Chicago: Still Rockin' in the Decades, But Who's Left Standing (Besides the Horns, of Course)?
Ah, Chicago. The Windy City's gift to the world, famous for deep dish pizza, brutal winters, and a band that's been around longer than your grandpa's favorite recliner. But with a history that stretches back to the late 60s, a question naturally arises: just how many of the original members are still belting out "25 or 6 to 4" these days?
The Core Four: Still Cruisin' Down the Street
Fear not, fellow fans! The heart and soul of Chicago, the songwriting team of Robert Lamm (keyboards, vocals), Lee Loughnane (trumpet, flugelhorn), James Pankow (trombone, horn arrangements), are all still going strong. They're like the Energizer bunny of the music world, fueled by an endless supply of talent and, let's be honest, probably some very strong windbreakers (it is Chicago, after all).
A Farewell to a Founding Father (But Not Literally)
Then there's Walter Parazaider, the original saxophonist and flautist. He "officially retired" in 2017, but let's be real, when you're a founding member of a legendary band, retirement probably involves kicking back at soundchecks and offering sage advice (like "hey guys, maybe ease up on the pyrotechnics during 'Saturday in the Park'"). Plus, in 2021, he revealed a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, so our thoughts are with him.
The Revolving Door of Talent: It's Not Just Hot Dogs at Wrigley Field Anymore
Chicago's lineup has seen more changes than a chameleon on vacation. Drummers come and go faster than a Chicago deep dish disappears after a long day. Vocalists? Fuggedaboutit. But that's the beauty of a band like this! It's like a musical gumbo, with new flavors constantly being added to the pot.
Who's on First? Who's on Drums?
As of today (well, technically, as of May 9th, 2024, because hey, gotta be specific!), the band includes a whole new crew of talented musicians alongside the core four. There's Walfredo Reyes Jr. on drums (keeping the beat steady), Neil Donell on vocals (hoping those high notes are insured), and a whole host of other folks keeping the music fresh.
So, How Many Originators Are Left?
Technically, four (with an asterisk for Walter Parazaider). But the real answer is: who cares? Chicago's music is timeless, and the current lineup is more than capable of keeping the party going. So crank up "If You Leave Me Now" and bust out your air guitar – Chicago is here to stay, even if the band members themselves are a bit of a revolving door!