One by one the members of Earth, Wind and Fire and Chicago stepped on stage. Decades of musical talent walked on and waved to the crowd and the audience couldn’t be more responsive. They were here for a party and they got one. The funky beats of both the bands filled the sold out Molson Canadian Amphitheatre in Toronto. It is quite the site to see, both bands joining forces for this tour, and 22 musicians on stage is an amazing thing to see. I have to say I am glad I am not the sound technician on this show, they definitely had their hands full and then some. For the first act of the night, Earth Wind and Fire and Chicago performed together side by side and the energy in the air was electric.
30 minutes into the show Chicago left the stage and it was all about Earth, Wind and Fire for just over an hour. And what an hour that was, Horns, bass, drums, keys, and vocals all the ingredients for a great show. This tour is named Heart and Soul and I can’t think of a more appropriate name. Heart and Soul fits this show to a “T” because that is exactly what you got, they left their hearts and souls on the stage.
I got a kick out of watching Verdine White on bass (one of the original members of Earth Wind and Fire). You would not have guessed that this was the number 19 stop on their 25 date tour, as it could have been night one. He had so much energy and I loved watching him. I also really enjoyed watching the band dance, especially the horn players. They have the moves down pat. They played and danced around simultaneously on the stage and I am sure it isn’t easy because I know I have a hard time chewing gum and walking at the same time.
Approximately halfway through the performance they asked the audience to stand and participate which they gladly obliged. Dancing to the music and having a great time from what I could see this crowd of 50 something’s were leaving their problems at home or at work and just living in the moment. I have to say it was difficult for me not to join in. I don’t care what type of music you are into this is something everyone can appreciate. On the huge video screens in the back, they played some of their old school videos. I am assuming from the 70’s which was very cool to see, Earth, Wind and Fire in their younger years.
The 3 original remaining members of Earth Wind and Fire came out and were introduced to the audience and the fans gave them the cheers they deserve. It takes a special person to be in, and continue to be in a band for over 40 years.
Earth Wind and Fire slowed the tempo down a bit and played “After The Love Is Gone” and everyone in the audience had their arms wrapped around their loved one they came with. Sigh, and I came here alone. It was great to see though, these are the times I wish I had my camera with me to capture these moments.
I found myself a wanting more when they left the stage. I can’t remember the last time I was at a show and that has happened. This is very rare moment for me due to the fact that I see 100 + shows a year.
Now for part 3, it was Chicago‘s turn to impress me and it is going to be hard to do because Earth Wind and Fire put on a great show.
Chicago started in 1967 and they describe themselves as a “rock and roll band with horns” and that is quite the accurate description of the band. They have 23 gold, 18 platinum and 8 multi platinum albums, there isn’t many bands out there that can claim this.
They of course played all their popular hits but that goes without saying. What is a Chicago concert without hearing “25 or 6 to 4” or even “Saturday in the Park”. I was actually serenaded in the washroom by a bunch of “overly enthusiastic”, and maybe a bit tipsy ladies who decided that was a great time to sing Saturday in the Park and dance to it while waiting in line. I don’t blame them though what else is there to do while waiting in a monstrous line up.
The crowd was a little more subdued during Chicago’s performance which to be honest I don’t quite understand. Chicago played a great set, so I’m not quite sure why people were sitting down. There was however 5 couples in the front row during “Love Me Tomorrow” who were slow dancing the night away, it made me smile watching them. But for everyone else they just sat there and watched with one or two standing up either to watch or dance sporadically throughout the amphitheatre.
I have to say my favourite Chicago band member is James Pankow He was a lot of fun to watch, full of energy playing the trombone for Chicago, he was dancing all over the stage. I love seeing this when going to a show it makes me feel like they are having fun as well. Not to knock anyone else in the band but I had fun watching him.
And what is a concert without a drum solo, well this one was a little different it was a drum and congo solo. The drummer Tris Imboden and percussion player Walfredo Reyes Jr. seemed to be having a great time smiling and laughing at each other and the audience ate it up. When Chicago started the song ” I’m a Man” it seemed to have breathed new life into some of the audience members because some actually got on their feet and this continued for the song “Street Player”. It wasn’t until they performed “Saturday In The Park” when the whole amphitheatre jumped to their feet and danced, makes me think maybe they should do this song a little earlier in the set.
Once again this is not a show to come alone to, all these love songs being performed, couples with their arms around wrapped around each during “Hard Habit To Break”. Mind you it was probably my favourite song they performed, that and “Your My Inspiration”. I can definitely say Chicago has not lost their touch by any means. Maybe the fans just needed a little more “inspiration” by hitting the concession stands.
I love the fact that Chicago stated that “…..without you guys being here this would just be a rehearsal” and isn’t that the truth, I find a lot of bands/artists get caught up in the fame and forget where there is a top, there is also a bottom and some day you could end up at the bottom, so treat people well on the way up and on the way down.
Act 4, Chicago and Earth Wind and Fire back on stage together, and I couldn’t think of a better way to join forces again but by performing “September” the crowd jumped to their feet and danced the rest of the night away. I loved seeing both bands on stage, the energy is incredible. I have never seen either band and I can tell you I did not leave disappointed how can 22 people on stage giving it their all disappoint anyone. They saved “Does Anyone Know What Time It Is” for a joint venture and it was well worth the wait individually they are two great bands but together they are a super group!
Thanks to Live Nation Ontario for media access.
