Can Neil Donell Keep Chicago Going?
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- We know that Neil has incredible vocal skills but has Chicago gone too far away from their original 10 or concept four more generic vocalist who can handle more vocal chores but who sounds far less like their last three singers?
I saw Chicago twice once with Jeff once with Neil. Neil by far was the better singer. I would love to have seen them when Peter sang lead.
We just saw Chicago a couple of weeks ago in El Paso, TX. I was a bit hesitant and nervous, since the change had just happened. I absolutely LOVED Neil Donell's voice and performance. He is an amazing singer and I think he is going a great job with Peter Cetera parts. I recorded quite a bit and relistened many times and love the performances. I have become quite a fan of Neil's in the last few weeks. I hope Chicago keeps going. What an amazing concert!
Saw them last night in San Antonio and Donell made the show! He obviously defers to the originals on the stage but his voice is amazing. He belongs on that stage and needs to know that. Chicago is a unique band in that it is more about the sound than the voice but the voice is important. Best show I have seen in a while and Donell made it that in my opinion
Absolutely.
So you're one of those guys that only likes the original members, and the music has to sound exactly like the album? It's tough enough in a 4 piece band to retain the original lineup for any number of years, much less a 10 piece . I'm surprised you like any of the members that replaced Cetera.
Went to see Chicago last night in Huntsville. Absolutely loved Neil Donell's performance. What a voice. I wasn't really looking for a Peter Cetera replacement. But, this was certainly close enough.
I saw Chicago Wednesday night in Albuquerque (3/28/18) and I have to disagree with the music observer. In fact, that is as good as they have sounded since I saw them in the '70's before Terry Kath passed away. I was blown away by Neil Donnell. He may not look like a rock band singer but what does that mean anyway? It's the voice that counts!
Neil Donell is excellent. He will do fine. Give the guy a chance!
Donnell is a thousand times better than Scheff.
I saw Neil with Chicago in Hotlanta last year and absolutely loved him. I think he's got fantastic pipes for where the band is right now. Everyone at the show seemed to dig it.
Donell slayed it in Bossier City, LA this past Saturday. He was the buzz of the crowd and recipient of many standing ovations. Chicago is back and well worth the price of admission. Looking forward to catching them again, soon.
Okay, gigantically disagree with you. Chicago played a private concert this past Thursday evening via my oldest brother for about 1000-teammates and friends. I was standing stageside and listening for how Neil sounded and blended with the others as well as how he interacts with the band members as a whole, and he is phenomenal. Very relaxed style, an incredible vocal stylist and a range that kills! Until you experience him and Chicago that upclose and personal, you should not throw shade at the guy or the band (that is using too much personal conjecture without a clear evaluation). I have enjoyed many of your thoughts and opinions about music and agree with many of your assessments, however, you got this one very incorrect. I do acknowledge you indicated that you have not heard them live so being as I understand how you and I would look for someone to replace Cetera, there is and will always be only one Cetera. But from my perspective on Thursday night and a huge fan since 1970 when my dad started listening to them (we have a lot of vocalist and musicians in our family --- sister has been on Broadway as a vocalist in The Phantom of the Opera), Neil was and is certainly still amazing! I have listened, studied and been a fan-raged groupie of Chicago since 1970 and so have many of the 1000 in attendance at the event. The crowd went crazy after every single song in about a 2-hour set. They did all the great songs and flawlessly! The band as far as I am concerned was as tight as ever and killed each song with energy and delicousness in tone and drive! Totally hoarse now. Anyway, thanks for your post but I would be very excited to hear your report once you experience them live with Neil. I think like the many at this weeks concert, you will be very well pleased and even very excited about their future! Everyone was just amazing.
I've seen Neil with Brass transit twice. FANTASTIC.
Neil doesn't look the part, but he is amazing. I heard Cetera sing live a month ago and Neil two nights ago. Chicago sounded better than ever with Neil and Lou harmonizing along with Robert and the rest of the band.
Saw Chicago in October and Neil was AMAZING!!!
