Kansas - Live - Very Rare - Lamplight Symphony (Full Version)

[ambrs57]

I saw Kansas perform this at the Exit-In, Nashville, TN, around April or May of 1974, before it was released on Song for America. It was an intimate club atmosphere, I was at a table about 10 feet from the band, six guys crammed onto a small stage. I got to experience Kansas in their arena days, but nothing compares to this. Thanks for posting it. Wonderful performance, great memories.

[rickyon]

You're welcome.Count yourself as almost unimaginably lucky seeing them in so close up and intimate. I'll bet you didn't think they were going to be as big as they were!

[tinman3012]

I always loved the ending chord on this song. What a masterpiece this is. And you Rick are the master for collecting and sharing all this great music. Thanks buddy!

[rickyon]

You're welcome Ron! Did you see the most recent thread between me and Mulemusic? We may have figured out when and where this was from! He says that Kerry told him the Cow Palace. I told him it didn't fit but when he mentioned it might be from the same show as DOMNS from 1973 on the box set it made more sense. That was at The Cowtown Ballroom in Kansas City, Missouri. Can you imagine these guys playing this, before the 1st album?! What a show this must have been!

[rickyon]

Castagna says the last chord is the guy finally meeting up with his wife on the other side! Sounds good to me!

[dgcmusi]

@tinman3012 Hi Ron....Rick has it almost right ....What I always thought as a kid was the last chord is so different and off because the story does NOT END.....He has not died yet...

[rickyon]

Really!? What gives you that impression! (just kidding of course)

[kyla2112]

I don't think Kansas was big enough to play the Cow Palace before Leftoverture unless they were the opener here.

[rickyon]

That was a suggestion (guess) from the guy who gave me the song file. I only show them playing the Cow Palace in 1978 but the tour date archives are incomplete. They did play in a place called Winterland for 2 shows in late 1974 and once in early 1975. That venue is in San Francisco so maybe he meant that? This version is nearly identical to one (the only other one on tape) that I know is from late 1974 so that is why I put it in that time period.

[kyla2112]

@rickyon Winterland sounds about right. That was a great place for shows but it closed shortly after I started going to concerts. Kansas actually did play the Cow Palace later, he probably got the events confused or the dates confused. It's a great song anyway; thanks for posting it.

[rickyon]

You're welcome. This is the most cherished song file that I own!

[mulemusic]

@rickyon I think this came from the same concert that Death of Mother Nature came from that is on the 94 boxed set.. I was told by the Maestro that this was from the COW PALACE.. Wouldn't having this concert complete be a WONDERFUL THING!?

[rickyon]

Is this Neil? Did they have this song written before the release of the 1st album? There is a version of this from a recording done in Sept. of 1974 that is nearly identical (although of vastly inferior quality) in structure and presentation. The quality of this is similar to the DOMNS on the box set so I certainly would accept that it could be from the same show. The box set DOMNS is listed as Cowtown Ballroom in Kansas City, Missouri. Maybe you confused that for Cow Palace.

[mulemusic]

@rickyon You may have finally figured this out! It has been a long time ago, but the venue could very well be COWTOWN BALLROOM... that makes sense... The quality of this clip sounds like it could be from the very show that DOMNS (boxed set version) is from. I saw the band at Grove City University when they were touring between the first album and Song For America. They opened with this! I have kicked myself since then for not taking in a recorder.. Thanks for possibly clearing this up!

[rickyon]

It does fit doesn't it? It still blows my mind that this could be from a show that was done before the 1st album! If it is from the same recording as DOMNS then I would say that that show rivals the excellence of the 7/7/75 show at the Agora Ballroom in Cleveland which I believe to be the finest recorded performance of the original 6 and the source of a lot of the bonus material on the remasters.

[SuperGorak]

this is my last christmas by wham for this season.

[kimsvision]

I have no words....... amazing, holy crap, it's amazing! The goosebumps...the tears. WOW!!

[rickyon]

That's the magic of Kerry Livgren and Kansas!

[mechagothzilla]

This has always been one of my absolute favorites... always made me tear up when she comes to him. A Ghostly Love Story! 1st saw you in 1976: Leftoverture tour, when I was 16, and every year thereafter until my divorce in '82... (Okay, every damn piece of music made me think of HER!) Bought the songbook for piano in '76 and played the shit out of this one! Actually can say this is what brought me back to music. In '86 became leader of Death Rock band EXQUISITE CORPSE!

