My wife was getting her hair done in LA - when the guy that was working on her hair excused himself to take a phone call. He was gone for quite a while. When he came out, he had a huge smile on his face. He proceeded to tell us that was his brother Jason on the phone and he was the new lead singer of Chicago.
I am the same age as jason and I always loved the one big hit he sang, but dude looks horrible at his age with that long hair...needs to get a buzz cut and loose a few pounds.....once a man goes gray there goes the long hair....looks like a cartoon character....
Tris Imboden used to rehearse with a group at my house when he got the Chicago audition. He came back with a bottle of champagne when he got the gig!! Met Jason shortly afterwards. It was so amazing being a fly on the wall for the start of their respective journeys with this iconic band!!
Jason has always come off as a class act. He’s a lot like Peter Cetera, but without the ego an attitude. Cetera was a team player, up to a point, but he was always itching to stand out and make a name for himself, especially after he gave Chicago their first #1 hit with If You Leave Me Now. Jason was a better fit from a personality standpoint because, unlike Cetera, he’s not a showboat that’s always trying to sail ahead of the armada.
I am the same age as jason and I always loved the one big hit he sang, but dude looks horrible at his age with that long hair...needs to get a buzz cut and loose a few pounds.....once a man goes gray there goes the long hair....looks like a cartoon character....
I am probably alone. But 18 is one of my favorite albums. It has the perfect mid eighties feel. I love the songs and production. Jason sounds amazing. Too bad they don’t perform those songs anymore.
What a cool guy! John, Jason is right - you know how to bring the magic moments to the front. You’re a great interviewer! This JS series is like finding gold.
An absolute incredible interview. I’m a huge Jason Scheff fan. I had no idea that Mickey Thomas was considered for the lead singer as well. Chicago 18 is one of my favorite albums of all time.
I also heard that Richard Page of Mr. Mister was invited to audition, but told them that he wasn’t interested because Welcome To The Real World was breaking and that leaving his group so early wouldn’t be right, or words to that effect. Had Jason not crossed onto Chicago’s radar, or if Page would’ve known that Mr. Mister’s debut album would be a lonely sibling, perhaps Chicago’s sound would’ve been something completely different.
I am the same age as jason and I always loved the one big hit he sang, but dude looks horrible at his age with that long hair...needs to get a buzz cut and loose a few pounds.....once a man goes gray there goes the long hair....looks like a cartoon character....
My first Chicago concert was during Jason's first tour with the band, March, 1987. They opened with the remake of 25 or 6 to 4. Chicago 18 holds a special place in my heart and I really like it.
So good. I've had the honor of getting to know Jason a bit, and I have the thrill of getting to record him this week for a big project called Arcade Orchestra, on which we'll tackle some iconic Chicago tunes... his stories are the stuff of legend!
I had chills before he mentioned them. Music is the best and listening to the history of the music we grew up listening to is like the icing on the cake. Stay free people , stay free !
My band opened for Chicago in 2005, and we had dinner with the band before the show. I spoke to all of them, but Jason and Keith Howland really hung out with me and seemed very interested in my life (I was a high school teacher at the time). Actually, the entire band treated us with great respect, but Jason and Keith were the easiest to talk to.
This is the best interview on rock history. John has a total feel for when to inject questions or just kick back & let Jason really open up . Jason really opened up & told great stories us Chicago fans have always wanted to know in detail. John helped him do it …..
This is frickin OUTSTANDING! I had heard quite a bit of this via Jason's online singing/recording courses....but this is way more detailed...and to imagine jumping into a multiplatinum/multi-personality machine...and then having to win David Foster over. Wow. Just wow. Thanks for getting this interview!!
Not only that, but I believe on the Chicago documentary that came on CNN a few years ago, Foster claims HE discovered Jason for the band. That guy’s ego knows no boundaries!
I am the same age as jason and I always loved the one big hit he sang, but dude looks horrible at his age with that long hair...needs to get a buzz cut and loose a few pounds.....once a man goes gray there goes the long hair....looks like a cartoon character....
