If you know me at all you know that I’m a huge fan of the
rock band Chicago. The first rock album I ever owned was CHICAGO AT CARNEGIE
HALL and given to me by my uncle. My first rock concert was to see Chicago just
after V was released. I’ve seen them live well over a dozen times, the only
band I’ve done that with. And to this day I consider their tour with Earth Wind
& Fire to be one of the best sound experiences I’ve ever heard. So when
word of this documentary came out I was anxious to see it.
First shown on CNN (where I first saw it) the documentary
takes a look at the band from when they began in 1967 all the way through their
current lineup. It’s hard to believe they’ve been around that long but they
have and are still going strong today. The documentary looks at how they came
together, how they met and how they came up with a sound that is all their own.
Many won’t recall that when they began Chicago was more
inclined to use political lyrics as well as pop tunes. That eventually changed
to softer tunes and more ballads as time passed. The group is the most
successful of all time in singles charts kept by Billboard magazine. They’ve
sold over 100 million records and were the first rock band to sell out Carnegie
Hall for a solid week.
All of that is the stats that the band has racked up but the
men behind the music, those that came together to create this unique sound, is
what this documentary is about. It doesn’t hold back on anything, discussing
the ups and downs the band suffered. The two most notable issues were the death
of lead guitarist Terry Kath and the dismissal of long time drummer Danny
Seraphine. Both shook fans to the core and both are discussed here and not
glossed over.
Through it all, the losses and the redirection towards
ballads and then back to more aggressive rock as well as experimental music,
the band has stayed together. That the core of the group, Robert Lamm, James
Pankow, Lee Loughnane and Walter Parazaider have stuck together for more than
50 years now says something as well. Each has brought something different to
the band and the end result is music that is as memorable now as when it was
first released.
The documentary also takes time to look at the different
incarnations of the band as well. When Peter Cetera left the band to go solo he
was replaced by Jason Scheff who handled the job easily and brought a new sound
to the band. It looks at the different
replacements for Kath after his tragic accident. Each guitarists brought in were
great but it wasn’t until the addition of Keith Howland that any lasted. Other
have come along as well and the sound has remained the same but gathered
something new as well.
Perhaps the only disappointment with the documentary is that
Cetera made the decision not to participate. Then again his comments after
leaving the band show a lot of ill feelings about the band. As that longtime
fan I can recall the band wished him well but it always seemed his ego stood in
the way of his reciprocating those feelings. It hasn’t prevented the band from continuing
successfully though.
Fans of the band will want to make a point of adding this
DVD to their collection. Not only will it provide you to see the band
performing live, to get a glimpse of them at various stages of their career and
to enjoy the music, you’ll see the band members in interviews talking about
their career as well.
The band was just inducted last year into the Rock and Roll
Hall of Fame, something that should have happened long ago. Rumor has it that
was prevented by Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner having a personal grudge
against the band. It’s a mistake that has been rectified finally though and
just in time as the band celebrates 50 years together this year, still touring
over 100 concerts a year and having fan meet and greets at their fan
convention.
The documentary is the most inclusive and revealing look at
the band ever done. It is a treat for fans and a great introduction to anyone
unfamiliar with them if that’s possible. When the credits roll I dare you to
either not be singing one song or another the group has done over the years or
to not go searching for that album or CD you’ve held onto while remembering
moments from your past when those song came on the radio. Chicago is still
around and still worth seeing in concert. Not many bands can say the same after
50 years.
Click here to order.
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