Thank you!

GOTHZILLA

[DwayneTheGain1]

My favorite band of all time, My first concert was the Leftoveture tour, 1974? To this day I see them every chance I get. I wish the entire band would get together again.

[rickyon]

Mine too! The Leftoverture tour was 1976. That was the year I 1st saw them too but before the release of Leftoverture. They opened for Bad Company and blew them away!

[btom22259]

everything perfect: bass, drums and keys and of cause the voice,,,,,,,,,,,,that is kansas at there best.

[btom22259]

kerry is one of the greatest composer!

[stringz63]

this is fantastic!  It's great that this music has been saved for everyone to hear - thanks!!!

[rickyon]

You're welcome!!!

[romulo77]

Kansas has always been one of my favorite rock bands. Lamplight Symphony is one my favorites songs from Songs For America, been this my favorite album from the band, this one of my favorite songs all time from the guyz.

[mrmorphium]

love the hairstyles

[vinaass]

Music ! Lyrics! and performance live of this song! YOU CAN"T FIND ANYTHING BETTER

[rickyon]

I agree!

[btom22259]

this is music only for heaven

[bowlslaw]

This is some amazing stuff right here.

[JeepMaker77]

This master work of a song never fails to bring a tear to my eyes. A perfect expression of a love even death couldn't conquer.

[btom22259]

better than the album version.

that is one big point of kansas - a really great live band!

[Yestrooper1]

This, along with the Pinnacle and Incomudro are my 3 favorites by Kansas! this is an incredible sound of Lamplight!

[Dalefan38]

This is the ONE song I always wanted to see them perform live. LOVE THIS SONG!!!!

[camelandu2]

Wow. I'm speechless. This is just divine. The sound quality is amazing and the song is... Well, only one way to descibe it properly: Lamplight Symphony.

[rickyon]

I'm so surprised that you haven't heard this yet! This is one of the rarest recordings I have (along with a copy of "Devil Game" which is very rare indeed!). This came from a guy who got it from Kerry Livgren himself. This is one of my favorite Kansas pieces. In my top 5! I too love the quality of this recording.

[chamona666]

was somehow in the fog of the time able to see this done in 1975 Harrisburg pa.....just a kid at the time but ...it was a time when the bands could realy play what they recorded ...so sad to see what cheap tricks can be done to make fools sound like gods ....time marches on but what progress without true and real quality players

[ksjoyjespeace]

This is fantastic!! doubt it is 1975,probably 1978 or a little later , is it "ETHOS" or is it KANSAS??!! they sound so similar!!!!

[rickyon]

From one big Kansas fan to another, welcome. What makes you say that it's probably 1978? I'm curious because on the one hand there is only one other recording of this song (it's on you-tube) from 1974 and the arrangements are almost identical and slightly different from the studio version). On the other hand the source told me he thought it was from a performance at the Cow Palace in San Fran. and the only listing I can find for that is from 1978! The keys sound like what Livgren used in 74-75.

[mulemusic]

To me, this is KANSAS at their most majestic peak! Granted, things got more polished through the years, but this song is what they were all about! SO POWERFUL!! This must be from Winterland, although a VERY close source told me personally that it was Cow Palace... memories can fade.....

[rickyon]

I agree with you 100%. Powerful, majestic, epic,dynamic,emotional there are so many adjectives that describe this piece of music and this particular performance. I can't thank you enough for being indirectly responsible for this amazing recording! I came to the same conclusion about the venue as you. The only listed Cow Palace appearance is in 1978 and the closest venue to that is Winterland in San Francisco. That only leaves the choice of the the March or December show in 1975.