Are you deaf? His timbre, pitch, power, everything is just fine. He's probably the best Peter Cetera they've had since Peter Cetera...
Except that he doesn't sound anything like Peter Cetera. I honestly think anyone who shuts their eyes and 'mistakes' this guy for Peter Cetera has been smoking too many funny cigarettes.
He's obviously a talent with a hell of a range, but he's hired (in his own words) to 'return them to their classic sound". I don't think he sounds anything like who he's supposed to sound like at all. And he doesn't play bass. Plus he looks like an accountant.
I get that there are always going to be ass kissers of the current lineup of the band and that's fine I guess.
Just heard him today on the Talk, oh my gosh, he has a fantastic voice--I agree that he is the best since Peter C.
this guy..sounds NOTHING like classic Chicago....... sorry...doesnt work for me! looks er....drab too
Things move on an things change........don’t kill the band with negativity.
May they play till they drop we love them.
Does it really matter...does anyone really care?
The fans care.
Neil is superb.
I saw them last week. I was looking for a Cetera impersonator. Donell isn’t Cetera, but in my opinion he’s better than Scheff was. Never saw Coffey.
I'm a Chicago fan but unfortunatly they are more of a tribute band now
They sounded as good as ever on A Capitol Fourth two weeks ago. Everyone there seemed to love them as did I. I loved Pete, and it would be great if he came back, but Neil sounds fine too, and as long as Lee, Jim and Bob are still with them I'm good. Hell, as long as Bob's still with them I'm okay, but that's just me.
A view from across the pond. Obviously not seen Chicago live but have a big collection of their albums and videos. I love Jeff Coffey and Tris Imboden giving drive to the heart of the band, arguably balancing against messrs Lamm, Pankow and Lochnane who are prone to dominate if allowed in live performance. Since leaving the band, for me Chicago have lost their heart. Neil Donell’s vocals grate after a while. I forget the new bassists name, but he isn’t in the same league as Jeff Coffey, Jason Scheff or Peter Cetera. He and Walfredo Reyes, who is a fine percussionist but behind the drum set he lacks imagination, do not seem to have formed the partnership so vital for any great rock band.
Would love the opportunity to see Chicago live over her in the UK to be proven wrong.
You're way off my friend
He sounds a lot like Cetera
Better than Coffey and Schef
Who were both awesome as well
Neil has a great, well trained voice!! I have to disagree with you on this. He brought a lot of energy to the band. I think talent is the most important thing. Nobody is going to ever sound like Peter.
Neil is a great singer. Maybe better than Jason or Jeff but chicago is not the same without them . And now without Keith and Lou is the end for me
I think Neil sounds incredibly like Cetera. And he is able to sound like Robert Lamm.
agreed...
Yes!
We have seen Neil Donnell perform with London, Ontario’s Jeans ‘n Classics
Band for many years now. He has extreme versatility and he gets standing ovations every performance.
I've heard Donnel sing, he doesn't come close to sounding like Cetera. NO ONE can sound like Cetera, he was the best. Donnel is a good singer but Cetera is an A+++++ singer.
Just saw them last night in Boston. Neil Donell absolutely positively stole the show. Fantastic. The first half of the setlist was from Chicago II... very old stuff, could have cut that in half. Disagree that they will shut down... if they do, its because of the setlist and not Neil...
As a life time Chicago fan going back to Chicago 1.
I have also seen Neil Donnell perform with Brass Transit 15 times all over North America. He is excellent as is Brass Transit.
Neil is exceptional and Chicago is lucky to have him.
Two years ago I saw Brass Transit and Chicago on consecutive evening evenings..and I have to admit Neil's vocals were superior on most songs.
And I was at the Toronto concert that Neil performed in on UA-cam.
Do yourself a favor and check out Brass Transit videos featuring Neil.
In time he will win you over!
He has absolutely NO personality much less, charisma. He stands there like he's fronting his Chicago cover band back in his local, home town bar. Doesn't have a clue what a lead singers job is.
Weakest response on this whole page.
Chicago fans do yourself a favour!
