by Kim Shockley-Ash
– Senior Columnist —
March 28, 2015 at Ameristar Casino, Kansas City, Mo. —
Saturday night, March 28th, Kansas played to a full house at Ameristar Casino in Kansas City, Mo. I was familiar with the new lead singer, Ronnie Platt, from his days as lead singer with Shooting Star, but this was my first time seeing him with Kansas. From the moment he stepped on stage, Ronnie was in command, and held it throughout the show. He had some big shoes to fill, taking over for Steve Walsh who retired in 2014. Ronnie brought more than his vocals to the band. He brought energy to the band that I’ve not seen in years. These guys weren’t just there to perform Kansas songs; they came to entertain and to have a good time. The energy and excitement made this one of the best Kansas concerts I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending.
In addition to Ronnie Platt, the band added a keyboardist and background vocalist David Manion. His talent on keys and vocals added just the right “stuff” which made this new and improved version of the band a big hit with the crowd. This night were not about 6 guys, old and new, playing the music of Kansas. This was rock and roll. I can’t remember when I’ve seen the band have this much fun on stage.
There were a couple of big surprises during the show that put the show over top and into my top 10 concert experiences. About halfway, original and founding member, Kerry Livgren, came on stage to play guitar on “Hold On.” The crowd roared and everyone was on their feet. Kerry seemed as excited to be there as the fans were to see him. The only thing that would have made it better would be if he played a few more songs.
Later on, another original member, Robby Steinhardt joined the band for “Sparks of the Tempest.” Robby’s voice is as strong as ever. It was my first time seeing him on stage since he left the band in 2006. He has come back strong from a heart attack he had in 2013, and looks better than ever. The fans loved seeing him again.
The new line up is a perfect combination. I don’t see this “Kansas” slowing down any time soon.
Set List:
People of the South Wind
Point of Know Return
What’s on My Mind
Play the Game Tonight
The Wall
Reason To Be
Dust in the Wind
Miracles Out of Nowhere
Opus Insert
Closet Chronicles
Hold On
Belexes
Portrait (He Knew)
Sparks of the Tempest
Encore:
Fight Fire with Fire
Carry on Wayward Son
Kansas Concert Photo Gallery
Photos appear courtesy of Gary Dean Ash
I saw them on April 12th in NYC, and the show was amazing, faithful to the studio versions, but with the real energy and sense of fun you can only get from a live experience. I look forward to seeing them back out this way in October.
Now, if we could only just get these guys into a studio to record some great new stuff, I’d be a very happy man!
I once again had the pleasure of seeing Kansas again, on March 27th at the Hardrock Casino, in Biloxi Ms. Before the show, I had seen pictures of the new lineup. But had no idea who the new guys were. I was disappointed to hear of Steve Walshs retirement. I consider Kansas as my all time favorite rock band. And have been to many shows since the first time that I saw them in Des Moines Iowa. In 1974. I was also devastated in 1981. whan the bands future was completely off track. The new lineup has proven to be a great move for the band. With six members again. they can play all of the songs the way they were written. And the new lead singer Ronnie Platt is able to sing all of the higher notes that Steve just couldn’t hit any more. I am very pleased with the way they sound. And I will continue to go long distances to see my favorite band. Also when they brought Robbie Steinhart on stage, I almost fell out. I didn’t think that I would ever see him again. They also announced that Dave Hope was at the show in the audience. I felt right at home with old friends. To the current and former band members. If you keep rockin’ we the old fans will be there. And will be very happy to be Welcome to KANSAS.
when will you play in germany again?
It was so sweet seeing Kerry and Robby onstage again with the current Kansas lineup. Great concert with the timeless music of Kansas and fans who gathered from across the country for the show. It was an incredible journey and an inspiration to meet the newest members of the band. Thank you for a fabulous show Rich, Phil, Billy, David R, David M, Ronnie, Kerry and Robby. Past and present, you all have contributed to the greatness of Kansas.