Photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images

Robby Steinhardt, founding member of progressive rock band KANSAS, has sadly passed away of acute pancreatitis complications at the age of 71.  Through singing and playing violin on the band’s biggest hits, Steinhardt fused rock ‘n’ roll with classical music into a sound unique to KANSAS.

His family released this statement: “Robert Eugene Steinhardt, was well recognized as a founding member and original violinist and vocalist for the rock band Kansas. His violin and vocals on, Dust in The Wind, Point Of No Return and Carry On Wayward Son, have etched Robby a solid place in rock history.”  We couldn’t agree more.

KANSAS released a heartfelt statement of their own on the passing of their bandmate:

“The members of the band KANSAS, past and present, wish to express our deepest sorrow over the death of our bandmate and friend, Robby Steinhardt.
Robby will always be in our souls, in our minds, and in our music.
What he brought to us as bandmates, to the fans who attended our concerts, and to the sound of KANSAS, will always be heartfelt.
We love him and will miss him always.
-KANSAS”

Robby will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fans throughout the world.

Read More: Founding Kansas Violinist + Co-Vocalist Robby Steinhardt Has Died | https://loudwire.com/kansas-robby-steinhardt-dead-71/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral