Norman perkel - new are so lucky to have met him. I was around when Kansas was big and I got to see them twice with Steve Walsh. In small clubs. I can't even describe how great that band is. When I saw Kansas in Hickory North Carolina about 1991 I got to see Steve Walsh like four feet from me. Doing handstands on his keyboard stand. It was amazing. Then they came to Charlotte a short time later and I got to see them at a small Club I can't remember the name of it. Rocky's- that was it. And in Hickory when they were tearing down I got to talk to the bass player who wasn't an original but he was from Atlanta and he's still with them. He even sang some of the high parts that Steve couldn't hit any more-or chose not to do on point of know return. What a great show
@@carlmorell567 The bassist I think would be Billy Greer. He replaced original bassist Dave Hope , who left Kansas after a conversion to Christianity and is now an Anglican priest. What a great, honest , brilliant man and guitarist Rich Williams is. He has made such great music with Kansas from the beginning, yet Kerry, Steve, Robby and Phil seemed to get the limelight and acclaim before Rich Williams.
@@chuckhutton5087 yeah that's his name. He was a really nice guy even though I was probably making a pain out of myself but trying not to. Hard when you meet your Heroes. He's the one who introduces the band when they did that live video from Topeka where he says 35 years ago it all started here and we want to thank you. They don't make bands like this anymore
KANSAS is one of rock's most timeless and incredibly talented 'supergroups'! They have given me, and countless others, so much musical joy throughout the years. Thank you Richard!
Rich was spot on when he said the music of Kansas leads you somewhere. Their songs are like a voyage. They take you on a trip, and some people are not willing to take that trip. But I am. I still love listening to "Song For America" so I can go exploring with them--I still want to know what's coming around the next bend
@@roberttippett3733, Ham has (or had) much better technique than Steve, but sadly he doesn't have that unique timbre and character which all the great singers like Steve have. And people almost always forget about Robbie vocals, he was really good. Having two great vocalists in a prog band is a rare deal.
@@nicksm7980 I have studied Steve Walsh's and Lou Gramm's (very similar) vocal technique. They have more of an Operetta style technique. You can hear it in the way they tune their vowels. Steve's "oo" vowel cuts through like a laser. Incredible vocalists, both.
This thoughtful and humble man has been an inspiration to me as a musician and human being for over forty years. Thank you, Rich Williams, for being who you are. I’m happy to hear you’ll have no regrets when your long career comes to a close someday. You and Kansas are the class of the rock world and have provided much of the soundtrack to my life and I can never possibly express the full extent of my gratitude. Perhaps the ultimate compliment I can offer is this: When they lay me to rest, Kansas will be playing all day. Loudly.
I saw Kansas last night, 9-10-22 in Chandler AZ. They still sound great. I've been listening to Kansas since I was 14...in 1976. Their lyrics are second to none. Rick Williams played his ass off, as did Phil Ehart on drums...everybody did. This is the first band I remember that incorporated a violin into their music, and it wouldn't be the same without one. The band is still tight and I would see these rock legends wherever I can.
Underrated? That's ridiculous. I'm thinking you might not have been around while KANSAS was in it's prime. I'm at a point where I think that anyone who uses the word "underrated" while discussing great musical artists is really not a music fan. They're a "groupie" of their artist of the day.
Hello from Topeka. Richard, I remember when you guys came out..it was so cool to have a band from Topeka become popular...and not only that an awesomely talented band! Thank You for the great music you guys shared with us, and Thanks for giving honor to the state!! Great Interview!!
Had to run the last two miles from the school bus to crank on Kansas at full volume for twenty minutes before my parents got home. Finally blew the speakers! Worth it.
I'm 54 and I'll always be stuck in the music I loved in junior high school. These guys were so ahead of their time and so original...to this day, no one sounds like Kansas. They have so many great songs on each album, many which were not hits, like "Got to Rock On", "Andi", "Everybody's My Friend", "Don't Take Your Love Away", and even the 'minor hit' songs like "All I Wanted", "Play The Game Tonight", and the whole of LeftOverture and Point Of Know Return. Steve Walsh is one of the most underrated lead singers of rock history and deserves more acclaim.
@@frankderudder7290 A while back before Steve left Kansas (again for retirement) I ran into him at the NYS Fair and showed him my "Streets" lp . He was so shocked that someone still actually had it!! He signed it but was still beside himself for a minute or two 😂😅
@@spuds6423 wow!! Yeah he was with them in 83 I think when he left kansas!! Funny THING billy greer then turned out to join Kansas!! I think streets only put out 1 album and not 2 many copies sold! I guess he was shocked!!!
