Kansas has found a replacement for one of its members who says he is “slowing down”
Scott Bernard will replace original member and guitarist Richard Williams, Kansas wrote in a statement posted to their website Wednesday.
Bernard has already performed with Kansas at several shows over the past year, filling-in for Williams as needed. The lineup change came after the band wrapped a summer tour alongside 38 Special.
“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.” he added. “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.”
A Los Angeles native, Bernard is a Nashville-based guitarist and singer who has performed alongside Kenny Loggins for 17 years. Bernard has worked with a slew of famous musicians including Michael McDonald, WhiteHeart, John Schlitt, Richard Marx, Al Stewart, Joe Bonamassa, Alan Parsons, Mark Schultz, Michelle Wright, Blue Sky Riders, Terri Clark, Gary Burr, Dave Barnes, Matt Wertz, Shannon Brown, Adam Nitti, Chely Wright, Katrina Elam, Nicole C. Mullen and many others.
“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. He’s not only an incredibly talented guitarist and vocalist, but he’s also a Wheathead.” Williams said.
“I am not stepping down nor retiring. But I am slowing down. 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. “Adding Scott as a member of Kansas, alongside Zak Rizvi on guitar, allows the shows that I’m not at, and Kansas to go on well into the future. When we all three are there, we will all perform. In 1974 we made a statement that ‘Kansas is a Band!’ It was true then and continues to be true now.”
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.
Along with Bernard and Williams, Kansas’ members include vocalist/keyboardist Ronnie Platt, keyboardist/vocalist Tom Brislin, guitarist Zak Rizvi, violinist/guitarist Joe Deninzon, bassist/vocalist Dan McGowan and original drummer Phil Ehart. Eric Holmquist performs on drums while Phil Ehart continues to recover from a major heart attack.
Kansas has concerts booked throughout 2025 and already has shows scheduled for 2026. A full list of concert dates can be found on the band’s website.
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