As someone raised by “boomer” parents, music from the 1970s and 1980s has always been a staple in my home. My dad exclusively played 1970s and 1980s music anytime I rode in the car with him. It didn’t matter where we were going or how long the drive was; he was always playing the music he grew up listening to, shaping my music taste along the way. Even though I can now play my own music in my car, I always find myself turning on my dad’s favorites, which are now some of mine. So when I heard that Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire were coming to Nashville, I knew I had to see them and record videos for my dad. This concert allowed me to relive much of my childhood and get back into the “groove” before my last first day of classes.
On Aug. 20, Bridgestone Arena hosted two legendary bands, Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire. The show, part of their co-headlining “Heart & Soul” tour, celebrated decades of musical history. This concert featured a mesh of genres like rock, R&B, jazz and soul, with each band bringing their signature sounds to the stage — not only in their solo performances but also together in a memorable encore featuring both bands.
The night began with Chicago, an 11-member band that has shaped American rock since its formation in 1967. The band’s current lineup includes three of their founding members: Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane and James Pankow. Chicago appropriately opened with their song “Introduction,” which was joined by cheers from the crowd as they each joined the stage one by one. Their set also featured instrumentals, such as “Anxiety’s Moment” and “West Virginia Fantasies,” that highlighted the band’s talent on guitar, percussion, keyboard and horn harmonies. Chicago’s “You’re the Inspiration” inspired the crowd to join with their partners and slow dance, while “Hard to Say I’m Sorry / Get Away” caused fans to flood towards the front of the stage and wave their flashlights. They closed their set with one of their most popular hits “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day.”
After a brief intermission, Earth, Wind & Fire, a 12-member band formed in 1969 that meshes older genres like jazz, R&B, pop and funk to create a signature sound, took the stage. The band’s current lineup includes three of their oldest members: Verdine White, Philip Bailey Sr. and Ralph Johnson. They opened with “Shining Star,” which matched their sparkling, colorful suits. The band’s performance was a visual spectacle, complete with dazzling lights and synchronized choreography. As they began to play “Devotion,” Earth, Wind & Fire lit up the arena by asking fans to wave their lights in the air for an “Earth, Wind & Fire type of devotion.” They closed their set with my three personal favorites: “Boogie Wonderland,” “Let’s Groove” and “September.”
My highlight of the night came during the encore, when Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire joined each other on stage. The two bands blended their unique sounds on songs like The Beatles’ “Got to Get You Into My Life,” Chicago’s “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” and Earth, Wind & Fire’s “In the Stone.” The encore celebrated the unity of both bands by highlighting their similarities (late 1960s, Chicago-born) and differences (genres) for a night of timeless music.