Check out Brass Transit Promo DVD 1 and 2.
That is Neil Donnell and the excellent Brass Transit band.
Check out all the extremely positive comments on Neil and the band....
I rest my case!
Keep in mind that Peter may not sound like Peter anymore....
Neil Donell can definitely sing anything that Peter Cetera sang and do it sounding a lot like Peter.... So your statements are not correct about the singing style at all....
They should hire Randell Kirsch. He plays bass and has the range. When he was in the Beach Boys he sang all the Brian Wilson parts.
I know it's wishful thinking, but wouldn't it have been great if both Danny and Peter were asked and somehow agreed to come back? It would have been so nice to hear that original sound again.
Saw Chicago last night for the first time. I was weary of the change and when they played classic Cetera songs I was completely blown away! I have horrible vision so I relied on my ears for the show. If you look at videos of Cetera performing now he is completely winded and doesn’t sound anything like the old days. Neil, on the other hand, knocked it completely out of the park. He’s got that airy, tenor tone of Cetera and can actually hold his long notes and belt out the incredible verses and choruses we all know and love.
And I’m happy to upload a song from last night’s show.
Ummm Peter is 74! He can still sing just fine.
Robert Lamm and the Music of Chicago !! Welcome to the machine ( the matrix )
Dear Chicago.....Please retire gracefully
Being a long time Chicago fan this is hard to admit, but I listen to these guys more because they sound more like the OLD Chicago. ua-cam.com/video/DV-wkwcQWUw/v-deo.html
I have been listening to them about a week now and just can't find many flaws. Great vocals, great brass, great lead play and almost flawless horn solos. They have that greasy long hair hockey shirt Kath sound. I have been playing my trumpet along with Chicago since CTA and these guys are really good.
hey Dave; her's a video idea for you - yesterday Chicago announced that their repetoire for their 2018 tour would include their performance of their classic double album Chicago II in its entirety! I have seen them live 8-10 times and had no interest in seeing them live again ... until this announcement. The trend for classic rock bands to do this is nothing new. Rush's second last tour featured "Moving Pictures" in its entirety. Styx has done the same with "Pieces of Eight" and "Grand Illusion". Yes has done this with several of their albums. Is this a good thing? Is it honouring their past achievments? I sit ackowledging glory days long past? Is it a commercial grab to the "hard core' fans as concert attendaance by more causual fans ebbs over time? - John
I've watched the videos with Neil and he is pretty good. My problem with him is he doesn't play bass and it looks kind of lame when he isn't singing. I'd much rather watch a singer that plays an instrument while he is singing especially if he doesn't sing all the songs.
270 or 150? 25 or 6 to 4? :)
You are right. Too many deviations for their original late circa 60's fans to see live. ....Neil Donell is an astounding artist I don't know why he would even need Chicago. Neil is the strongest vocalist since Kath, having seen Chicago for 50 years +- (since Tanglewood with Terry's amazing skills) Chicago's work schedule is insane and absolutely ridiculous for Pankow, Loughnane and Lamm, for anyone for that matter. Lee and Robert may end up with no vocal chords. I love them all, but this is too much for me-
too much confusion.
Love Kath and his vocals, but Cetera was the king at vocals. Most of their hits came from Cetera's voice.
Just another side track until the train hits the last station.
Time to retire those orns and enjoy 50 years of royalties.
Neil Donell looks more like an insurance salesman than a band singer.
I think he looks a little bit like Steven Keaton from Family Ties...
Nothing against insurance salesmen, but I was thinking the same thing.
Who cares how he looks? I think he is awesome!
No.