Thanks Mr Williams for being such an integral member of the band that was the biggest influence of my life. From song for America to Lamplight symphony & beyond too many favs to name here. Sound great live too.
Wow, how many people have that drive, the knowledge they are doing what they were born to do, leave a legacy like this music and decide to humbly walk away when the time comes? That's what you call life well-lived.
Kansas has been a major influence on me as a musician. Point of no return was the first album I heard from them, and that one song was all it took!!! It has also been as huge influence for my son as well. Thank you Rich, for being who you are, and part of the greatest band in history!!!
....and Rich, you were(are) an integral part of the Kansas Legacy. May God grant you good health...forever. I have always enjoyed your guitar talents. I still have the "Kansas" cassette tape that I purchased in 1975 &..it *still* plays. "Song For America" playing through my then upscale Pioneer SuperTuner Stereo in my 1972 Chevelle.
Wow, just wow. What an eloquent speaker is Mr. Williams. It takes all of the band members to create a sound and RW was just as integral a part of Kansas as every other player. Thank you for the music that you've given us over the decades, sir.
Wow! This is one of the most thoughtful musicians I have ever heard. Seems like he managed to find his destiny with many like minded and talented artists.
God love you Rich! I had the honor of shaking your hand at the meet and greet before the show at the Genessee Waukegan IL. gig this past Saturday and I was almost in tears with joy. Out of all the band members, save for Phil, of course who wasn't there, YOU were the one that I most resonated with (being that I am a fellow guitarist) The way you orchestrate your every move on stage, you are akin to Niel Peart in your musical discipline. A true to life renaissance guitarist! It was such a surreal experience after handshaking you, (which by the way, the road manager told us NOT to initiate any fist bumps, bro hugs, handshakes...) YOU stretched out your arm to ME! You asked me if I was local and I replied "not anymore!" I thought to myself "this man has played in THOUSANDS of cities strumming countless chords and here now I have the chance to touch a piece of walking breathing HISTORY! Surreal it was... From the bottom of my heart Rich, it was an HONOR to have met you and although I shared but a minute of my time with you that concert afternoon, the memory will last me a LIFETIME!
I met Mr. Williams in a nightclub in Atlanta years ago, I wanta say Robby Steinhardt was there too. It's was a long time ago and my memory is out of wack.. but I'll never forget meet Mr Williams and thanking him for all the amazing music he has given us..
One of my favorite rock groups growing up and going to high school in the 70's. It's a disgrace the R&R HOF do not induct these incredible artists. Their unique sound. The best!
I was priveledged to see them several times. Absolute best concert I ever saw was Kansas at the New Years Eve Tostitos Bowl block party weekend. I dropped the kids off at my mom's and my wife and I went to check it out.... they had stages set up all over and I remembered there were some big names that would play, but none that really excited me. We were just milling about when an announcer came out to the stage we were walking by and said (into a mic) "up next is Dr. Ruth!" So we started walking away a bit quicker when a bunch of long haired guys come running out and I start thinking "wait a minute, this does not quite seem right..." so we slowed down and watched and they started covering 70s rock hits, they were pretty good! Around an hour later they finished and we were just about to start wondering again when the announcer comes out again and says "don't go away, up next is Kansas!!" I'd already been fooled by the Dr. Ruth announcement, but just in case we moved closer to the stage... was a bit of a wait, but sure enough, out comes Kansas!! Saw the whole show from the edge of the stage!! Completely blown away!! And to this day the thing that impressed me the most was their instruments. I've seen literally hundres of concerts from 84 to 92 but I was struck by how special their instruments were, literal works of art.
I have had a new appreciation for classic rock and bands like Kansas. I am 61 and blessed to be a teenager all through those classic rock years in the 70s. We were so spoiled, we didn't realize this turned out to be some of the best rock if not music in general of the last 50 years. LIke Heart or Journey , the stakes were high then and the talent level needed to be way above par to keep the public excited. Just like a song like Point of No Return, or Journey's Stoned in Love, these songs never get old. Music you want to crank up in your car stereo and sing along. These are the only songs that satisfy a music craving I have. That is the power of rock and Kansas knew out to unleash it as good or better than the others who ruled then.
