Review and Photos by Fred Kuhlman
Promoter: Live Nation (https://www.livenation.com/
Venue: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ ( https://www.footprintcenter.com/ )
Date: Thursday August 29th, 2024
Tour: Heart & Soul Tour 2024
I was actually surprised when we entered the venue and saw all of the seats filled. I never imagined that these 2 bands from the 70s would draw a full house at the Footprint Arena (over 13,000). Especially with all of the concerts going on in the valley the last 2 weeks and the upcoming shows. But after seeing the show, I totally understand the draw. Both bands were fantastic. I had seen Chicago a number of times but I have never seen Earth, Wind & Fire live.
The stage was huge, with 4 different levels. The top level was setup for the percussion sections. On the left side of the stage was Chicago’s percussion setup. On the right side was the drumkit and keyboards for Earth, Wind & Fire. Earth, Wind & Fire also had their horn section between the 2 drum kits. Step down to the next level was a small area where people would stage as they moved around the stage. The second level (from bottom) held the keyboards for both bands. Finally, the main level was where most of the action took place and the majority of the band members. During the performance, they had multiple videos playing on the huge screens behind the band.
Both bands were out of the city of Chicago in the 70s. The city of Chicago was one of the great Soul & Blues capitals of the world. It started in the 20s during Prohibition when the owners of the Speakeasies would bring in Blues players to perform for the clientele. Out of this music movement, came some of the great 70s American Rock & Souls bands. What separates Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire from other bands in the 70s was the heavy use of a horn section. And tonight, both bands showcased their extremely talented horn sections.
The show was broken up into 3 parts. Chicago was the first up and they played for a little over 1 hour. Then came Earth, Wind & Fire and they also played for over 1 hour. Finally for an encore, both bands flooded the stage and they performed 3 songs from each band. It was amazing to see all of these performers on the stage at the same time and how wonderful they all worked together.
From the very start of the show, the audience was into it. People were standing and dancing. At different songs, the crowd would sing along. If you want to see a great Rock, Rhythm & Blues and Soul concert then this show is a must see. It will bring you back to the 70s.
Chicago
The show started with a collage of Chicago’s record albums. If you ever heard Chicago’s Best of album then you have a good starting point for the songs they performed tonight. They opened with “Introduction” & “Beginnings”. From the very start it was a high energy performance. The horn players were right up front and center stage and drove the music tempo. They ended the set with “Saturday in the Park” and “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day”. I was surprised that one of their biggest and my personal favorite song was not part of their set, “25 or 6 to 4”.
Earth, Wind & Fire
Only 3 of the original members (from 1972 band) are still performing. The original founder of the band, Maurice White passed away, but his brother Verdine White (bassist), Phillip Bailey (singer & percussionist) and Ralph Johnson (singer & producer) are still with the band. They were joined by 9 other members which included a 3-person horn section. It was a spectacular performance. I was struck by how well all of the members of the band flowed together. I was not a huge fan of Earth, Wind & Fire but I really enjoyed their performance. If you like their music, you will love their performance.
Encore
After both bands had their separate performances, they all came back on stage for a 6-song encore, 3 songs from each band. They blended perfectly together. They ended the show with the song I was waiting for, “25 or 6 to 4”. All 6 horns were going and both bands fully embraced the energy of the song. It was by far the greatest version of the song I have ever heard. I really hope that they come out with a live album of this concert. I will purchase it just for this song. It was that great.
You can check out both bands on their websites and social media pages.
Chicago Social Media sites:
Website: https://chicagotheband.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chicago.Official/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotheband/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ChicagotheBand
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/chicago-the-band
Earth, Wind & Fire Social Media sites:
Website: https://www.earthwindandfire.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EarthWindandFire/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthwindandfire/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/earthwindandfire
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@earthwindandfire
Chicago
Photos © Fred Kuhlman 2024, All Rights Reserved
Earth, Wind & Fire
Photos © Fred Kuhlman 2024, All Rights Reserved
Chicago Setlist:
Introduction
Dialogue (Part I & II)
Call on Me
If You Leave Me Now
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
Just You ‘n’ Me
Hard to Say I’m Sorry / Get Away
Saturday in the Park
Feelin’ Stronger Every Day
Earth, Wind & Fire Setlist:
Shining Star
Let Your Feelings Show
System of Survival
Serpentine Fire
Jupiter
Saturday Nite
Kalimba Story
Sun Goddess
Departure
Devotion
Reasons
After the Love Has Gone
That’s the Way of the World
Fantasy
Boogie Wonderland
Let’s Groove
September
Encore: (Both bands performing together)
In the Stone
Free
Sing a Song
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?
Got to Get You Into My Life
25 or 6 to 4
