Formed in 1973 Topeka, Kansas, the aptly-named rock band Kansas gained a following with hits like “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.” Since then, the lineup has undergone several facelifts. Currently, the roster consists of guitarist Rich Williams, drummer Phil Ehart, guitarist Zak Rivi, vocalist/keyboardist Ronnie Platt, keyboardist/vocalist Tom Brislin, violinist/rhythm guitarist Joe Deninzon, and bassist/vocalist Dan McGowan). Recently, Kansas canceled several upcoming shows after vocalist Ronnie Platt revealed he has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
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Kansas’ Ronnie Platt Calls Cancer Diagnosis “A Bump in the Road”
Taking to his personal Facebook page Saturday (Feb. 15,) Kansas vocalist/keyboardist Ronnie Platt revealed that he was diagnosed last week with thyroid cancer.
“Before everyone gets all excited,” Platt wrote, “it has a 99 percent survival rate.”
Fortunately, the cancer has not spread and is confined to the 62-year-old rocker’s thyroid. After undergoing a procedure to have his thyroid removed, he will then require “some rehab time.” And after that, Platt promises he will “be right back in the saddle.”
Thanking everyone for their “positive thoughts and prayers,” Platt continued. “as it has been put to me, this is just a bump in the road and will be behind me very soon!” he wrote. “so everyone please CARRY ON!”
Platt took the reins in 2014 following former vocalist Steve Walsh’s retirement. He had fronted the Kansas City rock outfit Shooting Star for seven years before joining Kansas.
After Walsh announced his retirement, Platt sent a Facebook message to original member Rich Williams, asking him to “give me some consideration.” Days later, the former truck driver had a new gig. He first appeared on the band’s 2016 album, The Prelude Implicit.
[RELATED: Why Kansas Called “Carry on My Wayward Son” a “Gentle Curse” on Their Careers]
In a September 2017 interview with Amarillo’s Panhandle PBS, Platt admitted to experiencing some nerves when he stepped into Walsh’s shoes. Or, as he put it, “Why don’t I just grab these sand bags and jump into the deep end of the pool? Am I nuts? I’m a Steve Walsh die-hard fan. How am I going to replace him?”
Kansas Cancels Upcoming Shows
Ahead of lead vocalist Ronnie Platt’s announcement, Kansas canceled two upcoming shows, citing “band illness and doctor advisement.”
The band announced in a Feb. 14 Facebook post that it was cancelling a show in New Orleans scheduled for Friday, Feb. 21. Four days later, another post indicated the band was also scrapping a March 1 concert in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
“The band apologizes for the inconvenience and hopes to be back on the road soon,” the post read. “All tickets will be refunded at point of purchase.”
Featured image by Larry Marano/Shutterstock
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