Whether you know them as The Big Thing, Chicago Transit Authority, or simply Chicago, these 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees (long overdue, I might add) remain one of music’s most fascinating experiments — blending the driving power of bold brass with electric guitars and the influence and creative grit of the working-class city of the same name.
Chicago is known for its outstanding writing and the complexity of their music. Considering that it takes a 10-piece ensemble to bring this complex music to life, it’s nothing less than an exceptional experience to see and hear them live. Even the choreography of the musicians as they move about the stage is something to marvel at.
Tonight (November 9, 2025), Chicago kicked off their show at MGM Northfield’s Center Stage before an enthusiastic crowd of roughly 1,800. (SOLD OUT! As per usual…)
They opened exactly as they began their career — with “Introduction,” the lead track from their 1969 ‘Chicago Transit Authority‘ double album — a purposeful nod to the brass-driven rock sound that first defined them. The song’s blend of jazz, rock, and fusion set the tone for the evening, showcasing every hallmark of the genre they helped pioneer. Backed by a ten-piece ensemble featuring intricate horn arrangements, soaring vocal harmonies, crisp guitar riffs, and a driving rhythm section, Chicago demonstrated why they remain a powerhouse across generations.
The three-tiered stage setup gave every member of the ensemble their moment in the spotlight, ensuring the audience — even in row ZZ— could see the energy and interplay onstage. Musicians flowed between levels to join one another for featured numbers, turning each song into a moving, living sound wave. The sound was crisp and balanced; the vocals carried cleanly over the layered brass and percussion, never muddied or overdriven despite the sheer size of the band.
The three video screens (including a HUGE one in the middle) across the backdrop showcased everything from stylized artwork and the Chicago skyline to archival images highlighting Chicago’s musicians through the years.
[Check out the CleveRock’s exclusive photos from the show to see early shots of the founding members—see how many you can recognize.)
Only three original band members remain with Chicago today: Robert Lamm (songwriter, keyboards, vocals), James Pankow (songwriter, trombone), and Lee Loughnane (trumpet, vocals). Although Lamm and Pankow did not play in tonight’s performance, they are both credited for most of the band’s late ’60s and ’70s songwriting, with Peter Cetera contributing significantly to the band’s hits, especially in the ’80s. Lounghnane was present for tonight’s show and was in top form. His trumpet playing sounded as strong as ever, and the crowd clearly appreciated hearing him step forward on vocals as well. His presence was well-received by the MGM Center stage crowd.
Chicago has an enormous catalog of music and could easily fill an evening show with hits alone.
Prior to the concert, CleveRock interviewed Ray Herrmann, Chicago’s saxophone, flute, and clarinet player for the past nine years. He described the challenge of crafting a setlist that offers something for the multigenerational audiences the band now draws.
“There are some staples that you can’t leave out,” Herrmann confirms. “If you come to a show, you’re going to hear ‘25 or 6 to 4’ every night, you’re going to hear ‘Beginnings.’ You’re going to hear ‘Saturday in the Park.’”
The show was presented in two acts. Act I featured a strong selection of music from Chicago’s early albums, including well-known hits like “Questions 67 and 68,” “If You Leave Me Now,” and the “Make Me Smile” medley. The first act closed powerfully with “Now More Than Ever,” a moment the audience clearly loved—rising to their feet and cheering. Throughout the set, the band encouraged everyone to stand, sing along, and dance, creating an energetic and engaging atmosphere.
Act II delivered many of Chicago’s biggest hits, including several songs originally sung by former bassist and lead vocalist Peter Cetera. On this tour, most of those vocals were covered—exceptionally well—by Neil Donell. Tonight also featured the current Catera replacement on bass, Eric Baines (replacing the long-time bass and vocalist and friend of CleveRock, Jason Scheff). Baines brings his 5-string bass with him.
The second act opened with “Old Days” from the 1975 album ‘Chicago VIII,’ followed by fan favorites such as “Saturday in the Park,” “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?,” and an extended, rock version of “I’m a Man,” the 1967 Spencer Davis Group cover (co-written with Steve Winwood). The song was a standout, thanks in large part to the powerhouse percussion team of Walfredo Reyes Jr. on drums and Raymond “Ray” Yslas on auxiliary percussion, who brought tremendous intensity to the arrangement. At one point, Yslas and Reyes Jr. circled around the percussion setup, switching places without missing a beat. It was an impressive display of talent, precision, and pure excitement.
The encore opened with “Free,” written by Robert Lamm and originally released on 1971’s ‘Chicago III.‘ The finale took the audience back once again to the band’s debut double album, ‘Chicago Transit Authority,’ with “25 or 6 to 4,” also penned by Lamm. The song featured its iconic guitar solo—originally performed by founding member Terry Kath. Current lead guitarist Tony Obrohta skillfully delivered his own version of this classic solo tonight.
The crowd was on its feet, loving every second, their cheers growing louder with each of the final notes. The band fed off that energy, delivering a closing stretch that felt both celebratory and heartfelt. It was the kind of ending that reminds you why Chicago’s music endures — powerful, polished, and full of life — no one was leaving early tonight. A perfect way to wrap up a fabulous two and a half hour show.
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