Chicago - The Band Reviews

Leigh Owens from Greenville, South Carolina

CHICAGO BAND AT THE PEACE CENTER

What a fabulous show. Possibly one of the best concerts I've ever been to. So many great songs. Such showmanship. All the instruments and voices blended so well together. This group of musicians is extremely talented and gifted. Would go see them again in a heartbeat. Recommend for anyone who loves Chicago or who just loves a GREAT show.

John candito from New Brunswick, New Jersey

CHICAGO

they sounded great nice place to see a concert much better than the count basie sound wise professionals all the way they sounded like you had head phones on

from Toledo, Ohio

THIRD TIME SEEING THE LEGENDARY BAND CHICAGO

They do not disappoint. The brass is just awesome. They play all their hits. Fun evening.

Jj levin from Toledo, Ohio

MAKE ME SMILE

Beautiful late May night outdoors at the Toledo Zoo Ampitheater. Chicago started their 1 intermission, 2 set, 1 encore performance, on time. Playing their 50 years of #1 hits to an appreciative older crowd, Chicago with many original members, had the house up and out of their seats and swaying to their favorites many times throughout the evening. The lead singer was great with a range that easily handled the vocal gymnastics needed for the diverse jazzy sound that has become signature CTA. The forms, percussion, guitars, keyboards, and backing harmonies, were a well oiled machine of true professionals who performed without gimmicks of wild stage sets, crazy light show, dancers, vocalizers, and click-track fillers. They play it straight and enthusiastically. They come across warm and genuine. Older guys, playing to an older crowd where those on stage and those in the audience shared an evening of memories.

B graham from Akron, Ohio

CHICAGO IN YOUNGSTOWN OH

My all time favorite band from the 70’s and 80’s. Saw them last night in Youngstown and they were awesome! Played all my favorites and sounded great ! Would see them again in a heartbeat!

Steve from Houston, Texas

GREAT SHOW

Fantastic concert. All the hits. Very well done. We were mystified that the crowd was completely dead. The audience didn’t seem to know the songs or care about the performance. Just sitting quietly. Awkward.

MC from Costa Mesa, California

CHICAGO IN CONCERT

So Enjoyed the concert on July 26, 2019. Brought back so many wonderful memories. Three original members still in the band, but enjoyed the newer members as well. Look forward to seeing them again.

Tim Esterling from Alpharetta, Ga

EVERY BIT AS GOOD AS THEY WERE IN 1972

Great performance. A lot better than I could have expected. A full concert with plenty of their originals that the audience fully enjoyed and engaged in. Fully delivered! One of the best concerts I’ve been to in years.

Jim Batuk from Battle Creek, Michigan

THE REAL DEAL GOES ON

Having been a Chicago geek and fan since the early 70’s, I knew that there could be the possibility of great disappointment seeing them in 2021. To my great surprise, they were as good and perhaps better than ever. And the showmanship and sound was better than ever.True, there is a blend of several generations. But it all came together for one fantastic night that is still sinking in. Definitely will go again. This band has worked hard and succeeded in keeping their unique music alive!!!

Al Notte from AUGUSTA gA

PERFECT

Just a great show and they are so professional and all 10 of them have there moments as they are all important players in this timeless band...the sound was great, the harmony and hornand percussion were lights out.....cant wait to see them again!

from Milwaukee, Wisconsin

HAVEN'T LOST A THING!

Great concert! Everyone in the band was having a great time and spent plenty of time interacting with the crowd! The vocals were excellent and the harmony among the many singers was spot on! Extremely entertaining group! Will definitely go to see them again! There didn't appear to be a bad seat in the theater.

