Chicago with Neil Donell "You're the Inspiration"

[@susanrichard2290]

This guy is awesome! Saw Chicago in Canada in 2018 ; first time ever seeing them live( I'm 69) & always a huge Peter fan. Neil comes as close to Peter as one can.; in fact I had to look again to see if per haps was Peter. I love Neil's voice; no struggling to reach the higher notes. He's fantastic 😍 can't say enough about him. I enjoyed my evening spent with the great Chicago.

[@dudleydooright]

Neil Donell is simply amazing.

[@j.dsouza158]

Neil, man! Killing it.

[@daleharapat4984]

I have been sadly reading about the departures of people from Chicago, but this guys seems to have the most powerful voice they may have ever added to their line up. I guess they really understand music better than me...GREAT SELECTION OF A NEW LEAD SINGER. I think I am going to book tickets to see them....Maybe they finally got their new man, they should be hired to find someone for INXS.

[@djm5687]

I'm not sure how long Chicago will be around for. Jason Scheff wasn't great the last time I saw Chicago with him: taking frequent swigs of water. Bill Champlin sounded great, but he looked like he was ready for retirement. The horn guys are starting to get old, too. It would be *awesome* if Peter Cetera would reunite for a farewell tour, but that looks very unlikely, given the coronavirus situation. Thanks for your comment. Please feel free to view and comment on my other videos!

[@anitagold124]

Nothing like the orignal Waste of time

[@Gilbarwaters]

This guy sings very well he's got a powerful voice.

[@lisaheltonhudson]

He's such an amazing lead singer and person! Love him! ❤ what an awesome addition to the best band in history!

[@backtothefathershouse6758]

Best vocal since CETERA! Nailed the pitch, AND did it with power, and not out of his nose! Good Job!

[@djm5687]

Thanks for your comment. Neil Donnell is a pretty good singer, but it sucks that he doesn't play bass.

[@coscrupi]

His nose.....lmao poor Jason lol toast

[@StratMatt777]

I always felt that Scheff's constricted sound was a high larynx sound... which is a very common way for people to hit high notes. Heck, even Whitney Houston had "froggy voice". If you want to hear it sound horrendous, listen to Leann Rhymes. Anyway, this new guy is doing great, but on the high parts, like at 2:13 it seems like he is pushing too hard in chest or middle voice and not shifting up into his head or "mask" resonance. He reminds me of me when I sing karaoke and the monitor volume is too low and I can't hear myself and I start pushing too much air in chest voice to hear myself INSTEAD of properly singing in middle voice (which takes less air). Then my voice is shot for a day afterwards. Peter Cetera sounds deceptively low effort on these super high parts. I think they just layered a couple takes of him and through some studio magic on it. Similarly, Steve Perry is (was) a "low mass" singer who is not belting it out hard and shredding his chords when he goes way up high. I really hope Neil is not shredding his vocal chords like Scheff probably did and Steve Perry absolutely did touring with Journey.

[@scottinsc]

I saw these guys play back in April 2017 w/Coffey singing lead and they were amazing. Yes, a lot of their core has gone, but what band has been around this long that hasn't seen changes? Touring, health, etc all take a toll. Doesn't help that the original heart of the band passed in the mid-to-late 70s, and there was simply no replacing him. The original 3 left that tour still perform amazingly, and the band sounds great. In concert, it's mainly their early 70s work. I wouldn't at all call them a cover band. I'm just happy they're still touring and playing and celebrating that great, unrivaled music.

[@djm5687]

Thanks for your comment. One thing that I like about Chicago is that some of their most popular songs were in the 1980's, around 20 years after the band starred! How many bands enjoyed the height of their popularity 20 years after their start? That is awesome!

[@StratMatt777]

@@djm5687 Any band who hires David Foster in their 20th year will have that kind of success in their 20th year. ;)

[@chaddakin3250]

Absolutely beautiful! The franchise continues.

[@sandrasutton-ortiz3244]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY. NEIL DONNELL. BEAUTIFUL. 💚🎶

[@djm5687]

Thanks for your comment, Sandra! Please feel free to view and comment on my other videos. Have a nice say! 💚

[@ohnesorgen4642]

Saw Chicago in 2019; was a great show, but I remember being especially impressed with him. Sounds amazing singing Cetera

[@dowens3]

Enjoy it while it’s still there folks ... you’ll miss this one day down the road. Kudos to Mr Lamm and Pankow for keeping it going .

