First listen to Kansas - Icarus (Borne on Wings of Steel) |REACTION|

[@thelordsguitar]

Kansas Was famous of their use of Violin in rock. Robby Steinhart Is playing Violin.

[@rubicon-oh9km]

The man on lead vocals, Steve Walsh, is arguably in the top 10 greatest rock singers of the last 50 years in the company of men like, Paul Rogers, Lou Gramm, Steve Perry, Roger Daltrey, etc....

[@haze61151]

I persoannly think Walsh is the best rock vocalist I've ever heard. Can you imagine the beginning of Kanss without Steve Walsh? Would they be the band we know today?

[@bobmurray6697]

@@rubicon-oh9km he’s always in my top 5

[@timothyjohnson4890]

Metaphor? Yes, for me it was a metaphor for my motorcycle. In a particularly depressing period of my life, I played this song every morning when I woke up to get me going. After a while, my housemate, the girl I loved, told me she listened to it too through the wall and liked it. Big smile.

[@u.s.veteranandpatriot7511]

I LOVE KANSAS- they are awesome! always loved them- Icarus- is my favorite,glad you found it -enjoy---Wheathead forever!

[@discinmike]

Violin from one of the best rock violins, who was classically trained, ever. They were expressing their success to the point where they were flying commercially concert to concert. I watch them grow attending the same high School in Topeka Kansas. Just my two cents.

[@kathyedleman633]

Early Kansas is the best Kansas.

[@iancunningham5576]

For me: Early Kansas is of course a revelation. But please look into their last couple of albums. THE PRELUDE IMPLICIT & THE ABSENCE OF PRESENCE VERY worthy additions. The latter was released a few weeks ago.

[@davidmiles533]

My favorites are second and third lps.

[@solesurvivorinthenewmillen787]

Absolutely damn right brother, criminally underrated is very apropos, I am 61 now and have been listening to this band since I was a teenager in 1976, Kerry Livgren was a monster guitarist and wrote most of songs for Kansas.

[@kansas1mjs483]

Robby Steinhardt on violin

[@001snapshot]

Just commenting today because it was announced TODAY the Robbie Steinhart has passed. RIP Robbie.

[@MrPolleyr]

Speaking of reading a good book…….Kerry Livgren, lead guitarist, principal song writer and leader of Kansas wrote a book called “Seeds of Change”……it is the story of his journey to Christianity after spending years diving into many Eastern religions, trying to kind truth, meaning and peace for his soul. I’m pretty sure you would enjoy it.🙏

[@patricknicolucci5073]

Dan Robbie Steinhart is the violin player and vocalist of kansas

[@guidosarducci]

Robbie is half of the vocalists...Steve Walsh is the other half...

[@georgewodicka4839]

Yes, Kansas has always been criminally underrated, but they've been selling out venues to this day for about 45 years. You are on the journey of the Kansas/Styx/Boston rabbit hole. Please hop on and enjoy.

[@steveprinty7759]

I just saw them in Jan on their 40 th anniversary tour for Point of Know Return. They were fabulous

[@beekay5914]

Styx? Kansas is light years better, and in a higher league.

[@Thorgrim247]

Kansas was unique among rock bands. They had a violinist in the group. Super talented group.

[@davidsonchris737]

It was an Electric violin

[@behmja]

Obviously this song is inspired by the Icarus story. But, once I learned Kerry was a pilot it all made sense. Icarus' wings were made with wax. But Kerry's wings were made of steel so he could soar without the fear of flying to close to the sun. I think this song is just the expression of beauty, joy and freedom, he experienced in flying.

[@merlin5729]

They are still rocking out and just released a new album of new material "The Absence of Presence" and it is killer. The lineup continues to be 2 original members Phil Ehart (drums-manager), Rich Williams (guitars). Billy Greer (bass, vocals) came on board with Steve Walsh when he re-joined the band back in around 1985 on the Power Album. David Ragsdale (violin, guitars, vocals)has been in and out 3 different times since 1992's "Live at the Whisky", Ronnie Platt (lead vocals, keys) joined after Steve Walsh retired in 2014, Zak Rizvi (guitars, producer) has worked with Kansas as a producer for 20 years or so and was invited to join the band back in around 2015 as they were recording their 2016 release "The Prelude Implicit, Tom Brislin (Keys, vocals) replaced lead keys player David Manion recently. I have been a fan since the mid 70's and have seen every lineup over the years and the current band is just incredible. Erudite of you to quickly determine how underrated they STILL are. Great job!

[@kevincosta9228]

KANSAS! Best prog rock band, IMO. Five farm boys from Kansas who were amazed by their own success. They produced a documentary called "Miracles from Nowhere" about their journey. Well worth watching. One interesting part was they never realized how good of a singer Steve Walsh was because all they had done was run around , playing small gigs. Once they got recording contract and got into the studio they heard Steve recording and said "Holy crap, Steve can really sing!"

[@recyclerhopkins]

Daniel, most people think this song is about freedom and I wouldn't disagree. As someone else said the instrument you're wondering about is a violin and Robby Steinhardt is their original violinist and one of their singers. Kerry Livgren, who plays guitar, keyboards and synthesizers, is a primary songwriter along with Steve Walsh (vocals, keyboards and synthesizers). Livgren described himself once as a frustrated theologian and eventually left KANSAS when he became an evangelical Christian. He had a solo album then started a Christian rock band AD. He later returned to KANSAS for awhile. Some of Livgren's KANSAS songs have a religious theme to them. CHILD OF INNOCENCE, MYSTERIES AND MAYHEM (with Walsh) and THE PINNACLE off the Masque album are some of his songs. INCOMUDRO - HYMN TO THE ATMAN is an epic song. CARRY ON WAYWARD SON, THE WALL (with Walsh), WHAT'S ON MY MIND and MIRACLES OUT OF NOWHERE all on Leftoverture are some great Livgren compositions. SONG FOR AMERICA is also an epic song. Steve Walsh also wrote many great KANSAS songs.

[@stpnwlf9]

Little known fact: Ronnie James Dio of heavy metal fame was a guest vocalist on Kerry Livgren's solo album.

[@katesjanice]

Randy. RJDio only sang on ,2 d

[@katesjanice]

Sorry Randy. I must have added the comment before I was finished. RJ Dio sang on 2 songs on Kerry's first (of many) solo albums entitled "Seeds of Change" and remastered as "Decade 1."

[@marconihawk2566]

Kansas tried to keep the meaning of a lot of their songs ambiguous so fans could interpret the songs in a way that meant the most to them. Several of their songs were about spirituality or death, but the listener might not view them that way. I think you’d really appreciate “Journey From Mariabronn” and “The Pinnacle”. Thanks for the Kansas react!

[@derroneverest4511]

I'm so happy you reacted to this song

[@mikeaustin1457]

Hi- I think it's more literal than we are all saying in the comments. I think the narrator is identifying with Icarus in the thrill of flying, but in the narrator's case he is in an airplane (hence - being carried on wings of steel rather than wax). Anyone who has flown in a light airplane on a beautiful morning, will identify exactly with the lyrics. Also I think one of the later Kansas albums has artwork of an old barnstormer in a wheat field.

[@dangabbert3944]

I was in high school when this came out. Being a Kansan myself, I was really excited to have a big rock band from my area. This was always my favorite.

[@bobmurray6697]

One of the most progressive rock bands ever on the planet. Every song is like a rock n roll symphony, incredible writing, incredible musical talent. Figures they’re not in the rock n roll HOF. Their music is too complicated I guess for the HOF who’d rather listen to the Beastie Boys. 😂

[@ronbeck201]

Icarus; One of my favorite Kansas songs. You should do "Sparks of the tempest", I'd love to see you dissect the lyrics on this one, because I think were living it.

[@yomommaahotoo264]

I'm surprised paramotor gliders don't use this song.

[@williampatterson5067]

Saw them twice back in the 70's great band live very professional.

[@piewagn]

He didn't make the mistake of wax wings this time...they're made of steel "...and I won't come down no more..."

[@davidsonchris737]

What about wings of steal, what's the reference to that?

[@PatrickBrown924]

Les metaphorical, and less mythological, than people think. Kerry Livgren, who wrote the song, has a pilot's licence and loves flying planes. Great song (although I prefer the live version on Two for the Show).

[@bobdelp2023]

I THINK YOU WOUND UP LIKINGGGG RUSH, TULL AND KANSAS IS WHAT I THINK!!! LOL :) I LUVVVVVVVV IT, YOU REALLY ENJOY THAT PROGGY SOUND I SEE, IT'S SO GOOD DANIEL!

