Phil Ehart, the longtime drummer and manager of Kansas, will not be joining his bandmates on the road after suffering a major heart attack.
The band made the announcement on their official website and social media on Friday but did not reveal when Ehart had the attack or his current condition. They added, "There is no timetable for his return to the road."
Ehart will be replaced by Eric Holmquist, a veteran drummer who has previously filled in for Ehart on two other tours and has been behind the kit for the first half of shows during the band's 50th anniversary tour. Kansas will kick off a new tour on Thursday in Richmond, Virginia, and will continue to perform across the U.S. and Canada until June.
Ehart, who is 71 years old, and guitarist Rich Williams, 72, are the only original members left in the band, which formed in 1973 and is best known for hits such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind". Ehart has also served as the band's manager for the past four decades, overseeing their business affairs and creative direction.
The band and their fans have expressed their support and prayers for Ehart's recovery and have wished him well. "Phil is a fighter and we know he will get through this," the band said in their statement. "We love you, Phil."
[Source: Classic Hits Today]