[@djm5687]

dowens3 I hope that there is still a chance for a reunion with Peter Cetera. Thanks for your comment. Please feel free to view and comment on my other videos. Take care!

[@chaddakin3250]

I was there! First concert in the life of my then seven year old son. Neil is wonderful. Thanks so much for taking this video!

[@elyzambrano4671]

Wow, què voz tan maravillosa, gracias por compartir.

[@cindyblackburn3764]

love Neil..great voice an added bonus to Chicago!!

[@r.reddecliff3257]

Saw them in Mobile, AL last May. Have been an intense, dedicated fan since the mid 70s. They were SPECTACULAR! Pay no mind to the naysayers.

[@rickr2813]

Listen to Leonid & Friends. They sound the way Chicago wishes they sounded today.

[@percygamboa4944]

Leonid & friends: If they do it live, I’ll give my opinion.

[@jber9569]

Going to see them live in July.

[@raquelgomezramos5238]

Ojalá se siga oyendo mucho tiempo la música de uno de mis grupos favoritos Chicago

[@drummerdrummer1716]

Chicago, no matter what the personnel....the music says it all....play it....sing it.... hell do it right or sit out....

[@gilceanevieira7973]

Sensacional! Que voz poderosa! ❤️

[@djm5687]

Thank you, Gilceane.

[@earllince5418]

For years Neil has been the unofficial voice of Chicago for me! Delighted now he is the official voice of Chicago. He has amazing range and versatility. Check him out on older Brass Transit videos. The sound is better than this recording and truly reflects his great talent. Good luck Neil!

[@djm5687]

Thanks for your comment. Sorry that I couldn't do a better video! I tried my best! One thing that I don't like about the new singer is that he doesn't play bass or guitar. Please feel free to view or comment on my OTHER Chicago concert videos!

[@johnlouiemanalohernandez8431]

been watching his videos singing Chicago songs, he has a wide range of voice, can sing lows and highs

[@djm5687]

Aloida Hernandez I believe that when he was in Brass Transit, he did both the Peter Cetera and the Robert Lamm vocals

[@backtothefathershouse6758]

Yes, Got a little Steve Perry/ Jason Scheff, but without the nasal and heavy strain! Good power in his voice!

[@alexandrashepard4145]

Keith's a great guitar player! I wish he sang more now!

[@djm5687]

Alexandra Shepard I like Howland's singing, too! I don't even think that he does "Old Days" anymore. It may simply be too difficult to do lead guitar and singing. Thanks for your comment.

[@jenniferfewlesssivagnanali2011]

Yay! My favorite song

[@PragueImport]

Great voice! He does PC's songs justice.

[@djm5687]

Thanks for your comment! Please feel free to view and comment on my other videos.

[@commanderwatchman9994]

I got confidence in this new lead singer. He makes it look easy and doesn’t try to do to much.

[@alexandrashepard4145]

I really like it!

[@djm5687]

Alexandra Shepard Thanks for your comment!

[@glynisjones8128]

Awesome!!!!

[@jrock2264]

Loved Peter, loved Jason. This guy looks like he can bring it. We''ll see.

[@samgovea8404]

That guy has a awesome range .👍👏👏👏

[@Mysterwright]

MY GOD! Where has this guy been? He just put even bigger balls on an already legendary band of love song Casanova. Seriously, Chicago y'all should write new material and put out music videos on Vevo or something. This is GREAT!

[@josallins1]

Excellent!!!!

[@9005067]

excellent rendition

[@djm5687]

gary scott Neil Donnell is actually the lead singer of "Brass Transit", a Chicago tribute band!

[@neildonell7952]

djm Neil Donell left Brass Transit in May of 2016.

[@TheCapuccettorosso]

Canta muito, Chicago é sempre top, qtas lembranças…

[@edilcegruber6464]

Substituto do Peter Cetera, muito bom, adorei!

[@dougconley]

This actually sounded really good. 😊

[@troyelich9307]

This guy is great!

[@robertbdesmond]

He's great.

[@jessicamarciel9735]

Saw him live a few times,,he is GGGGRRRRRRRRRR8

[@darrellanderson1120]

Not bad! Not bad at all! Chicago finally has their sound back! Neil is great! Chicago hasn't sounded this good since Peter left. Hopefully this guy is a keeper! We just need to get you guys back in the studio, and start recording again, with Neil on lead vocals.

