Hold On

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Hold On" by Kansas from their 1980 album Audio-Visions. This track is steeped in personal significance, written by guitarist/keyboardist Kerry Livgren as an evangelistic plea to his wife, Vicci, encouraging her to embrace Christianity alongside him. The song’s heartfelt lyrics reflect Livgren’s recent conversion to Christianity, a theme that began to permeate his songwriting during this period. According to sources, his efforts were successful, and the couple has remained active in their faith ever since. Peaking at No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, "Hold On" became the last Top 40 hit for Kansas’ original lineup, making it a pivotal moment in their discography.

Another tidbit about "Hold On" is its enduring presence in Kansas’ catalog. Beyond its initial release on Audio-Visions, the song has been featured on numerous compilation and live albums, including The Best of Kansas, The Ultimate Kansas, and Sail On: The 30th Anniversary Collection. Fans can even find an orchestral version on the 1998 album Always Never the Same, recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra, showcasing the song’s versatility. During the Audio-Visions tour, Kansas performed nearly every track from the album, and a live version of "Hold On" was captured during a radio broadcast from the Palladium in New York City for the show "A Night on the Road." The song’s emotional depth and soaring melodies, driven by Steve Walsh’s powerful vocals, make it a fan favorite, often highlighted for its blend of progressive rock and heartfelt balladry.

Kansas formed in Topeka, Kansas, in 1973, emerging from the merger of two local musical groups: Kerry Livgren’s earlier Kansas lineup and White Clover, a band focused on mainstream rock and blues. The newly formed group, which included Livgren (guitar/keyboards), Steve Walsh (vocals/keyboards), Robby Steinhardt (violin/vocals), Rich Williams (guitar), Phil Ehart (drums), and Dave Hope (bass), signed with Kirshner Records in 1973. They traveled to New York to record their self-titled debut album in 1974, blending progressive rock with hard rock and southern influences. Their early material, shaped by Livgren’s mystical lyrics inspired by Eastern religions and Walsh’s more straightforward rock sensibilities, laid the groundwork for their unique sound. Extensive touring built a cult following, but it was their 1976 album Leftoverture, featuring the hit "Carry On Wayward Son," that propelled them to mainstream success, followed by 1977’s Point of Know Return with the iconic "Dust in the Wind."

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with Kansas, their official website is www.kansasband.com, where you can find tour dates, music, and merchandise. On social media, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on their "Another Fork in The Road" 50th Anniversary Tour and more. Fans can also join the vibrant community on the Kansas Band Fan Club on Facebook, a group dedicated to sharing memories, photos, and discussions about the band’s legacy. Additionally, check out fan-run sites like Prog Archives for detailed discographies and reviews from the progressive rock community.