Point Of Know Return (Live 2019)

The song "Point Of Know Return," performed live in 2019 by Kansas and featured on their album Point Of Know Return (Live & Beyond), carries a rich history from its original 1977 release. Written by drummer Phil Ehart, violinist Robby Steinhardt, and frontman Steve Walsh, the song was a last-minute addition to the 1977 album but became one of Kansas' most iconic tracks, known for its orchestral arrangement blending violin, guitar, and synthesizer. The title, inspired by Ehart, plays on the phrase "point of no return," with the word "know" reflecting the seafaring metaphor of a journey beyond the point of return, as noted by guitarist Rich Williams, who described the band as a crew on a boat pulling together. The song's nautical imagery resonates with the album’s cover art, depicting a ship teetering on the edge of a flat world, designed by Peter Lloyd. In a 2013 BMI certification event in Pittsburgh, the songwriters were honored for over 2 million plays, underscoring its enduring popularity on classic rock radio.

Behind the scenes, the 1977 recording of Point Of Know Return faced challenges. The band started at Studio in the Country in Bogalusa, Louisiana, but equipment failures forced a move to Woodland Sound Studios in Nashville. During this time, Steve Walsh briefly left the group, later admitting on the In the Studio with Redbeard radio show that he was acting like a "prima donna" and was tempted by a solo career. The live 2019-2020 performances, captured in the Point Of Know Return (Live & Beyond) album, showcase a revitalized Kansas, with vocalist Ronnie Platt stepping in after Walsh’s 2014 retirement. Drummer Phil Ehart, a co-producer, noted in a 2021 Sonic Perspectives interview that the album was a response to fans missing live shows during the COVID-19 hiatus, featuring 22 tracks from 12 shows, including the entire Point Of Know Return album performed live.

Kansas began in Topeka, Kansas, in 1973, emerging from a local "garage band" scene. The band formed when members of two rival groups, including Phil Ehart, Rich Williams, and Dave Hope, merged with Kerry Livgren, Steve Walsh, and Robby Steinhardt. Their unique blend of hard rock, southern rock, and progressive rock drew inspiration from bands like Yes, Genesis, and the 1960s group Touch, as Livgren cited in interviews. Discovered by Wally Gold, who worked for Don Kirshner, Kansas released their debut album in 1974. Their breakthrough came with 1976’s Leftoverture, featuring "Carry On Wayward Son," followed by Point Of Know Return in 1977, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard charts and sold over four million copies. With nine gold albums and hits like "Dust in the Wind," Kansas became a staple of 1970s and 1980s rock, performing to sold-out arenas across North America, Europe, and Japan.

You can stay updated with Kansas through their official website at kansasband.com, where they share tour dates and news, including their ongoing 50th Anniversary Tour, "Another Fork in The Road." Follow them on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X for behind-the-scenes content and fan interactions. Fans can also connect through dedicated communities like the Kansas Band Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memorabilia, concert experiences, and discussions. Additional fan resources include Prog Archives, which offers detailed discographies and reviews for Kansas’ progressive rock catalog.