Hold On

[songbirdfive]

Wow...

[sweenykim]

HUGE SHOES to Fill, But John does a GREAT job!

[armandojuan64]

That´s one unique set of vocal cords ........ simply amazing .

[semperfi253]

does anyone besides me know the real background of this song?

[mightytreasure]

Is that Warren Ham at 2:16 ? that guy is everywhere in the 80's !

[mightytreasure]

Elefante is as good or better than Walsh. I enjoy both. Great Job

[fmaykall]

maravilloso grupo

[Burnwash]

Lame.

[MetallicBill]

Mellow version, I added the high end normally on the record, while I sang along!

[kcgirlgeek]

I miss the songs that had lyrics like this. Seems there aren't as many proficient lyricists today as there was in the 70's and 80s. Songs seemed so much more meaningful then. Or maybe...I'm just getting old. But I listen to stuff that Beyonce does today (just to name ONE)...and it just falls short for me. Lyrics today seem like so much more...I don't know...fluff.

[Pakeprum]

@kcgirlgeek

I very much agree

[angeldracco]

exelentisimo video gracias

[Jefgg]

I seldomly get into a heated debate about a band's lead singers. There is no reason a fan can't like BOTH David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar. There is no reason a fan can't like BOTH Ozzy Osbourne and the late Ronnie James Dio. But in the case of Kansas I strongly prefer John Elefante. Steve Walsh sounds like he gargled with razor blades. He sounds okay in the studio, but the live recordings are brutal on the ears.

[fraroc]

@Jefgg I think people are naturally more loyal to Steve Walsh because he's an original member. Just like Styx fans are still very loyal to Dennis DeYoung. I think that unfortunatly, many of the "original linup" loyalists dont really care about their musical ablity, all they care about is that all the originals are still in the band, like how some Iron Maiden fans want Paul DiAnno to return when its pretty obvious that Bruce Dickinson can sing circles around him.

[Jefgg]

@fraroc Original lineups of bands frequently have a certain chemistry that is hard to duplicate. Replacement members frequently have more talent because once a bad becomes huge they are in a position to hire a top notch replacement. I usually tend to favor original band members. But in the case of Kansas I prefer John Elefante over Steve Walsh. With all due respect, John Elefante is not a tall gentleman. It is somewhat ironic that his last name is the Spanish word for elephant.

[fraroc]

@Jefgg Also, I have the same view as you do in Kansas, but more with the violinists. Even though Robby Steinhardt is the original. David Ragsdale is a million times better, and he can play guitar as well! I felt that Robby is a backup singer/frontman that can play the violin, but David is a freakin VIOLINIST. He takes his instrument very seriously.

[Jefgg]

@fraroc I agree about David Ragsdale. I hated to see Robby leave the band. But I am glad they brought back Ragsdale for a second tour of duty. I am glad they still have a violinist. It helps give the band their unique sound. I heard in the early days of the band when they took the stage people thought they were a country band with Robby playing the fiddle.

[fraroc]

@Jefgg Kansas isnt the same without the violin. You see, my Dad saw Kansas in 1989 during the "In the Spirit of Things" tour. He said that there was no violinist and that Steve Morse and Greg Robert had to do a lot of improvizations with the guitar and keys to make up for the missing violin parts. Then after that, they got Ragsdale on violin and they were able to do the old stuff with no problem!

[h2otek]

@fraroc You seriously underestimate what Robby is capable of. He is classically trained and quite good. Just all his talent was not showcased when he was with Kansas. Still, he did contribute a lot he was with them, IMO.

[fraroc]

@h2otek once upon a time, Robby was JUST as good as Ragsdale, if not better. Unfortunatly he let him go in the mid 2000s. He was amazing in the Device VOICE Drum video, but the Chile 2006 pref was absolutley disgraceful. Robby wasn't fired actually, he left the band and Rags was asked to complete the 2006-2007 tour and he stayed with Kansas ever since.

[h2otek]

@fraroc Well, I confess I haven't followed Robby much since Vinyl Confessions. So he maybe partied too much kind of like Walsh did for a while or something? Walsh improved some afterward but was never quite the same from what I can tell. But then I wasn't really into Kansas that much in the 70's. Anyway, seems a shame that Robby didn't fit/couldn't cut it anymore. I liked him. Kerry seems to be doing much better since the stroke, some really good news there, at least.

[fraroc]

@h2otek Kansas is still worth seeing. Steve sounds pretty good, and Ragsdale is an absolute beast on violin! Im guessing the position is open for either Steve Morse or Kerry to rejoin, but I don't really see Morse rejoining Kansas and Kerry is still recovering.

[harpcat1]

Once again... Both men were phenomenal singers. I don't mind prefereences... at times I prefer one, then the other. Both were phenomenal writers as well.

They both brought something beautiful to the band. Over all, I thought Steve's enunciation was clearer.

On a side note, the acoustic guitars sound HORRIBLE! The technology for the picks ups on acoustics have imporved so much,

'Also, nice flute solo Warren Ham. He is a favorite harmonica player too!

[Jefgg]

With all due respect to Steve Walsh, John Elefante is a much better singer.

[Tubesnakeplisken]

@Jefgg is that Arnold Horshack

[Jefgg]

@Tubesnakeplisken Other than the fro I don't think John Elefante resembled any cast member from "Welcome Back Kotter". Horshack had a really big snout. It is ironic that a little guy is name after an elephant. Steve Walsh did look like Pauly Shore back in the day.

[galaxian00]

@Jefgg Im just glad people remember names like Kotter, Vinnie and Horshack. Even that brings back some good memories. Yeah, I hope people realize the 70s we had weird hair and funn clothe (well I didnt, I wasnt old enough to really have picked that style) but hey, its what I grew up with. Enjoy our music, youll probably never hear stuff like this again.

[whatchamacallitful]

i like elefante's interpretation of the song in this...a little slower, a little more gentle....walsh rocked it though

[zooropa2day]

I never heard it as religion getting in the way. music is an expression. Art is a gift. These things cannot take away from the Maker whether or not one believes. Beautiful music here.

[brianshawsr]

I wish Steve Walsh would have never left but John E did a good job stepping in when he left. Steve didn't want religion getting in the way of his career.. I guess he showed those guys.

[tubemebaby1]

John's new solo project is beautiful.. when he sings in a lower key he sounds like Paul Mcartney..higher register .. kansas!...listen to Pinnacle.. Steves vocals are mesmerizing.. the vocal blend between him and Robbie created the "signature" kansas sound..( listen to the acapella notes at the end of Pinnacle who can do that in 2009.. mariah Carey?

find his actual webpage..theres a section whereby he tells some really genuine stories... and its very heartfelt....

[WhAtEvErChania]

About comparing Elefante and Walsh, hmm Walsh got Pretty nice Voice, Also Elefante I like Steve's voice more but they ARE both great vocalist and Walsh will always be a great musician.

[CHRISTSmusiciansSEA]

JE did Good. NEW CD by John Sept 2009..

[debbiechickie5]

Elephante & Walsh- no comparison. Walsh hsa PIPES and big BIG balls....wonder how Kerry is doin'. Hope all is well..

[homestar92]

Vinyl Confessions and Drastic Measures are so underrated. Elefante is so good. And he looks like jerry Seinfeld, a win-win

[viberato]

I don't get you people! How can you disregard the original artist? You know nothing! You morons! Put you balls back in your mouths where they belong!

[sweenykim]

John Elefante, a Gifted & Unsung Talent!

[sallysbaby]

and anyone who knows anything about this band knows livgren was the brains of the operation

[sallysbaby]

and wrinkles, yeah it was 3 records if you count the best of album, but they were already split up by then

[sallysbaby]

are you kidding me? walsh knows more about singing and stage presence than elefante ever knew. he sounds like he has a cold.

[PinkSisterz]

He wasn't as flashy as Walsh or as cool on stage. He looks kinda dorky but I'm going to give him his props " he has a better voice than Walsh"

[Bronzey57]

Elefante is a great vocalist, no mistake But why does he have to strike such a poncey bloody pose on stage?? Whilst he's there, he could lose the blue romper suit and afro hair style. Christ. What is it with these guys? The only one dressing and looking like a rockster is Kerry Livgren.

Just having a laugh really. Brilliant band, even with their new direction when Walshy left.

[Wrinkles41577]

I say "I take my hat off to, John Elefante" He did such an incredible job of keeping this group going for only 3 records.

[MrJAXJAGS]

@Wrinkles41577 2 RECORDS VINYL CONFESSIONS AND DRASTIC MEASURES

[ichyg]

I stayed at his house. A realy nice guy. I was dateing his cugin.

[wakclips]

Wow, I never dated a Cugin...

Is that a different breed of Cougar?

[westy4u]

its your cousin.= cugin

[minerband]

wats the name of the lead singer? the one in blue??

kansas rocks !

[lisahawks08]

John Elefante...He is AMAZING!!!

