Man Impersonates Kansas Guitarist, Dies

Many thanks to Rockville for directing me to this Topeka Capital-Journal story on the death of a Massachusettes dude who for years told people he was eye-patched classic rock guitarist Rich Williams (who is still alive) of the Kansas band Kansas.

In addition to telling people he was Williams, according to the article, the late Eric “Rick” de Boer also incorrectly attributed the writing of “Carry On, Wayward Son” to his not-self. The song was actually written by Kansas guitarist and chief songwriter Kerry Livgren.

Guess if you’re gong to rip off a rock star’s identity, it’s best to make it one obscure enough that people won’t have much reason to doubt you. In fact, though I, like de Boer, rip off Kansas for my current handle, in 30 years or so, I’m going to start telling people I used to go by the name “Carlos D.”