got to see KANSAS last night on their 40th anniversary of the "leftoverture" album. I've seen them about 15 times over the years but this was the first time since steve walsh retired/left the band....but since he has a new album coming out, i would have to say since he left the band.
anyway, they were on freaking FIRE last night! may have been the best I have ever seen the band. what a great tight sounding band. and man oh man, the freaking setlist.....for a life long wheathead like me, it was glorious. they played stuff spanning their whole career, like they always do, but they even dug deeper into their back catalog than I have ever seen them go.
walsh in his prime is probably my all time favorite singer, or at the worst in my top 3-4. but we all know, especially him, that he hasn't been really able to sing those songs well since the mid 80's. i miss him, but the new guy, ronnie platt, certainly did them justice. he hit all the notes.....his tone isn't quite as pleasant as steve's and even though he hit the notes, they weren't quite as powerful......but damn, considering the shoes he is filling, I totally tip my hat to him!
if you have a chance to see them on this tour, I HIGHLY recommend it! They also hinted that late next year they are considering doing a similar tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of point of know return. that makes me happy as well!