[@derroneverest4511]

Yes, they are criminally underrated

[@davidholloway1817]

It's simply about the freedom of flight on "wings of steel." It's sequel, "Icarus II" on the 2000 album, "Somewhere to Elsewhere," is a tribute to WW2 US bomber crews. As others have mentioned below, your "mystery instrument" is simply a violin, played by violinist, & lead & backing singer, Robby Steinhardt.

[@panzerlieb]

Exactly

[@panzerlieb]

It about flying aircraft

[@sondraslate1847]

welcome to the Kansas music.. great analogy of this song.. all kansas song's are about being up lifted and being strong minded..

[@ms16464]

I believe its about a pilot and the wings of steel are is his plane.

[@robertkelly1434]

I was about your age when this song was new. I almost joined the Air Force over it. As it turned out, my eyesight wasn't good enough, so I ended up driving tanks in the dirt, rather than melting my wings in the sun. 😏😏😏

[@meganparsons9106]

I heard this song a couple of years ago and had to go to the DJ to ask what song it was, I could tell it was Kansas.

[@davidsonchris737]

Daniel, There is also a sequel to Icarus, Icarus #2 from the album Somewhere to Elsewhere that came out July 11th 2000, of course Awesome 😊👍👌😊💐💐💐💐💐💐💐and also The Coming Dawn.

[@JustMeAndThePossums]

Even more impressive - Kansas can actually do a great job playing their own music live. (not many bands can)

[@ralphschmidt2150]

Check out Icarus 2.. 40 years later

[@guidosarducci]

Thank you very much! I believe they all went to the same college in Kansas, hence the name... I saw Kansas live in 2010 just before Steve Walsh retired from the band. Man, they were stinking GRAND! Just as great live...

[@douglaslivingston6127]

criminally underrated band

[@65Jessev]

What this song always brought to my mind was an anthem for a fighter pilot on an aircraft carrier.

[@001snapshot]

what you hear may be the violin.

[@paullane1680]

Great tune.. Now the Wall

[@stpnwlf9]

Masque is a very overlooked album in Kansas' discography. Leftoverture and Point of Know Return were the big sellers and the ones everyone knows as they were darlings of AOR radio in the 70s. Song For America is as good (dare I say better) than either one and is VERY overlooked as it came out before the band achieved peak popularity. I'm a native of Kansas and have a couple of those "6 degrees of separation" connections to the band - a hazard of living in a lower population state.

[@joelliebler5690]

Randy Gibson I just listened to it again and it is truly a masterpiece off Progressive rock!👍🏻❤️☮️

[@NextMerckx]

At least Masque went gold after Leftoverture and Point of Know Return brought a ton of attention to their early discography. ‘Icarus’ is, I think, genuinely their most underrated track.

[@katesjanice]

You are right. It's a travesty that Kansas has not even been nominated for the R and R Hall of Fame!! I no longer pay attention to this horrible "tribute." So many of the inductees don't even play rock. What a joke!

[@iancunningham5576]

Finally a reaction video for this incredibly amazing song. The song I first discovered KANSAS through. And yes Daniel it is BORNE. The guitarist, additional keyboardist and principal songwriter; Kerry Livgren combined the mythological tale with his father's experiences as a fighter pilot during WWII. No drug reference. Drummer: Phil Ehart Violinist, 2nd vocalist: Robbie Steinhardt Steve Walsh: LEAD VOCALIST, KEYBOARDIST Bass: Dave Hope Rhythm/Lead Guitarist: Richard Williams

[@fknstr]

Next: Portrait He Knew. Try that.

[@johnfoster5295]

Flight Of Icarus by Iron Maiden tells this tale as well. This is a great choice by Kansas.

[@beekay5914]

Icarus is used as a metaphor here, this song is not a depiction of the Greek myth. Icarus flew on wings of wax and feathers, which melted when he flew to close to the sun. Not wings of steel.

[@001snapshot]

wow...that was fast

[@webheadwilks]

Icarus also went too high and his wings melted.

[@neonpark1874]

Finally, your Mom gets a mention in one of your videos! To this point (unless I missed it), it's only been song selections from your Dad.

