There’s something palitable about going to a show or concert and watching performers enjoy themselves. I like to think that if they are having fun,  I can have fun, too. 

Think about it. I’ve been to plenty of shows where the star performer didn’t seem to want to be there.

A few that are on my performer wall of shame -The Cars (just a few months after I saw them, they broke up. I could see it coming by the way they did NOT want to be on a stage together.)

Sheryl Crowe, early in her career at Deer Creek – I have seen her since and she more than made up for her off night. That’s good.

But the worst was a guy named Gordon Lightfoot back in college. Gordon was such a cranky guy, he actually stopped singing because the audience was singing along with him! (I swear to God I am not making this up.) Needless to say, Mr. Lightfoot will not be on my list to ever see again.

Anyway, my wife and I saw Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire on Tuesday night. And thankfully, these guys, celebrating 40 years performing, fall in the “having fun” category!

And why not? Both groups have had stellar careers and an amazing string of hits. Both have their roots in the Windy City. And both put on a great show (though I have to admit, EW&F was just a little bit better!) But why quibble? This was a classic rock fan’s delight – a 3 hour plus string of hits through the decades. And the bands sound remarkably great, especially playing together! And they were obviously, joyfully, enjoying themselves!

They came out together starting with a Chicago hit, “Only the Beginning” and didn’t stop. After a few songs together, Earth Wind & Fire took over launching with “Boogie Wonderland.” 

Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire together again!

After about a one hour set, Chicago took the stage. Their set included most of their Top 40 hits. But I felt their best stuff was the earlier career songs (Saturday in the Park, Color My World etc)

The bands then re-joined for a third act which got Conseco jumping with classics like “September” (my favorite for the night.)

This is the third time these two supergroups have toured together. It was a welcome return and they made beautiful music together.

More importantly, they seemed to be having a blast doing it. And so did we.