On the Other Side (Live 1992)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the rare gem "On the Other Side (Live 1992)" by Kansas, a track from The Kansas Boxed Set, and the Zoo Freaks are undoubtedly vibing to its progressive rock energy. This live rendition, recorded during Kansas’s performance at the Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles, captures the band’s raw power in the early '90s. Originally written by Kerry Livgren for the 1979 album Monolith, “On the Other Side” reflects Livgren’s introspective songwriting, blending spiritual themes with the band’s signature intricate instrumentation. In a 2015 interview with The Topeka Capital-Journal, Livgren shared that his evolving spirituality, particularly his embrace of Christianity in 1979, deeply influenced songs like this one, which explores themes of searching for meaning beyond the material world. The 1992 live version, featuring violinist David Ragsdale, showcases how Kansas reimagined their earlier material with a renewed vigor, as Ragsdale’s violin added a fresh layer to the song’s soaring melodies.

While specific anecdotes about “On the Other Side (Live 1992)” are scarce, Kansas drummer Phil Ehart noted in the documentary Miracles Out of Nowhere that the early '90s were a revitalizing period for the band, marked by the return of the violin with Ragsdale’s addition in 1991. This allowed Kansas to revisit tracks like “On the Other Side” with arrangements closer to their original vision. Fans on the Kansas Facebook page often cite the Live at the Whisky album, which includes this track, as a testament to the band’s enduring stage presence, with one fan commenting in a 2023 post that the 1992 performance “felt like Kansas was reclaiming their prog roots.” The song’s live energy, driven by Steve Walsh’s commanding vocals and the band’s tight interplay, makes it a standout for Zoo Freaks craving that classic Kansas sound.

Kansas began in Topeka, Kansas, in 1973, emerging from the merger of two local bands: Kerry Livgren’s earlier Kansas lineup and White Clover, led by Phil Ehart and Dave Hope. According to the band’s official history, Livgren, Hope, Ehart, Steve Walsh, Robby Steinhardt, and Rich Williams formed the core that would define Kansas’s sound—a fusion of hard rock, southern rock, and progressive rock inspired by bands like Yes and King Crimson. Initially playing local gigs at 3.2 beer bars, as noted in a Grunge article, Kansas honed their craft in the Midwest before catching the ear of Don Kirshner’s assistant, Wally Gold, at a packed show fueled by free beer promotions. This led to a contract with Kirshner Records in 1973, and their 1974 self-titled debut album, featuring tracks like “Can I Tell You,” laid the groundwork for their rise. By 1976, Leftoverture and its hit “Carry On Wayward Son” propelled them to international fame, cementing their status as American prog rock pioneers.

Today, Kansas remains active, celebrating over 50 years with their “Another Fork in the Road” tour, as detailed on their official website. Fans can connect with the band on social media via their Facebook page, which boasts 1.5 million likes, their Instagram for tour updates and throwback photos, and their X account for real-time fan interactions. For deeper engagement, the Kansas Band website offers tour dates, merchandise, and VIP experiences. Fan communities thrive in spaces like the Kansas (band) Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts share concert memories and rare vinyl finds. Additionally, Songfacts provides a fan-driven archive of Kansas trivia, while Setlist.fm lets Zoo Freaks track the band’s live performances, ensuring the Kansas legacy continues to resonate.