Chicago. Photo by Chyrisse. VNT_0927 — Chicago. Photo by Chyrisse.

By Wendy Hunter, Journalist, and Chyrisse Tabone, Photographer – Rock At Night, Tampa

Live Review: Chicago’s 2025 Tour at The BayCare Sound, Coachman Park, Clearwater, Florida – April 11, 2025

Chicago was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 and received two Grammys (Best Pop Performance in ’77 and Lifetime Achievement Award in’ 20). Twenty-five of their recordings were inducted into the National Recording Registry in ’25.

James Pankow of Chicago. Photo by Chyrisse.

The American band Chicago has stood the test of time. Beginning as Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) in ’68, their name transitioned to Chicago in ’69, providing collective talent with over 50 years of consistent top hits. The band’s success hinges on their unique style of rock (both soft and pop), fused with jazz and just a dash of rhythm and blues. But the inclusion of multiple horns sets them well apart from others. Let’s face it, there are no others like Chicago. Shall we talk heavy horns? The trumpet and flugelhorn are manned by founding member and songwriter Lee Loughnane and James Pankow plays trombone. Pankow is also a horn arranger and composer. Included in their sound package are woodwinds along with typical rock and roll instruments: drums, guitars, bass, and percussion.

Lee David Loughnane of Chicago. Photo by Chyrisse.

Close your eyes and imagine it’s a perfect Florida spring evening with a mild breeze dancing across your skin. It’s a warm 75 degrees F. You are sitting at the open-walled Baycare Sound outside the venue, waiting for this iconic band to start. Glancing about, you see every seat is filled. That’s four thousand people chatting in anticipation with the hum of up to a thousand more in the general admission area behind you. You see a massive stage video displaying dancing Chicago album covers popping on screen, one after another. Then, in white, the word “CHICAGO” in their script style blazes on the screen with multi-colors jetting out from behind the logo. You hear their powerful introductory instrumental song, a blast of music in your ears (horns!), and those around you give a rousing welcome. The trumpet solo alone tells you that this concert is going to be great.

Where does one start when every song is a gem? Let’s begin with the ’72 tune “Dialogue (Part I & II),” with its powerful vocals by Eric Baines, bass player, and Carlos Murguía, keyboardist. Black & white and color images depicting the feel of the ’70s, including concerns for poverty, war, and the joy of Chicago’s concerts, were shown on a screen behind the band. Throughout the song, the video glides through the years with images of former and current American leaders. The lyrics describe a dialogue between two young people with different opinions about the world situation. After collaborating, they learn from each other and then trade world views. In Part II, an optimistic chorus includes, “We can make it happen, We can change the world now, We can make it better!” and after a spotlit rousing guitar solo by Tony Obrohta, the song wraps. It seems this song is a theme for the ages. Another familiar tune, “I’ve Been Searching So Long,” begins with Canadian Neil Donnell’s powerful voice. Donnell has a documented four-octave vocal range, which tells you how great this man can sing. This song’s theme is potentially about a lifetime of self-discovery, with lyrics like “good things in life take a long time.” The highlight was the strong, united sounds of the trumpet, a brassy and full trombone, and saxophone (manned by Ray Herrman, who is also the flutist on other works).

After a brief break, the hit song “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” danced into our ears jogging our collective memories. With the steady beat of drumming by Wally Reyes along with Ramon Yslas on bongos, it roused many in the audience to clap, while some listeners swayed, with even a few danced at the rear of the venue. And how can I not comment on at least one of Chicago’s love songs? “You’re the Inspiration” caused quite a listener reaction. The clever audience knew the song immediately from Loren Gold’s keyboard intro, followed by his backing vocals. Donnell’s vocal delivery projected emotion and created a captivating performance for this song, which is used so often in celebrations of love.

If you want to experience some music memories or enjoy delving into something new, Chicago’s cohesive sound with intricate arrangements might leave you wanting more. Even legendary Jimi Hendrix, who once played backup for CTA, said: “the horns are like one set of lungs, and your guitar player is better than me.” Hendrix spoke of former member Terry Kath, may he rest in peace, but I think you get the gist of what Hendrix meant about Chicago’s style. Should Chicago come to your area, and you fancy their unique, layered, and brassy style, be sure to hear them in concert.