Review of Chicago: Live By Request

Introduction

Chicago is the kind of band that seems to have been around for ever and it appears they really have. This show celebrates the band`s 35th Anniversary, filmed in 2002. Remarkably they have managed to keep a substantial part of their line-up. Noticeable absentee is original frontman Peter Cetera who left taking his superior vocals with him in 1985.

The key to the magic of Chicago seems to be their use of a horn line up as opposed to the traditional guitars. They once toured as opening act to Jimi Hendrix so they have serious music credentials.

The show was made by the A&E network. Fans were invited to phone in and request a favourite from the whole 35 years in between the host chats to the band and goes over some of their history. It is also interspersed by congratulatory messages from various celebrities.

Video

It`s a concert folks and once again there is not a whole lot to see. There are a lot of old men and some slightly younger ones. Same goes for the audience except unsurprisingly there are more ladies in the crowd.

Audio

Offered in two versions to include the 5.1 option for those with additional speakers. I tried this but too be honest it did not impress me with significant increase in audio pleasure. Simply put the bass was thumping away but the sound of the band was undistinguished.

Features

Some background information forms the bulk of the extras offered.

Discography

A list of the Chicago albums. Those fans will know these are distinguished by roman numerals they have never put titles on-they are up to XXV you know.

Band Credits
A list of band members.

Bonus Songs
Two songs on here-Just You n` Me and Get Away.

Conclusion

Strictly for the fans of the long running band this DVD offers nothing new and radical for the disinterested observer. Indeed to be picky it has been done on the cheap. They even left in the breaks for adverts though they managed to remove the ads at least. If you really like the music then I would have thought the cds certainly offered more listening time and better quality reproduction. It`s a bit of a souvenir item for those fans that were there or watched it when it aired.

For me there is only one Chicago song and that is `If you leave me now`. The only guy who should be allowed to sing this is Peter Cetera and he already left I`m afraid. This is for those fans that stuck with the band and will no doubt appeal to them whatever.