SFA 9/20/24

[Bert Chancellor]

Had the gift of seeing Kansas last night in SoCal. Sharing a clip of Song For America. 

Enjoy! 

Bert Chancellor (he/him/his)

John 3:30

https://www.prelusionescape.com

Sent from my iPhone

[kcumm...@juno.com]

Thanks for sharing that, Bert. I've noticed Tom singing more of Billy's parts. Interesting. It must be fun juggling the music and vocals back there!

[peter drysdale]

Definitely a good video. Interesting to see the bass over on the left side again after Billy always being on the right. They still as good as ever even with so many new guys.

On Sun, Sep 22, 2024, 11:15 kcumm...@juno.com <kcumm...@juno.com> wrote:

Thanks for sharing that, Bert. I've noticed Tom singing more of Billy's parts. Interesting. It must be fun juggling the music and vocals back there!

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[Angelo Coiro]

I’m losing interest in Kansas now.

Good music but….

If I never hear the hits again it’d be awesome!

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[eric bucketfoot.com]

This may be an unpopular opinion, but frankly at this point I see them as little more than a tribute band and have zero interest in seeing them again.

 

Yes, they still have two original members, and no offense to Phil or Rich. But arguably the two least important members.

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[Willcoxon, Jeffrey]

That’s a little harsh, but I think about this too – I’m excited to see them this Friday (and always try to see them when they come to town), but seeing them without Rags, Billy or Phil will be a noticeable gap – bigger than previous transitions when only 1 band member was different.  I’m sure they sound great, but as a long time, “diehard” fan, it’s not just hearing the songs, part of the live experience for me is seeing the people that wrote and recorded the material as well.

 

I know Rich commented in a recent interview that it should be more about supporting the group and less about the individual members – I and agree with him on this point.  He made a great sports team analogy – you wouldn’t stop supporting your favorite sports team just because players come and go, so why would a band be any different?  I get it – and I really do enjoy seeing the newer members perform the material.  😊

 

Personally, as long as they have at least 1 original member in the lineup, I consider them a “viable” unit – but once all of the original members are gone, it’s hard to overlook and not think about the “tribute band” concept.  But I’ll probably still see them, since I still love the music that much.

 

But I won’t buy another compilation album…  😊

Jeff W.

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[Bert Chancellor]

This topic is a popular one in some circles about bands where members retire or pass the baton.  Foreigner, as an example, still tour regularly but lack any original members. 

I know as I’ve aged and hit my 50s I’ve wondered what that means for music.  Does a band really “die” if the people involved don’t want it to and want it to keep going so the music is shared and performed for future generations?  I don’t know that we’ve had the opportunity to have these discussions previous to my generation (there’s no touring act for Buddy Holly and/or the Crickets”). 

Maybe both perspectives can co-exist.  It’s fine to say that someone only wants to see the original band or band members but also fine for someone else to say they want to see the band in whatever form it exists. 

A wise person once said - Kansas is a band. 

Bert Chancellor (he/him/his)
John 3:30

bert...@me.com
https://www.prelusionescape.com

Sent from an Apple device

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[Dave Crookham]

I think it just depends on the group. I'm a fan of Molly Hatchet and they have no original members. In fact the whole original band is deceased, including their first 3 singers. I think what has kept them going is they have continued to release new material, and I actually like their material more that was released after Bobby Ingram took control of the band. To fans, much of that material is as classic as the original groups output.

The problem Kansas has is they don't really have anything that would be considered classic Kansas that didn't involve Steve and Kerry.

Dave

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[George]

Dave/All,

That's interesting about Molly Hatchet - I did not know that.  They were the opening act for my third Kansas show - Dec 1980 on the AV tour.

I think the "is it Kansas if?" argument is a matter of both perspective and opinion.  Currently, my feeling is that any member configuration of the band with Rich and Phil's blessing IS Kansas.  Only they get to decide who is or is not Kansas (for right now).  With the younger guys like Dan, Joe, Tom, and Zak - and even Eric and Ronnie - though Ronnie's probably the "old man" of that group (sorry Ronnie, if you're reading this!), I can't help but think that they are setting Kansas up to continue long after they're gone, just like orchestras, which continue to go on and no one bats an eyelash when first chairs are replaced.  And as much as I love the music, I'll continue to see the band (in whatever configuration) as long as they're willing to continue touring and playing.  And I know there are quite a few who disagree here.  That's ok, in this case I'm happy to be in the minority - maybe that helps me continue to be able to get front row seats rather easily!  As Phil said on the Dan Rather interview, Kansas is about the music, not about individual people.  Fortunately, they've got GREAT people, as musicians, as people, and even as crew!

FWIW, there were times when they played right in my "hometown", and still with the original singer, but I did not go because I was so put off by his singing ability (or lack thereof) and performance style, think "Live At The Whiskey"....  <shrug>   I'll take Ronnie Platt over that version of Steve any day, which is hard to say because in his day, Steve was virtually unbeatable as a rock vocalist (and I know Ronnie would agree with me here).

