Danny Seraphine - "Live" - Concert Solo

Outstanding performance by Danny, Jason and Jimmy. Recorded in Japan, 1989.

[@KellyAvery1965]

I first heard Danny's drumming as a beginning drummer in junior high school in the late 70's listening to Chicago XI. After hearing tracks like "Mississippi Delta City Blues" and "Take Me Back To Chicago", I just sat there slack-jawed at what he was playing. All these years later, his drumming still brings a smile to my face! Drum on, Danny!

[@drumlord123]

I recieved an email from danny saying very nice things about Tris. To paraphrase a few comments: "Tris was put between a rock and a hard spot. He is a fine drummer and a very gracious man. He has handled it very well. Always remember the good things about the band".

[@LoyalOpposition]

That's very nice of him. To me, Tris was too stiff.

[@Gcort49]

The best rock/jazz drummer ever...so good, even Buddy Rich agreed I was fortunate to see Chicago at the Fillmore East in 1969..front row seats to this amazing drummer...been following his talents ever since. IMO the music of Chicago died with the lost of Terry Kath, departures of Peter Cetera and Danny...today, they are no more than a glorified lounge band

[@skyisblue42]

Incredible!!! Such an injustice that Danny was let go. However, check him out on California Transit Authority. He's still got it. Never lost it.

[@frankd4003]

The first time I heard Chicago on my car's non-stereo FM radio went directly to buy the record, it was amazing and have listened to them ever since, know every word of every song, still play it in the car everyday. I was playing the drums and to anything i could hear including my father's big band records, i was a rock/jazz/rhythm drummer, and later highly influenced by Danny, he was part of the music not a stand alone, his highlights brought life to everything Chicago did. Recently viewed a video with Him and Terry, the only time i had ever seen a combo of a Lead guitar and a drummer that the rest of the band was fallowing musically and visually, they were a combined power house and led the band, most of the time it was the bass and drummer that did this. The truth be told when Terry passed away it was like pulling the plug out of the wall, the energy was filtered, when Danny left under unfortunate circumstances all the energy left the band and Chicago became a poor excuse of a Disco Band, ballad world, it lost all its flavor and energy, after that i stopped listening to any Chicago music other than the original band compositions, thank god them made it back, Foster was the worst thing that every happened to them, tried to turn them into a crappy pop band and wedding song composers, in the January 2017 Chicago CNN special Foster showed his ego not wanting to admit, bu latter doing so, that he screwed up the band, and then said "you don't have as many Grammys as i do if your not great", It was Foster that put the last dagger into Chicago by having Cetera turn into an ego maniac and leave the band, I felt pity for him when i heard his KZbin address about the Induction into the Hall of fame, he should have been there, he'll regret it the rest of his life, Danny we are all proud of you showing up, took guts, and getting over what happened to you with Chicago, we all applaud you.

[@drumlord123]

Danny kept these guys focused through the rough times. That is what they needed, a kick in the ass and someone that would call them out on the drug usage and lack of professionalism. He took the bull by the horns and acted as the bandleader. The unspoken resentments from some of the original band members did not get voiced until Bill and Jason pointed out that Danny was "just a drummer" they did not like the fact that Danny called the shots.

[@weebgrinder-AIArtistPro]

Interesting. Didn't know either Bill or Jason had problems with him. Bill I think has an ego on him. I would too with such a classic set of AOR albums (Single, Runaway) under my belt and being in a huge band like Chicago. It's like any relationship I guess. People can nitpick and bicker and not realize how destructive that all is until it's maybe too late.

[@skyisblue42]

Was just listening to cta the debut album. Amazing to think that Danny was just 20 yrs old. One of his best efforts.

[@EmotionallyExhausted]

I, too, attended a Chicago concert in '89, and I remember 3 things distinctly: 1) How great the non-synth, classic tunes sounded 2) How TERRIBLE the Foster-produced stuff sounded live 3) Danny Seraphine's INCREDIBLE drum solo. A reviewer in the newspaper the next day called it "Seven and a half minutes of apocalyptic thunder". I've always thought that was a perfect description of Danny's style. It is CRIMINAL what "Chicago" did to him. Danny is the best.

