'70s Rock Band, Iconic Despite Never Reaching No. 1, Announces Update on 2026 Tour

More than 50 years after forming, Kansas is proving it still has plenty of life left on the road.

The legendary 1970s rock group has officially added new headline dates to its already packed 2026 touring schedule, expanding a year that already includes major runs with 38 Special and Deep Purple.

The newly announced headline shows begin Sept. 29 in York, Pennsylvania and continue through mid-November, with stops planned in Texas, Iowa, New Jersey, Connecticut and more. The band also added an additional June 24 appearance in Albany, New York.

Fan presales begin May 20 using the password KANSASBAND, while general ticket sales launch May 22.

Despite never scoring a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, Kansas became one of the defining American rock bands of the 1970s thanks to arena-ready classics like “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.”

Their blend of progressive rock, soaring harmonies and emotionally introspective songwriting helped them stand apart during one of rock music’s most competitive eras.

Formed in Topeka, Kansas in the early 1970s, the group steadily built a loyal fan base through relentless touring and ambitious albums that mixed hard rock with classical and symphonic influences. Over time, songs like “Carry On Wayward Son” evolved into classic rock radio staples and became deeply embedded in pop culture.

Even decades later, the band’s music continues reaching younger audiences through film, television and streaming playlists.

Despite several lineup changes over the decades, there’s no bad blood among the band.

“We’ve all remained good friends and see one another from time to time,” co-founder and drummer Phil Ehart told Innerview. “Sometimes Kerry Livgren would jump onstage and play. Robby Steinhardt would show up at shows. We’d see the other members too. It wasn’t like after 1980 when people started leaving that we said we’d never see each other again.”

Kansas has also remained remarkably active as a touring act in recent years. Their 2026 schedule already includes a major summer run with 38 Special, reviving a fan-favorite pairing from 2025, as well as more than 20 shows with Deep Purple across North America later this year. Additional performances with acts including Jefferson Starship and Brother Cane are also planned throughout the year.

Meanwhile, Ehart, who is not currently touring with the band, recently released his memoir, I Am Phil.

With even more dates now added, Kansas continues demonstrating why it remains one of classic rock’s most enduring live acts.

Even without ever reaching No. 1, the band’s music has become something arguably more valuable: timeless.

Related: 1973 Rock Classic, Written in 30 Minutes, Became a Road Trip Anthem