You guys have always been underrated and overlooked by the mainstream and deserve so much more than you've been given by them. That's ok, we true Kansas fans know artistry and talent when we see and hear it!
So many really good songs, and they really accomplished their goal of being different. Great career and not they are now a part of our lives and a part of who we are. Those of us who grew up with bands like this are different ourselves. Different in what we like, what we enjoy, what we feel about a generation that was more cohesive and accepting of each other. We came together through music like theirs, not because we were forced to be together, but because we learned even the geeks can have bands that cater to them. Now I think that is what separates us from the generations to follow that don't want to be different. They want to be the same and to force everyone else to be the same as they are. There is a moral/virtual superiority that our children are claiming over our generation and I sometimes think it would be nice to live long enough to see the generation after them tell them how terrible they were.
I have been a Kansas fan since I was in High School (over 40 years) and I only had seen Rich and all the guys from the back of amphitheaters'. I finally got to meet him after a concert a few years back and all I could come up with is "hey your Rich Williams" and he said "Hey your right". Boy I wish I could get that conversation back. In the immortal words of Bugs Bunny...."What a maroon". I'm talking me not Rich!!
My wife and I have been fans since day one in KC. We'll be leaving Colorado to be in the pit July 25 for our 45th anniversary (a surprise to my wife). KANSAS, so many of your songs have great meaning in key parts of our lives. Can't wait for the concert and the Wheat & Greet. Thank you Mr. Williams for this video.
I've gone through stages with Kansas. As a 15, 16 yr old teen, I was obsessed with "Leftoverture," then "Point of Know Return." I listened to both of these albums for years and years. Then I stopped listening to Kansas, back to listening to them again, then stopping. I'm happy to say I'm back to listening to "Leftoverture," again and again. "Point of Know Return," also. "Leftoverture" has so much beautiful music filled with amazing thought provoking, intense lyrics built into the perfect rock song. Songs like "Miracles out of Nowhere," "The Wall," "What's on My Mind," and "Wayward Son." I can write paragraphs about Kansas.
Wonderful interview. Kansas was one of my very favorite Bands. Very Awesome instrumental and deep meaning thought provoking lyrics. With phenomenal vocals
I am from Kansas... Wichita... and I remember 'White Clover'... and I knew people who knew people.. and I remember Kerry Livgren working for Jenkins Music store in Wichita, Kansas... I have been a musician myself for 50 odd years now, mostly for the same reasons here. Seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan was a huge part and our dad wrote his own piano based music. We thought everyone did it... Cant imagine not writing, playing, recording music. Its not a hobby, its a passion.
drmorq got arrested at a nude bar in Wichita/ El Dorado area after punching a biker as hard as I could and the cops told us to leave then 10 feet from pulling out was stopped by them for DUI 😂😂😂. Loved the state of Kansas though while at Fort Riley. Cheers.
Rich Williams is one of the best rock guitar players. His combination of rhythm and lead point and counterpoint drives every song and really makes them rock.
Topeka, kansas the soil must be really good you and the band are the salt of the earth and no wonder you and the guys felt like you were on a sea journey navigating the saltwater high seas of life long experiences......... Thank you and the rest of the band for awesome music to grow up on back in the 70' s and onward......
In 1977, as a child I owned four albums from Chicago, Boston, Doobie Brothers and Leftoverture from Kansas. I moved from NY to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands where there were NO rock radio stations...NONE,. Record stores did NOT carry AOR based rock. It was the rise of the Disco era, a literal rock desert island. My mother worked every day, and I didn't have any friends because we lived on the far end of the island, so I sat at home and played albums like Leftoverture over and over and over, learning every single note and nuance of each instrument by heart. We were too poor to get me a guitar then, so I played drums on a composition notebook with two Bic pens. I was pretty good too, the ink would often explode after an intense "session." When we moved back to the states a few years later, I had to buy every Kansas record made and again, learned every single note by heart. Finally, I got a bass and guitar and learned the instruments by playing along with Kansas albums. I always say, learn the challenging stuff first, rest will be a breeze. The band was kind of a "friend" to me as a kid. The music spoke to me and encouraged me to play well. Today at 53, when I'm in the mood to jam, I'll throw on some Kansas, grab my bass or guitar and just have the best fun playing music that always makes my ears happy.
