Kansas marked a significant milestone by celebrating the grand finale of their Another Fork in the Road 50th Anniversary tour with a remarkable reunion of the band members, or at least a portion of them. This nostalgic gathering brought together original bassist Dave Hope alongside co-founding drummer Phil Ehart, veteran guitarist Rich Williams, and the current Kansas lineup on Wednesday at the prestigious Benedum Center in Pittsburgh. This performance was particularly poignant as it was Ehart’s second appearance since his recovery from a serious heart attack earlier in February.

This venue holds special significance in Kansas’ history, making it a fitting location to conclude the 18-month tour. Pittsburgh has long been a stronghold for Kansas, dating back to the early days of their career, thanks in part to the support from promoter Rich Engler and local radio stations in the 1970s, which bolstered the band’s popularity.

Fans can find the complete set list and exclusive photographs from this unforgettable show below.

READ MORE: Kansas Drummer Phil Ehart Recovering From ‘Major’ Heart Attack

The Benedum Center also had the honor of hosting the very first show of this tour back on June 2, 2023. Additionally, the venue was previously known as the Stanley Theatre, which hosted a legendary 1975 concert that became widely bootlegged after being broadcasted on radio.

Rich Williams reflected on this special bond, stating, “It’s a unique connection,” in an interview with UCR before the show. He noted that Kansas enjoyed a higher level of fame in Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania during times when they struggled to attract audiences in their home state.

Phil Ehart joined the band midway through “Lonely Wind,” which marked the conclusion of a four-song semi-unplugged segment of the concert. Both Ehart and Hope participated in the powerful rendition of “Hold On” and the encore performance of “Carry On Wayward Son.” Fellow co-founder Kerry Livgren had intended to attend but chose to remain home with his wife Vicki, who is recovering from a broken collarbone. In a touching tribute, their daughter Kate played the viola during “Dust in the Wind” in her father’s absence. Current violinist Joe Deninzon showcased his talents on a unique white instrument previously owned by the late Robbie Steinhardt, whose family was also present for this memorable event.

The concert itself was a powerful two-hour and ten-minute showcase featuring a set of 20 songs, demonstrating Kansas’ enduring vitality even at the end of a grueling 118-date tour. Initially intended to consist of just 50 shows, this tour evolved into a major undertaking. The setlist included beloved classics such as “Point of Know Return” and “The Wall,” interspersed with deep cuts like “Glimpse of Home,” the epic “The Pinnacle,” and “Reason to Be.” Songs from the John Elefante era were also featured, including “Play the Game” and “Fight Fire With Fire.”

Notably absent from the lineup was original singer-keyboardist Steve Walsh, who had two tenures with Kansas before departing permanently in 2015. “He’s made it clear he’s not interested, and that’s his choice,” Williams remarked. “He’s retired now, and that chapter is behind us.” Nevertheless, Williams expressed that any reunion involving Kansas’ original members is always a cherished experience. “They’ve joined us for several occasions over the years, and it’s always a joy to reconnect and perform together,” he shared. “We share countless wonderful memories, and it’s special to see each other and collaborate again.”

Dave Hope, who left the band in 2000, has made several guest appearances since then and currently performs in a cover band for enjoyment in Florida. “There’s a familial bond here; these are my high school buddies,” Hope stated after the show. “It’s hard to pinpoint if it’s the music or the camaraderie—it’s all intertwined.” He added that he chose to perform “Hold On” and “Carry On Wayward Son” because they require minimal practice for him. “I’m not about to tackle ‘Song For America’,” he laughed.

Watch Kansas Perform ‘Carry On Wayward Son’ in Pittsburgh

Meanwhile, Phil Ehart shared that his recovery has been progressing well since his heart attack, and he received clearance from his cardiologist to perform on Wednesday. “This [was] a unique show,” he remarked. “Being here tonight, seeing the band, and playing—that’s my purpose. This has been my life for 50 years as a drummer. I’m thrilled to be part of this.”

Before the show, Ehart was accompanied by Kate Livgren and her brother Kyle to receive BMI certifications recognizing nine million radio plays for “Carry On Wayward Son” and seven million for “Dust in the Wind.” Eric Gold, whose father Wally Gold signed Kansas to Kirshner Records in 1973, also shared memorable anecdotes with the audience.

With the 50th-anniversary celebration now concluded, Rich Williams confirmed that Kansas is determined to keep moving forward. The band is set to resume touring in January with a Kansas Classics show in Florida, followed by a co-headlining amphitheater tour with .38 Special in the spring and summer. Williams also indicated that “the odds are looking favorable” for a new album to follow 2020’s The Absence of Presence.

“Never say never, because I’ve previously said no,” Williams noted. “We have some ideas in the works, but our touring schedule has been so hectic that we haven’t had the chance to focus on the creative process. We have a talented group of musicians in the band, but the reality is that new music may not receive substantial radio play. It might appeal to our dedicated fans, but it won’t reach a wider audience. Meanwhile, we have 17 people on tour whose families depend on us. Taking a year off to write and record an album could compromise our presence in the touring market, and we risk losing our audience.”

Phil Ehart has been serving as Kansas’ manager for the past four decades and echoed this perspective. “My strategy right now is to keep the momentum going, focusing on what works, which is performing live,” he stated. “Why would we step away from the road, where we connect with our fans, to go into the studio and create something that likely won’t sell? That’s a recipe for failure.” However, both Ehart and Williams expressed the possibility of releasing shorter projects instead of a full album.

“I’ve been advocating for that for quite some time,” Ehart shared. “In today’s world, where streaming is prevalent and physical sales are low, why not release our music directly? We could simply put it out online for a nominal fee. It seems like a practical approach. So, yes, that possibility is definitely on the table—and quite likely.”

Kansas Set List for the Dec. 12, 2024, Performance at Benedum Center, Pittsburgh:

“Belexes”
“Point of Know Return”
“Play the Game”
“Fight Fire With Fire”
“Icarus”
“Icarus II”
“Throwing Mountains”
“Glimpse of Home”
“The Pinnacle”

Semi-Acoustic Set:
“People of the Southwind”
“Dust in the Wind” (featuring Kate Livgren)
“Reason to Be”
“Lonely Wind” (featuring Phil Ehart)

“Hold On” (with Ehart and Dave Hope)
“Song For America”
“Can I Tell You”
“Down the Road”
“The Wall”
“Miracles Out of Nowhere”

Encore:
“Carry On Wayward Son” (featuring Ehart and Hope)