[@DiconDissectionalReactions]

Gotye - Sombody that I used to know, and every song by Our Lady Peace, were recommendations from mom:)

[@neonpark1874]

@@DiconDissectionalReactions I did, in fact, miss those. I'm feeling better about your family life now. LOL.

[@mediadecoded6684]

Also. This song is quite simply the story of icarus, however the wax wings that limited his excess are replaced by wings of steel which will not melt and allow for never ending ascent. My brother started a prog rock band in the nineties and he actually toured the north East with Kansas. I was fortunate to get a chance talk to Steve Walsh several times at length. Kinda cool to get some insight into their music that I always had wondered about. Hey, do you have a patriot account? If you don’t you should set one up and take paid requests. If you so share it with me. I’ll be happy to pitch in. Good luck and best wishes to you.

[@DiconDissectionalReactions]

I do indeed have a Patreon account there's a link in every description, and I also mention it at the end of nearly every video since I made it.

[@mediadecoded6684]

Dicon Dissectional Reactions oh man I must click off right before the end !

[@ralphschmidt2150]

Please do death of mother nature suite by Kansas

[@brianbunting4987]

I truly appreciate what you’re doing, but please watch a few of their live videos, so you’re more informed. They employed an electric violin, which is extremely rare. Yes, they’re extremely under rated. “Dust In The Wind” and “Carry On My Wayward Son” are amazing, but they have MANY more songs that were highly overlooked. Their songs are very deep.

[@williamjordan811]

Somewhat Metaphorical of Trying To Reach Heaven By Your Own Effort (AKA Abraham trying to Complete God's Plan in his own Effort With Hagar Instead Of The Miraculously God Completed Birth Of Isaac with Sarah), But It is Also A celebration Of Soaring Music, And The Mechanisms Of Creating Great Epic Songs, Think Of It, 6 People Soaring Together Into A Wonderful Synchronous Work Of Art... If You've Ever Been Through Kansas' Flint Hills And Experienced Such Horizon to Horizon, Big Sky, Their Music Gives You This Alternate Reality of How Six People From Topeka Could See Their Own Music. You Are Very Wise for Your Age.. I like that I have Found Your Channel, Great Insights, Cheers and God Bless

[@actorJSB]

Many years later they did Icarus II where the wings of steel became the planes of fighter pilots in World War II, also a great song. And if you're really stretched for time one night there's a 3 minute track on this album called Two Cents Worth which nobody ever talks about, but should - still has plenty for you to dissect. Oh, and in an entirely different direction, if you want to hear some actual mandolin (and some deeply spiritual lyrics) check out Hummingbird by Seals and Crofts.

[@ralphschmidt2150]

Check out Icarus 2

[@steveprinty7759]

Check out Closet Chronicles or any thing on Leftoverture or Point of Know Return

[@IllumeEltanin]

Fantasy, huh? Lord of the Rings. Have you read Stephen R. Donaldson's "The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, the Unbeliever?" Started as a trilogy, all published in the same year. Wound up as two trilogies and a quartet over four decades, with a 30 year break between the first two trilogies and the final quartet.

[@genestippell1833]

If you're enjoying Kansas....I keep telling everyone to view the 1982 live concert in Omaha thats on KZbin...Walsh had been replaced but the new singer is fabulous... The video and audio are great. Kansas comes out on fire and strings together about 45 minutes of powerful music before they take a break and do a few acoustic songs... Its one of the best live shows I ever saw... They aren't flashy on stage but the musicianship, energy and sound just blow you away. I've seen other Kansas performances but this one is as perfect as it can get

[@JamesHoltmann]

Violin

[@thomasklempin542]

First 3 albums. Prog masters. After they went commercial

[@001snapshot]

Life Long Kansas Fan...there are metaphors in ALL of Kansas's songs...but...one about drugs...no.

[@sidecardog5244]

Another criminally underrated band is Spock’s Beard. Start with one of their shorter songs from the album Snow. I’d recommend the opening song “Made alive/Overture. The album is a symbolic Christian allegory...well worth a listen.

[@bobdelp2023]

MAYBE TRUE DANIEL! LOL :), CAUSE LEFTOVERTURE WAS CERTAINLYYYY THEIR COMMERCIAL EXPLOSION LIGHT WITH CARRY ON WAYWARD SON!

[@JesusRocks71]

Based on your comment about Christians, and that you are a metal fan, do some reactions to Stryper.

