The band KANSAS announces that guitarist Zak Rizvi has resigned and that he looks forward to pursuing new projects.
We thank Zak for his many contributions throughout the years and we wish him well in his future endeavors.
KANSAS carries on with original member Phil Ehart on drums, original member Richard Williams on guitar, Billy Greer on bass and vocals, David Ragsdale on violin, guitar and vocals, Ronnie Platt on lead vocals and keyboards, and Tom Brislin on keyboards and vocals.
PREORDER MARCH 26 AT KANSASBAND.COM
MARCH 17th, 2021 – KANSAS, America’s legendary progressive rock band, will release their new live album Point of Know Return Live & Beyond on May 28, 2021. This is the first live album since 2017 for the band that has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and is famous for classic hits such as ‘Carry On Wayward Son’ and ‘Dust in the Wind,’ to progressive epics like ‘Song for America.’ The band released a teaser for the live album here https://youtu.be/6s0kt7BfadM.
Fans can preorder starting March 26, by visiting www.kansasband.com.
Point of Know Return Live & Beyond is co-produced by Phil Ehart and Richard Williams, and is recorded and mixed by Chad Singer. The album features 22 songs selected from 12 shows recorded in 2019 and 2020 during KANSAS’s Point of Know Return Anniversary Tour. The setlist includes classic hits, deep cuts, and culminates with the band’s sextuple-platinum album, Point of Know Return, performed in its entirety.
Following the success of the band’s Leftoverture Anniversary Tour, KANSAS followed that tour up with the even more popular Point of Know Return Anniversary Tour. The overwhelming success of that tour, and the previous live album, Leftoverture Live & Beyond, led the band, along with Inside Out Music, to release selected songs from the tour as a live album.
“We knew we wanted to release a live album of the Point of Know Return Anniversary Tour. Being unable to tour for more than a year has given us the opportunity to work on Point of Know Return Live & Beyond and release it for our fans who are missing live concerts as much as we are,” said KANSAS drummer and album co-producer, Phil Ehart. “When we discussed who would mix the album, we thought the best possible person would be the guy who mixes the band live every night and recorded the shows on the road. Nobody knows better how KANSAS sounds live than our front of house engineer, Chad Singer!”
“This live album sounds great,” adds KANSAS guitarist and album co-producer, Richard Williams. “We wanted to make sure this album captures and represents how KANSAS sounds live in concert. Point of Know Return Live & Beyond does just that.”
Along with original KANSAS band members Phil Ehart on drums and Richard Williams on lead guitar, Point of Know Return Live & Beyond, features Tom Brislin on keyboards and vocals, Billy Greer on bass and vocals, Ronnie Platt on lead vocals and keyboards, David Ragsdale on violin and vocals, and Zak Rizvi on guitar and vocals.
Point of Know Return Live & Beyond, will be released May 28, 2021, on Inside Out Music and is distributed by The Orchard. The album will be available as a double CD digipak, triple 180-gram vinyl + 2 CD box-set, and digitally on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, iTunes, and other fine digital retailers.
Point of Know Return Live & Beyond Track Listing:
When touring resumes, KANSAS will continue rescheduled Point of Know Return Anniversary Tour dates as well as KANSAS Classics tour dates. More information on the tour, including specific Point of Know Return Anniversary Tour dates, can be found at www.kansasband.com.
For more information on KANSAS, Point of Know Return Live & Beyond, touring, and the Point of Know Return Anniversary Tour, please visit:
www.kansasband.com
www.facebook.com/kansasband
www.twitter.com/kansasband
www.instagram.com/kansasband
www.youtube.com/kansas
Press Contact:
Natalie Schaffer | Big Picture Media
40 W. 29th Street, Suite 401 | New York, NY 10001
Office: 212-675-3103 | [email protected]
Dayna Ghiraldi | Big Picture Media
40 W. 29th Street, Suite 401 | New York, NY 10001
Office: 212-675-3103 | [email protected]
#4 CURRENT ROCK ALBUMS
#10 BILLBOARD TOP ALBUMS
#10 TOP CURRENT ALBUMS
#2 UK ROCK ALBUMS
JULY 29, 2020 – ‘The Absence of Presence’, the recently released, new studio album from America’s legendary progressive rock band, KANSAS, made an impressive charting debut on the Billboard album charts. In the US alone, the album currently holds the #4 spot for Current Rock Albums, #5 Internet Albums, #10 Billboard Top Albums, and #10 Top Current Albums. Worldwide, ‘The Absence of Presence’ came in at the top spot for Sweden Rock/Metal Albums Chart, #2 for UK Rock Albums, and #4 Switzerland Albums Chart.
