FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC THREAD...

Kansas now. Sadly there are (almost) no original members touring but it's a bit of a different deal with them than most.

Robbie died but the other 5 are still alive. All 5 are aware of how they're managingg the band and keeping the music alive. All of them approve of how they're handling this & these musicians aren't just guys who decided to go form a tribute band, they're hand picked for Kansas. Some regard them as just a tribute band, I get it but don't think that's quite fair given the facts as I iknow them

Drummer Phil Ehart is the long time manager. A bit over 3 years ago he had a serious heart attack & no longer tours but is still involved. I happened to see him play live 3 weeks before that, he was just returning to the stage after surgery on one arm. he played the 2nd half of that show, starting with this son. Song For America is the longest in their catalog & has multiple time changes, pretty tough to play

I think he's still the manager. The drummer is his long-time drum tech who he'd been mentoring for over 25 year, guy name Eric

Rich Williams has NOT fully retired. Problem is he's developed macular degeneration & it's at the point where the lack of vision makes travel very difficult. He does still perform live when he can handle the travel to the shows. They hired Scott Bernard as a permamnt guitarist, he plays in Rich's place & with Rich when Rich makes it

Joe Deninzon is factually a world class violinist.

Tom Brislin on keyboards has been with them for quite a few years now. He's toured with Yes to play Rick Wakeman's parts, if that gives you an idea of his chops

Zak Rizvi is a fantastic guitarist & also has been with them for many years now

Dan McGowan is a fairly recent hire for bass, after Billy Greer retired. the last time I saw them Billy was still touring.

Dan & Scott are the only 2 I haven't seen live yet. The band also has occassional appearances of founders Kerry Livgren & Dave Hope on stage, they're still playing if not fully active in the band. I've never been lucky enough to be at a show where that happens LOL

In any case, Song For America is one of my faves & I think an excellent one to see the new guys doing their parts to keep this music alive, maybe some of you will enjoy it


 
Damn, Stu... brings back memories! 1982, 3rd day of 9th grade high school, myself and 2 buddies (both named Mike) decided to skip school and hang out at one of their houses because both his parents were at work. We bought a case of Molson Golden (Mike R had full beard and looked older) and jammed out to Judas Priest albums, and played pool. I remember fronting a Pizza from Pasqual's pizza because The owners knew my oldest brother! The owner asked why we weren't in school, and I'm sure we gave some lame reason! Lol... They (Joe Barone & Henry Alberico) knew what we were up to for sure! Lol... When 3 buzzed teenagers show up on a school day needing a free pizza it probably wasn't too hard to figure out! 😜 I specifically remember listening to Electric eye and thinking it was the best song ever! The Screaming for Vengeance album was my buddy's newest album and we weren't easy on his parents speakers! :ROFLMAO: Mike R was a huge Priest fan... Still is! Mike L was our best friend, but sadly passed away a little less than 2 years ago. He went out rocking tho!

Thanks for the walk back in time, man!
 
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