A classic rock band is replacing a longtime member who says he’s “slowing down.”
Kansas announced Wednesday that Scott Bernard is now officially a new member of the group. Bernard has been filling in for original guitarist Rich Williams, who will remain an official member.
“Scott Bernard is a fantastic guitar player, a great guy, and is my hand-picked choice to help carry on the legacy of the band Kansas,” Williams said in a statement. “I am not stepping down nor retiring, but I am slowing down.”
According to Ultimate Classic Rock, the lineup change comes after Kansas wrapped its tour dates with .38 Special. Kansas has more than 30 additional concerts scheduled this fall.
Williams, 75, co-founded Kansas in 1973 and played on the progressive rock band’s biggest hits, including “Carry On Wayward Son,” “Dust in the Wind” and “Play the Game Tonight.” Williams famously lost his right eye in a childhood fireworks accident and wears an eye patch after years of using a prosthetic eye.
Rich Williams of Kansas performs on stage at Pechanga Resort Casino on September 19, 2024 in Temecula, California. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)Getty Images
“Macular degeneration has made travel increasingly difficult to the point where it impedes my ability to get to as many shows as I want. I will still be at, and perform at, as many concerts as I can,” Williams said. Macular degeneration is an eye disease that can cause vision loss in older adults.
Bernard, described as a “Wheathead” by Williams, is a longtime guitarist and vocalist who performed with Kenny Loggins for 17 years including seven as a musical director. He also worked with Michael McDonald, Alan Parsons, Richard Marx, Al Stewart, and Central New York native Joe Bonamassa.
“To say that I am excited to join the Kansas family is quite the understatement,” Bernard said. “As a lifelong Kansas fan, their music has been an integral part of my musical upbringing.”
“My first concert that I attended as a young teen was Kansas and I have closely followed their career ever since. They were and remain my favorite band ever. I am deeply humbled to be chosen to help perpetuate their legacy, which is both a privilege and a surreal experience.”
The rest of Kansas’ current lineup includes vocalist/keyboardist Ronnie Platt, keyboardist/vocalist Tom Brislin, guitarist Zak Rizvi, violinist/guitarist Joe Deninzon and bassist/vocalist Dan McGowan. Eric Holmquist is still filling in on drums after co-founding drummer Phil Ehart suffered a heart attack last year.
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