from center stage for the 40th anniversary tour of point of no return ) I seen Kansas in 1974, they opened for Black oak Arkansas, and I've been a fan ever since.. this is an EXCELLENT line up,,the band does miss Kerry livgren's song writing however,,,their live performance is better than it's been in 30 years!!
I am just about one of the most diehard Kanas fans out there, having seen them live after Point of No Return was released, and having stuck with them through the decades. Regarding this present lineup, not only are they a spectacular continuation of the Kansas of yesteryear, but TWO additional elements stand out in my mind: (1) Live they are just as good, if not even better, than "old" Kansas, and (2) their recent release, Prelude Implicit, is nothing short of 5 stars and simply genius when it comes to quality, heartfelt, meaningful prog rock. I rank Prelude Implict right up there with Song for America, Masque, Leftover, and Point of No Return. It is stunning, simply stunning! If ever there is to be the quintessential example of a former big-name band making a resurgence that brings them back to the same quality they had in their younger years, it is Kansas! And bravo to Phil Ehart and Robbie Williams for having carried on the spirit for all these decades. And congratulations to the newcomers for not only adding great musical performance to the live shows and the recent album, but especially for the mind-blowing musical writing on the last album. I am speechless!
The addition of Zak Rizvi as a 2nd guitarist really rounds out the sound, just saw this show in Chicago a few days ago,,Lamplight Symphony was a pure, prog-moment that sounded just like the late 70's version of the band I heard in my youth
I saw them twice in the Edward C. Elliot Hall of Music at Purdue. Both times "up close and personal". This group came closer to any other group I've seen in replicating their studio performances. This lineup does a great job in that respect.
No problem! We had arguably the best seats at the Ryman - BAL-12, Row A, Seats 6 & 7. Check it out on a seat map. I was happy with the quality given that I filmed it with my iPhone 5S.
IT IS TRULY AMASING THE STAMINA THESE GUYS HAVE AT 60 .I JUST LOOKED AT THEIR TOUR DATES AND IT BLEW MY MIND.WHICH BRINGS ME TO A QUESTION FOR ANYONE WHO KNOWS THE ANSWER TO. How often do they get home ? I was thinking if they have a personal jet they could get home almost every day if they lived no more then 6 states away from venue? Example I live in PA. between N.E. Philly and Trenton,Nj. It takes 2 hours to get to Florida.I couldn't imagine being away from home and family that long.Overseas is another story but even the UK wouldn't be too bad from Atlanta .
I agree. The present lineup is so amazing, so talented . . . . and their new release, Prelude Implicit, is literally one of my all-time favorite Kansas albums! I oftentimes will opt for Prelude Implicit over even some of the early albums.
gau, still they are great, phil ehart is god, stil play like the virtuoso and great drummer he is, i dont know for wat a lot of people in the drumworld dont speak about him, and always sounds incredible, like palmer one of my heroes, for me new cd is god, a mature album, they cant meda again one left, point, maske, song etra.., like rush, they cant not make more incredible albums but can made really great songs like they still made..., this band with this members are pretty good, the new singer is super good and perfect for they, im ok, and incredible they still play in that state of from this kind of songs, sorry music, for me the best they made, because im a hard prog maniac,this videois super, phil i love you....you are super great
Initially I was one of those people but all of those thoughts are long gone. I love the current lineup; they've completely recaptured the essence of the Kansas I grew up with.
no Livgren, no Steinhardt + no Walsh , = tribute band No disrespect to any of the the very talented players on stage. When you remove the 2 writers....and both singers ..it is not the same band. The chemistry of the original 6 , the essence that made them explode in 1974.....was Kansas. This is a great cover band ...doing the music proud.
Andy, I would be more inclined to agree with you had they not added the three new members (Ronnie, Dave and Zak) and put out one of the best progressive rock albums this year with "Prelude Implicit". They now have members who want to write and who have the ability to utilize thought provoking lyrics and intricate/melodic music to tell tales, everything that Kerry and Steve brought to Kanas in their song writing. Not to say they are on the same level as Kerry and Steve at their peak, but the band today is not only carrying on the music of Kansas past, they are creating new Kansas music for the future that is on par with what we as fans expect. That is not in any way shape or form a cover band.