PAUL S. from Chicago, Illinois

BEST EVER

MISSED R.L., THE LEADER OF THE PACK! PROBABLY 10TH TIME SEING THEM AND NEVER DISSAPOINTED. WOULD LIKE TO SPEND MY RETIREMENT FOLLOWING THEM AROUND THE COUNTRY. THX GUYS

Tom from Lincoln Nebraska

PINEWOOD BOWL LINCOLN

Great show I thought show was superb Horns fantastic

Eva from San Diego, California

CHICAGO

I just love Robert Lamm , I watched 2 days in a row bec of Robert , but overalll , great show , I love their music . I just hope that he willl contjnue performing and not retire soon

Robert M from Louisville, Kentucky

LOUISVILLE KY - THE PALACE

Excellent concert the Louisville Palace was an excellent setting for such a fantastic and memorable band We hope they can return to Louisville the sooner the better

Dissapointed with sound in Boston from Boston, Massachusetts

SOUND MIX NOT GOOD

Chicago is a great band, great showmen, and an unreal litany of hits. Sadly the sound mix at the Orpheum last night in Boston was not good. The first half of the show was really muddy. Couldn't clearly distinguish the vocals at all. It got better in the second half of the show - but could be better. I was excited to see them at the Orpheum because remember the acoustics being so good for other concerts at that venue. This was not the case with Chicago.

Jayden Anderson from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

CHICAGO WITH BRIAN WILSON

So, I am young, under 30. My 4th time seeing Chicago live. They were excellent. Sounded as close to their album versions as they could have. The only thing that doesn't sit right with me...is Brian Wilson, their opener. He literally sat center stage, at a piano, looking...like a person with severe dementia. He looked like he had no clue where he was, and I didn't see him sing a single word, or even touch the piano in front of him. After research, I have learned he has severe schizophrenia, mostly from his LSD use. He should NOT be touring. I feel as though his good name is being exploited for profit. The person who sung all the Beach Boy hits was a light skinned african american man, in his 20s. If you can find any recent vids of concerts with Brian, please watch them. I would have rather seen Chicago with no opener, then what I saw on that stage last night. The man seems almost comatose. He needs to be relaxing somewhere, enjoying his wealth. Not being forced to perform.

Betty M Bennett from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.15106

DISAPPOINTED

I have seen the band several times and love their music. First hearing them sing Beginnings at the Cow Shed in Conneaut Lake in the 90s . I had bucket list second row tickets for my 75Th Birthday. I thought the Band overall were excellent in their presentation and sound. Was anxiously wanting to see the three original members of the group for my possible last time, due to my declining health. Lee Lachnane and Jimmy Pancow took the stage . Robert Lamm was Missing . His organ sat on stage and I hoped he was running late. Neil Donnell sung all of the songs that Robert has always lent his own special talent to the presentation. While the music helped ease the pain of missing Robert , I could not help but feel cheated . THe band never mentioned his absence ,leaving me worried he had become ill. I have loved these guys and must say had a crush on Robert. After so many changes since last year I also missed Lou Pardini and Keith Howland. Long time fans I know, also noted Robert was missing. THe band may think they can just go on forever ,but many have been invested in the individual players and feel their loss! The music will live forever, but in my eyes the loss of Robert at this concert was huge for me. Missed you Robert.Wish you Wellness and Happiness wherever you

Jeff H from Milwaukee, Wisconsin

CHICAGO ***AMAZING SHOW***

The music was amazing. The horns section, guitarist, and drum solo carried the show. The lose of their lead singer back in the 2014(?) really hurts as the vocals are not up to par. We still loved it and applauded the remaining founding members amazing talent. Thanks for bringing it!!!

Bill Dougherty from Tampa, Florida

CHICAGO AND THE MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION AMPHITHEATRE VENUE

1. I love Chicago and have seen them many times. Good concert, however, Jimmy Pankow was a no show. This happened before too. There are so few original members that the group is seeming more like a tribute band. They should notify ticketholders when an original member will not perform. 2. The Venue management was not good. They sent no communication that you needed to put all of your belongings in a clear plastic bad to get in the show. One person said you couldn't bring in a mini umbrella and another said you could. My wife had to go to a special location to check in her purse and then we were allowed into the venue and they didn't even scan our ticket. What a joke.

