Chicago Wows Tucson Fans Again

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After many years Chicago is still “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day.”
Tucson Music Hall, Tucson, AZ, July 28, 2019
by Mary Andrews

Danny Zelisko Presents brought Chicago to the Tucson Music Hall for a sold-out show. Very few rock bands have the distinction of performing live successfully for more than 50 years. The horn-laden band was originally called the Chicago Transit Authority, but by 1969 the name was shortened to Chicago. The band and the logo have remained alive and well since with some 100 million records sold. The band has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Chicago’s career has been long-lived and loved.

Chicago has had some personnel changes over the years, but the live performance on Sunday proved that the band has not suffered as a result of those changes. Every member of the band plays an integral role as a showman as well as a musician. Most of the members readily multitask during their performance. Part of the secret to their enduring success is the continuing presence of three founding members of the band: Robert Lamm on keyboards and vocals, Lee Loughnane on trumpet and vocals, James Pankow on trombone. Lamm, Pankow, and Loughnane are principle composers and writers of their music.

Rounding out the band is Keith Howland on guitar and vocals, Lou Pardini on keyboards and vocals, Wally Reyes on drums, Ramon Yslas on percussion, Ray Herrmann on saxophone, Neil Donell on tenor vocals and acoustic guitar, and Brett Simons on bass.

The show started with their hit songs “Questions 67 and 68” and “Dialogue (Part I &II)” and it seemed strange to start the concert with hit songs. When a band has so many hit songs, the entire evening was filled with hit after hit. The band has been a hit-making machine and they had a lot of ground to cover in more than two hours. The fans were familiar with every song and were more than willing to show their appreciation.

Chicago spent over two hours doing what it does best. The energy was in high gear as each member of the band moved freely on the bi-level stage. The musicians took turns providing superb solos. Pankow spent time interacting with the fans as he played an energetic trombone. It was hard to take your eyes off of Pankow.

Loughnane’s vocals captured the spirit of Terry Kath. Herrmann’s saxophone drove home the brassy sound for which the band is famous. Donell’s vocals were very close to Peter Cetera’s vocals.

“Feelin’ Stronger Every Day” was the band’s mantra for the night. The show ended with an encore of fan favorites “Free” and “25 or 6 to 4.” The night was the best of Chicago. Chicago is not a band looking back but instead it is looking forward to the next 50 years. The band may not be around that long, but their music will be.

Check out Mary’s photo gallery for the night.

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