Remember seeing White Clover play ONE BLOCK WEST, a rock bar Kansas City Kansas don't remember the year, have seen KANSAS 20 times all around Kansas City, tough to see the health issues, because it means I am old too. ROCK ON GUYS
How much do I love this band? My sixteen year old daughter is named Kansas. She asked me one day, “dad how stoned were you and mom when you decided to name me?” She’s not crazy about her name right now, but hopefully one day she’ll realize how special that name is!
Rich, I love this interview. I have a lot of respect for you both as a musician and just an all around good guy. Every time I have texted you, you’ve always taken the time out of your busy schedule to answer me. Thank you for everything. Rick
Awesome band! So glad I got to grow up with this music! We had Rush, Boston, Judas Priest, UFO, Pat Travers, Scorpions, Dirty Tricks, Molly Hatchet, Legs Diamond, Point Blank, AC/DC, Van Halen and the list goes on and on! made me the guitar player I am today!
Just saw you guys in your absolute glory last weekend Rich!!! Total bucket list for me...meet & greet & front row....A NIGHT I'll never forget!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!
Who would give anything to see the original "MAGNIFICENT SIX" reunite for one last time on an epic stage? For me, Kansas will always be.... Kerry Livgren Steve Walsh Robbie Steinhardt Richard Williams Dave Hope Phil Ehart
I saw Kansas live at a fair sans Steve Walsh, Kerry Livgren, and Robby Steinhardt, but it was still magical as I imagined them being there. I am glad I finally saw them.
Rich looms in the shadows, but he’s a musicians’ musician. Never showboating or grabbing for glory, always playing what’s right for the song.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Kansas had a talent beyond any other band. They may have been the most talented group ever played on classic rock format
Or any format
We the listeners are blessed to have heard and grown with Kansas.
Thank you Kansas.
I bumped into Richard in the Atlanta airport.. struck up a conversation, and can honestly say he is one genuine and great man.
Norman perkel - new are so lucky to have met him. I was around when Kansas was big and I got to see them twice with Steve Walsh. In small clubs. I can't even describe how great that band is. When I saw Kansas in Hickory North Carolina about 1991 I got to see Steve Walsh like four feet from me. Doing handstands on his keyboard stand. It was amazing. Then they came to Charlotte a short time later and I got to see them at a small Club I can't remember the name of it. Rocky's- that was it. And in Hickory when they were tearing down I got to talk to the bass player who wasn't an original but he was from Atlanta and he's still with them. He even sang some of the high parts that Steve couldn't hit any more-or chose not to do on point of know return. What a great show
@@carlmorell567 The bassist I think would be Billy Greer. He replaced original bassist Dave Hope , who left Kansas after a conversion to Christianity and is now an Anglican priest. What a great, honest , brilliant man and guitarist Rich Williams is. He has made such great music with Kansas from the beginning, yet Kerry, Steve, Robby and Phil seemed to get the limelight and acclaim before Rich Williams.
@@chuckhutton5087 yeah that's his name. He was a really nice guy even though I was probably making a pain out of myself but trying not to. Hard when you meet your Heroes. He's the one who introduces the band when they did that live video from Topeka where he says 35 years ago it all started here and we want to thank you. They don't make bands like this anymore
easy to believe
Rich is a real class act and represents this band so well; love his perspective about music and playing in bands.
Keith Pasculli absolutely agree 👍
KANSAS is one of rock's most timeless and incredibly talented 'supergroups'! They have given me, and countless others, so much musical joy throughout the years. Thank you Richard!
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I hear you loud and clear my musical friend. Changed my life like other bands such as the Eagle's, Led Zep. Great harmonies and melodic music❤
Rich was spot on when he said the music of Kansas leads you somewhere. Their songs are like a voyage. They take you on a trip, and some people are not willing to take that trip. But I am. I still love listening to "Song For America" so I can go exploring with them--I still want to know what's coming around the next bend
Rich just tells it all from the heart and is succint in describing the Kansas experience!
Steve Walsh is still one of the 3 or 4 greatest rock vocalists of all time.
guyfroml Warren Ham’s not too shabby, either-a Kerry Livgren recruit.
@@roberttippett3733, Ham has (or had) much better technique than Steve, but sadly he doesn't have that unique timbre and character which all the great singers like Steve have.
And people almost always forget about Robbie vocals, he was really good. Having two great vocalists in a prog band is a rare deal.
Agree....Walsh is easily in my top ten of all time. Fantastic rock vocalist.
@@nicksm7980 I have studied Steve Walsh's and Lou Gramm's (very similar) vocal technique. They have more of an Operetta style technique. You can hear it in the way they tune their vowels. Steve's "oo" vowel cuts through like a laser. Incredible vocalists, both.