As for what's considered "classic Kansas"?  There are also those (including band members) who would argue that TPI and AOP are as good as LO and POKR.  I'm not sure I'd say as "as good as", but they are darn close.  Again, just my humble opinion.

Thanks.

gp

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From: po...@googlegroups.com <po...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Dave Crookham <croo...@peoplepc.com>
Sent: Monday, September 23, 2024 9:47 PM
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[peter drysdale]

First time I ever saw them was in the '90s, so I've never seen them with Kerry and Dave. Not to mention Steve's voice wasn't the same by then. I've enjoyed every time I've seen them, and I'm glad that they're back to playing theaters/arenas again. It's definitely not the same band it was, but the members are all excellent. (Never seen the new bassist, but I assume he is.) It's sad that we only have Rich and Phil, and he only plays half the show. But they still enjoy what they're doing even in their 70s now, so I'm happy that they're still around. Think of the people who've only just discovered Rush in the past ten years and will never get to see them in concert. And Yes doesn't have any original members now.

Well, sorry for rambling. I can see both sides of the argument, but I'll stick with them for now anyway. I'd like to see them release another album. 

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[peter drysdale]

You mentioned them being great people. I love that they all seem to be friends and get along with the current and former members of the band. I saw an interview recently, can't remember which guy it was, talking about how with other bands that do the VIP experience, they'll just bring the folks in for a picture and send them back out and not even say anything to the fan. He mentioned that they actually like hanging out with their fans on those occasions. More evidence of the kind of guys they are. 

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[Hans-Juergen Klein]

Well, other bands from the past that still exist only have one original member or none at all.

E.g. Yes, King Crimson, Blue Oyster Cult, Pavlov's Dog, Jethro Tull, A Saucerful of Secrets, Iron Butterfly, Renaissance, Uriah Heep, Barclay James Harvest and many more.

Tribute bands don't make new music.

I suspect that Kerry, Steve and Dave Hope will not return to Kansas.

With the return of Zak Rizzvi plus Tom Brislin on keys writing 

there is at least a chance of a new Kansas CD.

If Kansas were to play in Germany again, I would definitely go.

HJ

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Von: po...@googlegroups.com <po...@googlegroups.com> im Auftrag von Willcoxon, Jeffrey <jeffrey....@intel.com>
Gesendet: Dienstag, 24. September 2024 01:49
An: po...@googlegroups.com <po...@googlegroups.com>
Betreff: RE: [PotSW] SFA 9/20/24

 

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[George]

I think that interview was with Ronnie.  He always seems to be having a good time chatting with folks there for the photo op with the band.

gp

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From: po...@googlegroups.com <po...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of peter drysdale <epe...@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 25, 2024 3:35 AM
To: 'Angelo Coiro' via People of the South Wind <po...@googlegroups.com>

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[peter drysdale]

I think you're right. Saw it a few weeks ago. 

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[George]

And by the way - if you haven't already seen Kerry Livgren's post on facebook about watching that iteration of the band perform the Kansas music without Rich or Phil, it's worth finding.  He said that, as he and Dave Hope sat off on the side of the stage, he felt that the music had "taken on a life of its own" (or words to that effect, if I've not gotten the quote exactly right).

I'd like to think that, coming from Kerry hisownself, this would be the final nail in the coffin of the "it's not Kansas without..." silliness.  But I know that it won't.....  smh.

gp

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From: po...@googlegroups.com <po...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of peter drysdale <epe...@gmail.com>

Sent: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 3:18 AM

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[Fran DeRosier]

When it comes to music, George, it’s in the eye (or ear in this case) of the beholder/listener. 

Kerry, as the composer, may feel that the music has taken on a life of it’s own, but that doesn’t invalidate, or make the thoughts of the fans “silly” who may not feel the same, or may feel connections to original or previous band members. This isn’t really black and white, one way or the other situation. People’s tastes and thoughts are their own, and whether it is or isn’t still Kansas without certain musicians is very personal and subjective to each fan as an individual.

Just something to consider.

On Oct 10, 2024, at 12:25 PM, George <ygp...@hotmail.com> wrote:



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[wells d]

I agree with you Dave concerning "The problem Kansas has is they don't really have anything that would be considered classic Kansas that didn't involve Steve and Kerry."  While the last two albums had great musicianship, none of the songs had any "hook" that kept me singing or humming the tunes.  They have created music without the entire original members that I considered "catchy".  For example:

Vinyl Confession:  Play the Game Tonight

Drastic Measures:  Fight Fire with Fire

Power:  All I wanted (not a big fan but it got air play)

In the Spirit of Things:  No note worthy single...but I personally love "The Preacher"

Freaks of Nature:  Gold Grey Morning

The problem is that there are only one Livgren and one Walsh when it comes to writing.  I thought other's could duplicate their writing style in the current line up but so far not.  I do like the personalities of the current lineup but so far nothing that they write really moves me.

