Robby Steinhardt, a founding member, violinist and vocalist for the 70s multi-platinum-selling rock group Kansas has passed away at 71 in Tampa, Florida, of acute pancreatitis. Kansas was among a handful of popular rock bands to emerge from the 1970s era that featured strings as a core part of the makeup of the band.
From his wife, Cindy Steinhardt, “We are beyond devastated as our lives were about to start a new adventure,” she shared in the post. “Robby just recorded his first solo album with the talented music producer Michael Franklin at Solar Studios. A tour to start in August, Robby was so looking forward to being back on stage doing what he loved. I’ve always tried to share our lives with you but I ask you to please respect this heavy time of grief.”
The band made a statement on their Facebook page.