Kerry and Dave Hope to play with Kansas here in Pittsburgh

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Dave Crookham

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Oct 27, 2024, 7:20:41 PM10/27/24
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I just saw that Kansas is playing here in Pittsburgh December 11th for
the last date of the 50th Anniversary tour. Kerry Livgren and Dave Hope
will be playing with the band, and Phil Ehart is expected to play part
of the show. It's once again at the Benedum (which used to be the
Stanley Theatre back in the day). Tickets are $65, $85 and $125. I
really wish it was on a weekend instead of mid week.

Dave


Fran DeRosier

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Oct 27, 2024, 7:39:34 PM10/27/24
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I’m kinda wondering what’s up with that show. Kerry typically won’t travel outside of Topeka or KC. Anyone know why he and Dave are going to Pittsburgh? It can’t be only because it’s the last show of the tour.

Anyone?

> On Oct 27, 2024, at 6:20 PM, Dave Crookham <croo...@peoplepc.com> wrote:
>
> I just saw that Kansas is playing here in Pittsburgh December 11th for the last date of the 50th Anniversary tour. Kerry Livgren and Dave Hope will be playing with the band, and Phil Ehart is expected to play part of the show. It's once again at the Benedum (which used to be the Stanley Theatre back in the day). Tickets are $65, $85 and $125. I really wish it was on a weekend instead of mid week.
>
> Dave
>
>
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Dave Crookham

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Oct 27, 2024, 7:48:41 PM10/27/24
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Pittsburgh has always been one of their favorite cities. This is the
first place they broke outside of their home area. Local station WDVE
still has them in heavy rotation. Kerry has played here often with
Kansas since he's been out of the band - this will be at least the 3rd
or 4th time in the last 20 years or so. Not sure if he has other
connections here.

Dave

peter drysdale

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Oct 27, 2024, 7:48:43 PM10/27/24
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Wonder if it's for someone's retirement. Though they didn't do that when Steve retired. 

George

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Oct 28, 2024, 7:45:45 AM10/28/24
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Fran,

I don't think it's because it's the last show of the tour, I think it's because it's the last show of the *50th Anniversary* tour....

"Or I could be completely wrong...."  🙂

gp

From: 'Fran DeRosier' via People of the South Wind <po...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 27, 2024 7:39 PM
To: po...@googlegroups.com <po...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [PotSW] Kerry and Dave Hope to play with Kansas here in Pittsburgh
 

peter drysdale

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Oct 28, 2024, 11:46:02 AM10/28/24
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That makes sense. It's very cool that they'll both be there. 

kcumm...@juno.com

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Oct 28, 2024, 2:39:05 PM10/28/24
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Didn't they do this in Pittsburgh about ten tears ago? I think everyone was there except Robby, who had heart surgery shortly before.

---------- Original Message ----------
From: peter drysdale <epe...@gmail.com>
To: "'Angelo Coiro' via People of the South Wind" <po...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [PotSW] Kerry and Dave Hope to play with Kansas here in Pittsburgh
Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2024 11:45:48 -0400

That makes sense. It's very cool that they'll both be there. 

 

On Mon, Oct 28, 2024, 07:45 George <ygp...@hotmail.com> wrote:
Fran,
 
I don't think it's because it's the last show of the tour, I think it's because it's the last show of the *50th Anniversary* tour....
 
"Or I could be completely wrong...."  🙂
 
gp
 

From: 'Fran DeRosier' via People of the South Wind <po...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 27, 2024 7:39 PM
To: po...@googlegroups.com <po...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [PotSW] Kerry and Dave Hope to play with Kansas here in Pittsburgh
 
I’m kinda wondering what’s up with that show. Kerry typically won’t travel outside of Topeka or KC. Anyone know why he and Dave are going to Pittsburgh? It can’t be only because it’s the last show of the tour.

Anyone?

> On Oct 27, 2024, at 6:20 PM, Dave Crookham <croo...@peoplepc.com> wrote:
>
> I just saw that Kansas is playing here in Pittsburgh December 11th for the last date of the 50th Anniversary tour. Kerry Livgren and Dave Hope will be playing with the band, and Phil Ehart is expected to play part of the show. It's once again at the Benedum (which used to be the Stanley Theatre back in the day). Tickets are $65, $85 and $125. I really wish it was on a weekend instead of mid week.

