Fitting into its throwback weekend plans of celebrating the 1975-84 era of the sport, Darlington Raceway will have classic rock legends KANSAS perform the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500 pre-race concert presented by GEICO on Sunday, Sept. 4.
KANSAS, known for its hits Carry On Wayward Son and Dust in the Wind, is one of the top-selling bands of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. The band has produced eight gold albums, three sextuple-Platinum albums (Leftoverture, Point of Know Return, Best of KANSAS), one platinum live album (Two for the Show) and two one million-selling gold singles (Carry on Wayward Son and Dust in the Wind).
KANSAS appeared on the Billboard charts for over 200 weeks throughout the ‘70’s and ‘80’s and played to sold-out arenas and stadiums throughout North America, Europe and Japan. Carry On Wayward Son continues to be on of the top five most played songs on classic rock radio, and Dust In the Wind has been played on the radio more than three million times!
“For the second consecutive year, we’re bringing pre-race entertainment to Darlington Raceway that fits our 1975-84 throwback celebration perfectly,” Darlington Raceway President Chip Wile said. “KANSAS was an iconic band in that era whose hit songs you can still hear on classic rock stations to this day. We’re excited for them to perform for our fans and give the Bojangles’ Southern 500 pre-race ceremonies a nostalgic feel as we celebrate the history and heritage of NASCAR on Labor Day weekend.”
“It’s never boring when you mix rock music, Darlington Raceway, and NASCAR fans!” original drummer for KANSAS, Phil Ehart said. “It will be a great Labor Day weekend event.”
Fans of KANSAS have the exclusive opportunity to watch the concert from the front of the pre-race stage. In addition to the purchase of a Bojangles’ Southern 500 grandstand ticket, a pre-race access pass may be purchased for an additional $45. This pass will not only give fans stage front access for the concert, but will also include an up close view of the Sprint Cup Series stars as they are introduced to the crowd. Supplies are limited.
Coinciding with the celebration of their 40th anniversary in 2013, KANSAS was inducted into both the Kansas Hall of Fame and Georgia Music Hall of Fame as recognition for their achievements from both their native state and adopted home state.
2016 marks the release of “The Prelude Implicit,” KANSAS’s fifteenth studio album. The wide-ranging progressive rock album set for release in September by Inside Out Music, and marks the band’s first studio album release in 16 years.
The band, which is currently comprised of original drummer Phil Ehart, bassist/vocalist Billy Greer, keyboardist David Manion, vocalist/keyboardist Ronnie Platt, violinist/guitarist David Ragsdale, guitarist Zak Rizvi and original guitarist Richard Williams, continues to perform in front of large and enthusiastic audiences around the world.
Darlington Raceway PR
- AM Racing | Hailie Deegan Dover Motor Speedway April Xfinity Preview - April 25, 2024
- RACE ADVANCE: Corey Heim at Dover Motor Speedway - April 25, 2024
- Rick Ware Racing: Justin Haley/Kaz Grala Dover Race Advance - April 25, 2024