Noblesville, Indiana
Photos and review by Nick Shotwell
On Saturday, July 20, Chicago headlined Ruoff Music Center along with Earth, Wind and Fire. The concert attracted a large crowd, showcasing the enduring appeal of the band's extensive catalog. Chicago's talented and diverse lineup of musicians undeniably brought energy and skill to the stage. With a history dating back to 1967, Chicago has produced numerous hits across different genres, blending rock with jazz, pop, and classical elements. Their long-standing ability to adapt and innovate has solidified their place in music history.
Neil Donell, the former singer of the Chicago tribute band Brass Transit, joined Chicago in 2018. While his effort to emulate Peter Cetera's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame sound was clear, it often felt too forced and was overshadowed by the iconic pre-1985 era with Cetera. Despite this, the band's instrumentalists, including founding members Robert Lamm and Lee Loughnane, delivered strong performances that highlighted their enduring musicianship.
While the concert had its highlights, it occasionally felt like it was leaning too heavily on nostalgia. At times the large video screen seemed to play stock footage of random young people that didn’t really connect well with the music. At other times, they showed neat vintage photos of the band and Chicago city streets and marquees. Those images really connected the band to their history and feeling of nostalgia that really is necessary to appreciate the concert.
The band's setlist was filled with classic hits like, "If You Leave Me Now," "Saturday in the Park," and "25 or 6 to 4." "September,"which was part of the encore with Earth, Wind and Fire, surely pleased longtime fans. It was an enjoyable evening for those who have followed Chicago for decades, but it left some room for evolution and growth for the band's future.
For more info on Chicago, including tour dates, click here:
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