The metal community was shocked and saddened in February when word came that Kings X drummer Jerry Gaskill had suffered a heart attack. A month later, he left the hospital, but while things sounded encouraging, there wasn’t any word on his condition – until now. The prog-leaning hard rock band will be touring this Fall with Gaskill behind the drum throne, opening for Kansas.

Not too long ago I was thinking I might not ever get back on a stage, now I’m ready and with the ok from all my doctors,” Gaskill commented. “What better way to get back than to tour with the legendary KANSAS. Let’s rock…”

 

It’s been four years since the band’s last studio album, XV, but Kings X will be touring behind 2010′s Live Love in London. They seem excited to be touring with Kansas, with frontman dUg Pinnick commenting “I’ve been a huge Kansas fan since the beginning. I remember sitting on the floor with my friends listening to the just-released record Song for America. Fast forward to years later, Kings X is going on tour with hte!! It is an honor to be doing shows with them. This is gonna rock!” Kansas guitarist Richard Williams reciprocated, calling King’s X “a great band and a force to be reckoned with.” It’s great to hear that the 55 year-old Gaskill has recovered enough to be able to play again. Tour dates after the jump. 

September 13, 2012 – New York, NY @ Best Buy Theater

September 14, 2012 – Bethlehem, PA @ Sands Bethlehem Events Center

September 15, 2012 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Borgata Spa & Resort – Music Box

September 21, 2012 – St. Charles, IL @ Arcadia Theater / **

September 22, 2012 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Myth **

October 5, 2012 – Salina, KS @ Steifel Theatre for Performing Arts

October 6, 2012 – Kansas City, MO @ Uptown Theatre

October 12, 2012 – Montgomery, AL @ Alabama National Fair

October 14, 2012 – Dallas, TX @ State Fair of Texas **

October 19, 2012 – Little Rock, AR @ Arkansas State Fair

** King’s X not confirmed