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Chicago-The Band and Fabulous Fox provide a close-up look at music unhindered by fog machines, overwhelming sets and lights—nothing but talent and great songs

By Steve Russell
Special to TodaysSeniorsNetwork.com

While April 15 might have been a time that a lot of people who were thinking about taxes and deadlines, a packed house at The Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis was on a voyage to an era when music was defined by great talent and songs as Chicago-The Band took the stage for a more than two-hour concert.

A special vote of thanks goes also to KETC, Channel 9, the public television entity in St. Louis, which has extended its reach as a cultural contributor not only to the St. Louis but also to the Midwestern Region.

Anyone that has not seen a performance by this legendary band, or has become so conditioned by fog machines, flashing lights, elaborate sets and hype, might have wondered if they had come to the right place because this show was nothing but pure music and talent.

The band simply walked out on a stage that was set up only to the extent necessary to allow Chicago  to do its thing of  showing why it has sold more than 120 million records.  It was as though they were saying, ‘Thanks for coming, we’re here, and we’re going to just play music.’ 

Significantly, while many in the audience were of an age—including me—to start automatically humming along with the multitude of hits, this was not merely a ‘Boomers’ Crowd’, but reflected a broad array of age groups.

And, therein lies the secret of the staying power of Chicago…the band, which still contains several original members, has stayed true to it roots, allowing it to span more than four decades, and to have been named as one of the top bands in Rock ‘n Roll history , being named No. 13 by Billboard Magazine. 

To recognize what an achievement this is, consider all the hundreds, perhaps even thousands of bands that have come and gone, or never made it at all.

Perhaps the band exemplifies the persona of its namesake city.  Chicago is truly one of America’s greatest cities…Chicago-The Band is one of America’s great bands.

Add to this, the gift that The Fabulous Fox offered with this concert in which music and talent were allowed  to define ‘cool’.  When the next opportunity to see this band in action presents itself in St. Louis, we encourage parents whose children don’t know what a good hamburger tastes like or doesn’t know what makes great popular music, pack those  kids up and take them to see a Chicago-The Band concert.  They’ll thank you.