Chicago
The Capitol Theatre – Port Chester, NY – October 30, 2025
Review & Photos – Rebecca Wolf
https://www.instagram.com/rebeccawolfconcertphotos/
On October 30th at The Capitol Theatre, in Port Chester, NY, I had the opportunity to again attend a performance of Chicago. Whenever Chicago has a tour stop near my area I’m sure to be there because in my opinion you can never hear Chicago perform live too often. Before I hear any lineage detectives tally up who’s still in the band, I’m going to call out the elephant in the room. Yes, I know currently there’s only one original member of Chicago touring with the band, trumpet player Lee Loughnane. Until recently three members were touring, including Robert Lamm, lead singer, keyboardist, guitarist and trombonist James Pankow. However, since this summer the absence of both Lamm and Pankow has been hinted as related to issues with health and age and it’s unknown if/when either will return. Traveling and performing is not easy for musicians of any age, let alone those in their 70s and 80s. It’s especially no small feat for members of Chicago, as these musicians showcase dynamic energy and passionate spirit onstage throughout the performance.
Returning to that elephant, many fans struggle accepting when their favorite bands no longer have the same line-ups and may have few original members. It’s understandable. Those who fall in love with a band typically feel a connection to the band members. Letting go of the musicians and separating them from their music is difficult. It’s also challenging accepting that no one will ever sound exactly like or pay instruments just the same as those original vocalists and musicians. There are those who are unable to adjust to these changes and prefer to remember the bands as they were. They don’t have a desire to see the music performed live without the original members…and that’s fine. However, there is another segment of the fandom who hold those original members dear to their hearts but still want to see the hear their favorite music performed live, even with just one or two members remaining. That is of course if that reconstructed band has musicians and vocalists who can perform at a level that honors the sound, spirit and energy of the band. And, that is exactly what the current members of Chicago do exceptionally well.
The fact that Chicago is still touring after 55 years is due in large part to the devotion of their fanbase who continue to pack venues at each tour stop. Of course adoring fans would love to see as many original band members as possible. However, they remain thrilled to hear their favorite numbers performed by the incredible vocalists and instrumentalists who are helping to keep Chicago’s music alive. Apart from the dedication of the fans, Chicago has been able to continue touring for over five decades due to the incredible musical artists who’ve performed with the band, absorbing the music and playing from their hearts and souls. The line-up on October 30th included Lee Loughnane, trumpet, backing vocals, Neil Donell, lead vocals, acoustic guitar, Ray Herrmann, saxophone, flute, clarinet, backing vocals, Eric Baines, bass, lead vocals, Tony Obrohta, guitar, backing vocals, Loren Gold, keyboards, vocals, Walfredo (Wally) Reyes Jr., drums, Ramon Yslas, percussion, and Carlos Murguia, keyboards, vocals, Nick Lane, trombone.
Collectively, Chicago is impressive as a group of ten musicians. These individuals perform with the connection and flow of those who’ve been playing together for decades, though many have joined in recent years. However, while everyone knows the old adage, “The whole is greater than the sum of their parts,” I think it’s extremely relevant in this instance to showcase some of the impressive “parts” that continue to maintain the sound, quality, spirit and authenticity of Chicago.
In my mind, no one needs to be highlighted more than original band member and trumpet player extraordinaire, Lee Loughnane. Chicago holds a unique place in the music industry as a rock and roll band with horns. Their multi-layered, dynamic, spirited rock sound garnered them a multitude of hits during the 1970s, undoubtedly due in part to the music generate by the incredible horn section. More than a half-century later, it’s still amazing to watch Loughnane perform on the trumpet with such continued energy, passion, joy and skill. While Loughnane is now the last member with a direct connection to the original band, it’s the music that continues to serve as the connecting force.
The horn section has definitely been missing James Pankow, who’s been absent for the 2025 tour, with trombonist Nick Lane stepping in as Pankow’s sub (having been Pankow’s tour sub since 1999.) Anyone who follows Chicago knows it’s always a thrill to watch Pankow play the trombone. While Pankow’s animated, impassioned, effervescence can never be replaced, Lane must be commended for doing a phenomenal job performing Chicago’s music with dynamic energy, joyful spirit and impeccable skill.
In addition to the musicians, there are vocalists who must be highlighted. For the past eight years, Neil Donell has lent his beautiful, melodic voice to those Chicago’s songs that feature the higher vocal range originally performed by Peter Cetera, while Robert Lamm sang a majority of those with a lower range. With Lamm’s recent absence there was a need for a strong vocalist to take the lead on his numbers. That bring us to highlighting another impressive band member. In May 2022, at The Capitol Theatre, bassist and backing vocalist Eric Baines performed with Chicago for the first time. Returning to the The Capitol Theatre on October 30th, Baines performed as bassist and lead vocalist for numbers previously performed by Lamm. Having seen Baines sing lead vocals once or twice at shows I’ve attended since that initial performance, I knew he was a good vocalist. However, I had no idea how good of a vocalist. At this performance I was duly impressed and really happy for him that he’s come so far with the band. This year’s most recent band addition, Carlos Murguia, (subbing for Gold and Lamm in 2023, 2024) showcased warm, smooth, rich vocals on “Just You and Me.”
Beyond these specific highlights, every musician showcased electrifying spirit, powerful energy and outstanding musical skills, including Reyes Jr. and Yslas, performing an epic drum/percussion display, Herrmann showcasing phenomenal saxophone and flute solos, Obrohta rocking dynamic guitar jams and Gold displaying passionate keyboard runs. While the whole might be greater than the sum of its parts, each of Chicago’s musical parts is spectacular. It’s this “spectacular” that Chicago continues to bring onstage at every performance, regardless of which members are currently touring with the band.
It’s was clear at The Capitol Theatre that Chicago was beloved by audience members as they sang along, cheered upon hearing the start of each favorite number and often rose to their feet. The setlist included a wide range of numbers, from their 70s hits to their 80s blockbusters. A gentleman seated behind me was extremely enthused to to hear the beloved 80s songs. “These are my favorite,” he exclaimed to his friend beside him. As “Hard Habit to Break” came to an end he could be heard eagerly anticipating which of his 80s favorites might be next and was equally excited for “You’re the Inspiration.”
I acknowledge that many fans of 70s and 80s bands have difficulty accepting when their favorites no longer have the same line-ups or have few original members. However, there are fans who still want to hear the music of their favorite bands performed live, even with one or two members remaining…with musicians and vocalists whose performance honors the sound, spirit and energy of the original band. And, that is exactly what the members of Chicago continue to do. In my opinion, you can never hear Chicago’s music performed live too often. So, I’ll to be there again to be reminded of the “Old Days,” to help me feel “Alive Again” and to keep me “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day.”
Set 1
Introduction
Dialogue
Questions 67 and 68
Alive Again
Call On Me
(I’ve Been) Searchin’ So Long/Mongonucleosis
If You Leave Me Now
Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon
-Make Me Smile
– So Much to Say, So Much to Give
– Anxiety’s Moment
– West Virginia Fantasies
– Colour My World
– To Be Free
– Now More Than Ever
Set 2
Old Days
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?
Look Away
You’re Not Alone
Hard Habit to Break
You’re the Inspiration
Beginnings
(You’re Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher (Jackie Wilson cover)
I’m a Man
Just You n’ Me
Hard to Say I’m Sorry/Getaway
Saturday In the Park
Feelin’ Stronger Every Day
Encore
Free/ 25 or 6 to 4