I have my doubts whether he could save Chicago--but perhaps he could keep the "Music Of Chicago"alive. At times-based on his tribute band videos Ive seen, he does pull off a wide variety of members voices.For now ,maybe Robert wants to retire.maybe this will be like the concept of something like "The Music of Glenn Miller"--carrying on for decades after the fact.Or a show like "Beatlemania".It looks like ZI'll never see them live again.Perhapsin twenty years from now when I move to a retirement community like The Villages,and they perform at the rec center or go on an oldies cruise i might feel nostalgic enough to want to experience the music of a band I once loved.
eikcam55
Agree
Donell is an amazing singer. His pitch is spot on, his range is amazing, his control is rock solid. Jason Scheff did so much tittering, vocal swooping, and crying, switching from falsetto to chest tone. He always sounded like he was straining. Scheff could not sing backup vocals correctly and he over-embellished backup vocals. You're supposed to sing backup vocals straight and together with the other background vocalists so that you sound like an instrument playing a chord. Scheff (and Champlin) did their own things on backup vocals as though it was their time to improvise and it sounded like absolute crap. Donell is rock solid and he does sound closer to Cetera than Scheff. Take it from a musician, rather than this jerk-off "music observer" who is a non-musician.
Nobody has the unique combination that Peter Cetera brought to Chicago: that golden voice, songwriting ability, great bass playing and tenacity to put up with the bs that Chicago gave him. Best thing Peter ever did was leave Cicago and spread his wings fly with his solo career.
This guy looks like someone’s accountant. Khakis and all. Perhaps he should be singing on a James Taylor tribute band, instead.
The new singer sounds like a Vegas lounge singer, and has awkward stage presence, bad move, call Jeff Coffey and beg him to come back!
I guess they didn't even consider Danny Seraphine returning to drums. Also, the guy does Cetera vocals in the Chicago tribute band "Leonid & Friends" is fantastic! Too bad he's all the way in Russia. Damn, that whole band sounds more like the original Chicago than Chicago does! I'll give this new vocalist a chance. I agree he may be the best vocalist they've ever had. His voice does have some Cetera timbre in it, but with better phrasing, but major pronunciation differences ("Everybody needs a little time aweee" 😂).
Chicago keeps going down the Tribute Band tubes.
They ALL need to retire.
The true CTA died with TK, DS, PC no longer in the band..
Time for Chicago to give it up!!! Going thru band members like toilet paper!!! Never will be the same guys,please retire and leave your legacy.
neil is better than Jason. Jason had a terrible voice to me. however, they should look for someone younger. Difficult for older people to tour constantly. Takes it toll on the young.
Chicago is basically a cover or tribute band at this point. Too many replacements and not enough originals remaining. Please retire and shut down the band.
Jeff Coffey was the best!! He will be greatly missed 😢
Speaking of Chicago vocals, I heard Lou Pardini sing "Look Away" and it was awful. I'd love to hear Arnel Pineda sing songs like "Feelin' Stronger Every Day".
It's now a good show band, i think. But i wouldnt call it Chicago. Forget Cetera and even Seraphim since he's been gone for way too long. And Kath will always be missed. But for the better and latter part of their existence... Well, no Champlin, no Scheff, no Parazider... Originals are down to Pankow, Loughnane, and Lamm.
They definitely have a right to the name, but seems a little misleading at this point.
champlin sucked, have you heard him sing make me smile??
Will Chicago still be called Chicago if one original member is still performing? Or if there are no originals left? Or 3 originals left? It's not the same band, definitely. Will it be acceptable for a bunch of new guys to continue using the Chicago name after all the originals have left? Nope, I don't think so.
just seen them last night in chicago, that new guy seemed lost,didnt know where to stand ,off beat.
Arnel would br PERFECT !!
Maybe Neil Diamond can be considered next?
Neil Donell was up for the gig the same time as Jeff Coffey a couple of years ago and they chose Jeff over him. He was their second choice. He's talented but suffers from several personal issues so it should be interesting to see if he survives the heavy touring schedule.
Chicago is a awesome band, I think they had a great group and sound till the leaving of Triston and Jeff. Jeff was still basically new but had a great sound and fit the bad well. I know they had dates to fill, and at the last moment Neil was a good replacement. Perhaps at the end of the season, they can regroup, and perhaps cut back on their touring schedule. I really would hate to hear there wasn't a Chicago, as they are so few of their style and class still out there.
Neil is great!!!!