Kansas Drummer Phil Ehart Taking Time Away From Touring After Heart Attack

Kansas have announced that their original drummer and band manager, Phil Ehart, is taking time away from touring while he recovers from a recent major heart attack.

The progressive rock band did not give any timetable for Ehart’s return to the road.

Kansas said in a statement that although Ehart is not joining his bandmates for performing, he will “remain in a prominent role with Kansas during his recovery, serving as band manager, as he has done for 40 years.”

The band also announced Eric Holmquist will be on drums for Kansas starting with the March 1 concert in Richmond, Virginia.

Holmquist has filled in for Ehart on drums when he was ill in 2016, during his arm rehabilitation in 2022-2023, and has been performing the first half of shows during the Kansas 50th Anniversary Tour. Previously, Eric was Ehart’s drum tech and protege for more than 20 years.

Kansas’ 50th Anniversary Tour – Another Fork in The Road continues on March 1 in Richmond, Virginia. A complete list of tour dates can be found at kansasband.com.

Originally scheduled to end in January 2024, the 50th Anniversary Tour carries on, with more tour dates added in 2024 and beyond.