WOW!!! Just WOW!!! Such a fantastic interview! Talk about a Cinderella Story. Always loved Jason because he wasn't a Cetera clone, he has an edge to his voice. More grit than Cetera. Kudos to you for having the patience and not interrupting like sooo many other do. YOU got this on tape... AWESOME!
Jason’s story from 1985 & early ‘86 is GREAT !! Never get tired of hearing him tell it, and he does such a wonderful job of telling it, it is something of an emotional roller coaster ride ! Not only Mickey Thomas, but Richard Page of Mr Mister was mooted as taking P.C.’s spot on Tenor Vox & Bass, but Jason did a SUPER job, and made the job his. I’ve been a fan since I dropped the needle on ‘Niagara Falls’ on 18.
I am the same age as jason and I always loved the one big hit he sang, but dude looks horrible at his age with that long hair...needs to get a buzz cut and loose a few pounds.....once a man goes gray there goes the long hair....looks like a cartoon character....
Such a great story, and like Jason said, such a great opportunity to document something so special for so many fans of Chicago and Jason alike. Hope you’re well, John and Jason… Travis.
That was an awesome interview with Jason. Great job John! I don’t even know when this interview came about, but I was fully engaged for this complete segment.
John, I love these interviews. I’ve been a Chicago fan since ‘68. Saw the original group at our local college, when I was a young teenager. I’ve probably seen them 25 times through the years.
I've met Jason. He is one of the nicest, most approachable, and down to earth people I've ever met. He just acts like a regular person...with extreme talent.
I am the same age as jason and I always loved the one big hit he sang, but dude looks horrible at his age with that long hair...needs to get a buzz cut and loose a few pounds.....once a man goes gray there goes the long hair....looks like a cartoon character....
John, a fantastic interview and I really love how you just let Jason tell his story and jumped in at the right times, you truly know the art of conducting a proper interview this was simply amazing!
I saw Chicago about six years ago, when Jason and drummer Tris Imboden were still with the band. Walt Parazaider and Keith Howland were still with them too. I'm glad I saw them then, because I think that that was their last great lineup. That was a fantastic show in a 1600 seat theater. My wife and I were about 40 feet away from the stage. They did rare songs like "Dialogue", which is one of my favorites, and "I'm A Man" from their debut album. They also did the entire medley which includes "Color My World" and "Make Me Smile." Their encore was "Free" and "25 or 6 to 4." Their lineup today is like 9 guys, when the original band was 7. Sadly, the current lineup isn't as appealing as the former one.
What a great interview! I would say Jason was able to kill it on the Chi 18 song "Nothin's Gonna Stop Us Now" especially well, as he was being himself, and not trying to imitate Cetera to an extent!
Absolutely Loving this interview John and it’s like two friends sitting down talking as it is moving so freely between the two of you. What a story and It brings me back to the moment I first heard Jason on the radio with Chicago and the joy I felt then that my favorite band was truly back. To look back on it it’s no doubt anyone would be nervous walking in knowing they needed a singer to replace one of musics all time greatest vocalist Peter Cetera. But it also had to take confidence in his ability that he could do this as well and they made the perfect choice.
John B....this is a great interview. And Jason is right about documenting history. I have a friend Joe Chambers. He owns the musicians hall of Fame in Nashville. He's documented many videos who are stars and unknown studio musicians. I love this stuff.
I am the same age as jason and I always loved the one big hit he sang, but dude looks horrible at his age with that long hair...needs to get a buzz cut and loose a few pounds.....once a man goes gray there goes the long hair....looks like a cartoon character....
Jason sounds so excited to tell these stories! I mentioned this on some other media, but to repeat, I remember being worried about who was going to replace Cetera. The minute I heard “Take me as I am…”, I worried no longer!
I am the same age as jason and I always loved the one big hit he sang, but dude looks horrible at his age with that long hair...needs to get a buzz cut and loose a few pounds.....once a man goes gray there goes the long hair....looks like a cartoon character....
