Chicago Brings Inspiration To Hard Rock Live In Hollywood, Florida

All images by Larry Marano

Chicago brought its timeless blend of rock, jazz, and soul to Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL, on April 12, 2025, delivering a masterclass in musical excellence that spanned its impressive 57-year career. The band's comprehensive two-set performance featured a perfectly balanced mix of horn-driven classics and power ballads, keeping the packed venue on their feet throughout the evening. Opening with the legendary "Introduction" and moving seamlessly through early experimental jazz-rock pieces like "Dialogue" and "Questions 67 & 68," Chicago demonstrated why they've remained one of American music's most enduring acts.

The first set highlighted the band's progressive roots with an ambitious performance of nearly the entire "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon" suite, including the tender "Colour My World," which drew a collective sigh from the audience. Their brass section remained impressively tight and vibrant, particularly during more complex arrangements like "(I've Been) Searchin' So Long." The second set shifted focus to their commercial peak era, with pitch-perfect renditions of 80s chart-toppers "Hard Habit to Break" and "You're the Inspiration" that sparked massive sing-alongs. Covers of Jackie Wilson's "Higher and Higher" and The Spencer Davis Group's "I'm a Man" showcased their versatility and musicianship.

By the time the band closed their encore with the iconic guitar riff of "25 or 6 to 4," it was clear that Chicago had no intention of slowing down. While the absence of original members like Peter Cetera is inevitable after nearly six decades, the current lineup maintains remarkable fidelity to the classic Chicago sound while bringing fresh energy to these timeless compositions. The Hard Rock Live performance was a powerful reminder that great songs, impeccable musicianship, and genuine passion can transcend time, making Chicago's catalog feel as vital and engaging in 2025 as it did when they first revolutionized rock with their horn-centric approach in the late 1960s.