[btom22259]

It is sad, that they dont can play that song still live on stage, because they dont have the second keybords

[allsavedfreakband]

Here are the only CA shows documented for 1975:

Mar.29.1975 (aft)Los Angeles, CASanta Monica Civic Auditorium

Mar.29.1975 (ev) Los Angeles, CASanta Monica Civic Auditorium

Mar.30.1975San Francisco, CAWinterland

Apr.13.1975Fresno, CASelland Arena

Dec.21.1975San Francisco, CAWinterland

[rickyon]

You missed the December 19th show at the Long Beach Arena. The person who claims the origin of this file suggested the Cow Palace in San Francisco. The only show that I can find from that arena was 8/20/1978. I think the city may be different also but many arenas list a bigger nearby city instead of the name of the actual town they are in. Maybe it was Winterland on 3/30/1975? That's San Francisco. Or again Winterland on 12/21/1975. The only other "Lamplight" I've seen is from 1974.

[rickyon]

Your welcome!!! The keyboard intro is here in my uploads as well.

[sallysbaby]

You always seem to find this stuff. Thanks!!! Been die-hard Kansas fan since Don Kirshner when i was about 9 i think.

[rwlt]

Wow, this is amazing! Thank You!!!

[rickyon]

You're welcome!

[2manifest2]

Great stuff Rick. Happy New Year to you buddy

[rickyon]

Thanks Marc and the same to you.

[Franfrancais]

Happy new year Rickyon!

Nice stuff.

[rickyon]

Thanks andHappy New Year to you as well my French friend!

[tmharte]

Rickyon!

Dude, this what Kansas is all about.

Excellent post!

[rickyon]

Thank you sir! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.

[srstacy]

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one that gets chills down the spine to this song. The Two For The Show version has consistently sent shivers down my back every time I hear it.

[rickyon]

What is the Two For The Show version?

[srstacy]

C'mon rickyon, don't tell you you don't have the Two for the Show album and haven't listened to it a million times.

[rickyon]

Just kidding! But I've only listened to it 500,000 times! This is the 1st full version on you-tube but have you seen the 2nd? If not go to classicSTYX channel he just uploaded it a week ago. It's from 1974!

[2manifest2]

Great job Rick. THIS was the concert I was telling you about. This quality is slightly better than mine. Have you read Kerry's book "Seeds Of Change"? Wonder if "Devil Game" had been written by this time. I'd much rather have DG than Steve's song "Love Is A Dream"....

[rickyon]

Thanks Marc. I only have this song from this concert. I don't even know what the date or venue was. Can you help me out with that info? Do you have the whole show? I haven't read Kerry's book.

[rickyon]

Hey Marc, my buddy classicSTYX just upped the second full version of this song on his channel. It's from the 1974 Hoch Auditorium show in Kansas which just became available. I'm downloading it as we speak. It's an audience recording so it's a little less in quality but similar to this version. It predates this and is excellent anyway as all rare Kansas is! Check it out!

[sallysbaby]

good stuff maynard. kerry livgren is absolutely amazing. comparing him with mozart would be pushing it but...

[rickyon]

I don't think so but with the caveat of Modern day Mozart!

[jk1802]

great find. thanks for posting. the lyrics of Kerry Livgren are inspired; they are what set Kansas apart. the other thing, as this recording proves, is that they had the chops to pull off their recordings in concert.

[rickyon]

You're welcome jk, You're right about his lyrics but I would say what sets them apart even more was his composing genius. Of course there's Walsh's extraordinary voice and the unique talent that is Robbie's violin and harmonies.Don't forget "Smokin" Dave hopes bass lines and the very unique style of Eharts drumming! Add the duel guitars of Rich and Kerry and the duel keyboards of Walsh and Livgren and I think I just named the whole band! They all were instrumental but most of all it was Livgren!

[rwlt]

Oops, I meant Atlanta.

[rwlt]

Brings back memories of the first time I saw them at Alex Cooleys Electric Ballroom in Atalanta, Ga. May, 1975. I was 17 and not old enough to get in but somehow I did. Even as a goofy 17 year old I knew I was listening to something very special. I've seen them many more times since then and am still a huge fan. This is without a doubt the best band ever!

[classicSTYX]

Gosh, I wish they would play the full length version of this song these days, it's one of my all-time favorites. It defines progressive rock and Kerry Livgren's brilliant writing style. The song gives me chills, especially that shimmering Hammond B3/C3 that Steve uses during the verses. Great find.