They'll be in Tulsa for Valentines day so I look for to seeing them again...I've lost track how many times I've seen them.....

 

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[George]

I understand your point, Fran, but as I've said before, at the end of the day, ONLY Rich and Phil get to decide who is or is not "Kansas".  Sure, folks can have their own preferences, but for me, that's wasted energy, because it doesn't change a thing - still - only Rich and Phil can decide.

I missed seeing Rich in Topeka, but his stand-in, Scott Bernard, was fantastic.  If for some particular reason, that line-up in Topeka had to become the next, new "Kansas", I'd be ok with that.  They play the music very faithfully to the original, regardless of band membership.  As long as that continues, I'm not sure I'd really care who was up on stage.  (and, ironically, as far as tenure with the band is concerned, Eric is probably the "old man" now!  Hahaha....)

As for the song-writing brought up in other messages here, while I love the new albums, I agree that they are not LO or POKR - and never will be (nor will any future albums).  LO and POKR were just pure "magic".  Any time one tries to reproduce "magic", they will ALWAYS fall short.  That's what makes it so magical.  So I'm just loving these albums for what they are (and for me, AoP is pretty darn close).

I'll let my own actions stand as testament - I thought Walsh was one of the very best vocalists and performers in his prime.  But once past his prime, I opted to stay home because I was, shall we say, "less than enamored" with his aging abilities.  But with the band's revitalization following his retirement, I'll go as often as I can afford.  As a mutual friend says, "God bless Steve Walsh, but Thank God for Ronnie Platt!"

My apologies to anyone who I may have offended - but my opinion (just as valid as anyone's) hasn't changed.  Also, however, no one's ever accused me of being the brightest bulb on the porch, so take it for what it's worth.

gp

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From: 'Fran DeRosier' via People of the South Wind <po...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 10, 2024 2:47 PM

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[eric bucketfoot.com]

I get what you are saying, but I would argue that it is the fans who get to decide who Kansas is.

 

From my point of view, if the band can make a living by continuing to tour, then more power to them. And if they release more new music, I will buy it to support them. But I as a fan have no interest in seeing this band live.

 

There is no right or wrong answer, just your own individual answer!

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[wells d]

Good points...  Interestingly, the two original members, Phil & Rich, never composed or sang lead on any Kansas music.  Yet they are considered the face of Kansas.  I guess if you outlast your bandmates you get to determine what KANSAS is.  By the way, I bet Kerry loves his music continuing; royalties!

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[Hans-Juergen Klein]

Well, 

Can I tell you: Williams/Ehart/Hope/Walsh

Magnum opus: Livgren/Walsh/Williams/Hope/Ehart/Steinhardt

Freaks of nature: Ragsdale/Walsh/Ehart

House on fire: Walsh/Morse/Ezrin/Ehart

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[peter drysdale]

I saw an interview with Tom recently, and he mentioned that Phil will give him a song title and a general idea of what he's thinking, and then let Tom write the song. He said that other than a blatant love song, so to speak, that Tom is free to write what he wants.

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[Angelo Coiro]

Spoke with Tom after the Cheyenne show for a bit.

He's a very nice guy and a great musician, as are all the newcomers to the band.

If I ever have enough $$$, I told them I'd hire them for a private show, but they'd have to do Incommudro 

in it's entirety !!

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[peter drysdale]

Haha that would be fun. I'm glad they finally played The Pinnacle. They're very good these days, not that musicianship was ever in question with them. The great thing is Eric grew up in the band so he knows everything perfectly. 

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[Angelo Coiro]

Eric is a great replacement for Phil. He is a fantastic drummer.

He is also a super cool guy. He remembers me pushing the label back in the 90's for extras and got

a few hundred posters for ANTS signed and shipped with the CD. Plus other things then before Amazon etc..

Pretty much all the guys in the band now are all excellent musicians and very nice people on top of it.

Long live Kansas and the music, very glad I went the other night and got rejuvenated.

Angelo

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[Ryan Waldron]

On Tue, Oct 15, 2024 at 11:59 AM 'Angelo Coiro' via People of the South Wind <po...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

Spoke with Tom after the Cheyenne show for a bit.

He's a very nice guy and a great musician, as are all the newcomers to the band.

If I ever have enough $$$, I told them I'd hire them for a private show, but they'd have to do Incommudro 

in it's entirety !!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJcv5kGuBvs

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[peter drysdale]

Yep. I remember him being in the list back in the '90s and he was only like 17 at the time. I remember you getting those posters, too. Hard to believe that's been 26 years. They'll be back in GA next month. I need to go see them again. 

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