Ronnie Platt, 64, frontman of the legendary rock band Kansas, has announced that he has thyroid cancer. For that reason, the band is cancelling some shows, per dailymail.co.us. According to the outlet, "The band has now rescheduled multiple shows in light of Platt's illness, including two upcoming concerts."
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Kansas is doing a 50th anniversary tour titled Another Fork in the Road. Two shows planned for February 14 and 16 have been pushed back to November. Their February 21 and March 1 shows were cancelled.
The band has had truly amazing success, selling some 30 million albums.
Platt will have plenty of compassionate support from those close to him. Kansas' assistant manager, J.R. Rees, said this per the outlet via 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."
Ronnie Platt Made His Concerning Health News Public On Facebook Last Week
Platt, who has been with Kansas for 11 years, posted this hopeful and reassuring message to fans on Facebook on February 15, 2025. "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. 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."
Platt added, "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!"
Kansas Has Always Emphasized The Band, Not Any Particular Member Of It
The philosophy of Kansas has been to showcase the band, not any of its individual members. That ethos was articulated by drummer Phil Ehart. He exited the anniversary tour after a heart attack nearly a year ago.
Per the outlet via Billboard, Ehart shared this sentiment. "There's a small paragraph on the cover of our first album that says, 'Kansas is a band.' It's not Kansas featuring somebody or certain people. When Kansas plays, it sounds like Kansas."
