Founded in 1971, Kansas is one of the most famous bands in progressive rock, inspiring many contemporary progressive rock/metal bands. The tracks "Dust in the Wind" and "Carry on Wayward Son" are both well known hits. Formed in Topeka in 1970, the founding members of the group -- guitarist Kerry Livgren, bassist Dave Hope, and drummer Phil Ehart -- first played together while in high school; with the 1971 addition of classically trained violinist Robbie Steinhardt, they changed their name to White Clover, reverting back to the Kansas moniker for good upon the 1972 arrivals of vocalist/keyboardist Steve Walsh and guitarist Richard Williams. The group spent the early part of the decade touring relentlessly and struggling for recognition; initially, their mix of boogie and prog rock baffled club patrons, but in due time they established a strong enough following to win a record deal with the Kirshner label. Kansas' self-titled debut LP appeared in 1974; while only mildly successful, the group toured behind it tirelessly, and their fan base grew to the point that their third effort, 1975's Masque, sold a quarter of a million copies.
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Someone calls out my name
They ask me how I've been
So what's it like in the big time?
Will you be my friend
Have you met Mick Jagger?
Ringo, George or Paul?
Do you have my number?
Will you give me a call?
4 o'clock in the morning
I hear the telephone ring
It's the voice of a stranger saying
I like the way you sing
(Chorus)
They all want to know
Do you make a lot of money?
They all want to know
Will you change your name?
They all want to know
What's it like to be a rock star?
Everybody wants to know if they can hang around
Everybody's my friend, hello, hello
Everybody's my friend, hello, hello
Everybody wants to have a little piece of the action
Everybody wants to get into the show
Everybody falls in love with the main attraction
Everybody wants to know if they can hang around
Everybody's my friend, hello, hello
Everybody's my friend, hello, hello
Some people they that I'm changing
They say I'm not the same
But they don't understand me
There's so much more to flame
(Chorus)