Billy Greer, the longtime bassist and singer for Kansas, has left the classic rock band’s 50th anniversary tour and been replaced by Dan McGowan of The Tea Club.

Kansas announced Greer’s exit on Friday, Sept. 6, via posts on Facebook and Instagram, lauding his “decades of exceptional musicianship” and calling him “an unwavering presence with the band” since 1985. No reason was given for Greer’s departure, but when Kansas announced McGowan as Greer’s replacement on Monday, its social media posts noted that “Dan has been serving as Billy’s substitute on stage for numerous shows during 2024.”

It’s the second time Kansas has lost a key stage member this year, after founding drummer Phil Ehart left the road in February to recover from a severe heart attack. Ehart remains with the band as its manager, but it’s unclear if he’ll return to touring.

READ: Legendary rock band’s drummer exits 50th anniversary tour after ‘major heart attack’

Kansas, an iconic prog-rock band, is famed for albums such as 1976′s “Leftoverture” and 1977′s “Point of Know Return,” as well as hit songs such as “Carry On Wayward Son,” “Dust in the Wind” and “Point of Know Return.” The band released its self-titled debut album in 1974 and earned a devoted fan base that has followed its career through the decades.

READ: The Southern backstory of classic-rock anthem ‘Carry on Wayward Son’

Here’s the full text of Kansas’ statement on Friday, confirming that Greer, 72, had left the group:

“After nearly 40 years, Billy Greer has concluded his journey as bassist and co-lead vocalist for the band Kansas. The band Kansas and its entire organization extend heartfelt gratitude to Billy for his decades of exceptional musicianship. Billy joined Kansas in 1985 and has been an unwavering presence with the band since.

“‘For 39 years, Billy has been a loyal, dedicated, and immensely talented bandmate. He’s travelled around the world with us including USO tours,’ comments Kansas original member Phil Ehart.

”Original guitarist Richard Williams adds, ‘He stood shoulder to shoulder with us through both the ups and the downs. His voice, both singing and emceeing, has been a constant with us on stage. The entire Kansas family will miss him.’

“Billy has appeared on stage with Kansas for more than 2,300 live performances. He has appeared on the studio albums ‘Power,’ ‘In The Spirit Of Things,’ ‘Freaks Of Nature,’ ‘Always Never The Same,’ ‘Somewhere To Elsewhere,’ ‘The Prelude Implicit’ and ‘The Absence of Presence.’ Billy is also featured on the live releases ‘Live at the Whisky,’ ‘King Biscuit Flower Hour,’ ‘Device Voice Drum,’ ‘There’s Know Place Like Home,’ ‘Leftoverture Live & Beyond’ and ‘Point of Know Return Live & Beyond.’ Billy was also lead vocalist and bassist for the side project Native Window.

“In the last 18 years, Billy has taken charge of the emcee role on stage enhancing the connection between the band on stage and the audience. Billy’s departure will not impact any KANSAS performance scheduling. A new Kansas bassist will be announced soon.”

Monday’s announcement from Kansas, confirming McGowan as its newest member, included a statement from the bassist. He acknowledged Greer’s legacy and contributions to the band, and saluted Kansas’ founding bassist Dave Hope, who played with the band from the early 1970s through the early 1980s.

“I am thrilled and honored to be joining Kansas,” McGowan said. “I am also deeply aware of the gigantic shoes that I will be filling. Dave Hope and Billy Greer are among the best musicians in rock history. I want the fans to know that I love the music of Kansas, and I hold it in highest reverence. I am committed to doing justice to the band’s incredible legacy, and I am so grateful for this unbelievable opportunity!”

McGowan started The Tea Club, a prog-rock band, with his brother, Patrick McGowan, in 2003. In April 2024, The Tea Club announced that McGowan would be filling in for Greer at some shows on Kansas’ anniversary tour.

Guitarist Richard Williams is the only founding member of Kansas currently performing on tour. Along with new bassist McGowan, the on-stage lineup also features drummer Eric Holmquist (Ehart’s replacement), singer and keyboard player Ronnie Platt, keyboard player Tom Brislin, guitarist Zak Rizvi and violinist and guitarist Joe Deninzon.

Kansas performed in Alabama earlier this year, playing on Feb. 3 at the BJCC Concert Hall in Birmingham. Kansas also stopped in Huntsville on Oct. 26, 2023, appearing at the Von Braun Center Concert Hall. The band’s history in the state includes a memorable visit to Huntsville in the 1970s, rehearsing at the Von Braun Center.

(Watch Kansas perform “Dust in the Wind” in Birmingham in the video below.)