Robby Steinhardt of Kansan, in this undated photo
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.
“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.”
