Robby Steinhardt, founding member of Kansas passed away yesterday at 71.
Kansas was a great live band. I first saw them back in 1975 at Winterland in SF. They opened for Blue Oyster Cult and Link Wray. Back then, they were fairly new to us. At that time, they were touring Masque. I remember walking in and seeing the stage covered in Persian rugs and packed with equipment. Even after all these years, I remember really enjoying that show. After that, I think that we saw them maybe twice more. They kind of lost me after Wayward Son. Although, like BöC, I have a lot of bootlegs because they were such a good live band.
Here is a clip from a Don Kirsher Rock Concert show in 1975. Robby Steinhardt front and center. They could rock!
It was fall 1976 when I went to see my 1st Kansas show, they were backed up by The Earl Slick Band and Be Bop Deluxe. Robby was a brilliant violinist and vocalist, the combination of his and Steve Walsh's voice was something to behold. And Kerry Livgren's songs as well - prog rock in the melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, plus lyrics which were deep and hit on many levels. I was lucky to see the band several times in the late 70s, and they were incredible live as well as on record. We will miss you Robby, but your music and your voice live on!
Tom