>
> Dave
>
>
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Dave Crookham

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Oct 28, 2024, 2:47:25 PM10/28/24
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They did. I was at that one. It was filmed also I think. It was for the 40th anniversary. Must have been in 2013.

Dave

Fran DeRosier

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Oct 28, 2024, 2:47:38 PM10/28/24
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That was the Fan Appreciation concert. This one is not being billed as such as far as I know. 

On Oct 28, 2024, at 1:39 PM, kcumm...@juno.com wrote:



Marc Meyers

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Oct 28, 2024, 4:27:12 PM10/28/24
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When I first saw the last date of the tour in 2024, I thought maybe that might be the final swan song for the band...or at least for Phil and Rich as the last remaining original members of the band.

Then with Dave and Kerry being there, I think that could a stronger case this is the swan song.  It looks like they have off over a month between December 11th and when they start up again in 2025. Plenty of time to get new players to join the touring band full time. So the band continues on...but Pittsburgh may be the last time we see original members on tour....  I guess that is up to Phil and Rich...

I am seriously thinking about going.  I was at the 40th Anniversary event in Pittsburgh and I have two other events going on that same week with one of my son's graduating from a college nearby and my Eagles playing the Steelers 4 days later.  My wife's side of the family is from Pittsburgh—so it may be time to organize a long weekend in Iron City!

I will have to check in with my usual cast of characters who go to shows with me on the East Coast and see if there will be any plans for that show.  Too bad it is not a weekend show!

 Hoping the Rock and Roll HOF gets their act together and honors them while the remaining band members are still with us.....Maybe this event will help create a bit of buzz for that, but that may just remain a dream...

Kerry On!

Marc



From: po...@googlegroups.com <po...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of peter drysdale <epe...@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, October 28, 2024 11:45 AM
To: 'Angelo Coiro' via People of the South Wind <po...@googlegroups.com>

Hans-Juergen Klein

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Dec 26, 2024, 6:53:29 PM12/26/24
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Anyone been there?

It's pretty quiet on this list....


HJ 






Von: po...@googlegroups.com <po...@googlegroups.com> im Auftrag von Dave Crookham <croo...@peoplepc.com>
Gesendet: Montag, 28. Oktober 2024 00:20
An: po...@googlegroups.com <po...@googlegroups.com>
Betreff: [PotSW] Kerry and Dave Hope to play with Kansas here in Pittsburgh
 

Dave Crookham

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Dec 26, 2024, 6:55:46 PM12/26/24
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I wasn't able to make the show, but here's a review from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette


https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2024/12/11/kansas-pittsburgh-benedum-concert-review/stories/202412110118

Anyone know why Kerry wasn't able to make it?

Dave

peter drysdale

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Dec 27, 2024, 1:08:22 AM12/27/24
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Hadn't heard anything about it. Can't read that article because it's behind a paywall. Was Phil there? I saw them last month outside Augusta and he wasn't there. I thought that he was still playing the second half of shows. I sat in the second row, which was very cool. Never have been anywhere nearly that close before. It was fun to see them close up, but very loud obviously. The new bass player was great singing Robby's parts.


Marc Meyers

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Dec 27, 2024, 10:36:02 AM12/27/24
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I wanted to go but the concert was mid-week, and I couldn't get away to make the trip across the state.  I did see pictures from others and Dave Hope was there and a relative (niece?) of Kerry's played a violin or viola (?) on a song (assuming Dust in the Wind) and they had Robby's violin on a stand on the stage with a spotlight--as well as one of his relatives there.  Phil did come out to play mid show again...not sure if he played all songs but he did play the encore for COWS!  Too bad that Steve could not (or didn't want to) be there.  No idea why Kerry was not there....

Kerry On!

Marc


From: po...@googlegroups.com <po...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of peter drysdale <epe...@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, December 27, 2024 1:08 AM
To: po...@googlegroups.com <po...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: AW: [PotSW] Kerry and Dave Hope to play with Kansas here in Pittsburgh
 

Dave Crookham

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Dec 27, 2024, 10:54:31 AM12/27/24
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Let me copy it in. Usually they give you a few monthly reads

Back in the mid ‘70s, Pittsburgh fell hard for Kansas, a band that rose out of that state as one of America’s best answers to the British prog rock movement.

