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7 Comments

  1. Lisa
    June 6, 2016 @ 7:31 pm

    Question;
    My father passed away 1 yr ago today. He took me to see Chicago Transit Authority on Venice Beach, CA sometime late 60s….68/69? I was born in 62 & was told I was 5/6 maybe 7 but I believe it to be more like 5/6 since I don’t remember that early.. Anyway, 30 years later in mid 90s, while we were both living in TX., different cities, I took him to see Chicago in the Woodlands….It would be our last concert together. I have been trying to search for the approximate date CTS played a free concert at Venice Beach late 60s…My question is, do you happen to know that date? Thank you for your time & consideration

    Reply

    • Eric Gumpricht
      October 26, 2016 @ 11:30 pm

      Lisa, I don’t know the answer but I know who does: check out Nanette Hayes facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/nanette.haynes.77?fref=nf)…she’s “all things Chicago” and is an incredible resource!

      Good luck!

      Reply

    • David May
      September 3, 2020 @ 6:07 pm

      Lisa. It’s just speculation but my guess would be autumn 1968. They were very much a fledgling band based in LA at that time and probably were playing some free shows in that day. They hadn’t landed a recording contract yet either.

      Reply

    • Buff
      March 16, 2023 @ 1:34 am

      Hey Lisa,
      I stumbled on this story and your question tonight.
      I am highly confident that you are speaking of July 14, 1968. There were several bands there at the pier, including The Chicago Transit Authority. Zappa and The Mothers of Invention were there as well. This place is where Zappa “discovered” Alice Cooper and his band (The Nazz). Chicago released a song on their Chicago X album in 1976 called “Scrapbook.”. Robert Lamm wrote the song, a brief recap of the band’s history and includes these lines:
      “We played the pier on Venice Beach,
      The crowd called out for more,
      Zappa and the Mothers next,
      We finished with a roar…”

      Hope that helps.

      Reply

  2. Kenny
    November 27, 2018 @ 3:04 pm

    The whole album was brilliant. In reading the review above: Liberation at 4 minutes in lost focus? Not to me. The song was long and I get it. But: Kath was the best, and if you consider it just filler for the album, this is your opinion. 1969-1977 was CTA thru Chicago XI and this is the “Chicago” I know and love. They had some good songs after the last album with TK – But after he passed the band went in a new direction and that was it. Things change over time. TK was heading towards a solo career or at least a power trio. Imagine Terry, Danny, and Pete playing more songs like the “O Thank You Great Spirit”. How about “Takin It On Uptown”.The 80’s, 90’s, and beyond was not the magic they had in the 70’s. Overall – Great group – My boys. I listen to them everyday. One of my favorite songs is: “All of Them” – But one in particular is: “Loneliness Is Just A Word”. I am done. My take on both the group and a man of greatness in that of Terry Kath. Rolling Stone not having TK as one of the greatest ever – A sad statement. God rest the soul of Terry Kath as he was a brilliant talent. God bless the remaining members for giving us great music during a special time in the 1970’s.

    Reply

    • Buff
      March 16, 2023 @ 2:06 am

      Agree, Kenny. Classic Rock missed on the details. Even something so simple when the article read: “Shortly after this album’s release, legal action was threatened by the actual Chicago Transit Authority, and the group decided to simply reduce their name to Chicago, which they still use to this day.” It was CLEARLY stated in the original’s album’s release, when you opened the gatefold album, “…call them CHICAGO.”
      Their comments on the final song, Liberation? Apparently, CR must have gotten distracted and missed the lengthy solo and Terry Kath’s incredibly frenetic guitar work near the close. Liberation has been in several top “live” guitar solo lists of all-time (since that track was captured live). Digital Dream Door had it at #186 among all live AND studio solos. The much more familiar solo from “25 or 6 to 4” was #10 on that list, btw.
      This album, a highly unusual double-LP for a debut, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014.
      It is included in the book, “1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.”
      It also broke the “then record” for most consecutive chart weeks on Billboard.
      CR can do better.

      Reply

  3. Paul
    March 12, 2024 @ 9:38 am

    I was on a class trip on the Circle Line going around Manhattan. Someone’s radio had on WABC playing Make Me Smile. I was taking drum lessons at the time and it REALLY caught my attention. After Chicago II, I picked up CTS and my mind was further blown. I learned from this band and Blood, Sweat, & Tears. The things I learned I kept in my back pocket and used them over the years. Great talent across the board in both bands, especially Terry’s guitar. RIP

    Reply

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