Released to fan and critical acclaim, ‘The Absence of Presence’ is now available to stream and purchase at: https://kansas.lnk.to/TheAbsenceofPresence. The album has been widely praised for its musicianship and dedication to classic KANSAS sound. From Forbes, and Billboard to American Songwriter, critics have called it one of the best albums in the KANSAS catalogue.
Previous to the album’s release, the band released songs and music videos for the singles “Memories Down the Line”, “Jets Overhead”, and “Throwing Mountains”.
“Now that ‘The Absence of Presence’ has officially been released, we are excited for fans to finally hear the entire album,” commented lead vocalist Ronnie Platt. “The band is very proud of the album and grateful for KANSAS fans’ support of it. Hopefully it gives fans something to sink their teeth into and enjoy until we can get back out performing concerts.”
Billboard.com first announced the new album during an exclusive interview with KANSAS drummer and “The Absence of Presence” co-producer Phil Ehart: http://bit.ly/KansasBillboardTAoP.
“The Absence of Presence” follows-up 2016’s “The Prelude Implicit,” which debuted at #14 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart. KANSAS has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, and is famous for classic hits such as ‘Carry On Wayward Son’ and ‘Dust in the Wind’ to the progressive epic ‘Song for America.’
“The Absence of Presence,” released by Inside Out Music, features nine all new tracks written by the band, produced by Zak Rizvi, and co-produced by Phil Ehart and Richard Williams. KANSAS’s signature sound is unmistakable throughout. The album showcases Ronnie Platt’s towering vocals, David Ragsdale’s searing violin, Tom Brislin’s dazzling keyboards, Williams and Rizvi’s electrifying guitar riffs, Ehart’s powerful drums, and Billy Greer’s rocking bass.
The album is available on CD, Double LP 180 Gram Vinyl, Limited Edition Deluxe CD + 5.1 Blu-Ray Artbook, and digitally on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and all other streaming services. To stream or purchase, please visit: https://kansas.lnk.to/TheAbsenceofPresence
“The Absence of Presence will be the next album offering from prog rock veterans Kansas, who have been more present than absent in recent years.”
“Longtime, hardcore fans will roar with approval at the precise musicianship, contemplative lyrics, soaring vocals with tight harmonies, intricate arrangements, memorable riffs, complex changes, and majestic musical passages in the album’s nine songs.”
JULY 17, 2020 – KANSAS, America’s legendary progressive rock band, has released their long awaited new studio album “The Absence of Presence” today through Inside Out Music. Fans can now purchase and stream the album at https://kansas.lnk.to/TheAbsenceofPresence.
The album is also available at Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and Independent Record Stores. Find a Walmart near you that is carrying the album at https://kansas-absenceofpresence.webflow.io/
The album has been widely praised for its musicianship and dedication to classic KANSAS sound. From Billboard to American Songwriter, critics have called it one of the best albums in the KANSAS catalogue.
Previous to the album’s release, the band released songs and music videos for the singles “Memories Down the Line”, “Jets Overhead”, and “Throwing Mountains”.
“We are really excited for our fans to be able to finally be able to hear ‘The Absence of Presence in full,’” says KANSAS lead vocalist Ronnie Platt. “I think people will really be surprised by the album. ‘The Absence of Presence’ shows the band firing on all cylinders.”
Billboard.com first announced the new album during an exclusive interview with KANSAS drummer and “The Absence of Presence” co-producer Phil Ehart: http://bit.ly/KansasBillboardTAoP.
“The Absence of Presence” follows-up 2016’s “The Prelude Implicit,” which debuted at #14 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart. KANSAS has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, and is famous for classic hits such as ‘Carry On Wayward Son’ and ‘Dust in the Wind’ to the progressive epic ‘Song for America.’
“The Absence of Presence,” released by Inside Out Music, features nine all new tracks written by the band, produced by Zak Rizvi, and co-produced by Phil Ehart and Richard Williams. KANSAS’s signature sound is unmistakable throughout. The album showcases Ronnie Platt’s towering vocals, David Ragsdale’s searing violin, Tom Brislin’s dazzling keyboards, Williams and Rizvi’s electrifying guitar riffs, Ehart’s powerful drums, and Billy Greer’s rocking bass.
