by Liz K
Member since:
May 9, 2006

Gather Exclusive: Interview CHICAGO, the Classic American Rock Band

August 29, 2007 04:18 PM EDT (Updated: August 31, 2007 09:58 AM EDT)
views: 1911 | comments: 58

8/31/07 UPDATE:  Thanks so much for your participation! We have submitted your comments and questions to Chicago and expect to hear their video response within the next few weeks.

In the meanwhile, check out what else is happening on Gather TODAY and in the Gather music scene.

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Today and tomorrow, we're looking for questions from the biggest Chicago fans for Gather's exclusive video interview! In celebration of the upcoming release of a new double CD of Chicago's greatest hits, Gather and Rhino Entertainment are offering members the chance to have their questions personally answered by Chicago.

PERIOD FOR ASKING QUESTIONS HAS CLOSED

We will ask as many questions as time allows. Thanks in advance for your contribution!

 
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Comments: 58

Joel B. Aug 29, 2007, 5:20pm EDT
I was at your show in las vegas back in May and you and america supposed to perform in tampa back in june and it was cancelled are u going to reschedule that performance anytime soon?
Jan B. Aug 29, 2007, 5:25pm EDT
What are some of your very favorite venues to play and why?
Does Chicago plan to release another all-new album/CD in the future?
Barbara M. Aug 29, 2007, 5:27pm EDT
With your years of blessings & success. Is there anything in life you have yet to achieve that your still striving for as a band??
Dan Dixson Aug 29, 2007, 5:33pm EDT
Will you be performing in london or the UK?
T W. Aug 29, 2007, 5:43pm EDT
Are any of you involved with specific charities? Is so, which ones? And why is your chosen one so near and dear to your hearts?
krista h. Aug 29, 2007, 5:45pm EDT
What are your methods of coming up with new lyrics?
RICH A. Aug 29, 2007, 6:03pm EDT
Is the Caribou Ranch still Being used by the Band.....And if so, Can your Fans take a tour and visit the Ranch !!?........It would be Cool to see the Place that all those Classics were Made !!
Johnnie T. Aug 29, 2007, 6:20pm EDT
When will the band put out another cd of new material? We hungered for ChicagoXXX and now we want more.
P.S. Please play more shows on the weekends some of us have to get up and go to work the next morning...lol
Paul C. Aug 29, 2007, 6:26pm EDT
Will you ever be performing in Lubbock, Texas?
michael l. Aug 29, 2007, 6:35pm EDT
hi guys,its been a long time since you played a gig in Dublin Ireland,i was at that gig ,and the band were hot that night,and now as we are coming to the twilight of their career it would be great to have you back ,Dublin is a great town and all the old heads would come out to see you van the man, god bono,
alex t. Aug 29, 2007, 6:37pm EDT
hi. i'm in my high school's marching band (Gulf Breeze High School Soundwave Band, Gulf Breeze, Florida), and we're actually doing our halftime show in tribute to yall! We will be playing the songs "Free", "Saturday In The Park", and "25 Or 6 to 4". I was wondering: i know that you did a show in Biloxi, Mississippi recently, and that's like 2 hours from us! Will you ever be playing in any other locations near us, such as Biloxi, New Orleans, Tallahassee, Montgomery, or even Pensacola? Thanks!
Dimitri K. Aug 29, 2007, 6:41pm EDT
I would love to see you guys perorm on American Idol or Dancing with the Stars this year or any other big TV appearance, What can we expect from you guys TV wise this year?
Katie L. Aug 29, 2007, 6:43pm EDT
Many people know that February 15, 1967 is the birthdate of the band. I was wondering if you remember when and where your first gig was.
Joseph Coppola Aug 29, 2007, 7:10pm EDT
I have heard that the Band might be doing an album with other major artists. Is that album still a possibility and would you be willing to accept a suggested artist?
The artists I had in mind were Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. formerly of the 5th Dimension. Thanks for 40 years of great music!
chuck d. Aug 29, 2007, 7:34pm EDT
A lot of fans of this great band are afraid that you don't get the enough respect from the music industry or the consideration that you so richly deserve. If getting into the RRHOF isn't really one of your greatest priorities, how would you like to be rewarded for your efforts of 40 years and by whom? (fans don't count, we already like you)
Viktor Nacov Aug 29, 2007, 7:34pm EDT
What is the status of all solo projects in the works?
Will R. Aug 29, 2007, 7:46pm EDT
When will Rhino release Stone of Sisyphus? What about Collobation album? Who are the artists that have expressed interest so far?
Denise R. Aug 29, 2007, 8:02pm EDT
Will any of your television specials/performances be available on dvd?
JANIE W. Aug 29, 2007, 8:24pm EDT
Hi guys, you're all so busy with solo projects these days; is there any chance any of those pieces might make the cut as a Chicago song? I ask because if you find enough common ground in these pieces, you'd have Chicago 31 in the bag..... and it would keep you guys in our hearts and onstage for a lot more years (dread the thought of you ever retiring!). Thanks for everything you've done for me for the past 40 years. It's been quite a ride. Janielaurel
David T. Aug 29, 2007, 8:37pm EDT
Will we ever see a reunion tour with Peter Cetera & Danny Seraphine? And have you guys heard Danny's new CTA (California Transit Authority) disc where he re-did several of Chicago's Greatest Hits and what are your thoughts on it?
rosa c. Aug 29, 2007, 9:39pm EDT
I want to know if you guys are planning a new DVD,Chicago you guys are fantastic love your music!
Brian W. Aug 29, 2007, 9:49pm EDT
I went to your show at Mandalay Beach in Las Vegas last month... and have to say I was really dissapointed!! Your sound was great - don't get me wrong. However, you only played 90 minutes and you are the highest price ticket at Mandalay Beach this year. I wasn't too fond of your biggest hits being in a medely either. Come on guys, you have twenty albums. Cant you put a two hour show together??
Kim F. Aug 29, 2007, 9:55pm EDT
I hope the answer to this is no, but do any of you have plans to retire any time soon? I'm hoping you say absolutely not!!! Can't wait to see you in concert again!!
Kevin B. Aug 29, 2007, 11:24pm EDT
Hey Guys,
You are all awesome as your musical longetivy proves. Congratulations on 40 great years of making music. Are there any plans of doing a greatest hits dvd featuring your videos & concert footage? Also, what are your favorite baseball teams? Go Chicago, Go Cubbies!