We loved the whole band, but much of the magic was in the three stars: high-flying frontman Steve Walsh, guitar and lyrical wizard Kerry Livgren and fiery violinist Robby Steinhardt.

None of them were on stage Wednesday when the band brought the 50th anniversary tour to a conclusion at the Benedum Center, the building (then the Stanley Theatre) where Kansas made its Pittsburgh debut in 1975.

The current keyboardist on the band’s 50th anniversary tour (Tom Brislin) was born the year the band formed — he’s not an original member. The violinist, Joe Deninzon, just joined last year. And the hard-hitting drummer, Eric Holmquist, is the real drummer’s tech guy.

Walsh has retired and Steinhardt left us in 2021. Livgren was billed as a special guest, but was unable to make it. He was represented by his daughter Kate, who, prior to the show, accepted BMI awards for the band.

There to tell their story were Eric Gold (whose father, Wally, discovered, signed and produced Kansas) and Rich Engler, the promoter who brought them to Pittsburgh the first time and just about every time after that.

With guitarist Rich Williams the only original member on stage for the full show, the current group is essentially a tribute band that carries the name.

But what a band it is.

They handled the intricate Kansas catalog almost to perfection, offering everything from “Belexes” from their debut album, to “Throwing Mountains,” a song from 2020’s fittingly titled “The Absence of Presence.”

The hardest job on stage belongs to 62-year-old Ronnie Platt, tasked with staying in that consistently high range that Walsh occupied. He nailed it, even for it being the last night of the tour.

The Kansas catalog is a little bizarre when taken as a whole given that they began as a you-know-what kicking Midwest prog band (“Icarus”), streamlined the sound during the wave of late ‘70s corporate rock (“Point of Know Return”) and then went total MTV in the ‘80s (“Play the Game Tonight”).

If you’ve hung with Kansas all these years, you probably weren’t there for “Fight Fire With Fire.” You wanted “Icarus” and “Song for America,” the stuff where the complexity is ratcheted up and the sparks fly back and forth.

Williams and Zak Rizvi applied the guitar heroics to just about every song. And Deninzon, Brislin, Holmquist and bassist Dan McGowan did their parts to make it Kansas, including the soaring vocal harmonies Kansas performed on the same stage in 1975.

Along with the hits and tried-and-true classics, the band dusted off a few rarely played deep cuts in “A Glimpse of Home” (from “Monolith”), “The Pinnacle,” the closing track on 1975’s “Masque” that doubles a 9-minute display of the band’s dizzying prog chops, crazy signature changes and orchestral flourishes.

Their biggest hit, “Dust in the Wind,” got its due as part of a three-song set where they flew over to the B stage. No, they didn’t actually do that. But if it were at the arena, they may have.

The night was made even more special by Livgren’s daughter Kate returning to join Deninzon on strings.

“Hold On,” one of the ballads from the MTV era, was played with the original rhythm section of drummer Phil Ehart and bassist Dave Hope.

“Song for America” was a dramatic exit from the acoustic/ballad section and another breathtaking showcase of the band’s absolute prog majesty.

In one of the better one-two punches of the night, it was paired with “Can I Tell You,” the driving rocker song that broke Kansas in Pittsburgh via free-form radio. The equally driving “Down the Road” was dedicated to Steinhardt, who took the original bluesy lead on the 1975 album opener.

Fans probably would have been delighted if half the set was tossed out for all of “Leftoverture.” Kansas finally got to that beloved 1976 album by closing the set with powerhouses “The Wall” and “Miracles Out of Nowhere” (absolutely killer!) and a grand finale of “Carry On Wayward Son” with Hope and Ehart.

It might not be for everyone, but Kansas’ music — better than Styx, Foreigner, Journey, Boston (one great album) and the like — is too good to fade away, and in damn good hands with this ongoing policy of next-man-up.

Next time they come, we’ll probably be there again.

Kansas set list

“Belexes”

“Point of Know Return”

“Play the Game Tonight”

“Fight Fire With Fire”

“Icarus - Borne on Wings of Steel”

“Icarus II”

“Throwing Mountains”

“A Glimpse of Home”

“The Pinnacle”

“People of the South Wind” (semi-acoustic)

“Dust in the Wind” (semi-acoustic)

“Reason to Be” (semi-acoustic)

“Lonely Wind” (semi-acoustic)

“Hold On” (with Dave Hope and Phil Ehart)

“Song for America”

“Can I Tell You”

“Down the Road”

“The Wall”

“Miracles Out of Nowhere”

Encore:

“Carry On Wayward Son”

First Published: December 11, 2024, 10:06 p.m.
Updated: December 12, 2024, 12:07 p.m.

Marc Meyers

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Dec 27, 2024, 2:34:26 PM12/27/24
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Really great write up and someone who really knows the band—past and present.

I have no issues calling this a "Tribute Band"—-but would you call the Steelers (or my team, the Eagles!!) a tribute football team since the greats of the past are long since retired, some gone from earth (RIP Bill Bergey who passed on Christmas day this year), etc.???  It is truly a continuation --like our favorite sports team.  Just as many of us continue our personal legacies with our next generations "Carrying On" long after we are all gone....

My biggest lament is not making this event.  I was in Pittsburgh for the 40th anniversary when they had the show on a weekend so I could travel.  That's my only complaint about a mid-week show for those of us not fully retired yet to make the trek across the state!  I would have been there if it had been on a weekend.

My second regret is not seeing my good "Kansas friend", Eric Gold up there on the stage sharing memories of his father, Wally discovering the band.  Eric and I and others in the NJ/PA/NY area have had the pleasure of listening to the band live in all the various line-up changes since the 70's!!  Each member leads back in spirit to the original members.  Just hoping they get their shot at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame before we lose any more members of my favorite band of all times!

Kerry On!

Marc


From: po...@googlegroups.com <po...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Dave Crookham <croo...@peoplepc.com>
Sent: Friday, December 27, 2024 10:54 AM
To: po...@googlegroups.com <po...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: AW: [PotSW] Kerry and Dave Hope to play with Kansas here in Pittsburgh
 

peter drysdale

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Dec 29, 2024, 2:33:52 AM12/29/24
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Thanks for that. It really was a great show. I saw them twice on the tour. Glad that Dave made it to the show, and Kerry's daughter. I hope he's all right. Too bad Steve didn't make it. Would have been cool for him to sing a song or two. 

peter drysdale

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Dec 29, 2024, 2:39:41 AM12/29/24
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I wonder why they did that show in the middle of the week instead of on a weekend, which is when they do most of their shows. It's too bad you couldn't make it. Must have been great to see them back in those days. I've been a fan since Audio-Visions, which came out when I was 10. 

George

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Dec 30, 2024, 9:51:07 AM12/30/24
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So here's what I can offer - sadly, no clue why Wed vice weekend night.

Prior to the show, Eric Gold provided reminiscences of his Dad "discovering" the band back in the early 70's.  I was fortunate to have had a couple of nice conversations w/ Eric at the hotel both before and after the show (as well as in "Wheatfests" of the past).  Very nice guy, easy, fun, interesting to talk with.  His reminiscences were not earth-shattering to those who know the story, but it was very cool to see him up on the stage sharing the story on behalf of his Dad.

One of the fun parts of that story, which I'd not heard before, was that when the demo tape crossed his desk, it caught his ear because he was a classical music lover, and the violin was front/center.  He brought the tape home and they listened to it (both sides! for those who care to show their age that much) every night for about a week.  I think (iirc - if Eric's reading this, I hope he'll correct me) that these listens are what convinced Wally that he needed to convince Don that he needed to go see and hear this band - could/do they really play this well??  Hence the "Free Beer" part of the story.....

There were two BMI awards given - one for 7 million plays of "Dust" and one for 9 million plays of "Wayward Son".  Kerry children, daughter Kate and son Kyle, were there to accept on his behalf.  As I understood it, he was unable to travel due to his wife having a fall injury.  I hope she's recovering well now, she's such a sweet lady.

Kate joined the band on viola for "Dust", while Joe D played Robby's white violin, provided by Robby's wife, Cindy.  I've met Cindy in the past, but this time also got to meet Robby's daughter, Becky - also very nice (who among them isn't??).  After "Dust", Robby's violin was lovingly placed on it's own stand, stage left front, with an overhead spot keeping it illuminated for the remainder of the show.  And it was really great hearing the song played as originally scored.  Definite thumbs up there.

