Kansas Holds On To Their Legacy – Drew’s Reviews

You’re a youngster amongst this crowd.

This, the man sitting next to me said.

Add that to the list of reasons for seeing aging rockers still touring 50 years after forming. Kind of felt like a kid!

Indeed, much of the crowd was well into their 60s, many in their 70s, to see Kansas still on their 50^th Anniversary Tour on Sunday at Spirit Mountain Casino in Grand Ronde, OR. It was packed, probably 1000 people, all to see them carry on one more year.

They still sound great. Guitarist Rich Williams, 74, the lone original. Phil Ehart, 73, stepped away from the drums earlier this year after suffering a heart attack and adequately replaced by his drum tech Eric Holmquist. Everyone else, fill-ins, some with decent history in the band, carry on the Kansas name and legacy. Singer Ronnie Platt holding the mic now for 10 years and nailing all the notes at 62 years. Longtime bass guitarist Billy Greer left the band after 40 years – this month! – and was replaced by Dan McGowan who stepped right in after already filling in for Greer during various shows this year.

After years of failing to see the Topeka-based rockers and a twice postponed show at the immaculate Elsinore Theater in Salem, OR, thanks to what now feels like a lifetime ago pandemic, perhaps my chance passed by. Alas, this go-round marks three straight years of seeing Kansas, all coincidentally in September. Sure, I missed the orignal flavors but they hold on to some stellar musicians who for now keep the band from becoming dust in the wind.

A third row seat helped capture some of the better photos I’ve taken but if you want a run-down of the show check out the last two reviews. More or less the same setlist but with all the same energy.

Kansas Keeps the Fire Lit on 50th Anniversary Tour
Kansas Carries On 50 Years Later