Billy Greer, the bassist and co-lead vocalist for Kansas, has retired after almost 40 years within the band.
In a message asserting his departure, Kansas thanked Greer for his a long time of service.
“For 39 years, Billy has been a loyal, devoted, and immensely gifted bandmate. He’s traveled around the globe with us together with USO excursions,” drummer Phil Ehart wrote.
Guitarist Richard Williams added that Greer “stood shoulder to shoulder with us by means of each the ups and the downs. His voice, each singing and emceeing, has been a continuing with us on stage. Your complete Kansas household will miss him.”
Who Is Billy Greer?
Although he was not an unique member, Greer’s tenure was the third longest in Kansas historical past behind Ehart and Williams. The bassist joined in 1985, a part of a brand new lineup following the group’s transient hiatus. He appeared on seven of the band’s studio albums: Energy (1986), In The Spirit of Issues (1988), Freaks of Nature (1995), All the time By no means the Similar (1998), Someplace to Elsewhere (2000), The Prelude Implicit (2016) and The Absence of Presence (2020). For the final 18 years, Greer has additionally taken a outstanding function in Kansas’ reside exhibits, serving as emcee.
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“I think about myself fortunate. There have been a few incarnations alongside the best way, however we’ve managed to push by means of the tough instances,” Greer defined throughout a 2023 interview with 100% Rock Journal. “I used to be a part of these tough instances. Within the ‘90s when grunge turned the flavour of the month, that set us on a course for doom.”
“We saved going. These have been some darkish instances. Taking part in small golf equipment from Tuesday by means of Thursday to get to the great gigs on the weekends,” he continued. “It was a tough go for lots of years, however we slowly made our approach again.”
Greer’s ultimate efficiency with Kansas happened Sept. 1 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The band has not introduced a alternative, however assured followers that Greer’s departure “won’t impression any Kansas efficiency scheduling.” The group’s subsequent present is Sept. 7 in Spencer, Iowa.
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Gallery Credit score: David Chiu