Amazing interview! I saw Chicago when Terry was still alive, and loved the band then. But, when Chicago 18 came out it was a milestone. Jason and Bill's voices worked so well together. The compositions were very strong. And, I actually loved the programmed drums on that album. Niagra Falls, Forever, 25 or 6 to 4 Revisited, One more day. I saw them on this tour in Hershey Pa. in the outdoor venue. My wife said, "Wow, they sound even better live than on the album" (which we were listening to on the way to the show. I'll never forget when Jason opened the tune "I'm a man" with the coolest frickin bass solo. He just owned it....and the audience was very responsive.
Excellent storytelling from Jason! Good work, John (you hardly had to speak at all 😄). Chicago 18 was every bit as good as Chicago 17, and I appreciate every story about the making of it. The song he mentions is "Nothin's Gonna Stop Us Now" which he wrote with Buzz Feiten.
Was unaware that Buzz was a musician/songwriter. Only know of his name as mentioned on the back of Michael Tobias Designs bass guitars for his tuning system. Now I’m excited to investigate his musical work more. Thanks for sharing this detail.
That was a great story. I could hear Jason talk all day, great storyteller. I never knew Mickey Thomas was in the running to be the lead singer. I heard about Bobby Caldwell, and Richard Page of Mr. Mister were thought of, but never heard of Mickey Thomas.
they had Approached Richard Page and he turned them down. He also turned down Toto, when that band approached him for lead singer as well. He said it was such a honor to be approached by 2 marquis bands , but he said he wanted to stick to his solo career . A Phenomenal voice though
I am the same age as jason and I always loved the one big hit he sang, but dude looks horrible at his age with that long hair...needs to get a buzz cut and loose a few pounds.....once a man goes gray there goes the long hair....looks like a cartoon character....
Jason was not only the perfect replacement, but he was meant to sing alongside Bill Champlin. Jason’s voice is absolutely amazing. I’ve had correspondence with Jason and he is also a down to earth and humble guy.
I am the same age as jason and I always loved the one big hit he sang, but dude looks horrible at his age with that long hair...needs to get a buzz cut and loose a few pounds.....once a man goes gray there goes the long hair....looks like a cartoon character....
Mickey Thomas , like Richard Page (Mister, Mister) were never talked to about joining Chicago those names were floated around but were never really asked plus Mickey was in Starship and they had their own hits.
I'm curious as to whether Jason and Peter Cetera ever discussed performing together or writing together. I know they've had conversations over the years, and I know that Chicago made it impossible for Bill to perform with Peter for Peter's Soundstage concert, and now Cetera is retired. But I'm curious if Jason had ever thought doing anything with Cetera after he left the group.
Why have I never heard, until now, that Mickey Thomas of Elvin Bishop/Starship fame was one of the singers whom Chicago *almost* hired to fill the lead tenor vocalist vacancy after Peter's (tragic) exit? I always heard that Richard Page and Richard Marx were in the running, but never Thomas! And not only that, but he was apparently supposed to sing lead vocals on Chicago 18 with Scheff only singing backup?! Wow. If everyone would be honest, that's exactly how it should have happened. Mickey Thomas, an established and proven crooner, could sing circles around Jason Scheff. (Ditto for Bobby Caldwell, whose name is also rumored to have been tossed around. Caldwell and Champlin could've helped transform Chicago into a late '80s R&B/Smooth Jazz outfit!) And while Cetera's one-of-a-kind golden voice is literally irreplaceable and inimitable, Mickey Thomas' voice was also outstanding and great in a different way, and he could've given the band a fresh new sound, which is what they desperately needed after losing Peter and coming off the heels of their greatest commercial success. (Let's face it, though: The only direction after 17 was down.) After learning all this information, it's even more mind-blowing to me that, in the end, Chicago chose to settle on a 23-year-old greenhorn who had no experience and only a very underwhelming voice that simply was not adequate for lead vocal/full-time frontman duties. P.S. It's also disgusting that Jason and Bill both voted to fire Danny in 1990 when Seraphine was instrumental in getting both of them into the band. Nice way to show your gratitude, fellas! Pay him back with a nice knife in the back. Scheff also had the audacity as a 25-year-old know-nothing to slam Danny's drumming on Chicago 19, which is truly beyond belief. Even a 6-year-old could've played the drums on that power ballad drivel, and yet, one of the most innovative and gifted Jazz-Rock drummers who ever lived supposedly struggled to play that crap? Sorry, but I ain't buyin' that (unless, of course, Danny fell asleep at the kit from *boredom*)!
