super producer David Foster talks about the difficulty working with CHICAGO in new book

[actormanic]

What a jerk. Worst thing musically to happen to Chicago, was getting this guy to produce them. He brought all those session players, and ruined the "band" sound that they had before. Listen to the stuff they did with Guercio, and then listen to what Foster did to them. With all the trouble they had with Guercio, at least he let them sound like a freaking BAND! Foster brought in too many synths, including the bass parts. And when you have a drummer like Danny Seraphine, why use a drum machine?

[MajCinematic]

THAT was great, good insight!!

[kartis55]

Hmmmm......I just happened upon this clip. I thought I liked David and appreciate many of the artists he has produced (Josh Groban). However, we all know CHICAGO made David Foster a LOT of money!! All I can say about this David Foster now is,...No Class!! Only a No Class guy would blather such statements about another group of artists!!

[geraci89]

@kartis55 I dont like what happened to Chicago when he got involved either, but you got one thing totally backwards. David Foster made CHICAGO a lot of money........

[carina2244]

Wow, just WOW! I don't have ANYTHING nice to say about this clip or about David Foster, so I just won't say ANYTHING!!!

[ceterababe]

I read somewhere Peter was complaining that there were always meetings about everything, even simple things & how he was tired of all of that nonsense. Constant meetings, 7 different opinions, yikes..!! So, DF isn't the only one who complained about that. You can think what you want, but DF helped CHICAGO get back on the charts. And, the original CHI members will ignore that fact, just like they don't acknowledge PC's huge contribution to the band.Let's give credit where credit is due.

[ceterababe]

I love DF & everything he does.What's refreshing to me, is that he 'tells it like it is". Some may find that arrogant, but I like his kind of personality.I read his book, "HITMAN" & he only spends a page or 2 talking about working w/CHICAGO. CHI hired him to arrange things & then gave him a hard time. Wrestling Heretic got it right. Put 7 people together & you can't make everyone happy, so he comes off looking like a jerk. Try getting 7 people just to agree on a holiday menu and sparks will fly.

[TheBeaugraham]

Hmmm if David was joking about what he said he has a great sense of humor if he was serious then what a dick. The only good thing he did for the band was help out on Chicago-16 its not a stellar album by any means but if we all had to pick Chicago's best album from the 1980's it would be that one and not the overrated poorly written Chicago 17. Chicago 16 i believe had a drum machine im not positive but who's idea would that have been not Danny Serephine's

[actormanic]

@TheBeaugraham 16 had real drums, but Foster started using the "machine" on the next one. That's why We Can Stop The Hurtin' sounded so much better live.

[plusplusfort]

Foster's style is more suited for producing solo artists. According to Chicago he doesn't understand the nature of groups, where contributions can come frm every member. He was ignorant of the dynamics of the band and their commitment to each other.

[WrestlingHeretic]

Any seven people are bound to have disagreements in any situation. It's human nature.  Seven people are seven *different* people.

[libralady1010]

The scary part? This guy REALLY believes what he's saying. He wanted to be Robert Lamm is my take on it. He says they're both keyboardists. Yeah...but there's a big difference between Happy Birthday's composer and the material Beethoven and Chopin wrote. People-after 40 years(!) still love and remember DARKWTII and Beginnings. " St. Elmo's Fire?...Nah.

[bze2nlz]

I agree-- AND he has a hell of a nerve talking about Chicago as if they were unruly children!! How dare he disrespect a group that helped line his pockets for years?? All for the sake of selling a book that is probably a pile of trash!!

[bze2nlz]

Foster's such a prick! Chicago had already released 15 albums and their best music before he came along. He only groomed Cetera for a solo career and we all know how famous Peter became on his own.

[ATelefunkenU47]

You've nailed it exactly.

[frankilovemusic]

He's ego is the size of California..... wish he was more humble, it would make him magical.

[frankilovemusic]

What's unfortunate about him is he's not humble. If he was humble more people would like him.

[strawme01]

David has earned the right to be comical. Thus, when he makes comments such as this, he doesn't mean harm. He is only having fun.

[BAYGEELONG]

What a jerk this guy is. He practically wrecked their sound by not letting them record a few 'Foster (yawn) Ballads' and some other Chicago sounding songs. Still he knows what he's doing I guess. I just love Chicago and hate people dissing on them like that. Is it really necessary. Bet you and kenny Loggins are good friends

[marydarby]

Jerk. A band that can't get along does not keep touring for 40 years as well as having 4 origial members. Jerk.

[flashpenguin86]

And he complained that Peter had an ego? Oooookay. I can see why the guys are anything but eager to work with him again. Giving it four stars just because it shows the "softer side" of DF.