[@JimmyPlato1]

I totally agree with you. Chicago had no business treating Danny the way they did. The original members should have supported Danny a lot more than they did, they forgot the authentic pact they all took when they started as a band. The fact is that you do not get rid of the vary person who started "Chicago" in the first place. What they did to Danny was disgraceful....

[@weebgrinder-AIArtistPro]

In what way did the Foster stuff sound bad? Like it wasn't being properly reproduced live? Or like it just sucked to begin with? I'm guessing the latter but figured I'd ask.

[@Rhythumjet]

Tris better than Danny? Yea Right! Not even in the same league. But what do I know. I have only been playing for 40 years. God Bless Danny Seraphine as I have been blessed to know him.

[@Sueski2]

Still....even after all these decades, I think Danny is the BEST drummer!

[@francescosenzani593]

Forse la miglior performance

[@mediamannaman]

As a kid in the early 70's, I used to listen to Chicago II over and over, imagining I was the drummer. Even Terry Kath's great vocals and lead guitar were overshadowed by Seraphine's drumming. I had the album on a cassette tape, but that would not keep me from rewinding to hear the same song three or four times before going to the next. "In the Country," "Wake Up Sunshine," "Make Me Smile," then fast forward to, "To Be Free!"

[@BeatProfessor]

@kritikkal Absolutely an AMAZING book. I couldn't put it down until I finished it and handed it to my father who learned how to play by watching and listening to Danny.

[@MrJillyboy]

danny was and is the best drummer ever to come out of chi town ...no contest no arguement

[@castlehilldude]

When he was alive Buddy Rich did not have a good opinion of rock drummers. That was not the case here. He liked Danny Seraphine. Of course it goods without saying that Danny's musical styles encompass much more than rock music. It great to see that he is still around.

[@LoyalOpposition]

yeah, Danny could jazz, rock, r&b, latin, funk, disco even. I'd love to know who voted how.

[@tonygiovingo6967]

As a drummer growing up, me and my other drummer friends were deeply influenced by Danny. I don't recall any of us wanting to be Tris Imboden! Tris has a great resume of studio work which is to be respected but compared to Danny...Strictly Junior Varsity

[@tonygiovingo6967]

Ronald Lindeboom Well Ron I do agree with fact there is more to appreciate and feel in terms of drumming and like I have stated Tris deserves respect for his extensive body of work. One does have to draw from a large well to play with the artists he has played with over the years. Mitch & Danny are great drummers whose fire and improvisational skills were a perfect fit for the artists they were working with. I have listened to Tris's work with Chicago and can't help but notice that the arrangements have been simplified to better play to his strengths as a drummer. This is fine but it was the fire that Danny brought to the original more complex arrangements which influenced me and a number of other drummers and made me a fan of Chicago. I am not too far behind you in age (i am 53) and I am still fairly active. My original comment was perhaps more about fitting the music as I like it. I love Charlie with the Stones but he never would have fit with Hendrix nor would Mitch have been a good fit for the Stones. At 63 it is apparent you still the feel the joy of playing as I do. Good luck and thanks for your comment....Tony G

[@bibchr]

tony giovingo I agree with both of you, actually; but more with Tony in underscoring Danny's uniqueness. Witness the way "Free" and the Ballet have been tamed in live performance from Danny's exciting pell-mell fall-down-a-hill to a more tepid bum-bum-tap.

[@small_ed]

Tris' live work for Kenny Loggins in the late 1970s is interesting, but I agree that in comparing them in their prime, Tris is not anywhere near the same technical level of jazz-rock fusion as Danny.

[@JonP1961]

My middle brother introduced me to them in the early 70's. I was a teen then and when I heard "To Be Free", it was all over. That is just some BADASS drumming right there! What he during that short little section was so intense. When he hit those toms, that was just ground breaking; I mean I had never heard anyone get so rhythmically complex and yet get so much groove out of it at the same time.

