This makes me sad. Apparently, a few months ago, Steve Walsh announced his retirement from the great American band, Kansas. He performed his last concert with them on August 16. His absence leaves Phil Ehart and Rich Williams as the only original members left in the band. The band has a replacement singer, but I know that it just isn’t the same, just like David Ragsdale, while a fine violinist, isn’t Robby Steinhardt, and Billy Greer isn’t Dave Hope. They never even tried to replace Kerry Livgren, a seemingly impossible task.

Ronnie Platt is the new singer and keyboardist, and his first show with the band is today, September 12. David Manion has also joined the band to handle the majority of the keyboard work, as well as vocals. Honestly, I would have liked to see John Elefante rejoin the band, but I doubt if that’s what he wants to do at this point in his life. Oh well.

From the Kansas Facebook page:

On June 30, 2014, Steve Walsh informed the members of KANSAS that he is resigning from the band. His last performance with KANSAS will be August 16, 2014, in Sioux City, Iowa, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

As KANSAS continues on, the band wishes Steve only the best in his future endeavors, and thanks him for the 41 years.

I’m going to go pout about the sad decline of arguably the greatest American progressive rock band ever. I’m glad I got to see them live with Steve Walsh, Rich Williams, and Phil Ehart several years ago.

Just thought of an epic supergroup, though. Kerry Livgren, John Elefante, Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy or Phil Ehart, and Dave Hope. Ya, sounds more like a reincarnation of Kansas. But, with Morse, it could be the best attempt at Christian rock ever. Ok, fantasy time over. Bye Steve Walsh.