[jeanetter1983]

I like this song

[KANSASuuuuROCK]

JE did his Job. Great pinch hitter. Great work Kid : )

Perfect Lover, was good, yet not perfect. JE fan here.

[cgronlie]

My god they were awesome live!!...I never got the chance to see them back then =(

[rbaum741]

BOTH SW & JE were great. BOTH did GREAT.

John Elway or Unitas? Willie McCovey or Mays?

BOTH Great ! ! !

1st Band into the NEW PROG ROCK Hall of Fame.

NEW ROCK Theme Park due soon with KANSAS' Help.

See my profile bottom link, POTSWIND for info.

KANSASBANDCOM========KS Official K-Band Site

[vasjaforutube1]

With all due respect to Walsh, Elefante suits this song better, cause his voice is neater. And Robby sounds perfect as the second vocal! IMHO, best version of this song/

[chelas36]

the voice changes with age? man you sure don't now anything... the voice for us singers is like a good wine, get's better with age... Paul Mcartney never really sang...you havr to be kidding

Rob Halford, Bruce Dickinson, Rick Emmett, that's singing

[christieeya]

Ann Wilson. I was watching some older vids and the recents ones as well.. and she's definitely gotten better with age!

I'm a HUGE Heart fan! lol...

[rickyon]

McCartney never really sang? HUH?? Really!!! What about "Maybe I'm Amazed" That's not really singing?! Halford,Dickinson and Emmett are amazing powerful singers but there are many excellent singers who aren't powerful and McCartney is one of them! Also there is a point of diminishing returns in regards to aging voices especially with the real power singers like you mentioned!

[rickyon]

I don't know what post you're listening to but this version far from sucks! Granted Elefante is no Walsh but he is an excellent singer! The harmonies on this version are incredible and even though the original lineup used to tear this up this is a completely credible version of this song!

[appregios]

great song fall guy, easiest to sing of all besides dust in the wind, still nice to know history thank you

[KSFALLGUY]

this version sucks steve used to tear this song up live, i saw the audio visions tour 4 times, and the last was the final performance of kansas in lawrence in 81, the original tour date was cancelled due to steves cold, so they came back after the tour ended, it was 2 and a half hours of mayhem, there was an electric feel in the air, we got them back on 4 times, no one wanted to go home, and no one knew it was the last time, to see such greatness! thank god i got to be there!

[corremike]

Agree, this line up sucks

[shterionurumov]

I'll be glad to see your version!Thanks!

[thelithographe]

Yeah, Steve used to tear this song up, but now he sucks ... too much of the rock & roll lifestyle, I guess. I heard Elefante not too long ago, and his voice hasn't changed a bit. He's still awesome.

[KSFALLGUY]

yea but steves almost 60 and a ledgend in rock-n-roll, john is just a foot note, and kansas with flute sucks!

[thelithographe]

Steve was great back in the day. I won't deny that. I think using age as an excuse for not having a voice is just ludicrous. How old is Paul McCartney?  He was recording 10 years before Kansas. His voice hasn't changed. Heck, George Jones was recording well into his 80s and his voice never changed. 'Don't gimme that old rockin' chair.'

[KSFALLGUY]

lol none of those guys ever sang with the raw power and energy steve brought to bear, while playing complicated key board, doing back flips off organs, or being the first hard rock artist to play in communist red china, steve never admitited to singing correctlly, and years of bad habits take there toll on any performer but he still gave us a totally unique sound, that was unmatched in his day! steve left it all on stage, he wasnt just a singer, he was the best front man ever!

[thelithographe]

No argument with that one. Elefante didn't have nearly the stage presence of Walsh.

[rickyon]

What is it with you people who refuse to accept reality! Paul McCartney's voice has definitely changed! He still sounds great but old father time is taking his toll just as he does with everybody! You may be able to mention a couple of guys(and gals more so than guys!) who still kick ass in their 50's but you can count them on one hand and they can't sing with the same power and range that they had in their younger days! So yes I'm giving you that old rockin' chair!

[Defnael]

Elefante is just a good singer. Steve Walsh is more expressive, he have a real spirit and rock personality. It's very important for this kind of music. For me Steve Walsh is like Steve Perry : beyond comparison.

Sorry for my bad english, I'm french.

[rickyon]

Your English is great! I agree with you completely about Steve Walsh! But what gets me is all these haters that say Elefante sucks which of course is ridiculous! I think it's the "can't fill such a big pair of shoes" syndrome! Elefante is not Walsh but he is a n awesome singer love him or hate him!

[vasjaforutube1]

Perry from Aerosmith? Why?

