Kansas Singer Ronnie Platt Diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer

Ronnie Platt, the singer of classic-rock legends Kansas, has revealed that he’s battling thyroid cancer. As a result, the band has canceled two upcoming concerts while the vocalist undergoes surgery to have his thyroid removed.

Platt disclosed the news after Kansas posted they were canceling their upcoming shows “due to band illness and doctor advisement.”

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On his own Facebook page, Platt wrote, “For all of you asking, Tuesday [February 11th] I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer but before everyone gets all excited, it has a 99% survival rate, it has not spread. It’s contained to my thyroid. I just have to have my thyroid removed. Go through some rehab time and be right back in the saddle.

He added, “I sincerely appreciate everyone’s positive thoughts and prayers. I have some absolutely amazing people going to bat for me!! As it has been put to me, this is just a bump in the road and will be behind me very soon! So everyone, please CARRY ON!”

Platt took over as lead singer of Kansas in 2014, replacing longtime vocalist Steve Walsh. In addition to touring with the band for the past decade, Platt has appeared on their last two albums, The Prelude Implicit (2016) and The Absence of Presence (2020). Prior to joining Kansas, Platt worked as a truck driver and was a member of the band Shooting Star.

The two dates that have been canceled are a February 21st show in New Orleans and a March 1st gig in Lake Charles, Louisiana. As of now, Kansas are set to play the ’70s Rock & Romance Cruise setting sail in mid-March, as well as more than 20 US tour dates spanning from early April through late November.

Kansas are currently playing a “Classics” set on tour comprised of such iconic hits as “Dust in the Wind,” “Carry On Wayward Son,” and more songs.

Here’s wishing Ronnie Platt a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. Watch him performing “Carry on Wayward Son” with Kansas during a concert last year in Clearwater, Florida, below.