It's not a cover band. Phil Ehart IS Kansas, he created the band, he picked the members he wanted to play with, and if the old members wanted to go their ways to pursue a path with God, or other endeavors, why not? They're still good friends which is rare for a lot of bands. But Phil is the band leader, always has been, and even if he picked a new group, it would still be Kansas. Did you listen to the new album? It got Top 10 Prog album in 2016.
Agreed. If at least half the original 6 guys are there and Walsh or Livgren are one of them it is Kansas. This is not no matter how well their intentions and how good they are. Imagine a band calling themselves queen with Roger Taylor and 3 other guys. Ehart and Williams are not even songwriters!
As a long time diehard fan of the original Kansas lineup, it was difficult at times to watch live versions of great Kansas numbers that were but pale imitations of earlier versions. "Journey From Mariabronn" is one of the most excellent prog-rock songs ever written and live versions of it performed over the years seemed sluggish and uninspired as Kansas struggled to keep both originality and momentum. This performance simply stops any musical erosion dead in it's tracks. This lineup is nothing short of fantastic and could offer no better renditions of classic Kansas than one could hope for. While what was originally Kansas can never be replicated, this current version deserves respect and acceptance from any true Kansas fan. As far as I'm concerned, this present tense lineup is as true to the past as humanly possible. I'll get the best seats as I possibly can.
Randy Nelson love this band even with the different lineups throughout the years definitely worth seeing to this day!!!
Randy Nelson I was at that concert at the Ryman ( and a week from this Sunday I will be 5 rows back from center stage for the 40th anniversary tour of point of no return ) I seen Kansas in 1974, they opened for Black oak Arkansas, and I've been a fan ever since.. this is an EXCELLENT line up,,the band does miss Kerry livgren's song writing however,,,their live performance is better than it's been in 30 years!!
Phil Ehart continues to amaze.
Ronnie absolutely nails it.
Awesome!!...love the new lineup and album!!!
Mike McCormack I agree. This edition of the band does the original edition justice.
I love this lineup,the energy.
I am just about one of the most diehard Kanas fans out there, having seen them live after Point of No Return was released, and having stuck with them through the decades. Regarding this present lineup, not only are they a spectacular continuation of the Kansas of yesteryear, but TWO additional elements stand out in my mind: (1) Live they are just as good, if not even better, than "old" Kansas, and (2) their recent release, Prelude Implicit, is nothing short of 5 stars and simply genius when it comes to quality, heartfelt, meaningful prog rock. I rank Prelude Implict right up there with Song for America, Masque, Leftover, and Point of No Return. It is stunning, simply stunning!
If ever there is to be the quintessential example of a former big-name band making a resurgence that brings them back to the same quality they had in their younger years, it is Kansas! And bravo to Phil Ehart and Robbie Williams for having carried on the spirit for all these decades. And congratulations to the newcomers for not only adding great musical performance to the live shows and the recent album, but especially for the mind-blowing musical writing on the last album.
I am speechless!
I love this band no matter who's been in the lineup it's always been a Class Act!!!😎
The addition of Zak Rizvi as a 2nd guitarist really rounds out the sound, just saw this show in Chicago a few days ago,,Lamplight Symphony was a pure, prog-moment that sounded just like the late 70's version of the band I heard in my youth
Awesome performance. Stellar vocals from Ronnie.
I saw them twice in the Edward C. Elliot Hall of Music at Purdue. Both times "up close and personal". This group came closer to any other group I've seen in replicating their studio performances. This lineup does a great job in that respect.
Finally! Some decent footage from their current tour. Thanks for posting all of these!
No problem! We had arguably the best seats at the Ryman - BAL-12, Row A, Seats 6 & 7. Check it out on a seat map. I was happy with the quality given that I filmed it with my iPhone 5S.
No kidding. This is great. Thanks for posting this.
