Kansas Announces Billy Greer’s Departure, New Bassist
After nearly 40 years in the band, Billy Greer has left Kansas. The “Dust in the Wind” rockers announced the news on social media and thanked him for his dedication.
“For 39 years, Billy has been a loyal, dedicated, and immensely talented bandmate. He’s travelled around the world with us including USO tours,” original member Phil Ehart stated. Guitarist Richard Williams added, “He stood shoulder to shoulder with us through both the ups and the downs. His voice, both singing and emceeing, has been a constant with us on stage. The entire KANSAS family will miss him.”
Greer took up the bass for Kansas following Dave Hope’s departure in 1985, making his recorded debut with the group on 1986’s Power. He would stay with the band through thick and thin, cutting six more studio and seven live albums. Aside from original members Ehart and Williams, he was the most tenured member of the band.
The bassist’s final concert with Kansas took place September 1st in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
The band is still on the road and has stated that their tour schedule will not be affected. They’ve already named Dan McGowan the band’s newest member. He’s the singer and guitarist for the prog rock band The Tea Club but has also played bass with Kansas keyboardist Tom Brislin in the band Gold Rotation.
“I am thrilled and honored to be joining KANSAS,” comments McGowan. “I am also deeply aware of the gigantic shoes that I will be filling. Dave Hope and Billy Greer are among the best musicians in rock history. I want the fans to know that I love the music of KANSAS, and I hold it in highest reverence. I am committed to doing justice to the band’s incredible legacy, and I am so grateful for this unbelievable opportunity!”
Kansas 2024 Tour Dates:
| Date | Location | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 13 | Lincoln, CA | The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino |
| Sep 17 | Saratoga, CA | The Mountain Winery |
| Sep 19 | Temecula, CA | Pechanga Resort Casino |
| Sep 20 | Rancho Mirage, CA | Agua Caliente Casino Resort |
| Sep 22 | San Diego, CA | Humphreys Concerts by the Bay |
| Sep 24 | Thousand Oaks, CA | Bank of America Performing Arts Center |
| Sep 27 | Mesa, AZ | Mesa Arts Center |
| Sep 28 | Las Vegas, NV | The Smith Center |
| Oct 4 | Topeka, KS | Topeka Performing Arts Center |
| Oct 5 | Park City, KS | Hartman Arena |
| Oct 11 | Colorado Springs, CO | Pikes Peak Center |
| Oct 12 | Cheyenne, WY | Cheyenne Civic Center |
| Oct 18 | Jackson, MS | Thalia Mara Hall |
| Oct 19 | Shreveport, LA | Shreveport Municipal Auditorium |
| Oct 25 | Midland, TX | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center |
| Oct 26 | Austin, TX | ACL Live at the Moody Theater |
| Nov 1 | Rockford, IL | Coronado Performing Arts Center |
| Nov 2 | Appleton, WI | Fox Cities Performing Arts Center |
| Nov 8 | Peoria, IL | Peoria Civic Center |
| Nov 9 | Joliet, IL | Rialto Square Theatre |
| Nov 15 | Evans, GA | Columbia County Performing Arts Center |
| Nov 16 | Spartanburg, SC | Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium |
| Nov 22 | Paducah, KY | Carson Center for the Performing Arts |
| Nov 23 | Nashville, IN | Brown County Music Center |
| Dec 5 | Fayetteville, NC | Crown Theatre |
| Dec 6 | Roanoke, VA | Berglund Center |
| Dec 8 | Reading, PA | Santander Performing Arts Center |
| Dec 11 | Pittsburgh, PA | Benedum Center |
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
