The Official Chicago Fan Network

Happy Anniversary!

This is a quote from Walt Parazaider: "We gathered around my apartment, February 15, nineteen hundred and sixty seven.. and said 'this is what we're gonna do.. we're just gonna walk it like we talk it'". Yep, 45 years ago TODAY, Walt, along with Jimmy Pankow, Lee Loughnane, Robert Lamm, Terry Kath, and Danny Seraphine shook hands and thus, 'The Big Thing' was born. (Remember that Peter joined the band later on in the year, after he quit his band, 'The Exceptions'). Son, Congratulations, guys... thank you all for forming one of rock's most unique bands and thank you for continuing as strong as ever.

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Permalink Reply by Southside on February 17, 2012 at 7:54am

Happy Anniversary! Thank You Comment Robert!

Only The Beginning!

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Permalink Reply by Mark Dolan on February 17, 2012 at 8:10am

It's 45 years -- now that's a "Big Thing." Is there a band out there that has been through more stuff -- good & bad? (Talking about the four original bandmembers, of course.) Now let's do some music both the band (and its fans) wanna make/ get. The brand always has been CHICAGO even though the sound somewhat evolves. Might a band that once was considered avante garde in its approach that would produce a string of pop hits return to its roots? Or, at least, create with radio less in mind? Should be interesting what comes down the pike in 2012. Rock on, Chicago!

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Permalink Reply by Chuck Rieck on February 17, 2012 at 10:35pm

It was 1978 at the Allentown (PA) Fair and a bunch of us got there early to be in the front row standing, dancing and groovin all night (remember general admission concerts, standing in the front row, leaning on the stage). Well my girl got tired of standing so I helped her on to the stage (stage left) for a few songs. Peter saw her, came over and sang to her and she was on cloud 9 for a long long time. Hey I had a great night also. Thanks Pete.

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Permalink Reply by Matthew G Wirfel on February 18, 2012 at 9:28am

Happy Anniversary to Chicago! I've been a huge fan since the 80's. I am happy to share the year of my birth with the birth of the band - 1967! I have all the band's recordings in various forms. I've seen the band at least 16 times...always a great show and leave wanting more. I am also a professional trumpet player and have played Chicago charts with different groups. Chicago is one of the most versatile and entertaining bands to ever walk the planet! Congrats!!

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Permalink Reply by Fred on February 18, 2012 at 10:29am

Happy Anniversary Baby...I mean, CHICAGO I got you on my mind..........Oh wait that was another groups song. LOL

Thanks for keeping the music alive for so many years........I am alive again.

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Permalink Reply by Claudine Ramsey Bradley on February 19, 2012 at 4:05pm

Rock on Guys! Chicago is the best!!!!!!! I hope you come back the N.C. soon.

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Permalink Reply by Claire Braun on February 21, 2012 at 12:15pm

Matthew,

I am happy to say that I was also born in 1967, what a great year!

Matthew G Wirfel said:

Happy Anniversary to Chicago! I've been a huge fan since the 80's. I am happy to share the year of my birth with the birth of the band - 1967! I have all the band's recordings in various forms. I've seen the band at least 16 times...always a great show and leave wanting more. I am also a professional trumpet player and have played Chicago charts with different groups. Chicago is one of the most versatile and entertaining bands to ever walk the planet! Congrats!!