Kansas Frontman Ronnie Platt Diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer, Band Cancels Shows

Kansas singer Ronnie Platt revealed on social media that he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer earlier this month. The band has canceled two upcoming shows in Louisiana.

Platt, who took over for Steve Walsh in 2014, reassured fans, saying, “For all of you asking, Tuesday [February 11] I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer but before everyone gets all excited, it has a 99% survival rate, it has not spread. It’s contained to my thyroid. I just have to have my thyroid removed. Go through some rehab time and be right back in the saddle. I sincerely appreciate everyone’s positive thoughts and prayers. I have some absolutely amazing people going to bat for me!! As it has been put to me, this is just a bump in the road and will be behind me very soon! So everyone please CARRY ON!”

Fans are sending their support as he prepares for treatment.

Foreigner Members Set for Special Acoustic Shows Benefiting LA Wildfire Relief

Foreigner members are gearing up for two intimate “unplugged and powered up” performances at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA, on February 28th and March 2nd, with proceeds supporting LA wildfire relief.

Billed as Very Important Beer and featuring Jeff Pilson, Bruce Watson, Michael Bluestein, and Luis Maldonado, the shows are sponsored by Lagunitas Brewing Company. The band shared, “Not only will we be playing some incredible music, but we’re also raising funds for MusiCares to support those affected by the recent LA wildfires.”

Fans who donate $20 or more at the shows will receive a vintage Foreigner tour T-shirt, “straight from our locker (while supplies last)! Let’s rock for a cause and make a difference together. See you there!”

Adding to the fun, keyboardist Michael Bluestein and guitarist Bruce Watson recently became Certified Craft Beer Servers. Now, after plenty of “research,” they’re excited to share a pint with fans while delivering an acoustic sing-along of Foreigner classics.

Guitarist Karl Cochran, Collaborator of Kiss and Joe Lynn Turner, Dies

Karl Cochran, the acclaimed guitarist and songwriter known for his work with Kiss and former Rainbow/Deep Purple frontman Joe Lynn Turner, has passed away.

Turner honored his former collaborator in a heartfelt Facebook tribute: “The passing of Karl Cochran is an unbelievable loss not only to me but to the music world in general. Karl was an extremely talented guitar player and writer. He collaborated with some of the biggest names in rock.”

He continued, “Karl’s passing is our misfortune because he brought technical skill mixed with soulful artistic delivery through his music. Everyone who knew him personally and to anyone who heard his passionate performances, live or on record, can easily recognize greatness and expertise in his playing.”

Cochran’s legacy lives on through his contributions to rock music and the impact he had on those who worked alongside him.

Rock For Ronnie 2025 Set for May 18 with Sebastian Bach Headlining

The annual Rock For Ronnie: A Concert In The Park returns on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Griffith Park’s outdoor space next to the Autry Museum of the West. Benefiting the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, the event honors the late metal legend with a day of live rock, auctions, food trucks, and family-friendly fun.

This year’s headliner is former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and his solo band, with Ahmet Zappa hosting. The lineup also features Dio Disciples, Jason Charles Miller, Kill Devil Hill, and an all-star band, which in past years has included rock icons like Doug Aldrich, Steven Adler, Chris Broderick, Phil Demmel, Dave Grohl, Adrian Vandenberg, Ricky Warwick, and Brian Tichy.