Thanks John - love these Rich Williams clips - keep 'em coming! He is so genuine and down to earth, it's a great example of true talent not being eclipsed by ego.
I remember the day after Kansas performed their 40th-anniversary show in Pittsburgh, PA, in 2013. I was walking through the airport to go home. Richard and Debbie Williams passed by, and I had the pleasure of stopping to say thanks for the great show. They were so pleasant, and I can now say thanks for that moment, too, Rich! To add to the surrealness, Kerry and his wife passed by me just a few minutes later.
"My dad went out a winner". I don't have any substance or behaviour issues - indeed, quite the contrary - but that recollection by Mr. Williams moved me in a big way. As a father it reminded me of my own responsibility to my daughter. I must say, your conversations with this gent are offering up some deep and philosophical gems.
Every time I have spoken with Rich, he is always so kind and gracious. My kids are 12 and 14 and they have met him several times since they were 8 and and 10. He is always incredibly kind to them. If you say the name "Rich", he's the first person they think of! He made quite an impression! We'll get to see him this Saturday in Tampa.
Having had the great honor and pleasure of meeting, interviewing and hanging with Rich a bunch of times, I’m here to say he’s one of the coolest, most gregarious and gracious people I’ve ever met. He always has a smile and a nice word for fans and I’ve always respected him for the obvious pride he has in being a member of the band Kansas. He never sought the spotlight, but it found him anyway, due to his passion, talent and dedication as a musician. Kansas has been my favorite band since my older brother Perry brought home the Masque album in ‘75. I was eleven years old. Growing up in Torrington, CT, birthplace of John Brown, the civil war-era abolitionist pictured on the cover of Kansas’ debut album (as well as behind Rich in this video), Perry and I used to hang out at the site of the man’s birth and childhood home, cranking early Kansas. My mother was born a quarter of a mile from there and her mother still lived in that same house when I was a kid - the oldest house in CT - which is still in the family today. It was a regular ritual in the late 70s and one that I still undertake from time to time, at the ripe old age of 59, when I need to feel my brother’s presence. We lost him in a car accident in ‘87 after he left my birthday party to give a friend a ride home. Our last experience was listening to his favorite song together, which was Lonely Wind. That song was auto-biographical, as far as Perry was concerned, and I played it at his funeral, as well. Rich, if you happen to read this, thank you for being so cool to me in the past and for the many ways you and your band have enhanced my life for so many years. I’m sure they’ll send me off with Kansas when it’s my time, although it’ll probably be a nine-hour event. I can’t narrow it down any further, try as I might… okay, maybe just The Pinnacle… and Hold On… and Reason to Be and The Coming Dawn… Shit! See what I mean?!! Thank you, John, for featuring one of my all-time favorite musicians, whose tasteful playing still inspires me after all this time. All the best to you both.
I thoroughly enjoy listening to a Rich Williams interview. He really has a way with words and tells such great stories. Makes me wonder why he hasn't written more. I bet he would write some great lyrics.
I think we all gave burning our instruments when Eddie Van Halen hit the scene. Nice to see and hear what he says because he is correct. We are all human and we all have issues and problems that need solved at times. Some of the those problems are personal and some are financial but it all effects your human body and mind. My friends and I went to Pittburgh in around 76 or 77 I think to the Stanley Theatre to see Queen with Stix opening. there was a third act that played first and I not remember who they were but they were some one we wanted to see. Queen had cancelled and we didn't know until we got there. Kansas took the headlining spot. They only had their first album out and we didn't even know who they were but Styx was on fire then so we were in and decided not to refund and watch the show. WOW were we impressed. We knew who Kansas was after that. Rich is a great guitarist in one the first and best progressive rock bands ever.
I'll be the first to admit, I didn't realize what a kind, articulate person Rich Williams is. As a long time Kansas fan, you are limited to forming an opinion of musicians largely by their music. Rarely are we privy to hearing our idols are as flawed and humble as we mortals.
