Chicago – Live by Request

Product Description One of the most popular touring and recording acts in rock history, Chicago has been around the world a dozen times, but few concerts compare with a special 2002 show they performed in New York City. The band took the stage without a preplanned set list, instead allowing listeners across the United States to call in or email requests. Celebrating 35 years of making music, Chicago performed 14 fan favorites in their Live By Request concert special for the A&E network. A rare live TV performance of 14 viewer-requested songs, including the smash hits “Saturday In The Park” and “If You Leave Me Now.” Hosted by Marc McEwan and featuring guest appearances from Jay Leno, Dick Clark, and the cast of The Sopranos. Amazon.com Chicago hasn’t generated much in the way of headlines or controversy in the course of its decades-long existence. But what they have produced is an extraordinary number of hits–many more, in fact, than even this 92-minute, televised performance can accommodate. It’s a track record that even those who dismiss Chicago’s music as slick MOR pop can’t ignore, and one that’s underlined in this 2002 installment of A&E’s Live by Request program. Celebrating their 35th anniversary (with four original members still on hand), the eight-piece band gives spirited performances of “Beginnings,” “If You Leave Me Now,” “Colour My World,” and 13 others (including bonus tunes), inspired by a live audience and fans’ phoned-in requests. Long-departed bassist Peter Cetera may be missed, but his lead vocals are ably replaced by guitarist Keith Howland and especially bassist Jason Scheff (an outstanding player whose dad, Jerry, played with Elvis Presley). All in all, a quality show by a band whose consistency and longevity deserve respect. –Sam Graham