Kansas recently welcomed Dan McGowan as their new bassist and vocalist in a new Instagram post. The band announced that McGowan would replace Billy Greer after ‘serving as his substitute on stage for numerous shows during 2024.’
“I am thrilled and honored to be joining Kansas,” the new member said in the online statement. “I am also deeply aware of the gigantic shoes that I will be filling. Dave Hope and Billy Greer are among the best musicians in rock history. I want the fans to know that I love the music of Kansas, and I hold it in highest reverence. I am committed to doing justice to the band’s incredible legacy, and I am so grateful for this unbelievable opportunity!”
Dan McGowan previously played with his brother Patrick as The Tea Club and released five albums since 2008, with the sixth one planned for release in late 2024. He also collaborated with Kansas’ Tom Brislin in Gold Rotation.
“Hailing from Southern New Jersey, Dan is a self-taught singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist,” the ‘Lonely Wind’ group wrote about the bassist. “He has a passion for 70’s progressive rock, passed on to him by his parents Pat and Jean, who would blast ‘Red,’ ‘Close to the Edge,’ and ‘Leftoverture’ into the wee hours of the morning.”
“For years he has worked at Inglis House, a wheelchair community in Philadelphia, where he gives music lessons, helps residents achieve their musical goals, and performs alongside them in the resident rock band ‘Wheelz.’ Dan is also a martial arts instructor at All Star Kids Karate, where he goes by the name ‘Mr. Dan.’”
Billy Greer left Kansas after four decades and seven studio albums, including ‘Power,’ ‘Freaks of Nature,’ and ‘The Absence of Presence.’ He had his last performance with the band on September 1 in Windsor, Ontario.
Kansas is now set to perform in Lincoln, California, on September 13.