Above, Split Lip Rayfield’s Jeff Eaton, Kirk Rundstrom, and Eric Mardis (left-right, photo: Lawrence Media)

Kirk Rundstrom, the charismatic frontman of the critically acclaimed Kansas neobilly trio, Split Lip Rayfield, died peacefully in his sleep following a protracted bout with cancer, on Wednesday, February 21st, 2007. He was 37 years old. The following notice was posted at splitliprayfield.com on Thursday.

“With great sadness we must announce that our band mate, friend and brother Kirk Rundstrom has lost his battle. Anybody who knew Kirk knew that he had more zest than all of us. He truly had an ethereal spirit. We have been proud and impressed with the way he went out on his own terms. It wasn't easy, it wasn't fair, and it sure as hell isn't right, but he was an inspiration. We love him and will miss him.

Thanks for your prayers... Split Lip Rayfield” 

Services will be held at The Orpheum, in Wichita, KS, on Monday, February 26th.