Phil made his usual entrance at the end of "Lonely Wind", and they went on to play "Hold On" with Dave Hope joining.  After "Hold On", they both exited the stage, and Eric Holmquist returned to the drum throne.  Phil and Dave both returned for the expected encore of "Wayward Son".

Amusingly, there's an interview out there somewhere with Dave.  He said he chose to play "Hold On" and "Wayward Son" because he can play those with very little rehearsal.  "No way I'd try to play Song For America now!" he said....  😂

I hope this helps bring a bit more clarity.

gp

From: po...@googlegroups.com <po...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of peter drysdale <epe...@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 29, 2024 2:39 AM
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Marc Meyers

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Dec 30, 2024, 2:13:11 PM12/30/24
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Thanks, Angelo for the missing pieces for those of us who couldn't attend in person.  Along with Eric being there, If I knew you were going to be there in person, I would have made an extra effort!  I bought the ANTS CD from you with the promotions of the poster you sent as well.  Even that was so many years ago now!

Kerry On!

Marc


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Sent: Monday, December 30, 2024 9:51 AM

peter drysdale

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Dec 30, 2024, 11:00:16 PM12/30/24
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Crazy to think that that album is almost thirty years old now. 

peter drysdale

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Dec 30, 2024, 11:06:01 PM12/30/24
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Thanks, George. Those are great stories. You mentioned that everyone involved is a nice person. I love that all the guys still seem to be friends with each other, even after all these years and any disagreements they may have had over the years. I hate that Robby is already gone, but that was a loving tribute to him. 


George

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Jan 3, 2025, 2:33:32 PM1/3/25
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Agreed, and even with Steve.  They've accepted the fact that Kansas is no longer Steve's "thing", and he chooses to just enjoy his quiet retirement.  There are a few who Steve met at Kansas shows, who had/have become near and dear to his heart, and bring a smile to his face.  Those are the ones worth remembering, not when he's not feeling up to it.  Just my "two cents worth"....

gp

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Sent: Monday, December 30, 2024 11:05 PM

Hans-Juergen Klein

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Jan 3, 2025, 7:33:48 PM1/3/25
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But Steve didn't retire, he released “Black Butterfly”, kind of a solo album which sounds like others used him as a trade mark only. 
Or, am I wrong?

Anyway it hasn't been mentioned often on this list, which might tell a lot.


it reads the following: 

The response to Steve Walsh's solo album “Black Butterfly” was overwhelmingly positive and showed that his creative work as a solo artist is also highly appreciated. Fans and critics praised the album for its versatility, emotional depth and artistic sophistication. The impressive collection of songs was hailed as a masterpiece that showcases Walsh's unique voice and talent as a songwriter.

The planned tour and live performances:

The planned tour will allow Steve Walsh to meet his fans live and present his music in an intimate concert setting. The live performances will be an opportunity for Walsh to showcase his unique stage presence and talent as a performer.

Aims of the tour
The planned tour and live performances will allow Steve Walsh to introduce his new songs to a wide audience and meet his fans live. The concerts will be an opportunity for Walsh to showcase his unique stage presence and talent as a performer.


HJ, Germany




Von: po...@googlegroups.com <po...@googlegroups.com> im Auftrag von George <ygp...@hotmail.com>
Gesendet: Freitag, 3. Januar 2025 20:33
An: 'Angelo Coiro' via People of the South Wind <po...@googlegroups.com>
Betreff: Re: AW: [PotSW] Kerry and Dave Hope to play with Kansas here in Pittsburgh
 

peter drysdale

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Jan 4, 2025, 3:28:06 PM1/4/25
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I wonder if he actually toured. I never heard anything about it if he did.


George

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Jan 6, 2025, 11:00:59 AM1/6/25
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"Retirement" is a tenuous thing.  He most certainly retired from Kansas.  As far as Black Butterfly goes, my understanding has long been that the album's music was written, but Steve provided lyrics, voice, and name recognition.  "Or I could be completely wrong...."

WRT a "tour" - if anyone ever saw a show, I'm sure we'd all love to know about it.  Maybe he did some european gigs, as I seem to recall that the music writer is in Europe.  I'd be very surprised if he "[met] his fans" - he wasn't at all enthusiastic about the Kansas meet and greet the one time I met him at one of those.

FWIW, YMMV, yadda yadda....

gp

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