Well . . . not "still."
What a bunch of nice, class guys. Such a talent!
This thoughtful and humble man has been an inspiration to me as a musician and human being for over forty years. Thank you, Rich Williams, for being who you are. I’m happy to hear you’ll have no regrets when your long career comes to a close someday. You and Kansas are the class of the rock world and have provided much of the soundtrack to my life and I can never possibly express the full extent of my gratitude. Perhaps the ultimate compliment I can offer is this: When they lay me to rest, Kansas will be playing all day. Loudly.
It's Point of KNOW Return.
Stop being so proggy and let the commoners do their job badly!!!
Thanks for pointing that out. I agree...getting the details right IS important.
Seem's like it's 50 50 spelled both ways.
@@jeffvw1994 50% got it wrong then. It's KNOW
Richard's interviews are so great. I love Kansas! It's Point of Know Return.
What a great humble guy Richard is, long live Kansas!!!
I saw Kansas last night, 9-10-22 in Chandler AZ. They still sound great. I've been listening to Kansas since I was 14...in 1976. Their lyrics are second to none.
Rick Williams played his ass off, as did Phil Ehart on drums...everybody did. This is the first band I remember that incorporated a violin into their music, and it wouldn't be the same without one. The band is still tight and I would see these rock legends wherever I can.
I saw Kansas in Paris, two weeks after seeing Queen... those were the days
That had to have been an incredible experience!
Perhaps THE most underrated rock band ever!
@1manuscriptman The wider audience. And establishment too.
@Ross Meldrum Irrelevant, I'm not talking about individuals.
Boz Ajanovic - Perhaps THE most pompous commenter ever.
@@crusheverything4449 F YOU ASSHOLE! Pompous to you must mean anyone who has thoughtful comments, right?
Underrated? That's ridiculous. I'm thinking you might not have been around while KANSAS was in it's prime.
I'm at a point where I think that anyone who uses the word "underrated" while discussing great musical
artists is really not a music fan. They're a "groupie" of their artist of the day.
All of them, past and present, just real people and immensely talented.
Hello from Topeka. Richard, I remember when you guys came out..it was so cool to have a band from Topeka become popular...and not only that an awesomely talented band! Thank You for the great music you guys shared with us, and Thanks for giving honor to the state!! Great Interview!!
I met Rich Williams 2X , a great humble man .
Very cool! Rich is well-spoken, and his healthy approach to the band, music, and life shows in his own health and longevity. It all works together.
Had to run the last two miles from the school bus to crank on Kansas at full volume for twenty minutes before my parents got home. Finally blew the speakers! Worth it.
I blew my car speakers cranking up The Devil Game. Yep. Worth it.
Truly a unique band.
So many great songs. Thanks Guys.
Thanks for the Great Music!
I'm 54 and I'll always be stuck in the music I loved in junior high school. These guys were so ahead of their time and so original...to this day, no one sounds like Kansas. They have so many great songs on each album, many which were not hits, like "Got to Rock On", "Andi", "Everybody's My Friend", "Don't Take Your Love Away", and even the 'minor hit' songs like "All I Wanted", "Play The Game Tonight", and the whole of LeftOverture and Point Of Know Return. Steve Walsh is one of the most underrated lead singers of rock history and deserves more acclaim.
Steve Walsh IN HIS hey DAY WAS THE greatest ROCK voclalist better THAN Freddie mercury!!!!
@@frankderudder7290 Freddie never did handstands on a keyboard!!😃😄
@@spuds6423 NO he didnt!! Steve was always my favorite singer!!
@@frankderudder7290 A while back before Steve left Kansas (again for retirement) I ran into him at the NYS Fair and showed him my "Streets" lp . He was so shocked that someone still actually had it!!
He signed it but was still beside himself for a minute or two 😂😅
@@spuds6423 wow!! Yeah he was with them in 83 I think when he left kansas!! Funny THING billy greer then turned out to join Kansas!! I think streets only put out 1 album and not 2 many copies sold! I guess he was shocked!!!
Thank you Rich.
Thank you Kansas!
So many great memorys. thanks guys
Thanks Mr Williams for being such an integral member of the band that was the biggest influence of my life. From song for America to Lamplight symphony & beyond too many favs to name here. Sound great live too.
Saw them live 3 years ago and they were blazingly great. Accomplished musicians and rock to the core.