[@shawnbruce6934]

This IS The REAL Chicago. Danny. They Aren't C Without The D. I Love Danny.

[@JGUIGNARD]

A couple of months ago I was driving down the freeway when I passed a billboard that had an advertisement for a Chicago show at a local casino. I thought about going, but remembering about how upset I was when Danny got stabbed in the back I said to myself "No Thanks !". Nothing against Tris, but to me Chicago ceased to exist after Danny left. Danny is the greatest, and I still feel that his solo in "I'm A Man" one of the best (if not the best) that I have ever heard.

[@davidolson1242]

I'm with you on shining "modern" Chicago shows on. On the other hand, if Leonid and Friends is coming here, I'll move heaven and earth to go see them. Heck, Danny has even jammed with them.

[@LoyalOpposition]

Tris is stiff. And now Reyes is behind the kit, and his quick things on the hi-hat get so annoying because it's gimmick. I was just watching 70s concerts of Chicago and then went album by album (up to XI), and man, there's a LOT of great songs I didn't know, despite being a fan since I was 6. There's also some unreleased tracks on their official KZbin page. Demos, alternative tracks ("Byblos" is much faster in the demo), etc.

[@cetera06]

Qué bárbaro mi estimado Juantolete!!...un toletazo!!!!!!!!......excelentisisísimo video...clásico...el maestro Seraphine luciéndose...!

[@CosmicTraveler]

Yeah, Seraphine had a personality and a style, and he was my hero in the 70s. Imboden is good, but he is one of those "perfect" generic drummers who are awesome, but they all sound alike. I'm sure Imboden is a nice guy, but Chicago lost me and thousands more when Danny left.

[@dennisjohndreher7258]

Danny Seraphine got a raw deal, something about his timing. Lol. Not knowing where and one was. This guy had natural talent and didn't need a click track. F**k Foster and the rest of the scumbags that threw him out of the band. Danny will always be one of the best drummers of all time. Rip Terry Kath.

[@LoyalOpposition]

He saved the songwriters MILLIONS, after they finally listened to him (he was the only sober one), and found Guercio was getting 100% of the publishing royalties (MILLIONS of dollars," said Pankow), and they reward him by firing him. So much for "You're in this band for life". Danny said Robert once flagged him down, hugged, and Danny asked him if he had to do it all over - firing him - if he'd do it again. "No", replied Robert.

[@paezjean]

danny seraphine uno de los mejores baterista que e visto en toda mi vida el mejor de todos eres el mejor you're the best.......

[@daviscd3dca261]

00:32 , nobody is perfect Danny

[@ironboundman]

stuckincorona - You could not have said it better. Thank you.

[@eddiewalker59]

Thanks for sharing this, man. I love ya for it! Eddie Walker

[@drummer78]

He said in a Modern Drummer interview that he was hard to get along with and basically managed the band with an iron fist. Maybe they just hated his personality and used the drumming thing as an excuse.

[@at90percent]

Thanks Danny. ; )

[@guruofendtimes819]

Him and Cetera should have started their own band just like the Beatles did.

[@juantoletemex]

Yes I have. I'll post 2 songs asap.

[@cetera06]

Xcelent!...do you have more from this concert? Please Post It!

[@bensoncarlos]

GREAT DANNY! LOVE YA BRO!!!

[@drumlord123]

Bill and Jason were not around when Danny took a leadership roll with the band. Danny kept the originals focused through countless years of drug abuse, (Danny had quit taking drugs) Maybe the originals resented it, But I don't think they would say they did not appreciate what He did. And I think Danny would be the first to tell you that He probably was a little too demanding, especially after the guys had cleaned up their act. It was just a sad ending to an incredible journey.

[@LoyalOpposition]

Danny smoked a little pot. He says Cetera and him kept the same hours, going to bed around midnight, waking up early, playing tennis.

[@drummerboyjac]

After seeing this I dont know why they kicked him out.

[@LoyalOpposition]

I've heard shows from 1989, and I can't believe they'd fire him. Especially a founding member who found out their manager/producer was getting 100% of the publishing. Danny basically covered the other guys, since Danny didn't write much. And maybe he suspected it again, so what. It's very naive for the band to think a DRUMMER (not someone who pushes buttons) can be 100% in his 40s. I've never heard a bad show, and they're all on KZbin.

[@KrazyKittyTailz]

@luke3jes Couldn't agree more....Danny's drumming on CTA & Chicago II is absolutely astounding!

[@marceibel1131]

Not only there...

[@perkeneff]

Absolutely fantastic drum solo. Danny ranks up there with Gene Krupa. Hell, Carl Palmer isn't too shabby either.

[@juantoletemex]

Very good comment, my friend. Thanks for posting!

[@WrestlingHeretic]

I agree! I have looked at a ton of Danny videos from 1989, trying to see specific examples of train wrecks, but I never see it. He always looks on top of his game. I suppose that makes the "resenting Danny trying to be our manager" story all the more plausible. But even there he seemed to do a pretty good job by all accounts. Maybe it's that simple. But if it is, I don't see what purpose it serves for the other bandmates to drag his reputation as a musician through the mud.

[@LoyalOpposition]

I've heard shows from 1989, and I can't believe they'd fire him. Especially a founding member who found out their manager/producer was getting 100% of the publishing. Danny basically covered the other guys, since Danny didn't write much. And maybe he suspected it again, so what. It's very naive for the band to think a DRUMMER (not someone who pushes buttons) can be 100% in his 40s. I've never heard a bad show, and they're all on KZbin.

[@WrestlingHeretic]

This is my view of it too. Well said. The man in this video is not a man who "lost his chops." You just wonder what the real issue was, but we'll probably never know.

[@at90percent]

In light of this video, I don't see how Chicago could say that Danny wasn't keeping his mind on his drumming.

[@jpe102]

is this Prelude to Aire?

[@dougconley]

Those some big ass drumsticks. 😳

[@WrestlingHeretic]

They did need an R&B voice, though, to fill the "soul" deficiency left behind by Kath's vocals. As phenomenal a guitarist as Kath was, people forget what a powerful vocal presence he was too.

[@Vince1961]

No matter WHAT happened between them, they went out of their way to wreck his confidence in his playing, especially Bill and Jason. My question is, what did they really accomplish by replacing him? They can replace all the original guys in the band with session players and sound-a-likes, but is it really Chicago? For me, their journey ended after Chicago XI. They were never the same band after Terry's death and Jimmy Guercio's dismissal / departure. And SHAME on them for what they did to Danny.

[@actormanic]

@stuckincorona Agreed...Just one question: Who's Jeff?

[@LordRufus]

Hmm. So this was when Danny had neglected his craft, lost his chops and had become near-impossible to play with. I dunno. He's seems to be doing okay here.

[@Shepard1100]

Now i know why Danny grew a stach. lol buck teeth or no, hes still an incredible drummer. Chicago did him wrong.

[@WrestlingHeretic]

@jimkingwood Read Seraphine's autobiography. Seraphine definitely had his own contribution to the ill will directed at him.

[@zvanigno]

great

[@carina2244]

ALL HAIL DANNY!!!!

[@at90percent]

It makes him look like he did back in the 60's. When I first saw the video it confused me a bit, becuase I thought he looked to young to be on color video.

[@WrestlingHeretic]

Apparently not. The drums on albums 17, 18 and 19 were electronically produced.

[@juantoletemex]

He was fired 6 months later. Saludos, Vic!!

[@arhuxtable]

America's version of Phil Collins and Ringo Starr also. Other ass-kicking American drummers are Don Henley and Zachary Hanson(Hanson).

[@marceibel1131]

Zach Hanson. Ass kicking? No hate here, but in the same league as Henley and Collins? Mhmm. Not..

[@Rhythumjet]

You may have a point there however I have heard Tris do solo work and it fits with the generic style that he plays with Chicago. Even Danny himself sez what a nice guy Tris is , so I don't an any negative thoughts toward him other that comparing him to Danny. There is no comparison I wish I had his ggig. God Bless.

