Attended a Kansas concert at a young age, and the band has remained the concert-goer's favorite ever since. Kansas fan snags position as band's permanent lead guitarist, with Rich Williams reducing touring commitments.
Kansas Welcomes New Permanent Member: Scott Bernard
Scott Bernard, a renowned session guitarist from Los Angeles, has joined the iconic progressive rock band Kansas permanently. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the band, as Bernard considers Kansas his favourite and feels privileged to be a part of it.
Bernard's musical journey began at the tender age of 9 when he first picked up the electric guitar. His teenage years were spent idolising guitar legends such as Al Di Meola and Chick Corea, and delving deep into the world of jazz guitar.
Kansas' current lineup includes Bernard, Zak Rizvi on guitar, and the band's co-founding member, Rich Williams. However, Williams has had to scale back his touring commitments due to health issues and travel restrictions caused by Hurricane Helene. Despite this, he will still perform at as many concerts as possible.
Williams, who considers Bernard his hand-picked choice to help carry on the legacy of Kansas, describes the new member as a fantastic guitar player and a great guy. The addition of Bernard, alongside Rizvi, allows Kansas to go on well into the future.
Bernard is not new to the music industry. He has worked with artists such as Joe Bonamassa, Michael McDonald, Alan Parsons, and Gary Burr. He is not only an incredibly talented guitarist but also a vocalist, having formed the Christian rock band Big Difference in the past.
Interestingly, Kansas' roots can be traced back to the city of Wichita, Kansas, where the band played in bars during their first tour in the 1970s. Today, the band has three shows confirmed for 2026, promising an exciting future for fans.
Despite his reduced touring schedule, Williams remains optimistic about the band's future. He claims that Kansas pretty much gave birth to American prog bands, and with the addition of Bernard and Rizvi, the band is well-equipped to continue its influential legacy.
