Kansas Drummer Phil Ehart Recovering from Major Heart Attack
Phil Ehart, the original and longstanding drummer of classic rockers Kansas, recently suffered a major heart attack. While he’s stepping away from performing for the time being, he will continue his role as the band’s manager.
Eric Holmquist, who has filled in for Ehart previously, will man the drum kit when Kansas’ ongoing 50th anniversary tour resumes March 1st in Richmond, Virginia. The North American leg is scheduled through a May 18th show in New Haven, Connecticut, with tickets available here.
Kansas issued the following statement on Friday morning (February 23rd):
“Kansas original drummer and band manager, Phil Ehart, is taking time away from touring as drummer for Kansas while he recovers after recently surviving a major heart attack. There is no timetable for his return to the road. While not on the road, Phil is remaining in a prominent role with Kansas during his recovery, serving as band manager, as he has done for 40 years.
Eric Holmquist will be on drums for Kansas starting with the March 1, 2024, concert in Richmond, VA. Holmquist has filled in for Ehart on drums when Phil was ill in 2016, during Phil’s arm rehabilitation in 2022-2023, and has been performing the first half of shows during the Kansas 50th Anniversary Tour. Previously, Eric was Phil’s drum tech and protegé for more than 20 years. Kansas 50th Anniversary Tour – Another Fork in the Road continues March 1, 2024, in Richmond, VA. A complete list of tour dates can be found at kansasband.com. The band Kansas carries on, adding more tour dates in 2024 and beyond.”
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Ehart has been Kansas’ drummer for 50-plus years, joining guitarist Rich Williams as the only remaining classic members of the band. He’s played drums on all of their big hits, including “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.”
See Kansas statement regarding Phil Ehart below.