[rickyon]

Thanks Cooper. This song does the same to me. I get chills listening to it and the B/3 is my all time favorite instrument in rock, next would be the piano and then the drums and I'm a drummer! I'm surprised that this post doesn't have a lot more views!....Rick

[ridiman49]

The great thing about the technical advances over the past decades, we can be a witness to great things that have happened, great music and great musicians and realize, things have not been all bad. That gives me hope! Carry On

[butch4x4]

Rick..1st off, let me say I have been a KANSAS fan since '74. To me, one of the finest prog. rock bands ever!

This song is representative of my maternal grandparents...She was 15 & he was 13 when they married. When my grandmother died in Dec of 91, my Papa went to be with her 8 months later. This song,has always reminded me of their never ending love! Thanks so much for finding & sharing it with the world! My eldest god-daughter & a friend's14 yr old son are dedicated KANSAS fans.

ROCK ON RICK

[rickyon]

You're welcome Danny! I would go you one better and say that KANSAS is the best prog. rock band ever but that's just my opinion. You have experienced the genius of Kerry Livgren very close to your heart! Many have. His gift for musical composition and story telling is on a level all it's own! Many have said (and I agree) that he wrote of things with such a depth and understanding that you wouldn't expect from a 20 something year old rock musician. Stay tuned for many more Kansas gems!...Rick

[butch4x4]

I have become a subscriber!!I am now on a KANSAS marathon..I am watching/listening to every clip you have! Better put on another pot of coffee! I have another experience pertainin to their Two for the Show album but not enough space here to comment..just to say I had a preminition before the album came out!

[rickyon]

Alright Danny! I've waited long enough and it's driving me crazy! What was you're premonition?

[butch4x4]

I had a dream months before TFTS arrived in stores.......I was walking down a tree lined dirt road..I looked up to a blue, puffy cloud dotted sky...something was coming down from the sky...there, tilted toward me was a stage with KANSAS performing!! When I bought TFTS & opened it up, I almost wet myself....it was like being on that stage in my dream...looking down......... TRUE STORY

[rickyon]

Were you smoking anything at that time in your life? Just kidding! But seriously were you on any medication? Just a little joke! Have you ever been committed to an institution? Hit hard on the head? O.K. I'm sorry, enough with the horseplay! I believe you. I've never had a premonition so I envy you!

[butch4x4]

As far as I know no head trauma was involved! LOL

I attributite to vu ja de....the feeling of this never happening before {snicker snicker}

[kb1dt6]

Great job Rick! I love how you sync the pictures to the music. This song always gives me goosebumps, it reminds me of the patients I see at the end of their life, and the loving spouses they leave behind. I'm amazed that Livgren had such a depth of understanding at such a young age, early 20's at that time he wrote this. Livgren is a poetic genius, and Kansas was the perfect medium to display it! Thank you Thank you my friend!

[rickyon]

You're welcome Karen. I hadn't heard from you in a while so what better way to say hi than to share this gem. I've also posted another very rare vid of "The Devil Game". Check it out and don't be a stranger. Hope everything is well with you and your loved ones.....Rick

[jbkanfan]

Rick, I've been away for awhile. Well, you said you would find this, and of course you did! I never doubted it, after all you are the master for all things KANSAS! Thanks.

[fcalvery]

The keyboard intro was played by livgren on a cheap farfisa organ ran through a maestro phase shifter and an echo plex. ---- I am pretty sure a few rolls of duct tape were also used.

[rickyon]

Hey Fulton, I haven't heard that name in ages. Farfisa! I used to use a Maestro echo-plex and lots of duct tape so I know what you mean there!

[Dalefan38]

This is my all time favorite song done by the boys, this is a really good version

[phogroian]

What a great, rare live version of this song - sung with even more feeling and inflection than the studio version, if that is possible.

[am2boni]

A total Classic!!! Thanks!!!

[rickyon]

You're welcome!

[kanushrox]

Rick ....you have one of the most intense video collections on here. Simply without a dought ....great great collection and I for one want to thank you for posting all these great videos. You are the man when it comes to classics......Thanks again, and again, and ok one more time...again.

[rickyon]

You're welcome Jerry. Your comment and others like you are the reason why I do it. I'm trying to spread our favorite bands to the masses, young and old. We were so fortunate to grow up in an era that produced such awesome music and with what passes for music today some of these youngsters need to hear what real music sounds like!

[rivera0213]

Wow, this was awesome. I've always wanted to hear a live version of this song. cool thanks.

