Phil Ehart, the founding drummer of Kansas, has left the classic rock band’s 50th anniversary tour after suffering a “major heart attack,” the band announced on Friday, Feb. 23. Ehart is recovering, but it’s unclear when he’ll return to the road, Kansas said via a statement posted on social media and the band’s website.

Here’s the full text of the statement, titled “Kansas’ drumming legacy: Navigating through change and continuity” on the site:

“Kansas original drummer and band manager, Phil Ehart, is taking time away from touring as drummer for Kansas while he recovers after recently surviving a major heart attack. There is no timetable for his return to the road.

“While not on the road, Phil is remaining in a prominent role with Kansas during his recovery, serving as band manager, as he has done for 40 years.

“Eric Holmquist will be on drums for Kansas starting with the March 1, 2024, concert in Richmond, VA. Holmquist has filled in for Ehart on drums when Phil was ill in 2016, during Phil’s arm rehabilitation in 2022-2023, and has been performing the first half of shows during the Kansas 50th Anniversary Tour. Previously, Eric was Phil’s drum tech and protegé for more than 20 years.

“Kansas 50th Anniversary Tour – Another Fork in The Road continues March 1, 2024, in Richmond, VA. A complete list of tour dates can be found at kansasband.com. The band Kansas carries on, adding more tour dates in 2024 and beyond.”

Ehart, 73, has provided a rock-steady beat for Kansas since the early 1970s, appearing on iconic prog-rock albums such as 1976′s “Leftoverture” and 1997′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.”

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Along with guitarist Richard Williams, Ehart was one of two founding members who continued to perform with Kansas. Other original members, such as singer Steve Walsh and guitarist/keyboard player Kerry Livgren, no longer tour with the group.

“I think we’re pretty doggone good at what we do, so that’s a big plus,” Ehart said in a 2023 interview with Billboard. “We’ve had Kerry and Steve writing great songs, and the band has been good playing the songs and recording the songs and touring the songs and everything else, and we’re hard workers. It’s just hanging in there, basically.”

The current lineup also features bassist Billy Greer, keyboard player Tom Brislin, singer and keyboard player Ronnie Platt, and violinist and guitarist Joe Deninzon.

“There’s a small paragraph on the cover of our first album that says, ‘Kansas is a band,” Ehart told Billboard. “It’s not Kansas featuring somebody or certain people. When Kansas plays, it sounds like Kansas. If there’s a bit of rotating of members under the moniker of Kansas, then so be it. So this time Kansas is going to be Steve Morse playing guitar — boy, what a great addition he was. Or David Ragsdale on violin. Or Ronnie Platt coming in, or Billy Greer on bass. There has been a lot of different people coming and going, but it’s all under the auspices of the band. We go out and do what we do best, which is write and play Kansas music.”

Kansas performed in Alabama recently, 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 and filming video clips for songs such as “Reason to Be.”

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Kansas fans have been posting messages of support for Ehart on social media, wishing him a speedy recovery. They’ve also been offering kudos for Holmquist as he fills in behind the kit. Here’s a sampling from Facebook, where Kansas has 1.4 million followers:

“I’m praying now for Phil and Laurie and their family, as well as all of the Kansas family. May God’s healing and peace be with Phil in these days and always. Please give him my love and regards. Eric is a fantastic drummer and a great guy. I wish him all the best as well.” — Stephen Simpson

“Wishing you a healthy recovery Phil. You’re a great drummer! I was lucky enough to get one of your sticks at a Milwaukee show. It’s with my other Kansas memorabilia.” — Gerri Bittner Stodola

“Best wishes and good health to Phil. His drumming has been inspiring to many of us and his playing last summer was incredible given he had an arm injury – Midwestern Tough. Eric is a powerhouse as well.” — Tim Baumann

“The drum kit is in good hands with Eric. Best wishes and prayers to Phil and his family and the entire Kansas organization.” — Jeff Patrick

“So So overlooked as one of the best drummers ever. I am So So happy that he wasn’t taken from us. Prayers for a speedy (as fast as his drumming) recovery.” — William Ereth

“I learned to play the drums listening to Phil starting with Masque then Song for America. Many of his amazingly creative drum parts still challenge me to this day. Wishing him a speedy and full recovery. Truly one of the most publicly underrated greats of all time. The fans know and appreciate him and his commitment to excellence.” — Ronn Sprague

“God bless you Phil, best of luck with everything and recovery. Thank you for the last ten years of memories I saw you on the road with my Dad many times. My first show was for the 40th anniversary tour when Steve was still jamming in the band with you. Changed my life. Then, I had the pleasure to say hi after you signed my point of known return album at another show. You gave us some of the best memories of all time. I will always preach Kansas forever.” — Rafael Baglio

“Best wishes to Phil!! Bless you and we will all be praying for your healing and your happiness of course. Thank you for all the years you’ve entertained the masses!!” — Sandy Johnson Patton

“Take it easy Phil. I want you to Carry On My Wayward Son! Perhaps that was a Miracle out of Nowhere reminder for you to slow it down and enjoy!!! You are a member of my Favorite Band!!! My first Rock Concert too back in 1981 when I was a H.S. freshman. Prayers to you for a fast recovery and Live Long and Prosper too!!!” — Greg Kraemer