Kansas (band)

Kansas is a 1970s American rock and roll band, specializing in progressive rock with a distinctly American flavor. In spite of a harsh critical reception then and now, Kansas has remained a classic rock radio staple.

Kansas since 1986

In 1986, the band reformed with Walsh but sans Livgren, Hope, and Steinhardt. They released Power with new bassist Billy Greer (whom Walsh had worked with in Streets), guitarist Steve Morse formerly of the Dixie Dregs, and notably, no violin player (though in concert, Morse would perform the solo on "Dust in the Wind" on a violin). "All I Wanted," from Power, became the last Kansas single to hit the Billboard Magazine Top 20 charts.

Related Topics:
1986 - Power - Billy Greer - Steve Morse - Dixie Dregs - Billboard Magazine

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The 1990s saw a string of barely noticed releases, though many fans consider 1995's "Freaks of Nature" a return to classic form. Kansas has continued to tour year after year, but the band has never been able to regain any mass popularity or critical notice even despite the high sales of "Somewhere to Elsewhere", an album that featured all original members of Kansas III plus Greer, with all songs written by Livgren. The album sold very well on the internet, but those sales do not typically garner notice due to their not being monitored by Soundscan.

Related Topics:
1990s - Freaks of Nature - Somewhere to Elsewhere

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In 2002, Kansas II, the Kansas lineup before the group that recorded the first album, released an album of demos and live material they had recorded from 1971-1973. For legal reasons and a desire not to ride on the success of Kansas III, they decided to use the name Proto-Kaw. This led to a new album by most of the Kansas II members called "Before Became After" in 2004 and simultaneous tours by both Kansas groups. Proto-Kaw is releasing a third album in 2005, entitled "The Wait of Glory".

Related Topics:
Proto-Kaw - Before Became After - The Wait of Glory

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