[@rickmoore745]

Well done

[@rickmoore745]

Love Peter Certera

[@9005067]

he does a great job

[@christianenriquezzz]

I actually love Donell Amazing singer.

[@billstout6159]

Neil can kill it!!!

[@Stretchdiazz]

He is Now The New Vocalist For Chicago.

[@djm5687]

JM Studios Thanks for your comment. You are correct, and I have confirmed on Chicago's website that Neil Donnell is officially the lead singer. While I like Donnell's vocals, it sucks that he doesn't play an instrument, like the other members. What will he do when Lamm or Pardini are singing?

[@Stretchdiazz]

Got No Idea... Well! They got a new bass player but they need a new percussionist because Walfredo Reyes Jr is on the drums now..

[@McLennonHStarr]

Yes

[@NelsonRiverosMusic]

He should learn the bass while on the road and all the parts.

[@erikawielersevilla2980]

que bella voz de Neil

[@ferdixx]

Awesome vocal

[@strtngfrsh]

Awesome, enough said.

[@selsaroman5130]

Ellos siempre serán mi inspiración 🌹 💞 😭

[@djm5687]

Thanks for your comment!

[@matilderamos4005]

Amo essa música! Dancei muinto nos bailes, tempos bons.❤❤❤

[@johnzwalking]

Damn. Great voice. Steve Perry quality.

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

Great singer here.

[@djm5687]

VIDEOHEREBOB Thanks for your comment. Please feel free to comment on and view my other videos

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

djm I sure will and I have. As a singer myself, I know firsthand the challenge of singing those tunes.

[@danobrien3695]

I've sang some back up vocals for Neil....Great chap...very down to earth... and an awesome vocalist!!

[@sherryashlock7187]

I want to decate this song to Darryl Williams who died September 10 of last year he was my life just didn't realize it till it was to late but loved me forever

[@djm5687]

My sympathies, Sherry.

[@Primordilian]

Whatta voice

[@tteo8457]

Lead singers come and go, like any other bands.

[@dustingriffith4725]

I never heard of Big Neal but he is pretty dope!!!!!!!!

[@kamac8761]

Wow!

[@matilderamos4005]

Essa música é linda, dancei muinto nos bailes.❤❤❤❤

[@henryedwards4116]

It's official, Chicago is now a cover band.

[@rickbennett7135]

I'm a big fan of theirs but realistically they've been a tribute band for about 30 years now,

[@hansgordy]

It's a mixture of cover band and parts of Chicago. I don't like it.

[@petechapman301]

Bullshit. The band now sounds better with Donell than they've sounded ever since Cetera left. Champlin and Scheff both stunk as vocalists. With Neil, they sound so much better! And hopefully this new drummer won't play as clunky and heavy as Chris Impotent (Tris Imboden) did. They need a more Danny Seraphine-esque drummer. Regardless of what they say, they got rid of Seraphine for reasons of attitude, not because of his drumming. When they used to do the Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon with Seraphine on the drums, he took them through several time signature changes in that song in such a masterful way and he always brought them in in such a way where he laid right down where "1" is. What they said on that documentary is bullshit. Seraphine is the best drummer that they ever had.

[@hansgordy]

I agree with you about the drummer...but not the singing. Cetera and Kath had 'it.' They were Chicago.

[@regesuchma3658]

I seen chicago in my hometown lastweek walked out half way through with terry's passing 40 years ago they were no longer chicsgo and without cetera danny and walter there lame

[@lisafleming9712]

This man can sing and he is very easy on the eyes he is very good looking yum yum

[@lawrencer9343]

Chicagos new lead singer

[@Thegrillingdude]

He does have a good voice. Looks like Jeff coffee on bass. To bad Jeff didn’t stay and they added Neil! Would have been a great singing duo

[@robertchutonogbanua2564]

I really liked Jason Scheff as Chicago's bassist and lead vocalist. I suppose at some point he decided that it was time to be with his family, which is understandable.

[@djm5687]

Also, Jason Scheff's voice was starting to wear out and he couldn't hit certain notes anymore. As wonderful as former lead singer Peter Cetera sounds on record, even PETER CETERA doesn't sound like Peter Cetera at concerts anymore. Ageing happens! Thanks for your comment!