[@bobdelp2023]

VIOLIN, ROBBY STEINHARDT ;)

[@bobdelp2023]

VIOLINNNNNNNNNN!!! LOL :) ROBBY STEINHARDT

[@mediadecoded6684]

Loved the video. Great song by Kansas. When I heard you say two things I can say for sure you will absolutely love this band. Please do a reaction to pinnacles out of nowhere and mysteries and mayhem. It’s LONG. But the two songs go as one. Mid evil. Phantasy. Intense sounds. It will take you to an amazing place. Please trust me on this. It will impress you. Other than that Kerry lovgreen from Kansas became a born again Christian. He had a huge influence on the writing of Kansas songs. The tension between Steve walshes fast living lifestyle and Kerry’s conservative touch show constantly in their music, giving you two sides of a coin, often with two different singers portraying the sides of the music. Their songs on the Masque album are extremely gritty and mid evil. While the leftoverture album is filled with majestic tones. Here are some incredible songs by cleanses which I’m sure you will enjoy. Song for America. Journey from Mariobran Cheyenne anthem Miracles out of nowhere No one together Stay out of trouble Incommudro Sweet child of innocence. There are so many more. But these are some epic tunes. I really appreciate your reactions. They are insightful and a pleasure to watch. Keep doing what you do!

[@georgejetson795]

you remind me of my son so i had to subscribe , great choice on rush and kansas 2 great groups also check out the cars the police cheap trick kiss ,whitesnake, scorpions, ratt, phil the drummer is like a machine in kansas he is so perfect and speeds up changes tempo and is very underated drummer he is awesome , all the kansas members are world class musicians its the violin your hearing and most songs over 3 0r 4 minutes got almost no airtime on the radio and most rush and kansas songs were 7 minutes minimum

[@moeestes9864]

Check out, from their 1st album, Journey to Mariabron. Kerry Livgren was a musical genius! Once he left, I lost interest.

[@alanhembra2565]

You should listen to “Icarus II” from the year 2000. It doesn’t continue the story but instead tells the story of a real WWII pilot.

[@sondraslate1847]

listen to two cent's worth,, of the same album

[@beekay5914]

Is that a guitar? No, silly, it's called a violin.

[@bobdelp2023]

I CAN'T BELIEVE I POSTED THAT SAME POST TO YOU 2 WEEKS AGO, I'LL SHUT UP! LMAO :) FOR NOW

[@theplanetruth]

Recommendation for Christian fiction: the Circle series by Ted Dekker. Also The Great Divorce by CS Lewis.

[@DiconDissectionalReactions]

Have you read the C.S Lewis book Peralandra?

[@theplanetruth]

Dicon Dissectional Reactions The only sci fi I’ve ever made it through was Space Odyssey:2001, Ender’s Game; And I had to force myself to finish them both. Even though I enjoyed space Odyssey more. All of that to say I have tried numerous times to make it through Perelandra and I just don’t enjoy it. Perelandra is part of a trilogy.

[@theplanetruth]

PS - I actually have also enjoyed the wrinkle in time fantasy/science fiction series. That one I had no trouble reading.

[@DiconDissectionalReactions]

@@theplanetruth Wrinkle in Time I liked until they switched gears and changed all the mcs...

[@theplanetruth]

Dicon Dissectional Reactions mcs? Main characters? Are you talking the books, or the raping a Disney gave it?

[@Tralman1965]

Kerry Livgren, Kansas' primary songwriter, wrote his biography "Seeds of change." In it he explains in detail the meaning behind every song.

[@thegorn68]

Checkout "Flight of Icarus" by Iron Maiden.

[@beekay5914]

Killer song form an outstanding album. Good choice. But does anybody want to listen to you talk for a full five minutes before the music starts? Not me.

[@joelliebler5690]

Good song though when you are well rested in the morning and ready to get swept away try reacting to Song For America!👍🏻❤️☮️

[@katesjanice]

This doesn't look anything like Kansas' home page. I think you got duped. And it is Borne.

[@kidpoker007]

Have you heard their biggest hit?

[@alanatwood1243]

Now you must do The Pinnacle from the same album.

[@davidbrown3971]

Spell check bud.

[@heywoodjablowme8921]

Oh yeah, don't try to keep a beat to Kansas....just close your eyes and listen. Works best

[@ralphschmidt2150]

Check out Icarus 2