The album is available on CD, Double LP 180 Gram Vinyl, Limited Edition Deluxe CD + 5.1 Blu-Ray Artbook, and digitally on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and all other streaming services. To stream or purchase, please visit: https://kansas.lnk.to/TheAbsenceofPresence
“The Absence of Presence” Track Listing:
In the interest of rapidly developing public health concerns and warnings due to the Coronavirus, recent KANSAS tour dates are postponed and being rescheduled. For more information on your specific date, visit: https://bit.ly/2zFSVRf
Follow KANSAS
www.facebook.com/kansasband
www.twitter.com/kansasband
www.instagram.com/kansasband
www.youtube.com/kansas
Press Contact
Natalie Schaffer | Big Picture Media
195 Broadway, Suite 341. Brooklyn NY 11211
Office: 212-675-3103 | [email protected]
Due to unforeseen manufacturing issues beyond the band and label’s control, the new Kansas album, ‘The Absence of Presence’, has moved the release date to July 17th 2020. We are incredibly sorry about the inconvenience this may cause.
KANSAS RELEASES NEW SONG AND MUSIC VIDEO FOR “JETS OVERHEAD”
TAKEN FROM THE BAND’S NEW ALBUM ‘THE ABSENCE OF PRESENCE’
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 26, 2020
LISTEN AND WATCH
‘THE ABSENCE OF PRESENCE’ NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER
“Longtime, hardcore fans will roar with approval at the precise musicianship, contemplative lyrics, soaring vocals with tight harmonies, intricate arrangements, memorable riffs, complex changes, and majestic musical passages in the album’s nine songs.” – American Songwriter
“This is a beautifully-executed and classy album of rare superiority, and it will no doubt bring you much listening comfort in these times of uncertainty.” – The Prog Report
JUNE 5, 2020 – KANSAS, America’s legendary progressive rock band, has released another new song and music video for their song “Jets Overhead” taken from the band’s highly anticipated new studio album “The Absence of Presence” out June 26, 2020 through Inside Out Music. Fans can listen and watch the music video at this link: https://bit.ly/2BswEXn
“Jets Overhead” has become one of my favorite songs on the album, says KANSAS Guitarist Zak Rizvi, who wrote the music for the song. “Tom Brislin wrote some fantastic lyrics, David Ragsdale‘s violin solo is absolutely smoking, and Ronnie Platt nailed the vocals.”
“Jets Overhead” follows the release of “Memories Down the Line”, which was released on May 15. Fans can stream the song and watch the video here:
In April, they released the song and music video for “Throwing Mountains”, which can be seen here:
.
The band gave fans a sneak preview of what they can expect to hear on the album with this sampler video: https://bit.ly/KSTAOPprev.
Today, ‘The Absence of Presence’ is available for pre-order.
“We are really excited for our fans to be able to get a taste of what is to come from ‘The Absence of Presence,’” says KANSAS lead vocalist Ronnie Platt. “I think people will really be surprised by the album. ‘The Absence of Presence’ shows the band firing on all cylinders.”
Billboard.com first announced the new album during an exclusive interview with KANSAS drummer and “The Absence of Presence” co-producer Phil Ehart: http://bit.ly/KansasBillboardTAoP.
“The Absence of Presence” follows-up 2016’s “The Prelude Implicit,” which debuted at #14 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart. KANSAS has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, and is famous for classic hits such as ‘Carry On Wayward Son’ and ‘Dust in the Wind’ to the progressive epic ‘Song for America.’
“The Absence of Presence,” released by Inside Out Music, features nine all new tracks written by the band, produced by Zak Rizvi, and co-produced by Phil Ehart and Richard Williams. KANSAS’s signature sound is unmistakable throughout. The album showcases Ronnie Platt’s towering vocals, David Ragsdale’s searing violin, Tom Brislin’s dazzling keyboards, Williams and Rizvi’s electrifying guitar riffs, Ehart’s powerful drums, and Billy Greer’s rocking bass.
“The Absence of Presence” will be released June 26, 2020, on Inside Out Music and is distributed by The Orchard. The album will be available on CD, Double LP 180 Gram Vinyl, Limited Edition Deluxe CD + 5.1 Blu-Ray Artbook, and digitally on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and all other streaming services.
To pre-order ‘The Absence of Presence’, visit: https://kansas.lnk.to/TheAbsenceofPresence
“The Absence of Presence” Track Listing:
Follow KANSAS
Press Contact
Natalie Schaffer | Big Picture Media
195 Broadway, Suite 341. Brooklyn NY 11211
Office: 212-675-3103 | [email protected]
Due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, the Point of Know Return Anniversary European Tour scheduled for October & November 2020 has been postponed until October & November 2021. New dates are listed below.
While we are disappointed at the need to reschedule, KANSAS is excited to bring the Point of Know Return Anniversary Tour to our European fans in 2021.
Keep your tickets. Tickets for 2020 concerts will be honored for the rescheduled concert in 2021.
October 12, 2021 – Frankfurt, Germany – Jahrhunderthalle
October 13, 2021 – Hamburg, Germany – Docks
October 15, 2021 – Helsinki, Finland – Culture House
October 16, 2021 – Tampere, Finland – Tamperetalo
October 18, 2021 – Stockholm, Sweden – Cirkus
October 20, 2021 – Oslo, Norway – Sentrum Scene
October 22, 2021 – Berlin, Germany – Tempodrom
October 23, 2021 – Bochum, Germany – RuhrCongress
October 27, 2021 – Munich, Germany – Circus Krone
October 28, 2021 – Heilbronn, Germany – Harmonie
October 30, 2021 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Carre Theatre
October 31, 2021 – Brussels, Belgium – Cirque Royal
November 2, 2021 – Paris, France – L’Olympia Theatre
November 4, 2021 – London, England – Palladium
The Jukebox Heroes Tour 2020 with Foreigner, Kansas, and Europe will no longer be taking place. Ticket holders will be emailed directly with their refund options. Visit www.livenation.com/
KANSAS RELEASES NEW SONG AND MUSIC VIDEO FOR “MEMORIES DOWN THE LINE”
TAKEN FROM THE BAND’S NEW ALBUM ‘THE ABSENCE OF PRESENCE’
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 26, 2020
LISTEN AND WATCH
‘THE ABSENCE OF PRESENCE’
“Longtime, hardcore fans will roar with approval at the precise musicianship, contemplative lyrics, soaring vocals with tight harmonies, intricate arrangements, memorable riffs, complex changes, and majestic musical passages in the album’s nine songs.” – American Songwriter
MAY 15, 2020 – KANSAS, America’s legendary progressive rock band, has released a new song and music video for their song “Memories Down the Line” taken from the band’s highly anticipated new studio album “The Absence of Presence” out June 26, 2020 through Inside Out Music. Fans can listen and watch the music video at this link: https://bit.ly/KansasMemoriesVid
“‘Memories Down the Line’ starts out as a piano-based rock ballad; It builds dynamically to a more powerful sound that still has a sense of longing to it,” comments KANSAS keyboardist Tom Brislin. “Lyrically, I was intrigued by the concept of not only passing down one’s physical traits from generation to generation, but also the experiences that shape us. As with a number of coincidences occurring with this album, I had no idea we would be living through unforgettable times, when the song would be released.”
“We are living during a time when people are doing a lot of reflecting – reflecting on past memories, or the memories they are making right now,” adds KANSAS Lead vocalist Ronnie Platt. “‘Memories Down the Line’ really makes one consider the importance of sharing our experiences with those who come after us. I love the sincerity of the song.”
The band gave fans a sneak preview of what they can expect to hear on the album with this sampler video: https://bit.ly/KSTAOPprev.
Today, ‘The Absence of Presence’ is available for pre-order.
Last month they released the song and music video for “Throwing Mountains”, which can be seen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMOX5rSFb18
“We are really excited for our fans to be able to get a taste of what is to come from ‘The Absence of Presence,’” says KANSAS lead vocalist Ronnie Platt. “I think people will really be surprised by the album. ‘The Absence of Presence’ shows the band firing on all cylinders.”
Billboard.com first announced the new album during an exclusive interview with KANSAS drummer and “The Absence of Presence” co-producer Phil Ehart: http://bit.ly/KansasBillboardTAoP.
“The Absence of Presence” follows-up 2016’s “The Prelude Implicit,” which debuted at #14 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart. KANSAS has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, and is famous for classic hits such as ‘Carry On Wayward Son’ and ‘Dust in the Wind’ to the progressive epic ‘Song for America.’
“The Absence of Presence,” released by Inside Out Music, features nine all new tracks written by the band, produced by Zak Rizvi, and co-produced by Phil Ehart and Richard Williams. KANSAS’s signature sound is unmistakable throughout. The album showcases Ronnie Platt’s towering vocals, David Ragsdale’s searing violin, Tom Brislin’s dazzling keyboards, Williams and Rizvi’s electrifying guitar riffs, Ehart’s powerful drums, and Billy Greer’s rocking bass.
“The Absence of Presence” will be released June 26, 2020, on Inside Out Music and is distributed by The Orchard. The album will be available on CD, Double LP 180 Gram Vinyl, Limited Edition Deluxe CD + 5.1 Blu-Ray Artbook, and digitally on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and all other streaming services.
To pre-order ‘The Absence of Presence’, visit: https://kansas.lnk.to/TheAbsenceofPresence
“The Absence of Presence” Track Listing:
Follow KANSAS
Press Contact
Natalie Schaffer | Big Picture Media
195 Broadway, Suite 341. Brooklyn NY 11211
Office: 212-675-3103 | [email protected]