I'm honored to make the first comment here John. And as soon as I get back into the job market I'll be helping you out. I met my wife at an an Al-Anon meeting. She's the most amazing person and I'm so grateful to be married to her. We both lived with alcoholics that changed our lives forever. Rich will never remember this but it was a Kansas concert at Parker's the large nightclub north of Seattle. Giant place and giant dance floor. I hope I was the last one to buy him a whiskey as I actually bought him a drink before the show.
Have always received so much inspiration from Kansas. Hearing your interview with Rich Williams reinforces WHY... The search for meaning, to confront and embrace the moments of truth... to BE in the moment (or, pause, breathe, and realize (as Rich said) that our crutches of denial can become tools for growth. Very grateful for this interview. Thanks so much from Chris in San Francisco. Appreciate the work you do to bring wisdom to us with each podcast/YT video. ❤
Much respect to Mr. Williams for his honesty and openness discussing what can be a very difficult topic. I've been there and done that myself so I know what it's like. Getting sober was not easy -- this student wasn't ready for a painfully long time but it gave me my life back and then some.
Although I've always liked Kansas, I've never really paid attention to them as seriously as I have with this series of interviews with Rich Williams. I really appreciate his embracing of reality instead of running from it. This has been my favorite series of interviews on the channel (and I like other ones too).
Thank you for these interviews! Rich- i've been a big fan for many years and play myself. You and Phil are so inspiring to me to keep moving as I get older. I'm also a friend of Bill's, and grateful to have the same goals- it IS what is really important- because "this foolish game- yes its always the same" - but those goals are the true stars!!!
I was thinking about how long Mr. Williams could praise the frenetic fretboard prowess of GG, then you totally flipped the script on me! What a fascinating interview. As a big Kansas fan for over forty years, l respect the talented Mr. Williams even more now. Impressive. Cheers from Noo Yawk, ova heyah! Rock Out & Prog On! Frog 🐸 On! ~ Chauncey Marwood Oglethorpe III
I get it. GG has otherworldly skills, as do so many guitarists these days. But I’d put Rich in a different category along with some other well known players who may lack shredability but whose playing is instantly recognizable and very tasteful… people like Mark Knopfler, David Gilmour and Billy Gibbons. Not a bad place to be.
My dad was a ridiculous drunk. Injured us all mentally and physically for life. He beat my mom while she was pregnant with all of us and we were born with severe injuries. My brother was born with a crushed kidney and finger damage. I was born premature and needed three blood transfusions after he gave my mom a serious STD infection. He broke my sister`s back and nearly every bone in my mom`s body. Even sober he was pure evil. He tried his best to destroy me, set me up and put me in prison, while gaslighting others about it all.
Guthrie Goven is fantastic, but come on Rich, you played with Steve Morse who’s one of the best of all time on par with Al DiMeola/JohnMcLaughlin/PaciDeLucia, there’s NO comparison! Mind you, I love both but on technical grounds, Morse is by far and away technically superior to Govan…
Guthrie Govan is a genius player, but he doesnt write hits. For the musician he may be the Goat, but for the general listening public,most could care less. Thats the separation between musical greatness and great songwriters
I enjoy listening to Rich. He is intelligent and engaging in his story telling. And, of course, a rock LEGEND!
What a great interview. John knows what he’s doing. He knows when to chime in and when to let an artist paint.
Thanks John - love these Rich Williams clips - keep 'em coming! He is so genuine and down to earth, it's a great example of true talent not being eclipsed by ego.
What an incredible clip from Rich Williams. The attitude of gratitude being a major thread in the tapestry of life. Thank you for this.
I remember the day after Kansas performed their 40th-anniversary show in Pittsburgh, PA, in 2013. I was walking through the airport to go home. Richard and Debbie Williams passed by, and I had the pleasure of stopping to say thanks for the great show. They were so pleasant, and I can now say thanks for that moment, too, Rich! To add to the surrealness, Kerry and his wife passed by me just a few minutes later.
"My dad went out a winner".
I don't have any substance or behaviour issues - indeed, quite the contrary - but that recollection by Mr. Williams moved me in a big way. As a father it reminded me of my own responsibility to my daughter.
I must say, your conversations with this gent are offering up some deep and philosophical gems.