Mickey Thomas would've been awesome for Chicago - even to this day - but I love the music Jason created with Chicago. He was a great fit and the shot-in-the-arm they needed.
There was no competition. Mickey Thomas turned down the 1 million dollar offer to join Chicago at the time Peter left. This was made public at the time.(Mickey)
I've always believed they should have hired a chick to replace Peter Cetera. Maybe somebody like that blonde chick bass player from Sonic Youth. They might still be recording hits. A chick drummer would have been good, too. Think about it.
Mickey Thomas? No crap...guess it was wide open after Knee Deep In The Hoopla...odd corporate moves...Richard Page was in there...interesting...Mickey's name was up alot
The vocal talents for Jason & Mickey had good pedigree ..... the better HIGH Tenor would be Mickey ..... he liked the more straightforward sound and direction of The softer edition of Jefferson Airplane = STARSHIP ...... good decisions both.
I’ve always liked Jason. Actually been on stage with him a few times. The one I don’t like is David Foster. 😡 If the BAND Chicago says you’re in, I don’t care what Mr David Foster thinks. You’re in!!! Foster is not in the band he’s the producer….Stay in your lane. Foster is the reason Danny got fired. I understand about his drumming….I’ve been there myself, it’s happened to me before…..but not cuz some producer said I wasn’t good enough. Jason was tailor made for that band! As good as Mickey Thomas is (and I love his voice) I’ve heard part of this story before did not know the Mickey Thomas part. Jason was the better choice for multiple reasons. Again, I don’t care what Foster thinks. I have respect for his songwriting abilities and producing etc…that’s it. He has zero say so as to who is in the band.. JMO I love the stuff Jason has done since, but still wish he was in Chicago. ❤️🎤🎸🎼✍️
jason scheff did a great job with chicago but i did like peter cetera era of chicago a lot but i was surprised peter wanted a solo career but chicago carried on well.
My wife was getting her hair done in LA - when the guy that was working on her hair excused himself to take a phone call. He was gone for quite a while. When he came out, he had a huge smile on his face. He proceeded to tell us that was his brother Jason on the phone and he was the new lead singer of Chicago.
that’s great!
i was the hairdresser and remember that moment.
wow!’
I am the same age as jason and I always loved the one big hit he sang, but dude looks horrible at his age with that long hair...needs to get a buzz cut and loose a few pounds.....once a man goes gray there goes the long hair....looks like a cartoon character....
GREAT story! Thanks for sharing!
How cool is that??
Tris Imboden used to rehearse with a group at my house when he got the Chicago audition. He came back with a bottle of champagne when he got the gig!! Met Jason shortly afterwards. It was so amazing being a fly on the wall for the start of their respective journeys with this iconic band!!
I definitely have a new-found respect for Jason from these interviews.
Jason has always come off as a class act. He’s a lot like Peter Cetera, but without the ego an attitude. Cetera was a team player, up to a point, but he was always itching to stand out and make a name for himself, especially after he gave Chicago their first #1 hit with If You Leave Me Now.
Jason was a better fit from a personality standpoint because, unlike Cetera, he’s not a showboat that’s always trying to sail ahead of the armada.
I am the same age as jason and I always loved the one big hit he sang, but dude looks horrible at his age with that long hair...needs to get a buzz cut and loose a few pounds.....once a man goes gray there goes the long hair....looks like a cartoon character....
I am probably alone. But 18 is one of my favorite albums. It has the perfect mid eighties feel. I love the songs and production. Jason sounds amazing. Too bad they don’t perform those songs anymore.
Your not alone
18 to current isn't my type. Chicago Transit Authority-17 are all I listen to.
The background story is a delight! This is a phenomenal story for new artists to never give up.
What a cool guy! John, Jason is right - you know how to bring the magic moments to the front. You’re a great interviewer! This JS series is like finding gold.