Wow, how many people have that drive, the knowledge they are doing what they were born to do, leave a legacy like this music and decide to humbly walk away when the time comes? That's what you call life well-lived.
Thank you Rich. Thank you forever
Kansas has been a major influence on me as a musician. Point of no return was the first album I heard from them, and that one song was all it took!!! It has also been as huge influence for my son as well. Thank you Rich, for being who you are, and part of the greatest band in history!!!
My favorite Kansas album. Saw that tour in 1977. Thanks for the interview Rich.I always wondered why you wore an eye patch.
....and Rich, you were(are) an integral part of the Kansas Legacy. May God grant you good health...forever. I have always enjoyed your guitar talents. I still have the "Kansas" cassette tape that I purchased in 1975 &..it *still* plays. "Song For America" playing through my then upscale Pioneer SuperTuner Stereo in my 1972 Chevelle.
Wow, just wow. What an eloquent speaker is Mr. Williams. It takes all of the band members to create a sound and RW was just as integral a part of Kansas as every other player. Thank you for the music that you've given us over the decades, sir.
Wow. What a great guy. It's nice to find out that the person behind the music you love is very a solid person, with his head on straight.
I literally wore out "Leftoverture"
Two For The Show!! 😁
Rich, you look great! Keep up the good work.
I've hung out with Richard Williams. He's good people.
Is he schizophrenic?
Wow! This is one of the most thoughtful musicians I have ever heard. Seems like he managed to find his destiny with many like minded and talented artists.
God love you Rich! I had the honor of shaking your hand at the meet and greet before the show at the Genessee Waukegan IL. gig this past Saturday and I was almost in tears with joy. Out of all the band members, save for Phil, of course who wasn't there, YOU were the one that I most resonated with (being that I am a fellow guitarist) The way you orchestrate your every move on stage, you are akin to Niel Peart in your musical discipline. A true to life renaissance guitarist! It was such a surreal experience after handshaking you, (which by the way, the road manager told us NOT to initiate any fist bumps, bro hugs, handshakes...) YOU stretched out your arm to ME! You asked me if I was local and I replied "not anymore!" I thought to myself "this man has played in THOUSANDS of cities strumming countless chords and here now I have the chance to touch a piece of walking breathing HISTORY! Surreal it was...
From the bottom of my heart Rich, it was an HONOR to have met you and although I shared but a minute of my time with you that concert afternoon, the memory will last me a LIFETIME!
Kansas superfan here this has been the soundtrack of my adulthood 😎
First concert...Kansas.
Wow! What a show.
Thank you fellas.
God bless.
Seen them like 5times you get your money's worth
I met Mr. Williams in a nightclub in Atlanta years ago, I wanta say Robby Steinhardt was there too. It's was a long time ago and my memory is out of wack.. but I'll never forget meet Mr Williams and thanking him for all the amazing music he has given us..
One of my favorite rock groups growing up and going to high school in the 70's. It's a disgrace the R&R HOF do not induct these incredible artists. Their unique sound. The best!
He looks to be in better shape than when I saw the band in 1978
It was the 1990s he really overweight, thank God he overcame all that
Point of Know return.
Makes a difference. It’s the point of known boundaries. Now you know and there’s no going back.
I was priveledged to see them several times. Absolute best concert I ever saw was Kansas at the New Years Eve Tostitos Bowl block party weekend. I dropped the kids off at my mom's and my wife and I went to check it out.... they had stages set up all over and I remembered there were some big names that would play, but none that really excited me. We were just milling about when an announcer came out to the stage we were walking by and said (into a mic) "up next is Dr. Ruth!" So we started walking away a bit quicker when a bunch of long haired guys come running out and I start thinking "wait a minute, this does not quite seem right..." so we slowed down and watched and they started covering 70s rock hits, they were pretty good! Around an hour later they finished and we were just about to start wondering again when the announcer comes out again and says "don't go away, up next is Kansas!!" I'd already been fooled by the Dr. Ruth announcement, but just in case we moved closer to the stage... was a bit of a wait, but sure enough, out comes Kansas!! Saw the whole show from the edge of the stage!! Completely blown away!! And to this day the thing that impressed me the most was their instruments. I've seen literally hundres of concerts from 84 to 92 but I was struck by how special their instruments were, literal works of art.
I have had a new appreciation for classic rock and bands like Kansas. I am 61 and blessed to be a teenager all through those classic rock years in the 70s. We were so spoiled, we didn't realize this turned out to be some of the best rock if not music in general of the last 50 years. LIke Heart or Journey , the stakes were high then and the talent level needed to be way above par to keep the public excited. Just like a song like Point of No Return, or Journey's Stoned in Love, these songs never get old. Music you want to crank up in your car stereo and sing along. These are the only songs that satisfy a music craving I have. That is the power of rock and Kansas knew out to unleash it as good or better than the others who ruled then.
You guys have always been underrated and overlooked by the mainstream and deserve so much more than you've been given by them.
That's ok, we true Kansas fans know artistry and talent when we see and hear it!
God bless you sir. I have...and will all ways be....a life long Kansas fan..... until I see what is on the other side....
I was so happy to shake his hand after show in Poland. Great man, great musician and part of history.
Point of KNOW Return. Loved that Album!!!
Ive seen Kansas twice. Both were awesome shows. CARRY ON!!
I saw them 2x in my home state of Kansas, special nights!
@@brianruyack7632
That would be cool.
So many really good songs, and they really accomplished their goal of being different. Great career and not they are now a part of our lives and a part of who we are. Those of us who grew up with bands like this are different ourselves. Different in what we like, what we enjoy, what we feel about a generation that was more cohesive and accepting of each other. We came together through music like theirs, not because we were forced to be together, but because we learned even the geeks can have bands that cater to them. Now I think that is what separates us from the generations to follow that don't want to be different. They want to be the same and to force everyone else to be the same as they are.
There is a moral/virtual superiority that our children are claiming over our generation and I sometimes think it would be nice to live long enough to see the generation after them tell them how terrible they were.
Thanks for your music!
Rock and roll never dies!
Rich Williams is a classic rock legend! I was very fortunate to shake his hand in 2011.
Kansas: greatest band ever!
Nice Richard,,,,,very well said and I wish you the best....
Got to see them in a club in Beaumont TX in 93, they played like they were in an arena, great show!
Pure class pure raw talent is Kansas. ❤️
Been a fan since 1975- Will be in the 14th row in October- 43 years later! Thank you to one of the LEGACY rock groups of all time!
I have been a Kansas fan since I was in High School (over 40 years) and I only had seen Rich and all the guys from the back of amphitheaters'. I finally got to meet him after a concert a few years back and all I could come up with is "hey your Rich Williams" and he said "Hey your right". Boy I wish I could get that conversation back. In the immortal words of Bugs Bunny...."What a maroon". I'm talking me not Rich!!
Richard Williams...a class act!!!
MY FAVORITE GROUP SINCE 1979 KANSAS IS GREAT.
My wife and I have been fans since day one in KC. We'll be leaving Colorado to be in the pit July 25 for our 45th anniversary (a surprise to my wife). KANSAS, so many of your songs have great meaning in key parts of our lives. Can't wait for the concert and the Wheat & Greet. Thank you Mr. Williams for this video.
My dad’s name was Richard Williams so this guy automatically has a special place in my heart! I love Kansas. Thanks for all the great music.
Great interview! Thanks for the great music Kansas!
I remember as a kid how absolutely fascinated I was with the artwork on the Point Of No Return album, seeing it again now I still am
I painted a water color of it when I was in high school.
I've gone through stages with Kansas. As a 15, 16 yr old teen, I was obsessed with "Leftoverture," then "Point of Know Return." I listened to both of these albums for years and years. Then I stopped listening to Kansas, back to listening to them again, then stopping. I'm happy to say I'm back to listening to "Leftoverture," again and again. "Point of Know Return," also. "Leftoverture" has so much beautiful music filled with amazing thought provoking, intense lyrics built into the perfect rock song. Songs like "Miracles out of Nowhere," "The Wall," "What's on My Mind," and "Wayward Son." I can write paragraphs about Kansas.
Lien to their earlier albums like Masque and Song for America and the debut. Killer albums.
"There's just something about songs in the key of F that sound different." Very well stated, Rich. Thanks for positing this!
Wonderful interview. Kansas was one of my very favorite Bands. Very Awesome instrumental and deep meaning thought provoking lyrics. With phenomenal vocals
a true pro in every sense of the word...
