Since Chicago is still my wife’s favorite band since she was a teenybopper, we have attended every one of their tours forever. Some of the touring line up has changed through the years, and they will plug in a stand in without warning on occasion, but they always play the hits (and there are many) giving the bulk of their fans what they came for. The band seemingly never stops touring and will play the sheds again this summer with opener Brian Wilson.
Brian Wilson was completely shot when I saw him at Westbury Music Fair with Jeff Beck some years back so I am expecting the worst for this your. When he left the stage that night before Jeff Beck’s band came on, Wilson gingerly worked his way around the crowded Westbury stage set up for two bands in the half round. Wilson held on to the equipment onstage as he made his way to the back curtain where a handler gave him a twirl around signal reminding him to acknowledge the applause. The disoriented looking Beach Boy quickly raised his arms then quickly disappeared rear stage. There was word at the time that Jeff Beck and Brian Wilson had been working on a project together, that was apparently never finished or released, prompting the joint concert.

Since we do get to see Chicago perform every year (sometimes several times) , it is always a plus, particularly on their summer tours, when they have a great opening act. The Moody Blues are obviously one of those great acts. Unfortunately I do not have any particular recollection of this Jones Beach concert, and I believe the Moody Blues as a band may be no more. I did recently go to see Justin Hayward perform at the Paramount in Huntington where, even as a solo act, Hayward is still an extraordinary performer in fine voice with obviously an incredible song catalog. Justin chats up the tunes between songs, with some great stories, some of which he repeated from when I saw him at City Winery,, but mesmerizing nonetheless.
The band Chicago is in yet another transition as a couple of long time members have recently left the band. I am sure they will regroup with another round of replacement musicians and tour on. My guess is that, like Blood, Sweat and Tears, the band will exist as a touring entity long after all of the original members have retired.

Every Good Boy Deserves Favour

Rock on!

GQ