MISSOURI

performing on the Pepsi Main Stage,  Sunday, August 6, 6:00 p.m.  (opening for Shooting Star)
Concerts included with admission - General admission seating.
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Missouri was founded in 1976 by Kansas City singer and songwriter, Ron West. As the sole writer of the songs, Ron hand-picked his band members and quickly began working in the studio, releasing their self-titled debut album in August of 1977 on Panama Records. The band consisted of: Ron West on guitar and vocals, Bill Larson on drums, Alan Cohen on bass, and Lane Turner on lead guitar. Randall Platt joined the band on keyboards just after the completion of the album. Soon after its release, Missouri made the recommended album list in Billboard magazine. The album soon landed itself in heavy rotation in the Midwest, achieving airplay success with their first single, "Movin On". Within weeks of the album’s release, they began opening shows for artists such as: Golden Earring, The Scorpions, Blackfoot, Sammy Hagar, Nazareth, Molly Hatchet, REO Speedwagon, Rush, Blue Oyster Cult, Van Halen, Jefferson Starship, and Ted Nugent… just to name a few. In 1979, Missouri released a second album on Polydor Records entitled, "Welcome Two Missouri". This album included some new material and new sounds for the band, along with a re-recorded version of "Movin on". In spite of the successful sales of the second album, Polydor Records did not renew the contract, citing the change of direction in popular music that was taking place in the late 70’s. VNR Records later released a CD collection of Missouri songs entitled, "The Best of Missouri".  


Founding members Lane Turner and Bill Larson, are working together again, 4 decades after their debut album release. They were greatly saddened by the passing of their bass player, Alan Cohen, in 2003. The loss of founding member and singer songwriter Ron West in 2020, has left an empty space in the classic rock community of Kansas City and beyond.  His talent and creativity lives on in the music he left behind. The members of Missouri are committed to honoring the music, talents, and legacies of these two gentlemen.

​Main Stage sponsored by:

Also appearing on the Pepsi Main Stage: