Chicago rolled into the Xfinity Center in July 2024 with the quiet confidence of a band that knows its catalog could carry an entire evening without breaking a sweat. This wasn’t about proving anything. It was about celebration, precision, and the rare joy of hearing songs that have lived in people’s lives for decades, played by musicians who still care deeply about getting them right. From the first notes to the final encore, the night felt polished without being stiff, nostalgic without feeling stuck in the past.
The show opened with a brief “Introduction,” setting the tone and letting the crowd settle in. When “Dialogue (Part I & II)” kicked in, it immediately reminded everyone that Chicago has always been more than a soft-rock hit machine. The song’s shifting dynamics and social commentary landed cleanly, with the horn section sounding sharp and confident. Even this early in the night, it was clear the band was locked in.
“Call on Me” followed, adding warmth and familiarity. The vocal blend was smooth, and the song’s gentle groove fit the summer evening perfectly. It felt like Chicago easing the crowd into the set, reminding everyone that this was going to be a journey through eras, styles, and moods.
That mood deepened with “If You Leave Me Now,” one of the band’s most beloved ballads. The crowd sang along softly, almost reverently, as the band delivered a restrained, emotional performance. There was no overplaying here — just clean vocals, tasteful instrumentation, and the kind of sincerity that makes the song endure.
The heart of the first half of the show came with “Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon,” presented as a flowing suite. “Make Me Smile” kicked it off with a burst of energy, immediately lifting the crowd. As the suite moved through “So Much to Say, So Much to Give,” “Anxiety’s Moment,” and “West Virginia Fantasies,” the band showed off their ability to shift seamlessly between moods. Each section felt distinct yet connected, with the horn arrangements shining throughout.
“Colour My World” was a standout moment, its iconic flute line floating through the amphitheater and drawing a warm response from the crowd. It’s a song that feels timeless, and live, it carried a gentle emotional weight that held everyone’s attention. “To Be Free” and “Now More Than Ever” kept the suite moving, building momentum and setting up a satisfying emotional arc.
“Old Days” brought a smile to just about every face in the venue. There’s something about that song that feels like a collective memory, and the crowd leaned into it hard, singing along and soaking in the nostalgia. The band played it with a light touch, letting the lyrics and melody do the work.
The mood shifted again with “Hard Habit to Break,” which showcased the band’s later-era power ballad side. The vocals were strong and expressive, and the song’s emotional push and pull felt earned rather than melodramatic. It was another reminder of how broad Chicago’s musical reach really is.
“You’re the Inspiration” followed, and it was impossible not to feel the connection between the band and the audience during this one. Phones came out, couples leaned into each other, and the singalong was loud but heartfelt. The band didn’t rush it, letting the song breathe and resonate.
“Beginnings” injected fresh energy back into the set, its rhythmic drive and horn stabs waking everyone up after the run of ballads. The jam section was tight and lively, showing that Chicago can still stretch out when they want to. That energy carried right into “I’m a Man,” the Spencer Davis Group cover that gave the band a chance to lean into a more bluesy, improvisational groove. The crowd responded enthusiastically, clapping along and cheering the extended instrumental sections.
“Just You ’n’ Me” brought things back to classic Chicago territory, with its smooth groove and instantly recognizable melody. It felt effortless, like the band could play this song in their sleep — but in the best possible way.
“Hard to Say I’m Sorry / Get Away” was another emotional high point. The transition between the tender ballad and the punchy, upbeat second half landed perfectly, giving the song a sense of release that the crowd clearly appreciated.
“Saturday in the Park” felt tailor-made for this July night. As the song rang out, it felt like the entire venue was singing along, caught up in the joy and simplicity of it all. The band looked like they were having fun here, feeding off the crowd’s energy.
“Feelin’ Stronger Every Day,” presented as a partial version from the bridge to the end, served as a brisk lead-in to the encore. It was short but satisfying, keeping the momentum high as the band left the stage briefly.
The encore was a fun and slightly unexpected celebration of Chicago’s broader musical influences. Covering Earth, Wind & Fire’s “In the Stone” and “Sing a Song” felt like a natural fit, with Chicago’s horn section absolutely nailing the funkier, groove-driven arrangements. These songs brought a fresh burst of energy and got the crowd moving again.
“Free” provided a brief emotional reset, its uplifting message and melody landing nicely in the encore slot. “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” brought a wave of cheers as soon as the opening notes hit, its playful spirit and sharp horn lines reminding everyone of Chicago’s early, jazz-rock roots.
“Got to Get You Into My Life,” the Beatles cover, was another inspired choice, blending perfectly with Chicago’s sound and giving the band a chance to show off their versatility one more time.
The night ended, as it should, with “25 or 6 to 4.” The iconic riff ripped through the Xfinity Center, and the crowd roared in response. It was a powerful, satisfying closer that reminded everyone just how heavy Chicago could be when they wanted to.
Chicago at the Xfinity Center in July 2024 was a masterclass in how to honor a massive catalog without turning the show into a museum piece. The band played with precision, heart, and a clear love for the music and the audience. It was polished but warm, nostalgic but alive — a summer night well spent with one of the great American bands.
Setlist
Introduction
Dialogue (Part I & II)
Call on Me
If You Leave Me Now
Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon:
– Make Me Smile
– So Much to Say, So Much to Give
– Anxiety’s Moment
– West Virginia Fantasies
– Colour My World
– To Be Free
– Now More Than Ever
Old Days
Hard Habit to Break
You’re the Inspiration
Beginnings
I’m a Man (The Spencer Davis Group cover)
Just You ’n’ Me
Hard to Say I’m Sorry / Get Away
Saturday in the Park
Feelin’ Stronger Every Day (partial)
Encore:
In the Stone (Earth, Wind & Fire cover)
Free
Sing a Song (Earth, Wind & Fire cover)
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?
Got to Get You Into My Life (The Beatles cover)
25 or 6 to 4