Wakpak from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

LACKING LEAD VOCALS

Great instrument playing....mostly lack luster solo vocals although together they still sound good.....played a lot of non hit music for a night with their hits

Kathleen from Albany, New York

LOUSY SOUND

My all time favorite band but ….. after leaving the concert at SPAC Sunday night I resigned myself to listen to their music on line. We had wonderful seats but the vocals just weren’t what they used to be. Their new young lead guitarist/vocalist was weak in the vocals department. The original members vocals were wonderful but not as strong as they have been in prior years. I left satiated but sad, it was the last Chicago concert I will attend. From now I will enjoy their music while at home listening on Amazon Music or Pandora.

Bub from Atlantic City, New Jersey

DIDN’T PLAY SONGS COMPLETELY

Went to show on12/31/21 in AC, disappointing, the band didn’t play “ color my world “ or feeling stronger every day completely, plus no encore. If they can’t play a full concert, then they all should have been in bed by 10pm

Rob from Boston, Massachusetts

OKAY CONCERT. INTERESTING, SOME VERY GOOD PERFORMANCES, LOUD/POOR SOUND.

Overall glad I attended. However, the sound level was exceptionally loud and lacked several aspect of a good mix. Several sounds were simply piercing, and the blending of instruments was far off the mark much of the time. A highlight part at times would soar far above the mix as to be detached from the overall band. The average sound pressure level (SPL) was completely excessive. Dynamics were non-existent, sound went from too loud to crazy loud. PS. I have attended and mixed many live shows. This act needs some technical work and perhaps a musical director with a bit more scrutiny. PSS. Attended Steely Dan 1 week prior, sat in similar seats and the difference was remarkable... mix and level for the Dan absolutely excelled.

M Marti from San Diego, California

WHAT A GREAT FLUTE PIECE

I have no idea who played what instrument, no program, could not distinguish what was said if they were introducing members. Could barely see anyone except the drummer. I am short, but seats were behind a very large man who took up most of my space and between him and was a lady who was swaying back and forth. 20 or 30 minutes in a group of 6 came in to make a big to do sitting down in front of us. They were noisy as well, but not as bothersome as the group behind us. I know where they were born and every time the band played a newer song or one that was not as popular they yelled and cursed and shouted 1977. Obnoxious. We turned and told them after 40 minutes time to lower the noise. They shouted back and cursed. Left after one hour of concert. Unhappy with rude audience, allowing seating after the start and not enough security to stop the noise. Not thrilled at the even floor making it impossible to see the stage.

Mac Shafer from Colorado Springs, CO

WHAT A POOR JOB BY THE VENETIAN

80 % of the show was enjoyable, very nice venue and the band was GREAT. Our group of six was lucky enough to secure front row seats and it was a first for us and very special until the 5th to the last song. A group of 30-50 spectators decided there seats weren't good enough and came down and stood and completely filled the area between the front row and the stage completely blocking the show for the people that had paid top dollar for the front row seats. This was at a point where Chicago was playing some of their biggest hits including all the songs during the encore. What a shame as there was no security staff from the Venetian to move the people back to their seats. This wasn't a Smashing Pumpkins' mosh pit but sure screwed up a great concert. If this is what the Venetian thinks is normal they don't deserve to have people pay good money for a nice facility. Wait for Chicago to come to your town, don't pay the Venetian, get tickets and go stand in the general admission area and fight the crowd for a lot less money.

Disappointed Fan from Lincoln, Nebraska

CHICAGO - PINEWOOD BOWL, LINCOLN NE

Very disappointed. We left after the first hour. With the exception of vocalist Neil Donnell (who was phenomenal), the other vocals sounded terrible as if straining and unable to reach or hold the notes. The horns were way too loud and out of balance, drowning out vocals and other instrumentals. Much of the time, things sounded very off key and out of sync both vocally and instrumentally. It was like watching a group of locals doing karaoke. Maybe the show got better in the second half, after we left? One can only hope, for the sake of all other fans who paid good money to see a much higher caliber performance.