I´m a big, big fan of Steve Walsh - but, I also say - Finally someone who can sing these songs properly ! (y)
If only they could have got Elefante!
Kansas was so far ahead of their time
David Manion states they are working on a new album, or getting ready to. Fortunately the band has a few days off for Easter, these guys work hard!
IT IS TRULY AMASING THE STAMINA THESE GUYS HAVE AT 60 .I JUST LOOKED AT THEIR TOUR DATES AND IT BLEW MY MIND.WHICH BRINGS ME TO A QUESTION FOR ANYONE WHO KNOWS THE ANSWER TO. How often do they get home ?
I was thinking if they have a personal jet they could get home almost every day if they lived no more then 6 states away from venue? Example I live in PA. between N.E. Philly and Trenton,Nj. It takes 2 hours to get to Florida.I couldn't imagine being away from home and family that long.Overseas is another story but even the UK wouldn't be too bad from Atlanta .
this performance can not be improved upon, that I know of...how can Kansas not be your favorite band...
I agree. The present lineup is so amazing, so talented . . . . and their new release, Prelude Implicit, is literally one of my all-time favorite Kansas albums! I oftentimes will opt for Prelude Implicit over even some of the early albums.
gau, still they are great, phil ehart is god, stil play like the virtuoso and great drummer he is, i dont know for wat a lot of people in the drumworld dont speak about him, and always sounds incredible, like palmer one of my heroes, for me new cd is god, a mature album, they cant meda again one left, point, maske, song etra.., like rush, they cant not make more incredible albums but can made really great songs like they still made..., this band with this members are pretty good, the new singer is super good and perfect for they, im ok, and incredible they still play in that state of from this kind of songs, sorry music, for me the best they made, because im a hard prog maniac,this videois super, phil i love you....you are super great
Prog rock at its best...without a doubt
I submit this as evidence to the contrary to any disgruntled fan out there that says the current lineup is nothing but a tribute version of Kansas.
Initially I was one of those people but all of those thoughts are long gone. I love the current lineup; they've completely recaptured the essence of the Kansas I grew up with.
no Livgren, no Steinhardt + no Walsh , = tribute band No disrespect to any of the the very talented players on stage. When you remove the 2 writers....and both singers ..it is not the same band. The chemistry of the original 6 , the essence that made them explode in 1974.....was Kansas. This is a great cover band ...doing the music proud.
Andy, I would be more inclined to agree with you had they not added the three new members (Ronnie, Dave and Zak) and put out one of the best progressive rock albums this year with "Prelude Implicit". They now have members who want to write and who have the ability to utilize thought provoking lyrics and intricate/melodic music to tell tales, everything that Kerry and Steve brought to Kanas in their song writing. Not to say they are on the same level as Kerry and Steve at their peak, but the band today is not only carrying on the music of Kansas past, they are creating new Kansas music for the future that is on par with what we as fans expect. That is not in any way shape or form a cover band.
It's not a cover band. Phil Ehart IS Kansas, he created the band, he picked the members he wanted to play with, and if the old members wanted to go their ways to pursue a path with God, or other endeavors, why not? They're still good friends which is rare for a lot of bands. But Phil is the band leader, always has been, and even if he picked a new group, it would still be Kansas. Did you listen to the new album? It got Top 10 Prog album in 2016.
Agreed. If at least half the original 6 guys are there and Walsh or Livgren are one of them it is Kansas. This is not no matter how well their intentions and how good they are.
Imagine a band calling themselves queen with Roger Taylor and 3 other guys. Ehart and Williams are not even songwriters!
For the ultimate Kansas trip, I have this wonderful tip! Smoke a little ganga before the show!
the band could at least name whos in the band today..!!! there are only two from the 70,s.. left..
I miss the original line up, this is good , but it's still not the same
I 'm sure kerry will like it.
So their down to two original members now? It happens. But it feels more like a cover band as this point.
Funny how you say that when you can pull up countless videos of them live and whole and Steve couldn't ever perform the end of the song like that.
new singer is good, walsh was a god in singin and interpretation.
his voice was magic.
This is a good executor, not a genius.