Whatever Happened to the Band Kansas?

If you grew up hearing “Carry on Wayward Son” on classic rock radio, Kansas may still be a part of your weekly rotation of nostalgic music. Although they sometimes feel stuck in the ’70s, the band released a new album as recently as 2020 and is about to head out on tour. After more than 50 years of lineup changes, health setbacks, reunions, and farewell moments for longtime members, let’s find out what happened to Kansas and learn more about their upcoming tour.

Kansas formed in Topeka, Kansas, in the early ’70s and broke through with a unique sound. They added the violin, keyboards, and long, dramatic arrangements to many of their songs, which made them stand apart from many of their arena rock peers of the time. The classic lineup included Phil Ehart, Rich Williams, Kerry Livgren, Dave Hope, Steve Walsh, and Robby Steinhardt, and that version of the band helped define their most famous era.