from the moment they started playing music together half a century ago in Topeka, Kansas were always a square peg in a round hole. They were founded in the capital city of the state after which they were named, and their sound represented a colourful, boogie-laden twist on themes formulated by the English art-rock set, often defying those complexities with radio-friendly hooks and the violin of the classically trained Robby Steinhardt.
But while the popular AOR bands of the era dressed like peacocks, none of the members of Kansas displayed pin-up potential. Some were bulky, others skinny, some had enormous tumbleweed coiffures, and one didn’t even bother changing out of his work overalls. And yet when they plugged in and played, Kansas had something truly remarkable.
Mountains of drugs, rampant egos and rock’n’roll excess were not what derailed Kansas. Their classic line-up was torn apart by religion. At the height of the group’s success, guitarist and chief songwriter Kerry Livgren broke away to form the Christian rock band A.D. along with bassist Dave Hope, who later became a fully ordained Anglican minister.
And yet barring a miniscule break during the mid-1980s Kansas sailed onwards, notching eight gold and three six-times-platinum albums (Leftoverture, Point Of Know Return and The Best Of Kansas), and the million-selling double live album Two For The Show.
Featuring the talents of some 24 different members, Kansas have carved out a 50-year career. Here we present that remarkable story, told in their own words (see over the page for the cast list).
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