What Happened to Chicago (Band)?

Formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1967, the band initially known as The Big Thing, then Chicago Transit Authority, quickly distinguished itself with a unique fusion of rock, jazz, and pop, characterized by its prominent horn section. Their self-titled debut album, 'Chicago Transit Authority' (1969), was a critical and commercial success, later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014 and the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress in 2025.

The 1970s saw Chicago achieve massive success with a string of hit albums and singles, including their first number-one single, 'If You Leave Me Now,' in 1976. However, the decade also brought tragedy with the accidental death of guitarist Terry Kath in 1978, a significant turning point for the band. The 1980s marked a shift towards a softer, more ballad-oriented sound, leading to further chart-topping hits like 'Hard to Say I'm Sorry' and 'You're the Inspiration,' though this era also saw the departure of lead vocalist Peter Cetera in 1985.

Despite numerous personnel changes over the decades, the core of Chicago's sound, driven by its horn section and melodic songwriting, has endured. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020, recognizing their profound impact on music.

In recent years, Chicago has continued its prolific output and relentless touring schedule. They released their 38th studio album, 'Born for This Moment,' in 2022, followed by 'Chicago Greatest Christmas Hits' in 2023, and a live collection from 1971 in 2024. In August 2025, they released 'Chicago IX: Greatest Hits Expanded' to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

As of April 2026, Chicago remains an active touring entity, marking its 59th consecutive year on the road. The band is undertaking 'The Windy City Tour' from May to October 2026, with additional dates continually being announced. They are also co-headlining 'The Windy Cities Tour' with Styx starting in July 2026 and continue a long-running residency at The Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas. While Robert Lamm and James Pankow remain official members, they have been on hiatus from touring since mid-2025 due to health concerns, leaving trumpeter Lee Loughnane as the sole original member consistently performing on stage. The current touring lineup includes Walfredo Reyes Jr. on drums, Tony Obrohta on guitar, Ray Herrmann on sax and flute, Neil Donell on vocals, Eric Baines on bass, Ramon Yslas on percussion, Carlos Murguia on keyboards and vocals (joined March 2025), and Justin Avery on keyboards and vocals (joined 2026).