Classic rock band cancels concerts as singer battles cancer

A classic rock band has canceled two concerts after its lead singer was diagnosed with cancer.

Kansas vocalist Ronnie Platt revealed last week that he needs time off for thyroid cancer treatments, but assured fans that it’s “just a bump in the road.”

“Before everyone gets all excited, it has a 99% survival rate [and] it has not spread,” he wrote. “It’s contained to my thyroid [and] I just have to have my thyroid removed. [I’ll] go through some rehab time and be right back in the saddle. I sincerely appreciate everyone’s positive thoughts and prayers. I have some absolutely amazing people going to bat for me. As it has been put to me, this is just a bump in the road and will be behind me very soon! So everyone, please CARRY ON!”

Kansas canceled scheduled performances for Friday in New Orleans and March 1 in Lake Charles, Louisiana “due to band illness and doctor advisement.”

“The band apologizes for the inconvenience and hopes to be back on the road soon,” a statement said. “All tickets will be refunded at point of purchase.”

Platt, 62, has been the lead singer of Kansas since former frontman Steve Walsh retired in 2014. Walsh sang the progressive rock group’s biggest hits, including “Carry On Wayward Son,” “Dust in the Wind” and “Point of Know Return.”

Platt sang lead vocals on Kansas’ last two studio albums, 2020’s “The Absence of Presence” and 2016’s “The Prelude Implicit,” plus two live albums. Platt previously performed in Chicago-based cover bands and the Kansas City-based rock group Shooting Star.

Kansas is currently scheduled to resume performing next month on the ‘70s Rock and Romance Cruise beginning March 15. They celebrated their 50th anniversary tour last year.

Later this year, Kansas will return to Upstate New York for an Aug. 15 concert at Batavia Downs. Tickets are on sale starting at $35.