[@juantoletemex]

You're right, Kincher.

[@hudent]

I agree with most fo all you opinions here. thanks

[@sparkysports]

Chicago was my favorite band and very early I noticed the contribution of Seraphine. They certainly lose something right away if you remove his sense and timing.

[@actormanic]

@Kellykleinman It pains me to say this, but,....you're right! Sad, isn't it?

[@bsizzy17]

I would rather hear an uninspired/underplayed drum solo by Danny than oversinging by Bill.

[@mvwade]

I agree that Danny is the best drummer for Chicago. However, I have also seen Tris Imboden, the current drummer, and he's no slacker. He is very worthy to be a member of the band. He has the chops and he has the flash. I prefer Danny but, I enjoy the drumming style of Tris.

[@grayfoxx3]

Danny looked adorably in his wig,I always thought

[@isaacvelasquez31]

sure man by reading the way you think, you sure are right...

[@luigiotube]

Eres Buen baterista, diría yo "Exelente" bueno; ohalá que no hubiéras salido nunca de la "Super Banda Chicago".

[@MrJillyboy]

and that includes Krupa!

[@bibchr]

@stuckincorona Ditto times three.

[@arhuxtable]

Here's at least one occasion where Danny Seraphine looks mighty handsome. He don't look bad without facial hair. Danny should join forces with Phil Collins and Hanson's Zachary Hanson.

[@marceibel1131]

Zachary Hanson and Phil Collins mentioned in the same breath??

[@Jim5150jvc]

Jason sounds like he's imitating some of his dad's Elvis stuff.

[@tmg1968]

Chicago sold out to the pressure of the music video in the 80's, just like every other band in the free world that wanted to make a name in mainstream American "music". Bon Jovi (et al) came along, and made it "necessary" to include tits and ass into "music", which eventually led to the (un)need for talent, which is why Danny was dismissed from the band. Chicago no longer wanted (or needed) the most talented drummer, but the most eye appealing scenario which was Cetera and (gulp) Champlin. RIP!

[@Monsterdrumma]

He resembles billy Bob Thornton!

[@atp1962]

Danny got lazy, and didn't put in the practice all the others agreed to, and if you went some of his last concert with Chicago, you would see he got sloppy, and off. He is great here, but now he is under the main focus, he has to do well and he does. Perhaps it was best for both parties. Hey maybe he can work with Peter Cetera

[@Priyesh0804]

Sorry to say isaac... but I agree with you... I like Tris better... that's nothing against Danny who is a fine drummer... I just like the sound more with Tris... IMO!!! :-)

[@mnbuio]

You know what the drummer said the night before he was kicked out of the band? "Hey, mates. Listen to the song I wrote."

[@isaacvelasquez31]

He was in the wrong band that's why they kicked him out, chicago sounds better with tris imboden, I'm not saying his a bad drummer I just don't like his style...

[@JimmyPlato1]

I do not agree. Tris is a huge talent and a solid drummer, but he is very predictable and very uneventful as the drummer with Chicago. A lot of times he didn't even make a great effort at playing the Chicago music the right way as it was on the original Chicago records. Danny was nothing but creative and eventful as the drummer of Chicago. Danny was a rhythm genius with Chicago I'll take originality and rhythmic creativity over a cover drummer any day....

[@isaacvelasquez31]

Jimmy Plato oh man I’m glad I never became a keyboard warrior and I only wrote a few silly comments like that one back in the day. That was 12 years ago and I don’t think the same way now. I recently saw the entire concert where he played that solo and I think he sounds great and solid. They said in their documentary that they couldn’t put up with his playing anymore and that’s why they got Tris but I don’t think that was the real reason, it seems like it was something else. I love Tris’s playing and he’s a big influence. I respect a lot what Danny did in the band.

[@drummer78]

He said in a Modern Drummer interview that he was hard to get along with and basically managed the band with an iron fist. Maybe they just hated his personality and used the drumming thing as an excuse.