Jojo from Dallas, Texas

THE WORST $1000 I’VE EVER SPENT

No lead vocalist since Jason left meant Bardini butchering some of the best Cetera/Scheff songs and leaving you feeling cheated. Yes the instruments were so loud that the Donell the Canadian choir guy’s very average voice was drowned and made even more depressing when you were expecting a voice close to either Cetera/Scheff. I’m not kidding when I say that I saw much better Chicago cover bands than this Chicago. They really need to stop touring because they’re just too old but mostly because they’re now an instrument band without a vocalist. Extremely disappointed and done with nursing home concerts. I’d rather listen to the original recorded music and relive my memories knowing exactly what to expect.

Mark Finnegan from Dayton, Ohio

SOUND MARGINAL AT BEST PRECORDING MUSIC HELPS BUT NOT LIVE VENUE

tribute bands play as well don’t waste $100 ticket

Mia from Atlantic City, New Jersey

CHICAGO BAND

Vocals not the same, sang almost non hit songs looks like they are tired. Not impressed.

Lorraine Walton from New York, New York

FAIR AT BEST

Many LOUD instrumentals most songs saved for the second half

Karen from St. Louis, Missouri

CHICAGO CONCERT IN ST. LOUIS

Really looked forward to this concert of an awesome band from my youth. However, all I can say is it was loud. The sound mix was a complete disaster, couldn't hear the vocal or instrumental solos. What a shame, such talented performers working their tails off and the result was a distorted mess. Would love for them to work this out and return to the tight refined sound for which they are famous.

Gerry from Atlanta, Georgia

TERRIBLE SOUND!

Ok set 1...sub bass was overpowering....this is a jazz rock band not a heavy metal band! The guitar was buried in the mix the whole show. No vocals at all. Set 2.....again no vocals or guitar!!!! Do these so called sound guys even so a sound check? That dude should be fired! The drums and percussion were way too loud and got annoying. It was a real shame to have such a great band playing to such a terrible mix!

Don Ferrie from Los Angeles, California

TERRIBLE SOUND QUALITY AND FAR TOO LOUD

Seats at Pechanga are literally smaller than airline seats. So, not a food start…. The band started out with a set that was all but unknown…. They were ok, but not the ones you’ll recognize. The guitas solos were way out there…more like AC/DC than Chicago. BUT, the major problem, as so many others have said, was the sound. FAR too loud. So much that it was distorting. That muddied the whole thing. Solos couldn’t be heard clearly over the rest of the band…horns were there, but didn’t stand out in typical Chicago fashion. Again, as has been said before, it seems like they didnt do a sound check at all. My wife literally ripped up her face mask to make ear plugs…. And we’re Chicago fans…. We walked out after five tunes….. don’t waste your money….listen to Chicago music at home….it’ll be better….

Pebbles from Ft.Wayne

AWFUL AND WAY PASSED THEIR PRIME

Saw them in Ft Wayne 4/2022 and it's the worst $160 we've ever spent. Vocals were so weak that if we didn't know the songs by heart, we would have been completely lost. First half they did several unknown songs including their opener, which is just bizarre. Horn section was terrible. Couldn't seem to take a deep enough breath to hit the notes. Bass and guitar players were amazing...but they are young so...and there was a drum solo that was fun and interesting. We attend dozens of concerts a year and know what sounds good. It was odd to us that the audience seemed to enjoy it. Reliving their youth and no frame of reference for actual good music. Sad! Our older friend warned us that Chicago never was good in concert and was only ever a studio band, but we had to find out for ourselves. Lesson learned. Truly if you haven't seen Leonid and Friends in concert, do it. They are 100x better at doing Chicago than Chicago.

Jane Sagan from Gainesville, Fl

TERRIBLE SOUND

Sound was difficult to understand lyrics and speech. Very disappointing. Left at intermission.

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