[rickyon]

You're welcome. I felt the same way and nearly fainted when I got this song file!....Rick

[hamadah4]

Wow! With the keyboardsolo and the whole arrangement is much more spooky and dramatic as the album version! I like this version better. Thank you for this gem!

[rickyon]

You're welcome Liesbeth and I agree with you. Try playing the full Keyboard intro and switching to this post at 1:20. It's almost seemless and gives you the intended effect of the 11:23 song. Definitely spooky and more dramatic. Livgren and all the guys are so adept at painting a picture with the music as well as with the words. The music all by itself tells a story!

[hamadah4]

Yes I did play the long keyboard intro, the effect of seguing in this video is really amazing! It s great that you and others put these rare live-versions on the Tube. I am very pleasantly surprised to hear that, like on the recent two for the show-release, (f.e. Miracles out of nowhere and Child of Innocence) they are not afraid to take liberties with their own songs, it makes the live-versions all the more exciting!

[dgcmusi]

She stood before him and her hand reached out for his.

A peaceful light shone in her eyes

She said she'd come to soothe him and that someday they'd be an as one.

To this day that lyric puts chills to my body !!!!

The greatest band ever !! KANSAS

[rickyon]

You too!

[ke2323]

great stuff, thanks. will this band ever get its due in the history of music?

[rickyon]

You're welcome and we are trying hard to make sure that happens!

[ms16464]

based on the sound of the keys (no piano, sounds like hes using a wurlitzer), drums and Walsh's

voice I'd bet that this was recorded b4 the release of the 1st album.

The arrangment is also much different that whats on SFA,

I suspect this is the arrangment they presented to the producer who trimmed off the "fat" for SFA album

[Arglactable]

I swear, I nearly lost consciousness when I saw the title... This is completely awesome. Where did you find this?

[4graces]

I think I felt the same way when i saw "full version" - like getting the golden ticket in a wonka bar- that's a sign of a great band when you can appreciate every shred of old tape that may be available out there. many bands would kill for that status. I added some other comments. "Rickyon" is now at hero status.

[Arglactable]

It would seem he finally managed to find soem live Kansas that I DON'T have :P. I've looked long and hard for a recording of this, and it would seem that he has finally found it.

[Kansasforlife]

Wow, that's a fantastic video, Rick! All your live versions of Kansas are awesome, but in my opinion this is one of the best and most outstanding ones :-).

Michael.

[rickyon]

Thanks!

[4graces]

I just saw that movie "Up" with the kids and there are heavy themes in that movie which the lyrics and emotion of this song actually blend well with. That movie had some really difficult content that made both kids and adults well up. Not what I was expecting but it really captured that strong bond and crushing sadness of a person losing their soulmate. This song captures the same.

[4graces]

wow - never heard the full version live. So many great things to say about this band - don't even know where to begin. For me it actually started with "Masque" when I about 9 or 10. But I have to say that this song has such a haunting, yet sad sentiment - it's almost hard to listen to without getting that lump in the throat combined with a longing for things past-it truly captures those emotions and the lyrics are stellar. This may be one of their top 5 pieces.

[rickyon]

It's in my top 5!

[kansasfan12345]

One more thing, I hope you don't mind if I put this on my video log, I want this to be the first thing I see when I go on my channel.

[rickyon]

Not at all! I'm going to have to post the first 1:10 of the keyboard solo. It's a shame to have to do it that way because hearing it in its entirety adds so much more!

[kansasfan12345]

Good god all mighty!! How...where...I can't believe you found something like this. I have been waiting for ever to hear this done live. Thank you so much!! umm, my name is Paul by the way. I figure we've been talking so much it's time for first name basis.

[rickyon]

You're welcome Paul. As you can imagine when I got a hold of this file I nearly pissed my pants! It really was worth the wait. One down and off we go on the never ending quest to find and share those hard to find live gems from Kansas!

[4graces]

Great stuff - the world needs to hear this. I sometimes forget, but back in the early 90's kansas played a bar that was a stone's throw from my house at the time in Pa. I got to see Steve and the boys in a tiny venue and my friend who worked in the bar also drove them to a hotel in a van that was in the parking lot about 25 yds from my front door - I remember talking to a very sweaty Steve & band right through the van window - surreal, but really happened.