One of the greatest rock bands ever🙏🕯
Kansas should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
I am from Kansas... Wichita... and I remember 'White Clover'... and I knew people who knew people.. and I remember Kerry Livgren working for Jenkins Music store in Wichita, Kansas... I have been a musician myself for 50 odd years now, mostly for the same reasons here. Seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan was a huge part and our dad wrote his own piano based music. We thought everyone did it... Cant imagine not writing, playing, recording music. Its not a hobby, its a passion.
drmorq got arrested at a nude bar in Wichita/ El Dorado area after punching a biker as hard as I could and the cops told us to leave then 10 feet from pulling out was stopped by them for DUI 😂😂😂. Loved the state of Kansas though while at Fort Riley. Cheers.
Rich Williams is one of the best rock guitar players. His combination of rhythm and lead point and counterpoint drives every song and really makes them rock.
Topeka, kansas the soil must be really good you and the band are the salt of the earth and no wonder you and the guys felt like you were on a sea journey navigating the saltwater high seas of life long experiences......... Thank you and the rest of the band for awesome music to grow up on back in the 70' s and onward......
In 1977, as a child I owned four albums from Chicago, Boston, Doobie Brothers and Leftoverture from Kansas. I moved from NY to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands where there were NO rock radio stations...NONE,. Record stores did NOT carry AOR based rock. It was the rise of the Disco era, a literal rock desert island. My mother worked every day, and I didn't have any friends because we lived on the far end of the island, so I sat at home and played albums like Leftoverture over and over and over, learning every single note and nuance of each instrument by heart. We were too poor to get me a guitar then, so I played drums on a composition notebook with two Bic pens. I was pretty good too, the ink would often explode after an intense "session." When we moved back to the states a few years later, I had to buy every Kansas record made and again, learned every single note by heart. Finally, I got a bass and guitar and learned the instruments by playing along with Kansas albums. I always say, learn the challenging stuff first, rest will be a breeze. The band was kind of a "friend" to me as a kid. The music spoke to me and encouraged me to play well. Today at 53, when I'm in the mood to jam, I'll throw on some Kansas, grab my bass or guitar and just have the best fun playing music that always makes my ears happy.
Remember seeing White Clover play ONE BLOCK WEST, a rock bar Kansas City Kansas don't remember the year, have seen KANSAS 20 times all around Kansas City, tough to see the health issues, because it means I am old too. ROCK ON GUYS
GOT TO ROCK ON
A true American treasure!
Still after all these years......AMAZING!
Great band. good memories of my school years in 1978.
My favorite guitar player. Thank you Richard for the Music and the Inspiration.
Great band...… saw them live in late 80's...
these guys were so ahead of their time....thank you Kansas for providing so much incredible music for so long
How much do I love this band? My sixteen year old daughter is named Kansas. She asked me one day, “dad how stoned were you and mom when you decided to name me?” She’s not crazy about her name right now, but hopefully one day she’ll realize how special that name is!
Got a big smile on my face in reading this.I hope she appreciates how cool her name is.
You're for me Rich! Big fan! Going to see you at Busch Gardens Saturday night, can't wait!
Rich, I love this interview. I have a lot of respect for you both as a musician and just an all around good guy. Every time I have texted you, you’ve always taken the time out of your busy schedule to answer me. Thank you for everything.
Rick
Saw them in St.Louis last year......They F'N Rocked!!!!
Awesome band! So glad I got to grow up with this music! We had Rush, Boston, Judas Priest, UFO, Pat Travers, Scorpions, Dirty Tricks, Molly Hatchet, Legs Diamond, Point Blank, AC/DC, Van Halen and the list goes on and on! made me the guitar player I am today!
Just saw you guys in your absolute glory last weekend Rich!!! Total bucket list for me...meet & greet & front row....A NIGHT I'll never forget!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!
I love Richard. Underrated guitarist because he isnt in front
Such a good guy-and hell of a musician!
He’s special👊🏻😎
Who would give anything to see the original "MAGNIFICENT SIX" reunite for one last time on an epic stage?
For me, Kansas will always be....
Kerry Livgren
Steve Walsh
Robbie Steinhardt
Richard Williams
Dave Hope
Phil Ehart
A class act! Keep carrying on! Thanks for all the great tunes over the years. Kansas in the late 70s blew me away. Man, you guys were beyond awesome!
I saw Kansas once in the 1990s but I had front-row I was absolutely Blown Away!!
I saw Kansas live at a fair sans Steve Walsh, Kerry Livgren, and Robby Steinhardt, but it was still magical as I imagined them being there. I am glad I finally saw them.
Steve is THE BEST always and forever!!
Great interview. Seems like a real genuine guy.