Band shared the news during a music festival
Rockers Kix are calling it a day as they announce their retirement from performing live this week. Lead singer Steve Whiteman made the announcement from the stage at M3 Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion on May 7th.
“We want you all to know, we’ve decided that after 45 years of doing this, I think we’re going to call it a career. Not tonight. We’re gonna do a show here, September 17th — I know, it sucks doesn’t it? But it’s been a long, long, long road. My health is failing. [Drummer] Jimmy [Chalfants]’s health is definitely failing and we just decided that we’re gonna finish these dates up through the summer,” he said on stage.
Kix’s final performance ever is set for September 17th at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD. KIX… Walkin’ Away, The Final Show will see the original band members Steve Whiteman, Brian Forsythe, Ronnie Younkins, Jimmy Chalfant, and longtime bassist Mark Schenker take the stage for the very last time. The night will also include some very special guests. Tickets to the final show are available through Ticketmaster.
“We wanted to do this show for our fans,” Whiteman adds. “We owe a lot to them for their never-ending support over our long 45-year career. It was tempting to just fade away and stop booking gigs and ride off into the sunset, but we wanted our fans to be part of a local farewell show and give them a chance to see the band one last time.”
Kix formed in Hagerstown, Maryland in 1978 and have enjoyed a lasting 45-year career as one of hard rock’s most notable groups. The band’s retirement signifies the end of an era as Kix was one of the last touring bands from the 80’s rock scene who were still at the top of their game. Highly respected by fans, peers, and critics, Kix is deservingly very proud of their long legacy.
“I just want everyone to end up on their feet and celebrate all the good times we’ve had over the years. It’s a party and you are all invited!” Whiteman concludes.
It was announced in March that drummer Matt Starr would be filling in for Chalfant until further notice while Chalfant recovered from a cardiac incident he suffered while on stage with the band in November 2022. In an interview last week on Trunk Nation with Eddie Trunk on SiriusXM upon the Monsters of Rock Cruise, Chalfant says his heart actually stopped during the performance.
“Well, the first [time I was rushed to the hospital] was [because of] a heart attack. The second one was actually a cardiac arrest, where my heart stopped — while we were performing.”
Chalfant credits his life to Schenker and the band’s guitar tech Brandon. Schenker is a trained EMT and was able to assist in reviving Chalfant.
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