Published: June 26, 2008 11:32 pm      

Kansas makes way to Ashland

Group’s popularity is increasing with help of video game

ASHLAND — Classic rock will make an appearance at Summer Motion in the form of a concert by Kansas on Wednesday.

Known for such hits as “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Point of No Return” during the mid- to late ’70s, the Topeka, Kan.-based group has been enjoying a revival of popularity recently, although it could be argued their popularity has never waned.

Just one day before their Ashland show, the band, which has sold more than 20 million albums in the United States, will release its 30th anniversary edition of “Two for the Show,” a double CD package with a 24-page full-color booklet expanding the 1978 concert double album to two CDs with 10 previously unreleased live cuts.

Leading up to the band’s show in Ashland, Kansas toured Europe, including shows in Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Sweden, Denmark and Bulgaria.

Lead guitarist and original member Rich Williams said he has high hopes for the European tour and the band’s current status in the tour countries.

“Touring here has always gone well in the past,” he said.

However, Williams said it’s not a surprise Kansas has maintained popularity and found a new audience in a generation of listeners not even born when the band first made its mark.

In part, that phenomenon may be attributed to Guitar Hero. Williams said at first, he didn’t know any Kansas music was being used in the PlayStation game.

“I was informed that (‘Carry On Wayward Son’) was being used but didn’t really become aware until the game was sent to me to demo,” he said. “Since Guitar Hero II’s release, we have had an army of preteen to college kids in the front row. It’s very inspiring.”

In the Ashland show, all but one is an original band member, but the lineup has changed over the years. Williams said making the decision about how to replace a member is tough.

“There is no formula for that,” he said. “It’s been a case-by-case basis — panic, followed by scrambling and worry. Eventually, common sense and simple deduction prevail.”

Meanwhile, the status of Kansas as a classic rock supergroup keeps a firm hold, building its audience from an ever-growing crop of youth.

“I’m grateful, but not surprised that a younger audience is still listening to ‘classic rock,’” Williams said. “There is an endless wealth of great music for young ears to discover. We’re just fortunate to be a small part of that discovery.”

LEE WARD can be reached at lward@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2661.