An absolute incredible interview. I’m a huge Jason Scheff fan. I had no idea that Mickey Thomas was considered for the lead singer as well. Chicago 18 is one of my favorite albums of all time.
I also heard that Richard Page of Mr. Mister was invited to audition, but told them that he wasn’t interested because Welcome To The Real World was breaking and that leaving his group so early wouldn’t be right, or words to that effect.
Had Jason not crossed onto Chicago’s radar, or if Page would’ve known that Mr. Mister’s debut album would be a lonely sibling, perhaps Chicago’s sound would’ve been something completely different.
How fun
I am the same age as jason and I always loved the one big hit he sang, but dude looks horrible at his age with that long hair...needs to get a buzz cut and loose a few pounds.....once a man goes gray there goes the long hair....looks like a cartoon character....
My first Chicago concert was during Jason's first tour with the band, March, 1987. They opened with the remake of 25 or 6 to 4. Chicago 18 holds a special place in my heart and I really like it.
So good. I've had the honor of getting to know Jason a bit, and I have the thrill of getting to record him this week for a big project called Arcade Orchestra, on which we'll tackle some iconic Chicago tunes... his stories are the stuff of legend!
I had chills before he mentioned them. Music is the best and listening to the history of the music we grew up listening to is like the icing on the cake. Stay free people , stay free !
My band opened for Chicago in 2005, and we had dinner with the band before the show. I spoke to all of them, but Jason and Keith Howland really hung out with me and seemed very interested in my life (I was a high school teacher at the time). Actually, the entire band treated us with great respect, but Jason and Keith were the easiest to talk to.
This testimony & artistic experience should be made a book and a film ! 🎉
This is the best interview on rock history. John has a total feel for when to inject questions or just kick back & let Jason really open up . Jason really opened up & told great stories us Chicago fans have always wanted to know in detail. John helped him do it …..
Dude's such a talent. Love this series. What a great memory on that guy.
A great musician....Jason did a great job.
Love his work.
This is frickin OUTSTANDING! I had heard quite a bit of this via Jason's online singing/recording courses....but this is way more detailed...and to imagine jumping into a multiplatinum/multi-personality machine...and then having to win David Foster over. Wow. Just wow.
Thanks for getting this interview!!
Not only that, but I believe on the Chicago documentary that came on CNN a few years ago, Foster claims HE discovered Jason for the band. That guy’s ego knows no boundaries!
I am the same age as jason and I always loved the one big hit he sang, but dude looks horrible at his age with that long hair...needs to get a buzz cut and loose a few pounds.....once a man goes gray there goes the long hair....looks like a cartoon character....
WOW!!! Just WOW!!! Such a fantastic interview! Talk about a Cinderella Story. Always loved Jason because he wasn't a Cetera clone, he has an edge to his voice. More grit than Cetera. Kudos to you for having the patience and not interrupting like sooo many other do. YOU got this on tape... AWESOME!
Jason’s story from 1985 & early ‘86 is GREAT !! Never get tired of hearing him tell it, and he does such a wonderful job of telling it, it is something of an emotional roller coaster ride !
Not only Mickey Thomas, but Richard Page of Mr Mister was mooted as taking P.C.’s spot on Tenor Vox & Bass, but Jason did a SUPER job, and made the job his.
I’ve been a fan since I dropped the needle on ‘Niagara Falls’ on 18.
I am the same age as jason and I always loved the one big hit he sang, but dude looks horrible at his age with that long hair...needs to get a buzz cut and loose a few pounds.....once a man goes gray there goes the long hair....looks like a cartoon character....
I absolutely love this interview with Jason, great job John!
Awesome! Jason’s Dad, Jerry is An Awesome Musician as well! He played with The Great Elvis Presley 1969-1977.
And The Doors
His bassline on L.A.Woman is iconic.@@JusCuz410
Such a great story, and like Jason said, such a great opportunity to document something so special for so many fans of Chicago and Jason alike. Hope you’re well, John and Jason… Travis.
I got chills when he sang that "Nothings gonna stop us now" opening line! I didn't discover this album until 1993!
