Kansas frontman Ronnie Platt has shared that he has been diagnosed with cancer, forcing the band to reschedule a run of shows.
The 62-year-old singer, who replaced Steve Walsh in the US progressive rock band in 2014, posted an update on his health via Facebook last Sunday (February 16).
“For all of you asking, Tuesday I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer but before everyone gets all excited, it has a 99% survival rate, it has not spread,” Platt wrote.
“It’s contained to my thyroid. I just have to have my thyroid removed. Go through some rehab time and be right back in the saddle.”
He continued: “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!”
For all of you asking, Tuesday I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer but before everyone gets all excited, it has a 99%…
Posted by Ronnie Platt on Saturday, February 15, 2025
Kansas later pushed back live gigs in Catoosa, Oklahoma and Durant, Oklahoma from this month to November, citing “band illness and doctor advisement”.
They have since cancelled their scheduled appearance in New Orleans, Louisiana tonight (Friday February 21), as well as their concert in Lake Charles, Louisiana on March 1.
“The band apologises for the inconvenience and hopes to be back on the road soon,” Kansas wrote on social media. “All tickets will be refunded at point of purchase.” You can see the posts here:
Due to band illness and doctor advisement, the upcoming KANSAS show on Friday, February 14, 2025, in Catoosa, OK is rescheduled to Friday, November 21, 2025.
The upcoming KANSAS show on Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Durant, OK is rescheduled to Saturday, November 22, 2025. pic.twitter.com/jAjcsMX74I
— KANSAS (@KansasBand) February 12, 2025
Due to band illness and doctor advisement, the upcoming KANSAS performance on Friday, February 21, 2025, in New Orleans, LA has been cancelled.
KANSAS apologizes for the inconvenience and hopes to be back on the road soon. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/nHbmDwGTve
— KANSAS (@KansasBand) February 14, 2025
Due to band illness and doctor advisement, the upcoming KANSAS show on Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Lake Charles, LA has been cancelled.
The band apologizes for the inconvenience and hopes to be back on the road soon.
All tickets will be refunded at point of purchase. pic.twitter.com/66trOVN5oX
— KANSAS (@KansasBand) February 18, 2025
The group’s assistant band manager J.R. Rees told Ultimate Classic Rock: “Our goal is to be back on the road as soon as possible. Right now, we’re all focused on supporting Ronnie through this.”
Kansas released their self-titled debut album back in 1974, and celebrated their 50th anniversary last year. They are known for their hit songs ‘Carry On My Wayward Son’ and ‘Dust In The Wind’. Their 16th and most recent studio record, ‘The Absence Of Presence’, arrived in 2020.
The latest show of the prog-rock outfit’s ‘Kansas Classics’ tour took place earlier this month.
Platt is also the former lead singer of the band Shooting Star.