Every time I have spoken with Rich, he is always so kind and gracious. My kids are 12 and 14 and they have met him several times since they were 8 and and 10. He is always incredibly kind to them. If you say the name "Rich", he's the first person they think of! He made quite an impression! We'll get to see him this Saturday in Tampa.
Having had the great honor and pleasure of meeting, interviewing and hanging with Rich a bunch of times, I’m here to say he’s one of the coolest, most gregarious and gracious people I’ve ever met. He always has a smile and a nice word for fans and I’ve always respected him for the obvious pride he has in being a member of the band Kansas. He never sought the spotlight, but it found him anyway, due to his passion, talent and dedication as a musician. Kansas has been my favorite band since my older brother Perry brought home the Masque album in ‘75. I was eleven years old. Growing up in Torrington, CT, birthplace of John Brown, the civil war-era abolitionist pictured on the cover of Kansas’ debut album (as well as behind Rich in this video), Perry and I used to hang out at the site of the man’s birth and childhood home, cranking early Kansas. My mother was born a quarter of a mile from there and her mother still lived in that same house when I was a kid - the oldest house in CT - which is still in the family today. It was a regular ritual in the late 70s and one that I still undertake from time to time, at the ripe old age of 59, when I need to feel my brother’s presence. We lost him in a car accident in ‘87 after he left my birthday party to give a friend a ride home. Our last experience was listening to his favorite song together, which was Lonely Wind. That song was auto-biographical, as far as Perry was concerned, and I played it at his funeral, as well. Rich, if you happen to read this, thank you for being so cool to me in the past and for the many ways you and your band have enhanced my life for so many years. I’m sure they’ll send me off with Kansas when it’s my time, although it’ll probably be a nine-hour event. I can’t narrow it down any further, try as I might… okay, maybe just The Pinnacle… and Hold On… and Reason to Be and The Coming Dawn… Shit! See what I mean?!! Thank you, John, for featuring one of my all-time favorite musicians, whose tasteful playing still inspires me after all this time. All the best to you both.
Inspiring! Thanks Rich. Good interview. I like how you take time to really listen to what people are saying, giving them time without interrupting.
I thoroughly enjoy listening to a Rich Williams interview. He really has a way with words and tells such great stories. Makes me wonder why he hasn't written more. I bet he would write some great lyrics.
I think we all gave burning our instruments when Eddie Van Halen hit the scene. Nice to see and hear what he says because he is correct. We are all human and we all have issues and problems that need solved at times. Some of the those problems are personal and some are financial but it all effects your human body and mind. My friends and I went to Pittburgh in around 76 or 77 I think to the Stanley Theatre to see Queen with Stix opening. there was a third act that played first and I not remember who they were but they were some one we wanted to see. Queen had cancelled and we didn't know until we got there. Kansas took the headlining spot. They only had their first album out and we didn't even know who they were but Styx was on fire then so we were in and decided not to refund and watch the show. WOW were we impressed. We knew who Kansas was after that. Rich is a great guitarist in one the first and best progressive rock bands ever.
I'll be the first to admit, I didn't realize what a kind, articulate person Rich Williams is. As a long time Kansas fan, you are limited to forming an opinion of musicians largely by their music. Rarely are we privy to hearing our idols are as flawed and humble as we mortals.
Very profound story by Rich. Great musician and human being--thanks for sharing your personal story!
Brother John! I was so much older then. I’m younger than that now!! Happy Wednesday. God bless.
I'm honored to make the first comment here John. And as soon as I get back into the job market I'll be helping you out. I met my wife at an an Al-Anon meeting. She's the most amazing person and I'm so grateful to be married to her. We both lived with alcoholics that changed our lives forever.
Rich will never remember this but it was a Kansas concert at Parker's the large nightclub north of Seattle. Giant place and giant dance floor. I hope I was the last one to buy him a whiskey as I actually bought him a drink before the show.
Have always received so much inspiration from Kansas. Hearing your interview with Rich Williams reinforces WHY... The search for meaning, to confront and embrace the moments of truth... to BE in the moment (or, pause, breathe, and realize (as Rich said) that our crutches of denial can become tools for growth. Very grateful for this interview. Thanks so much from Chris in San Francisco. Appreciate the work you do to bring wisdom to us with each podcast/YT video. ❤
High praise coming from someone who has played with Steve Morse.
