Chicago - "Free" - 1978 at the Greek Theater - Robert Lamm lead vocals

[fucheduck]

I do like Peter C's bass playing, he shouldn't have began his "day job" making CTA into a chigaco wimpy walk in the park. He should shut up'n play the bass!

[goldenoldiesPete]

@fucheduck I think Peter Cetera was and is an outstanding vocalist, far and away the best voacalist that Chicago ever had. I always liked Chicago, going back to the 60's, but before Cetera became their main and most respected lead vocalist, lead vocals were considered to be the main weakness of the band.

[sindilee]

@goldenoldiesPete Terry had a hell of a lot more soul than Peter!! Terry Kath was the soul of Chicago!! They ALL contributed to what was the composition of Chicago... the heart and soul!!

[actormanic]

Proud to say I was at this show, as well as three more that week at The Greek. Sure, we were missing Terry, but the boys played with extreme passion that week! This wasn't even the best night, which goes to show you how good they were. This set of shows that week, were the very first shows Chicago ever played without Terry Kath, so yes, there was a LOT of emotion in the air.

[DJsnukumz]

my high school marching band is using this as our opener for our 2011 show, SO EXCITED!

[eeyore9598]

@DJsnukumz you should have someone record it. i would love to see this song done marching band style. we always played 25 or 6 to 4 but everyone knows that song

[DJsnukumz]

@eeyore9598 im pretty sure atleast someoneis going to, if i remember to ill try to post a link here. dont get too excited though, our band took a huge hit and lost a crapload of marching seniors especially in the drumline. although we did listen to a midi of the music and it sounded kick ass

[BassooMajor]

@eeyore9598 University of Delaware is doing this song for their 2011 show :D

[gr8chef]

no shiite

[glynnth]

Aw come on, can't someone upload a studio version??

[DracIsBack]

@glynnth It's easy enough to buy the CD or the Mp3 of that. This version isn't as common, so i wanted to get it out there. Sorry.

[DracIsBack]

@glynnth It's easy enough to buy the CD or the Mp3 of that. This version isn't as common, so i wanted to get it out there. Sorry.

[sledj567]

@glynnth I'm with you,..nothing like the original version.

[sandkmum]

Wow, this is amazing! I went to this concert at the Greek twice on that run. I never thought I would be able to hear it again like this. I remember waiting at the exit of the Greek after the concert, hoping to get a glimpse of the band leaving. One of the limo drivers took my camera backstage and got a snapshot of the Jimmy, Lee and Peter hanging out before leaving. i was so excited about it and I wasn't even in the picture. They were and are the greatest! Thanks posting Drac!

[fucheduck]

Free is my fav on Chicago, It's as "belicos" a wind instrumental as you can get and Kath was awesome on the gitar. not here, but still up and running singing from the remaining vocalist wake up to a double capacino(this song)

[sueintexas]

Damn, listen to Walt on that sax, doesn't get much better. I miss Terry on lead vocal, but Robert does a good job.

[CC007]

OMG...THANK YOU for uploading this. This was my very FIRST concert. I was 7 years old, was there with my mother and Grandmother(R.I.P. 2009). My memories of this was exciting, energetic. Again this brings back a lot of happy times for me, thank you for sharing. Peace...

[mister2drums]

That's the tempo this song should be played at, and only Mr. Seraphine could do that.

:O)

[luke3jes]

Agreed. It's as if the current "Chicago" is playing a completely different song, like the rhythm section has a ship's anchor tied around them on stage, just lumbering through the chart.

[ladiezroom]

the lead vocals sound very much like bill champlin´s and the drumsound is very 80s...??

[libralady1010]

@ladiezroom Champlin wasn't with the band yet....I don't think he came on board until 1980 or so. This was 1978

[jhnstn1]

Outstanding bass work on this.

[billybilly3]

I have always wondered why Peter Cetera hasn't continued with his Bass work....he fell into the Pop fluff world. This guy can really hold his own on the bass. I'd love to hear a Jazz rock fusion type album from him.......come back Peter

[fucheduck]

@billybilly3 all that 80's liv'n got to comfortable, so he lost the stamina and will for it.

[offroad77]

Great post Drac! I remember seeing them perform this during the 1978 tour. Also, during the 1988 tour, Jason Scheff took lead vocal duties in Free.

[TobyWonKenoby]

Man, the tempo is mind-boggling!