CHICAGO – The timeless rock music of Kansas is coming to Wheeling’s Capitol Theatre this summer and Ronnie Platt, lead vocalist and keyboardist for the band, spoke with River News Network from his home in Chicago about the upcoming show and his recent triumph over cancer.
Kansas released their debut album in 1974 and have solidified their place as America’s preeminent progressive rock band with classic songs such as “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.” Platt’s journey with the band has many chapters, including a health crisis just months ago, in February 2025, after he noticed a tender spot on his neck.
“I was diagnosed with malignant thyroid cancer,” Platt said. “You hear that word ‘malignant’ and the first thing that comes to mind is, ‘How much time do I have?’”
The diagnosis came on a Tuesday. By Friday, Platt had made the difficult decision to go public, addressing fans directly on Facebook to explain the sudden cancellation of Kansas shows.
“The stress of those four days—between dealing with doctors, insurance, and the emotional weight—was overwhelming,” he shared. “Honestly, the stress of the situation almost rivaled the cancer itself.”
In a remarkable turn of fate, help came from an unexpected place. A friend’s girlfriend, whom Platt had never met, turned out to work directly with the specialist he had been trying to see.
Platt underwent surgery, which was scheduled quickly. Remarkably, Platt returned to performing just one month later, regaining his voice much sooner than expected. He considers himself very fortunate since the cancer was contained to a single nodule and didn’t require full thyroid removal.
“One month to the day after my surgery, I was doing my first show back with Kansas. Pretty amazing,” he said. “It’s now just over two months since my surgery, and I feel great.”
For others facing a cancer diagnosis, Platt says becoming educated about the disease, staying focused on recovery, and believing in the light at the end of the tunnel are important. Platt also encourages people to tackle one challenge at a time and stay positive.
“You have to stay focused on education and the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s easy to spiral into fear, but knowledge gives you power,” he said. “Just attack one thing at a time.”
Platt’s quick return to health and his duties as Kansas’s lead vocalist is almost as remarkable as the journey that first brought him to the band in 2014. How Platt landed the prize job of lead singer for Kansas played out like a Hollywood movie. Before Kansas, Platt spent ten years driving an 18-wheeler for a family-owned packaging company in the Chicago area. His employers supported his musical pursuits.
A lifelong Kansas fan, Platt idolized founding member and former lead vocalist and keyboardist, Steve Walsh. Platt previously fronted the band Shooting Star which performed with Kansas in 2009. In 2014, after hearing about Walsh’s retirement, Platt messaged Kansas guitarist Rich Williams on a whim asking for consideration as the new Kansas lead vocalist. To his surprise, Williams responded, leading to a meeting in Atlanta where Platt was offered the job not for his talent alone, but for his personality and chemistry with the band. His bosses from his trucking job were thrilled when he joined Kansas and have remained supportive, often attending shows.
Platt remembers being nervous at his debut with Kansas in Oklahoma City on a cold, rainy night when he said his goal was to give his top performance and win over at least half of the fans. Now, more than a decade later, he says he believes he’s won over around 90 percent of the fans as the band plays on to full houses.
Kansas’s concert schedule has remained full and intense, performing around 100 shows a year.
Platt describes Kansas music as “timeless rock” rather than “classic rock,” due to its organic, intricate, and classically influenced style. He credits the music’s complexity and emotional depth—thanks to writers like Kerry Livgren and Steve Walsh—for its longevity.
Platt said the depth and integrity of the sound allows Kansas’s music to transcend time and span generations.
“It’s not party music. It’s intricate, intense music written with passion and classical influences. I like to call it ‘timeless rock,’” he said. “Kansas isn’t about any one person—it’s about the music. That’s what keeps people coming back.”
Kansas is teaming up with special guests Jefferson Starship for an incredible night of classic rock live at The Capitol Theatre on Friday, August 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Rock fans will hear Kansas classics such as “Carry On Wayward Son,” “Dust in the Wind,” “Point of Know Return,” “Play the Game Tonight,” “Fight Fire with Fire,” “The Wall,” and Jefferson Starship classics like “Jane,” “Miracles,” “Somebody to Love” and more.
Tickets go on sale Friday, May 16 at 10 a.m. Visit www.capitoltheatrewheeling.com for more information or the Kansas band website.