Much respect to Mr. Williams for his honesty and openness discussing what can be a very difficult topic. I've been there and done that myself so I know what it's like. Getting sober was not easy -- this student wasn't ready for a painfully long time but it gave me my life back and then some.
luv the short segments -ADD sadly. Luv this channel -thanks much John
Although I've always liked Kansas, I've never really paid attention to them as seriously as I have with this series of interviews with Rich Williams. I really appreciate his embracing of reality instead of running from it. This has been my favorite series of interviews on the channel (and I like other ones too).
thanks john. thanks rich your my favourite member of kansas i still listen to kansas.
Great interview. Thank you! He loves his wife, and he appreciates her so much. That was touching.
Great interview, love Kansas! Their last 2 albums are amazing! Rick was very honest, one day at a time! Merci John
This is a really good video, Rich Williams is one of my favorite guitar players
What a wonderful segment!
Thank you for these interviews! Rich- i've been a big fan for many years and play myself. You and Phil are so inspiring to me to keep moving as I get older. I'm also a friend of Bill's, and grateful to have the same goals- it IS what is really important- because "this foolish game- yes its always the same" - but those goals are the true stars!!!
I was thinking about how long Mr. Williams could praise the frenetic fretboard prowess of GG, then you totally flipped the script on me! What a fascinating interview. As a big Kansas fan for over forty years, l respect the talented Mr. Williams even more now. Impressive.
Cheers from Noo Yawk, ova heyah!
Rock Out & Prog On!
Frog 🐸 On!
~ Chauncey Marwood Oglethorpe III
These interviews with Rich Williams have been wonderful.
Amazing testimony. As a man in recovery I find it very moving.
I’ve seen Kansas many times. The latest version of the band is absolutely the best since the 70’s
Rich is a great player with a great band Kansas. Very interesting chap to listen to
Amazing testimony!
Gold.
What a great interview, and congratulations to Rich Williams.
Great interview with one of my favorite players.
He seems like he’s been in a good place….Debbie was instrumental in changing his life .
Such a Class Act
Very inspirational
As good as Guthrie is Rich has brought pleasure many times over the years when things were looking down. I can't say that about GG.
I get it. GG has otherworldly skills, as do so many guitarists these days. But I’d put Rich in a different category along with some other well known players who may lack shredability but whose playing is instantly recognizable and very tasteful… people like Mark Knopfler, David Gilmour and Billy Gibbons. Not a bad place to be.
saw them tonight
Guthrie is phenomenal. His impressions one after the other of other guitar players are almost beyond belief
Guthrie is THAT. It's like how can anybody be that good at everything? You can keep Joe.
I felt the same way when I first heard Guthrie. Pound for pound, probably the most technically proficient guitarist ever.
Govin is quite phenomenal.
🙌🏻
Thats how you turn that flaw in😮to yea i ought to own this. Somehow God can turn that into helping others.
Is there a reason there has been a beeping in the background the last few videos? Its been going on for a bit and its off putting.
Guthrie is indeed the GOAT!
My dad was a ridiculous drunk. Injured us all mentally and physically for life. He beat my mom while she was pregnant with all of us and we were born with severe injuries. My brother was born with a crushed kidney and finger damage. I was born premature and needed three blood transfusions after he gave my mom a serious STD infection. He broke my sister`s back and nearly every bone in my mom`s body. Even sober he was pure evil. He tried his best to destroy me, set me up and put me in prison, while gaslighting others about it all.
I’m sorry that happened to you.
👍👏
Guthrie Goven is fantastic, but come on Rich, you played with Steve Morse who’s one of the best of all time on par with Al DiMeola/JohnMcLaughlin/PaciDeLucia, there’s NO comparison!
Mind you, I love both but on technical grounds, Morse is by far and away technically superior to Govan…
Govan is a giant. But I think Steve Morse is way more interesting and versatile. To me, Govan’s stuff sounds the same.
Guthrie Govan is a genius player, but he doesnt write hits. For the musician he may be the Goat, but for the general listening public,most could care less. Thats the separation between musical greatness and great songwriters