’70s Rock Band Announces Lineup Change for 2026 Show

Veteran rock band Kansas has announced a temporary lineup change for its upcoming concerts, with violinist Kyle Pudenz stepping in for current band member Joe Deninzon.

The update was shared by the band on X, where Kansas stated: “Violinist Kyle Pudenz will be filling in for KANSAS Violinist Joe Deninzon at this weekend’s KANSAS concerts while Joe fulfills family obligations.”

The announcement marks the latest personnel adjustment for the legendary progressive rock group as it continues touring more than five decades after its formation in Topeka, Kansas.

Joe Deninzon joined Kansas in 2023 after longtime violinist David Ragsdale departed for personal reasons. Since entering the lineup, Deninzon has become a key part of the band’s live performances, bringing his signature seven-string electric violin style to classic Kansas songs.

The band did not indicate how long Deninzon’s absence would last, but confirmed that Pudenz will handle violin duties during the affected shows.

Kansas remains active on the road in 2026 while continuing to celebrate a catalog that includes some of classic rock’s most recognizable songs, including “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.”

Violinist Kyle Pudenz will be filling in for KANSAS Violinist Joe Deninzon at this weekend’s KANSAS concerts while Joe fulfills family obligations. 1/ pic.twitter.com/yvPLtxRbIw

— KANSAS (@KansasBand) June 11, 2026

While some Kansas fans may be unfamiliar with Kyle Pudenz, the Nashville-based musician arrives with a lengthy résumé as a performer, arranger and session player.

According to his bio, Pudenz began studying classical violin at age eight and later performed with the Missouri Symphony Orchestra. His musical background expanded beyond classical music through work in folk rock, Americana, country, jazz and progressive music.

After attending Belmont University, where he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree, Pudenz built a career performing and recording with a wide range of artists. His credits include touring and studio work with numerous acts across multiple genres.

He is also known for performing on custom-built seven-string electric violins, instruments he developed alongside his father. The expanded range of those instruments has allowed Pudenz to blend traditional violin techniques with rock-oriented performance styles.

Throughout his career, Pudenz has worked as a touring musician, arranger and recording artist while appearing with artists including RaeLynn, Colt Ford, Drake Milligan and several Nashville-based performers.

His diverse musical background makes him a natural fit for a temporary role in Kansas, a band whose sound has long featured violin as one of its defining elements.

The lineup adjustment continues a pattern of changes that Kansas has successfully navigated throughout its history.

Founded in 1973, Kansas became one of the most successful American rock bands of the 1970s. The group earned widespread recognition through albums such as Leftoverture and Point of Know Return, while songs like “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind” became staples of classic rock radio.

Over the years, the band has experienced numerous personnel changes while maintaining an active touring and recording schedule. Current members include Ronnie Platt, Zak Rizvi, Tom Brislin, Joe Deninzon, Dan McGowan, Scott Bernard, Rich Williams  and drummer Phil Ehart, who remains a founding member although he has scaled back his onstage role following a heart attack in 2024.

Just one day before the lineup announcement, Ehart was promoting his newly released memoir, I Am Phil, in which he reflected on his life, Kansas’ long history and the band’s enduring connection with fans.

During that discussion, Ehart emphasized the philosophy that has helped Kansas continue through decades of change, per Ultimate Classic Rock.

“Kansas has never been about any one or two members or a singular personality. Kansas has always been about the music. The music is the star of the show.”

He also highlighted the band’s careful approach to selecting musicians.

“The musical expectations to be in Kansas have always been sky high, and we will never, ever change that.”

Those comments provide additional context as the group once again adjusts its live lineup, even if only temporarily.

For now, Kansas fans attending this weekend’s concerts will see Kyle Pudenz taking over violin responsibilities while Joe Deninzon attends to family matters. The band has not announced any additional lineup changes beyond the upcoming performances.

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