Great to hear this from Jason going back to '86 ! Thanks John 🎤🎟️🎹
That was an awesome interview with Jason. Great job John! I don’t even know when this interview came about, but I was fully engaged for this complete segment.
John, I love these interviews. I’ve been a Chicago fan since ‘68. Saw the original group at our local college, when I was a young teenager. I’ve probably seen them 25 times through the years.
I've met Jason. He is one of the nicest, most approachable, and down to earth people I've ever met. He just acts like a regular person...with extreme talent.
Every member of Chicago I've ever met was exactly the same.
I am the same age as jason and I always loved the one big hit he sang, but dude looks horrible at his age with that long hair...needs to get a buzz cut and loose a few pounds.....once a man goes gray there goes the long hair....looks like a cartoon character....
What a great interview!! Love hearing him talk about music or anything for that matter. He seems like a great person as well as musician
John, a fantastic interview and I really love how you just let Jason tell his story and jumped in at the right times, you truly know the art of conducting a proper interview this was simply amazing!
I saw Chicago about six years ago, when Jason and drummer Tris Imboden were still with the band. Walt Parazaider and Keith Howland were still with them too. I'm glad I saw them then, because I think that that was their last great lineup. That was a fantastic show in a 1600 seat theater. My wife and I were about 40 feet away from the stage. They did rare songs like "Dialogue", which is one of my favorites, and "I'm A Man" from their debut album. They also did the entire medley which includes "Color My World" and "Make Me Smile." Their encore was "Free" and "25 or 6 to 4." Their lineup today is like 9 guys, when the original band was 7. Sadly, the current lineup isn't as appealing as the former one.
What a great interview! I would say Jason was able to kill it on the Chi 18 song "Nothin's Gonna Stop Us Now" especially well, as he was being himself, and not trying to imitate Cetera to an extent!
Absolutely Loving this interview John and it’s like two friends sitting down talking as it is moving so freely between the two of you. What a story and It brings me back to the moment I first heard Jason on the radio with Chicago and the joy I felt then that my favorite band was truly back. To look back on it it’s no doubt anyone would be nervous walking in knowing they needed a singer to replace one of musics all time greatest vocalist Peter Cetera. But it also had to take confidence in his ability that he could do this as well and they made the perfect choice.
John B....this is a great interview. And Jason is right about documenting history. I have a friend Joe Chambers. He owns the musicians hall of Fame in Nashville. He's documented many videos who are stars and unknown studio musicians. I love this stuff.
Mr Chamber’s channel is great too!
I am the same age as jason and I always loved the one big hit he sang, but dude looks horrible at his age with that long hair...needs to get a buzz cut and loose a few pounds.....once a man goes gray there goes the long hair....looks like a cartoon character....
Great museum!
Jason sounds so excited to tell these stories! I mentioned this on some other media, but to repeat, I remember being worried about who was going to replace Cetera. The minute I heard “Take me as I am…”, I worried no longer!
Absolutely fantastic interview!
Jason is such a monster, I would've puked! 🤣
Me 2....I mean after all that he went thru..and then David Foster is staring you down. I woulda had a VERY hard time with that.
I am the same age as jason and I always loved the one big hit he sang, but dude looks horrible at his age with that long hair...needs to get a buzz cut and loose a few pounds.....once a man goes gray there goes the long hair....looks like a cartoon character....
Your interviews are super fascinating. I always learn so much. Excellent work!
What a great story!
Jason in the house!!!!!!
Amazing interview! I saw Chicago when Terry was still alive, and loved the band then. But, when Chicago 18 came out it was a milestone. Jason and Bill's voices worked so well together. The compositions were very strong. And, I actually loved the programmed drums on that album. Niagra Falls, Forever, 25 or 6 to 4 Revisited, One more day. I saw them on this tour in Hershey Pa. in the outdoor venue. My wife said, "Wow, they sound even better live than on the album" (which we were listening to on the way to the show. I'll never forget when Jason opened the tune "I'm a man" with the coolest frickin bass solo. He just owned it....and the audience was very responsive.
