Rock ‘n’ roll legend is bringing his tour to Kansas City. Here’s what you need to know
For those old enough to remember The Guess Who, the voice of Burton Cummings is unmistakable.
The Canadian rock band’s lead singer was all over the radio airwaves in the late 1960s and into the 1970s. The Guess Who played concerts in all 50 states as well as in Europe, Japan, New Zealand and Australia. Cummings has toured as a solo act since leaving the group in 1975.
“I’ve been around a bit,” he said in a phone interview. “I’ve been to the beach and carried the baggage, as they say.”
He will bring his baggage to Kansas City when his 60th Anniversary Hits Tour stops Wednesday, Sept. 18, at Knuckleheads.
The legendary East Bottoms venue that is annually voted the city’s Best Rock Music Club in Kansas City Magazine’s readers’ poll. In 2024, Knuckleheads was also voted Best Place to See Local Music, Best Bar with Live Music, Best Country Music Venue and Best Music Venue. And it was chosen as the Best Live Music Venue in Kansas City Favorites voting, held by The Star’s advertising department.
Cummings’ tour comes on the heels of a lawsuit he and guitarist Randy Bachman settled to acquire the trademark to the name of the band they co-founded.
Cummings and Bachman, who wrote most of The Guess Who’s hit songs, had sued fellow original members Jim Kale and Garry Peterson in fall 2023 over false advertising. Kale and Peterson had been touring using the name The Guess Who, including regular stops at Kansas City’s Ameristar casino. Cummings told Rolling Stone, “There’s been a fake band out there for a long time using the real records to promote their shows.”
The lawsuit was settled earlier in September.
Here’s what you need to know about Cummings’ KC appearance.
When and where is it?
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, at Knuckleheads, 2715 Rochester Ave.
How much does it cost?
Tickets are $58.50 for general admission and $79.50 for reserved seats. Limited VIP packages are available, but they don’t include tickets to the show.
Where can I park?
Knuckleheads has three dedicated parking lots to the west of the building and another to the east.
Who else will play?
“King” Solomon Hicks, a guitarist and blues/jazz singer from Harlem, will play in support of Cummings.
Where can I get more information?
A Burton Cummings Q&A
What will you play at Knuckleheads?
Cummings: We do the songs that people come to hear. They’re going to hear ‘No Sugar’ and ‘Share the Land’ and ‘Hand Me Down World’ and ‘American Woman’ and ‘These Eyes’ and ‘Laughing’ and ‘Clap for the Wolfman.’ They’re going to hear the big Guess Who songs and a lot of the stuff from my solo years.
What is it like to come to Knuckleheads to perform?
I’ve always enjoyed Knuckleheads. I’ve been there several times. I love the fact that the crowd is so close to you there. Every time we played there, we’ve had a great night. The people have gone home happy, and so have the bands. And that’s really my ultimate goal.
Have the trains that go by played a part in your concerts?
I’ve always kind of thought it was cool when the train goes by when we’re on stage. It doesn’t ruin the show at all. It’s just kind of an extra feature of being at Knuckleheads. I enjoy it.
This is your 60-year tour?
Basically yes. I’ve been in show business longer than 60 years. I got into my first band when I was 13 turning 14, and I’m 76 now.
Are you touring less now?
You can’t keep up the same pace in your 70s as you did in your 20s. That’s just impossible. When you’re young, you don’t think about sleep. You just keep going.
How’s your voice holding up?
Here’s something that every singer wants to hear: People still tell me I sound just like the records. Thank you, music gods, for that. I’m still singing fairly well.
You’re not tired of touring then?
I still love the two hours on stage. … I still love the performing. And who wouldn’t?
You must be happy that people still appreciate your music.
The thing that makes me the happiest is that my songs have never gone away. I’ve been on the radio for 50 years. And not every performer everywhere is that lucky to get that.
Do you have a favorite song?
I always loved the song ‘No Time.’ … Randy Bachman and I wrote that, and I heard it on the radio the day before yesterday, and it still sounds like a good record to me.
Are you still living in Canada?
Yes, I’m living in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The beautiful Canadian prairie.
This story was originally published September 17, 2024 at 8:48 AM.
