Who is the new Kansas band guitarist taking over touring duties? It’s Scott Bernard, and his story reads like something straight out of a rock and roll fairy tale that’ll give you goosebumps!
Picture this: You’re a teenager in Louisiana, and your very first concert is Kansas – those progressive rock masters from Topeka who gave us “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.” Fast forward decades later, and you’re not just sitting in the audience anymore – you’re actually ON STAGE with your childhood heroes, officially inducted as the newest Kansas band guitarist. That’s exactly what happened to Scott Bernard, and honestly, it’s the kind of story that reminds us why we fell in love with classic rock in the first place.
The Perfect Handpicked Choice
Rich Williams, Kansas’s stalwart guitarist since 1973, didn’t just randomly pick Scott Bernard – this was a carefully orchestrated passing of the torch. “Scott Bernard is a fantastic guitar player, a great guy, and is my hand-picked choice to help carry on the legacy of the band Kansas,” Williams stated. Coming from a founding member who’s been shredding with Kansas for over five decades, that’s not just an endorsement – that’s rock royalty bestowing knighthood!
What makes Scott Bernard qualified to join Kansas as guitarist? The man’s got serious credentials that would make any classic rock artists jealous. Bernard spent nearly 20 years with Kenny Loggins’ band, serving as musical director for the last seven years. He’s also worked with absolute legends like Michael McDonald, Alan Parsons, Joe Bonamassa, Al Stewart, and Richard Marx. This isn’t some rookie getting thrown into the deep end – this is a seasoned pro who’s been swimming with the big fish for decades.
Why Rich Williams is Stepping Back (But Not Down!)
Here’s where the story gets real and shows the human side of our rock heroes. Williams has been dealing with macular degeneration, which has made travel increasingly difficult and impedes his ability to get to as many shows as he wants. But let’s be crystal clear about something – Williams isn’t retiring! He’s made it abundantly clear: “I am not stepping down nor retiring, but I am slowing down.”
How will Kansas handle having multiple guitarists? Williams explained the brilliant strategy: “Adding Scott as a member of Kansas, alongside Zak Rizvi on guitar, allows the shows that I’m not at, and Kansas, to go on well into the future. When we all three are there, we will all perform.” That means fans might get the ultimate guitar experience when all three axe-wielders take the stage together!
The Dream Come True Moment
Bernard’s reaction to joining Kansas? “My first concert that I attended as a young teen was Kansas and I have closely followed their career ever since. They were and remain my favorite band ever. I am deeply humbled to be chosen to help perpetuate their legacy, which is both a privilege and a surreal experience.”
Can you imagine? Your teenage dream band doesn’t just influence your musical journey – they literally invite you to become part of their legacy. That’s the kind of classic rock news that reminds us why this genre continues to capture hearts across generations.
Kansas in 2025: Still Rocking Strong
Despite facing some serious health challenges – with drummer Phil Ehart recovering from a major heart attack and vocalist Ronnie Platt dealing with a cancer diagnosis – Kansas proves that classic rock spirit is unbreakable. The current lineup features vocalist/keyboardist Ronnie Platt, keyboardist/vocalist Tom Brislin, guitarist Zak Rizvi, violinist/guitarist Joe Deninzon, bassist/vocalist Dan McGowan, and now Scott Bernard alongside Rich Williams.
When did Scott Bernard officially join Kansas? Bernard became an official member beginning August 22, 2025, starting with their show in Wheeling, WV. He’d already been filling in for Williams at various shows throughout 2024 and early 2025, so this was really just making official what fans had already been witnessing.
The Louisiana Connection
Here’s a fun fact that adds another layer to this story: Scott Bernard is a New Iberia, Louisiana born, Nashville-based session guitarist. So we’ve got a Louisiana native joining a Kansas band – talk about American rock geography coming together in the most beautiful way!
Upcoming Kansas Tour Dates – See Scott Bernard in Action!
When can fans see the new Kansas band guitarist perform live? Here are all the confirmed dates where you can witness Scott Bernard’s official integration into the Kansas family:
Fall 2025 Tour Dates:
- August 29, 2025 – Saint Michael, ND @ Spirit Lake Casino & Resort
- September 4, 2025 – Monterey, CA @ Golden State Theatre
- September 5, 2025 – Modesto, CA @ Gallo Center for the Arts – Mary Stuart Rogers Theater
- September 6, 2025 – Rohnert Park, CA @ The Event at Graton Resort and Casino
- September 10, 2025 – Cerritos, CA @ Cerritos Center
- September 12, 2025 – Rancho Mirage, CA @ The Show: Agua Caliente Casino
- September 13, 2025 – Chandler, AZ @ Gila River Resorts and Casinos: Wild Horse Pass
- September 19, 2025 – Waite Park, MN @ The Ledge Waite Park Amphitheater
- September 21, 2025 – Grand Island, NE @ Heartland Events Center at the Nebraska State Fair
- September 26, 2025 – Bonner Springs, KS @ Azura Amphitheater
- September 27, 2025 – St. Charles, MO @ Family Arena
Winter 2025/2026 Tour Dates:
- November 2, 2025 – Englewood, NJ @ Bergen Performing Arts Center (with New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players)
- November 8, 2025 – Oshkosh, WI @ Oshkosh Arena (with Blue Oyster Cult)
- November 15, 2025 – Rama, ON, CA @ Casino Rama Resort
- November 22, 2025 – Durant, OK @ Choctaw Grand Theater
- December 6, 2025 – Albuquerque, NM @ Route 66 Casino
These dates represent the perfect opportunity to see Kansas in their newest configuration, with Scott Bernard officially taking his place alongside the legendary lineup. Whether you’re catching them at an intimate theater or a major amphitheater, you’re witnessing classic rock history in the making!
What This Means for Kansas’s Future
How long will Kansas continue touring with their new guitarist? Based on their packed schedule, it looks like Kansas is nowhere near slowing down. They’ve got concerts booked throughout 2025 and already into 2026. With Bernard’s extensive touring experience and musical director background, Kansas fans can expect the same high-energy, precisely executed performances that have made the band legendary.
The beauty of this transition is that it’s not about replacement – it’s about expansion and continuation. Williams gets to choose when he’s feeling up for the road, Bernard ensures the shows go on, and fans get the reliability they deserve from one of America’s most enduring classic rock bands.
This whole saga proves something pretty amazing: in a world where bands often implode over creative differences or ego clashes, Kansas has found a way to gracefully evolve while respecting their legacy. They’re not just preserving their past – they’re actively building their future with the same care and musical excellence that made them icons in the first place.
And honestly? Watching Scott Bernard live out his teenage dream while helping carry forward the torch of progressive rock mastery – that’s what classic rock is all about. It’s about the music, the legacy, and the eternal bond between artists and the songs that define generations.
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Sources:
- https://ultimateclassicrock.com/kansas-fall-2025-tour-new-guitarist/
- https://blabbermouth.net/news/kansas-welcomes-guitarist-scott-bernard-as-its-newest-member
- https://americansongwriter.com/kansas-welcomes-new-guitarist-scott-bernard-to-the-lineup-reveals-co-founder-rich-williams-will-play-fewer-shows-with-band/
- https://rezonatz.com/2025/08/20/welcome-to-kansas-guitarist-scott-bernard-as-its-newest-member/
- https://themusicuniverse.com/kansas-announces-new-full-time-guitarist/
- https://www.kansasband.com/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansas_(band)
- https://talkradio960.com/ixp/35/p/louisiana-scott-bernard-kansas/