AMAZING STORY! Thanks so much John!
Great interview. Great story. Great singer.
Great interview amazing guy I remember from the first song with Jason they found the right person the right fit. Loved Peter as well.
AWESOME!
Such a great interview. TFS
Chicago 18 is a gem! I really wish "I Believe" would've been released as a single, instead of "If She Would've been Faithful".
What a great story! Great interview, John!
Excellent storytelling from Jason! Good work, John (you hardly had to speak at all 😄). Chicago 18 was every bit as good as Chicago 17, and I appreciate every story about the making of it. The song he mentions is "Nothin's Gonna Stop Us Now" which he wrote with Buzz Feiten.
Was unaware that Buzz was a musician/songwriter. Only know of his name as mentioned on the back of Michael Tobias Designs bass guitars for his tuning system. Now I’m excited to investigate his musical work more. Thanks for sharing this detail.
Great interview, love these stories.
Amazing!!!
Great interview!
I’ll say I’m eighty if ya want me too lol , priceless. Great stuff , thanks
Great story!
I LOVE THIS
❤️
Love it.. Love your work John, Kere.
Next level interviewing John. Just love your work.
That was a great story. I could hear Jason talk all day, great storyteller. I never knew Mickey Thomas was in the running to be the lead singer. I heard about Bobby Caldwell, and Richard Page of Mr. Mister were thought of, but never heard of Mickey Thomas.
they had Approached Richard Page and he turned them down. He also turned down Toto, when that band approached him for lead singer as well. He said it was such a honor to be approached by 2 marquis bands , but he said he wanted to stick to his solo career . A Phenomenal voice though
I am the same age as jason and I always loved the one big hit he sang, but dude looks horrible at his age with that long hair...needs to get a buzz cut and loose a few pounds.....once a man goes gray there goes the long hair....looks like a cartoon character....
Such a sweet fun story
so, so interesting
Mickey Thomas? I thought that it was the guy from Toto for a minute.
But just imagine if they went with BOTH Jason and Mickey? Jason playing bass AND occasionally singing with Mickey out front lead vocals? Woah...😮
Jason was not only the perfect replacement, but he was meant to sing alongside Bill Champlin. Jason’s voice is absolutely amazing. I’ve had correspondence with Jason and he is also a down to earth and humble guy.
I am the same age as jason and I always loved the one big hit he sang, but dude looks horrible at his age with that long hair...needs to get a buzz cut and loose a few pounds.....once a man goes gray there goes the long hair....looks like a cartoon character....
Mickey Thomas , like Richard Page (Mister, Mister) were never talked to about joining Chicago those names were floated around but were never really asked plus Mickey was in Starship and they had their own hits.
Richard Page has come out in interviews and said he was offered the job outright. Same with Toto before they gave it to Joseph Williams.
I'm curious as to whether Jason and Peter Cetera ever discussed performing together or writing together. I know they've had conversations over the years, and I know that Chicago made it impossible for Bill to perform with Peter for Peter's Soundstage concert, and now Cetera is retired. But I'm curious if Jason had ever thought doing anything with Cetera after he left the group.
Why have I never heard, until now, that Mickey Thomas of Elvin Bishop/Starship fame was one of the singers whom Chicago *almost* hired to fill the lead tenor vocalist vacancy after Peter's (tragic) exit? I always heard that Richard Page and Richard Marx were in the running, but never Thomas! And not only that, but he was apparently supposed to sing lead vocals on Chicago 18 with Scheff only singing backup?! Wow.
If everyone would be honest, that's exactly how it should have happened. Mickey Thomas, an established and proven crooner, could sing circles around Jason Scheff. (Ditto for Bobby Caldwell, whose name is also rumored to have been tossed around. Caldwell and Champlin could've helped transform Chicago into a late '80s R&B/Smooth Jazz outfit!) And while Cetera's one-of-a-kind golden voice is literally irreplaceable and inimitable, Mickey Thomas' voice was also outstanding and great in a different way, and he could've given the band a fresh new sound, which is what they desperately needed after losing Peter and coming off the heels of their greatest commercial success. (Let's face it, though: The only direction after 17 was down.) After learning all this information, it's even more mind-blowing to me that, in the end, Chicago chose to settle on a 23-year-old greenhorn who had no experience and only a very underwhelming voice that simply was not adequate for lead vocal/full-time frontman duties.