[Nejizero666]

Kansas is awesome. enough said. I listen to my "Best of Kansas" album almost daily.

[rbaum741]

Kerry the MYSTRO has a NEW CD and PK CD soon.

Livgren : wmw NUMAvox com Hold On, Kerry On

Blessed Holidays & a KOOL GOOD New Year 2008 !

[SabakaNjecu]

I say that John is worse than Steve or Robbie but here, he really hits the point! THX for posting, great song!

[TbonePhil1962]

Great song! Thanks for the post Sal. Saw these guys when I was in High School. Kansas was touring for Leftoverture & opening for Rush during their 2112 tour. Billed as the "Concert of the Century"... It more than lived-up to all expectations. It was Rock&Roll Nirvana

[SabakaNjecu]

Kansas&Rush-yes thats "Concert of the century" and "Rocknroll Nirvana". Your right. Great 70s regret that I didn´t live in that time of the greatest music!

[brianwood2525]

Watch "Kansas The Pinnacle" on here. That is amazing live! Sounds like it was from a studio. Thats talent!

[spqop]

Great song, from a great album. I miss this kind of music. Excellent vocals. I always wanted that hairdo in '82.

[bmanfitzroy]

The violin player kinda looks like Dumbledorf from Harry Potter movies, lol

[werdyup]

LOL!!!! I don't know who that is but I can just imagine....how did he comb that thing? and what would he find in it after a night of partying? I fear to think!!

[rbaum741]

End of the Age & Fight Fire w/ Fire. wmw DATAmanos2 com Glad JE was there. Kansas show photos ICARUSpix4U com : )

[Panchoroy]

First, I love this song anyway its done, The lyrics are what need to be heard. Second in response to Seattleskies: What song on Drastic Measures is Great? THe worst Kansas album ever!

[seattleskies13]

Well in my mind all the songs were good. I even like the song ANDI you can see a video for that song here done by a 16 year old girl. Andi character. End of the Age, Fight Fire with Fire, Get Rich, Dont Ever Take your Love Away, Incident on a Bridge. ALL OF THEM! They are all excellent songs in my mind. The best of Kansas, most likely not, but to me it doesnt matter. They all have a unique sound and they all have lyrics with meanings! Ill listen to them over and over!

[SabakaNjecu]

Well Drastic Measures-I got the album ´cause of "Fight Fire With Fire". That song has some kind of a mood difficult to explain in it. Few songs has that kind of feeling. I love it. And also "Dont take your love away", "End of the age" and "Incident on a bridge." The rest of the album-I dont like very much the composing style of John&Dino Elefante. Its not Kansas. But still DM is a good album, worth listen.

[KSFALLGUY]

every song on the audio visions album that kerry wrote are christian songs, hold on he wrote for his wife, who was struggeling with salvation after his life changing moment! steve was ready to record his songs for vynal confessions, when kerry and dave made it clear that this was going to be the album that professes their faith, steve felt it was wrong to continue to sing songs about somthing he didnt belive in, and went his own way! steve laughed when they hired a clone!

[RainierBeer19]

awesome, thanx!

[1315AmandaLane]

Wow... brings back some great memories... the band is amazing...wish they could have stayed together longer

[rbaum741]

Thanks for posting Sal. K Blessings.

My Kansas photos 2006-07 wmw ICARUSpix4u com K People Southwind: wmw PotSW org

[rickyon]

Very nice "unplugged" version of this tune and again I have to say nice harmonies.

[shire2005]

This song is about livergren imploring his wife to come to christ. fyi..

[maynard2012]

Where's the drums?  Sounds like the Elefante's neutered Kansas to me. And where's Robbie's violin part before the final chorus?

[seattleskies13]

where are the drums in Dust in the Wind?

CMon man, Elefante did an awesome job for filling Walsh's shoes considering the circumstances. Vinyl Confessions and Drastic Measures had some great songs!

[volando1]

i love this song it is my fav. kansas song...

KANSAS RULEZ!!!

[seattleskies13]

just a note, the lyrics are slightly changed in this live version or some omitted shall I say.

[fiftyman50]

Very good!

[eddyfe]

I think John Elefante did a remarkable job covering a tune sang a few years earlier by Steve Walsh

[ashflower]

Great song, I love it. But one guy looks like Donna's dad on That 70s Show. And the background singer is like.. hippie Santa. Scary.

[Kansas72357]

That hippie Santa is one of the original voices that sang many good Kansas Songs

[seattleskies13]

Hold on is one of the more under-rated songs by Kansas! I think it is awesome!