Kevin B., Creve Coeur, IL.
Kitty S. Aug 29, 2007, 11:33pm EDT
In the early days, before you became a well known band, who did Chicago get to open for?
dustin F. Aug 29, 2007, 11:44pm EDT
Any chance we could see another album containing pure jazz-fusion? I LOVE the early 70's stuff from The Chicago Transit Authority through Chicago VIII, and it would be great to see an album dedicated solely to that sound!
J S. Aug 29, 2007, 11:49pm EDT
Hi Guys,
I love your music. I read somewhere that you were considering having guest musicians on your next studio album. Would the greatest band in the world ever consider working with the greatest entertainer in the world, Robbie Williams?
Brad S. Aug 30, 2007, 12:49am EDT
Gentlemen,
Thank You from the bottom of my heart!! You have made the last 38 years of my life the greatest, by writing and performing the music I just can't get enough of!!!
I first saw you guys in 1970 at the Whitehorse Inn at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park , Ca . I was 12 and blown away that this rock band had a brass section, WOW!!
Well I was hooked I had to go out and buy your first 2 albums the very next day. I have seen you guys every opportunity I've had, the last being in May of this year in Las Vegas. Well to get to my question, would you guys be open to having a contest to let the fans pick your playlist for your next tour? (Hopefully you have never done that?) Keep up the Great work!!! God Blessed each one of you. Thank You for sharing your talents with all of us!!
Ed S. Aug 30, 2007, 1:58am EDT
I have two questions for the band. First, I have heard that Walt Parazaider's health isn't great. How is he doing really.

Second are there plans to release Stone Of Sisyphus through Rhino? I know you must be sick of this question but most Chicago fans are salavating at the idea.

My thanks to the band for 40 great years of music that will never be forgotten.
Beth Lano Aug 30, 2007, 1:58am EDT
Hey guys!

So I have asked this question of Walt during a radio interview we conducted in-studio last year, but WHEN are you going to let me come sit in with you guys? I am a Las Vegas-based French horn player who knows every tune you play (Jimmy, I even know the trombone parts...) and it would be a kick to come out and play with you. I'm not a hack, I am the solo hornist for "Spamalot" at Wynn Las Vegas. Please give me a shot. I could die happy (but hopefully not for a while).

You think I'm kidding? I'm not a crackpot...I'm just a huge fan of your incredible music. And I also dream of getting the "Ballet..." performed here in Las Vegas at some point. Google me...contact me. I am totally serious, but not to the point that I'm a stalker!

Beth Lano
David H. Aug 30, 2007, 6:13am EDT
Hi Chicago and thanks for all the great tunes..........Question for Robert Lamb, what is the all time high for Chicago in the whole time the band has been together, and the all time low...............Thanks David Hudson
David H. Aug 30, 2007, 6:18am EDT
oh and come on guys please pay us a visit to England.....Please....
Chris C. Aug 30, 2007, 8:26am EDT
Jimmy,Walt,Lee....which song is the most difficult or maybe I should say tasksome ,technically, to perform?
Gina A. Aug 30, 2007, 10:01am EDT
Besides being a part of the band & working on solo projects, do any of you do any work producing or writing for other artists? How about music for movies or TV?
Nell C. Aug 30, 2007, 10:10am EDT
The concert at Mandalay Bay was awesome!! I was hoping that you would play 90 degrees and freezing. Any chance that you will play it at the shows in October at the MGM?
Laura M. Aug 30, 2007, 10:11am EDT
First of all, thank you so much for 40 years of incredible music. I am pretty new to the Myspace scene, and I'm wondering, do you (Robert in particular) read your own messages and comments. Just curious. Thanks!
Amanda H. Aug 30, 2007, 10:50am EDT
After 40 years of touring and reaching out to fans all over the world I'm sure you've seen your share of "crazy fans" what is the craziest thing a fan has done to get close to the band? Have you seen a change in how your fans act now that you are appealing to a younger audience? Thanks!
Masayoshi J. Aug 30, 2007, 11:00am EDT
Thank you so much for releasing XXX and congratulations on your 40th anniversary. I'm really happy to know you keep on rocking. By the way, do you have any plans to visit Japan "very, very soon"? We Japanese fans have been waiting for you since 2001!
Andy S. Aug 30, 2007, 12:41pm EDT
All I can say is...AWESOME ! You guys are "the band" in my book. My kids ask me why I listen to your music more than any other, and I simply tell them, "is there any other music?"
My question is this: Have you ever, or is it possible to sit in with the band and play along with you?
I play piano, trumpet and drums, (and am learning guitar with my 12 yr old son). I was introduced to your music in high school in 1973. Since then, I have enjoyed your music, and any time I feel down, I put you guys on and instantly, I am happy. Keep up the great tunes and entertainment, and thank you for 40 of the greatest years in music. God Bless. p.s.--come to Bowling Green sometime...love to have 'ya
Brian B. Aug 30, 2007, 2:03pm EDT
Of course there have been good songs that didn't make Chicago albums. My favorite is the tune "When Will The World Be Like Lovers" written by Robert Lamm and I'm hoping a horn-drenched demo version make Rhino's reissue of Chicago 18. But what I really want is to hear it LIVE in concert. Would you consider adding it to the setlist? I'm sure fans who've never heard it before would like it as much as the longtime fans!

Best, Brian
Mary A. Aug 30, 2007, 2:08pm EDT
Hi CHICAGO! Thanks for 40 years of hits and great music, and concerts that are fresh and wonderful even when I see you perform on consecutive nights! I am wondering if you know whether or not Rhino plans to issue the remastered versions of Chicago 18 and 19 anytime soon?
Paul R. Aug 30, 2007, 2:35pm EDT
As a long time fan I would like the band to record a more 'edgy' album - which they have alluded to in the past (a la SOS), free of commercial considerations. With cheaper recording methods and he ease of setting up music dowloads this should be achievable. Has the band discussed this possible option for the future?

Also, several years ago Robert mentioned consideration being given to the introduction and recording of a newly written song every few nights during a tour with a live album purely featuring those new songs released at the end of the tour - effectively an album of new material all played live. This would be a great way of getting new material to the fans without heavy studio recording costs. Will this ever happen?

Paul R, from England

PS: Thanks for all the years of great music!
Kristen H. Aug 30, 2007, 2:58pm EDT
Congratulations to the band on 40 AWESOME years of music! As a lifelong fan of the band, I am always blown away by the variety of age groups in attendance at Chicago concerts...from children & teenagers on up. What do you think is the biggest reason that people of all ages enjoy Chicago?
Ray Leonardo Aug 30, 2007, 2:59pm EDT
Hey guys, thanks for 40 years of brilliant music!! My dad was a huge fan of you guys since he was 10, and he passed the torch about 10 years ago when I was 7 riding in the car and he threw on Chicago II. When I heard Make Me Smile I got chills down my spine and I knew from then on that music was going to be a big part of my life. Then a few tracks later when I heard 25 or 6 to 4 I knew I was going to be a guitar player. Now I am in college going to school for Music Education. My question is to Jimmy, over the years listening to your enitre catalog and studying some of it I have came to the conclusion that you not only have a huge Jazz background but a lot of the melodies and harmonies especially in "The Ballet..." are very baroque style reminds me of Bach when I was studying him in High school Music Theory class. Is there a chance of a new album where the horns are very prevailent and weive through the vocals like many of your earlier albums as well as "All Roads Led to You" and some of those Heart of Chicago Songs?
Kathryn E. Aug 30, 2007, 4:45pm EDT
My comment of yesterday did not post. Chicago is one of the very few groups from my time that is still around going strong. Great going! And with at least 2 generations of listeners!
Carol Y. Aug 30, 2007, 6:08pm EDT
to Robert Lamm......You've done some touring with your solo work, are you planning to do any more solo gigs soon??
Liz K Aug 31, 2007, 9:57am EDT
Hey Everyone,

Thanks so much for your participation! We have submitted your comments and questions to Chicago and expect to hear their video response within the next few weeks.

In the meanwhile, check out what else is happening on Gather TODAY and in the Gather music scene.

Maybe you could even be the founding member of a Chicago fan club on Gather..?
Don (are we Marxist yet?) H. Sep 1, 2007, 1:18am EDT
I had the great pleasure of playing in a popular cover band that did a tribute to Chicago (along with a few other bands like Tower of Power, etc). I made a living for ten years with that band in New York... enjoyed the music. The old band reformed and is better than ever and even had members of Chicago attend one of their shows.

http://www.beginningstributeband.com/

They have a few sound files there.
http://www.beginningstributeband.com/music/Montage2005.mp3

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