[@Gem0674]

You got it Neil! 😘

[@sharonwilliams271]

He did a good job. No complaints. Maybe Jeff Coffey was a little closer to Peter vocally.

[@carmembones7909]

amo d++++++

[@dreenzyk1797]

❤

[@joecressman4051]

He sounds more like Peter Cetera than i thought....

[@djm5687]

Thanks for your comment. Neil Donnell is a good singer, but sometimes I feel that he's too "polished " and not "Rock n' Rol" enough. It also sucks that he doesn't play bass like Chicago's previous lead singers (Cetera, Scheff, Coffey). Please feel free to view and comment on my other videos.

[@eduardovalenzuela5925]

@@djm5687 good point, however I think he's the best singer since Peter Cetera

[@rodneyjohnston2217]

I like this singer if he would lay off some of the vocal acrobatics and sing this beautiful song. He has great chops he’s a little older so fits with other guys etc. they really sound great. The only problem 5hey have is this enthusiastic fantastic Russian group blowing up KZbin with fantastic reproductions of Chicago tunes and make no bones they are tribute band but geez they are fabulous.

[@TheSirenSeeker]

Little did we know.

[@rondmc44]

Waiting on the day when and if Danny, Peter, Jason, Bill, Donnie, and possibly Dewayne, Tris and some decent horn players could splinter off and bring the originality back... Just saying.

[@djm5687]

Peter Cetera occasionally does solo concerts. However, I don't think that a reunion with the rest of Chicago is in the cards. Like many "old bands", Chicago doesn't record much new music because it won't be played on the radio, won't sell well, and some fans at concerts will say "I want to hear the old songs".

[@dokkendave2750]

I wasn't crazy about them hiring Neil but .... Chicago will still always be Chicago as long as Robert Lamm is up there, along with Jimmy Pankow. He and Pankow wrote most of the classic songs anyway.

[@djm5687]

Dokken Dave Thanks for your comment. I wish that Chicago did more "new" material in concert. I wish the band the best. BTW, I have a few other Chicago concert videos, too! Please feel free to comment on them as well. :)

[@ellensammarshall1373]

Dokken Dave b

[@euveciotilapia3839]

Estao veteranos mais muito bem

[@johnfarrell2231]

The only time this song is an inspiration is when Peter Cetera is singing it !

[@s.j.2850]

YES!!!❤

[@mauricioql7275]

His voice is very similar to Scheff's...

[@brendahyatt6812]

Saw them last summer in St Louis,he's hot!

[@brendahyatt2976]

Saw them same time,yes very hot

[@harrybosch8972]

He's no Peter Cetera..But sounds pretty good ...

[@djm5687]

Thanks for your comment. The truth is that these days Peter Cetera no longer sounds like Peter Cetera. Age catches up with everyone. 🎤

[@avbpolicarpio]

Sounds like the version of Peter Cetera with Az Yet

[@BarryAdams777]

Wonderful!! ….with Owen Wilson on bass!!!!! (2:40) LOL!!!!

[@RCGoetzke]

Chicago is like that friend who came for a visit and has long overstayed his welcome.

[@djm5687]

Robert G. Perhaps. However I would LOVE to see one reunion with Peter Cetera before the band calls it quits.

[@RCGoetzke]

I doubt that it would ever happen, but Cetera should reconnect with Seraphine, with whom he had a closer relationship than he did with the others, and give Lamm, Pankow, Loughnane, and Parazaider, his health permitting, the opportunity to play together for their respective charitable causes at one of the top casinos in Vegas for a series of shows as a 50th anniversary sayonara this summer. It would be SRO.

[@fayette202]

As big a fan as I am of Mr. Cetera, I'm afraid his ego wouldn't allow him to ever re-connect with the band - even if the proceeds went to charity.

[@RCGoetzke]

I don't think it's his ego, i just think that he doesn't have any real interest in playing with the remaining band members again. Damn shame.

[@djm5687]

Thanks for your comment. The later years of Cetera with Chicago was almost "Cetera solo" anyway. I don't think that Peter Cetera feels like he "needs" to reunite with Chicago. Sting had a reunion with The Police, so anything's possible....

[@robertbdesmond]

What's Jeff Coffey doing on stage???