P.S. It's also disgusting that Jason and Bill both voted to fire Danny in 1990 when Seraphine was instrumental in getting both of them into the band. Nice way to show your gratitude, fellas! Pay him back with a nice knife in the back. Scheff also had the audacity as a 25-year-old know-nothing to slam Danny's drumming on Chicago 19, which is truly beyond belief. Even a 6-year-old could've played the drums on that power ballad drivel, and yet, one of the most innovative and gifted Jazz-Rock drummers who ever lived supposedly struggled to play that crap? Sorry, but I ain't buyin' that (unless, of course, Danny fell asleep at the kit from *boredom*)!
I think they ALL treated Danny like shit and they ALL have paid for that karmically
ROCK N ROLL IS TIMELESS AGELESS
JASON WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE ☕
To me, it is one of the greatest replacements in rock history.
I think I would have gone in a bit prepared though
I don't think anyone can replace Peter Cetera!!!
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a great bass player and singer and you know who was his father ? the elvis presley bass player !
Mickey Thomas would've been awesome for Chicago - even to this day - but I love the music Jason created with Chicago. He was a great fit and the shot-in-the-arm they needed.
I thought Chicago wanted to get Joseph Williams and/ or Richard page of mr.mister. Both declined. So, here is jason
Micky is by far one of the greatest
great voice
There was no competition. Mickey Thomas turned down the 1 million dollar offer to join Chicago at the time Peter left. This was made public at the time.(Mickey)
So THAT is how you pronounce Humberto Gatica...!
I've always believed they should have hired a chick to replace Peter Cetera. Maybe somebody like that blonde chick bass player from Sonic Youth. They might still be recording hits. A chick drummer would have been good, too. Think about it.
Mickey Thomas? No crap...guess it was wide open after Knee Deep In The Hoopla...odd corporate moves...Richard Page was in there...interesting...Mickey's name was up alot
The vocal talents for Jason & Mickey had good pedigree ..... the better HIGH Tenor would be Mickey ..... he liked the more straightforward sound and direction of The softer edition of Jefferson Airplane = STARSHIP ...... good decisions both.
I’ve always liked Jason.
Actually been on stage with him a few times.
The one I don’t like is David Foster. 😡
If the BAND Chicago says you’re in, I don’t care what Mr David Foster thinks. You’re in!!!
Foster is not in the band he’s the producer….Stay in your lane.
Foster is the reason Danny got fired.
I understand about his drumming….I’ve been there myself, it’s happened to me before…..but not cuz some producer said I wasn’t good enough.
Jason was tailor made for that band! As good as Mickey Thomas is (and I love his voice) I’ve heard part of this story before did not know the Mickey Thomas part.
Jason was the better choice for multiple reasons.
Again, I don’t care what Foster thinks. I have respect for his songwriting abilities and producing etc…that’s it. He has zero say so as to who is in the band.. JMO
I love the stuff Jason has done since, but still wish he was in Chicago. ❤️🎤🎸🎼✍️
Would you imagine if he played with Journey after Ross Valory left the group.
Having Micky sing for Chicago would be like Steve from Journey singing for Chicago
jason scheff did a great job with chicago but i did like peter cetera era of chicago a lot but i was surprised peter wanted a solo career but chicago carried on well.
Peter Cetera wanted to do his solo album and remain with the band like Phil Collins and Genesis but Chicago wasn't having it and forced Cetera out.
16/17/18 Foster produced albums were the best. Like him or not.
The most successful? Yes.
The best? Up for debate.
I always thought he would have been great in Toto
Mickey Thomas doesn't play an instrument. End of story.
Never heard of a guy.
Man, that was torture to listen to. Jason is DEFINITELY not a story-teller.
SORRY KIDS BUT THE 70'S CHICAGO WILL ALWAYS BE THE BEST.............WITH THE ORIGINALS.