[@djm5687]

robertbdesmond At the time of this concert, Donell was just a "guest vocalist" for this one song. He was not a permanent member of the group. Coffey was still the band's "official lead singer" and sang lead on most of Chicago's other songs. Thank you for your comment.

[@PowersDave1966]

I don’t want to sound mean, this guy has a fantastic voice. But band like Journey, Foreigner, etc. are getting vocalists who are unbelievable as far as range and power but lack the soul of the originals. Holding notes longer and using more vibrato doesn’t impress me, I want to hear something heartfelt.

[@PowersDave1966]

A little more... That’s why I dislike American idol, it’s all about fancy runs, range, vocals not being “pitchy” John Lennon, Janis Joplin, James Taylor, and most singers we love would never have made it close on American Idol or have been picked as a replacement for a well known band.

[@djm5687]

Thanks for your comment. I have read a few stories about singers that have "worn out" their vocals because modern audiences expect big vocals. Chicago with Jason Scheff's "King Might Have Been" is an interesting example of a good song WITHOUT big vocals.

[@vitahealth.2372]

It’s either him or Arnel

[@tommycollins7846]

Chicago is now more like David Clayton-Thomas and BS&T.

[@amysmith2265]

He just looks like a baptist youth minister.

[@vicjoyce15]

Wow. That may be the best live vocal of that I've ever heard, starting in the 70s.

[@hoosierdaddy9277]

3:20. Wow he’s not really knocking it out of the park

[@dennistedder3384]

Not bad..not bad.

[@nitkoffsky]

Closest singer to Cetera so far but also so far from Cetera just the same

[@s.j.2850]

NO ONE comes close to Peter!

[@markdavis3306]

Out of respect, I do not want to call them a cover band. However, most of the bands that I have followed over the years have lost the key that made them great due to them dying or having a disagreement. I will remember them for all of there hits, and I will probably see them live to experience real musicians play great songs.

[@VigilanteVegan]

I usually hate when people call bands "cover bands" for replacing members, but in this case, Chicago has turned over members 4-5 times already. Members who have replaced other members have left. The Peter Cetera song have been sung by 5-6 people at this point. It's a new band entirely.

[@javiersaucedo0712]

Si canta Padre tirándole un poco a P. Cetera, pero nunca como si Cetera regresará por lo menos una gira con el grupo estaría exelente. Bueno se vale soñar.

[@bettyrocco3021]

Love Chicago but I miss Jason or Jeff .

[@djm5687]

Many people probably miss Peter Cetera and Bill Champlin, too. Hopefully, Chicago will reunite with a few former members before they have to call it a career.

[@wardhattenjr5249]

💯🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💪🍀👍👋👋👋👋👋💯

[@jaimemarmolejo472]

It’s not Chicago anymore. It’s just a cover band doing Chicago tunes

[@jber9569]

He's not Peter but he doesn't struggle live like Cetera did.

[@waltersimmons946]

It was Cetera's song 🎵 he wrote it and he could sing it anyway or any key he wanted thus it still sounded like CETERA. Plus, Cetera's retired . He's not sweating what critical haters say anyway.

[@jber9569]

@@waltersimmons946 Cetera always struggled live and that's just the simple truth of the matter. And I know he doesn't care what I think and the feeling is mutual.

[@waltersimmons946]

@jber9569 More than mutual. I could care in the least about your opinion , and uh, struggle is on the ones trying sing his songs and can't match him. Cetera is still enjoying his millions and retirement. Long end short of it 👉 You can't touch this . 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆

[@seedofabrahamcny]

Chicago: I think it is time to call Peter Cetera. You need him to keep the band together.

[@RCGoetzke]

Cetera has their phone calls blocked.

[@thasty100]

Cetera will never come back. To be honest his voice isn’t what it was. He still sounds good but age is obviously affecting his voice. That’s life !

[@kevinmchugh5997]

Sounds more like Cetera, than Scheff did. No disrespect meant

[@notDonaldFagen]

Chicago is kind of a cover band of Chicago. I'm glad they keep it real with some proper brass and horns though. They just kind of seem odd having and singer who's just a singer who doesn't seem to have a charismatic stage presence. Would be cooler if he played bass 😊. Sounded good though. They're tight. Just doesn't 'feel' like the real deal.

[@jorgerodriguez85]

James Pankow still reminds me of a wannabe Don Johnson.

[@RG-hf4et]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 You are do right!! 😂😂😂😂