When the American rock band Chicago first came to the Philippines for its debut concert in the early 1990s, it immediately endeared itself to thousands of Pinoy fans who were smitten by its breath-taking sound and unique style that resonated in its string of great hits.

Ballads like “Questions 67 and 68,” “Beginnings,” “Make Me Smile,” “25 or 6 to 4,” “Saturday In The Park,” “Feeling Stronger Everyday,” “Just You And Me,” “I’ve Been Searchin’ So Long,” “If You Leave Me Now,” “Baby, What A Big Surprise,” “Love Me Tomorrow,” “Hard Habit To Break,” “No Tell Lover” and “Look Away” were only some of the classic hits that have immortalized the fabled group in contemporary music.

The love affair between the singing legends and its fans was sustained through the years by Chicago’s streak of success which was highlighted by its slew of best-selling new albums, sold-out shows and acclaimed world tours that consistently bolstered its stature as one of the longest-running and most successful US pop/rock and roll groups.

With the phenomenal success of the revival trend in musical entertainment, Chicago is expected to be the next big thing in the local concert scene featuring foreign acts when the group returns to Manila for a major concert on Sept. 14 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

Billed as “Chicago Live In Manila!,” the musical presentation from Ovation Productions will reunite Chicago, one of the few major bands whose original lineup has remained practically intact, with thousands of local music enthusiasts whom it first enthralled with its array of ballads and love songs during its initial performance here almost two decades ago.

Chicago is one of the few bands whose reputation for great songs and live performances has endured throughout its 40-year career that started when it was formed by a group of students in 1967 in Chicago, Illinois.

Starting as a politically charged, sometimes experimental, rock band that later moved to a predominantly softer sound, the group became famous for a number of hit ballads throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Chicago has been listed by Billboard magazine as the leading US singles charting group during the 1970s, having sold over 120 million albums worldwide and scoring 22 gold, 18 platinum and 8 multi-platinum albums.

After initially playing a series of late-night jams at clubs on and off campus in Chicago in 1967, the group of versatile instrumentalists went professional as a cover band called The Big Thing.

It played in the Midwest club circuit, during which it recruited from a rival band, The Exceptions, one of its members, Peter Cetera.

Under the guidance of its manager, James William Guercio, the group moved to Los Angeles in June, 1968 and signed up with Columbia Records. The Big Thing became Chicago Transit Authority (later shortened to Chicago).

Its 1969 first record, the eponymous “The Chicago Transit Authority,” was an auspicious debut: A double LP album that included a number of pop/rock gems – “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?,” “Beginnings” and “Questions 67 and 68” – whose sales were fueled by heavy airplays on the newly-popular FM radio band.

This was followed by “Chicago II,” (January 1970), another two-record set featuring its first two Top 10 hits, “Make Me Smile” and “25 or 6 to 4”; its third double album, “Chicago III” (January 1971); and its fourth album, a whopping four-disc boxed set live compilation, “Chicago At Carnegie Hall” (October 1971).

It was “Chicago X” (June 1976) that spawned the band’s biggest hit of the 1970s, the slow, exquisite ballad, “If You Leave Me Now,” which climbed to No. 1 worldwide and catapulted Chicago to the peak of popularity.

Another big success for the group was its 1977 release, “Chicago XI,” which included the hit ballad, “Baby, What A Big Surprise.”

In early 1978, tragedy struck when guitarist Terry Kath died in a freak shooting accident, and although the band was devastated by his loss, it ultimately decided to carry on.

After signing up with a new producer (David Foster) and a new label (Warner Bros. Records/Reprise Records), Chicago released “Chicago XVI” and once again topped the charts with the single, “Hard To Say I’m Sorry/Get Away,” followed by “Love Me Tomorrow.”

The next album, “Chicago XVII” (May 1984), became the biggest selling album in its history, spawning two more Top Ten singles, “You’re The Inspiration” and “Hard Habit To Break”), and two other singles, “Stay The Night” and “Along Comes A Woman,” which charted in the Top 20.

Chicago’s triumphant streak continued through the 1990s. It received one of the highest recognitions from the entertainment industry when it was honored with its own star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame on July 23, 1992.

Chicago’s next CDs were “Night & Day (Big Band)” (May 1995), “The Heart Of Chicago: 1967-1997,” “The Heart Of Chicago: 1967-1998, Volume II,” while its first-ever Christmas album, “Chicago XXV” (November 1998), eventually became another gold record. “Chicago XXVI Live In Concert” was released in October 1999.

“Chicago Live In Manila!” is supported by ETC, 2nd Avenue, RJ 100.3 FM, Jack TV, Edsa Shangri-La Manila, Imarflex, Philippine Star, BusinessWorld, philstar.com, GetzMo!, Focalcast Network and OptimaSignssolutions.

Tickets are available at Ticketnet outlets at all SM Dept. Stores.

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Bench Fix Fairview a hit

Bench Fix Salon in Fairview (SM), Quezon City is always filled with customers, thanks to a group of A-hairstylists led by Rolando “L.A.” Anyag.

Since it opened a few years back, Bench Fix Fairview has become a best seller immediately, getting a high percentage of regular customers compared from other salons in the area.

Some clients who are also journalists admit that amongst the several hairstylists in Bench Fix Fairview, L.A. Anyag listens the most to their patrons and readily extend to them the service they deserve, besides being approachable, friendly and very obliging to their clients needs.

Mr. Anyag underscored that Bench Fix Salon is very specific in keeping the compatibility of its accommodation.

With several branches situated in the metropolis, Bench Fix headed by amiable owner and CEO Ben Chan with assistance from Bryan Lim, Bench Fix operating officer will continue to lead in providing all the best for its clients.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 25, go to award-winning broadcaster and former Sen. Eddie Ilarde, Raymund Miranda, Encar Benedicto, director Willie Milan, Liza Gokongwei, Elizabeth Mancao, Joseph Zeiden, Robbie Velasco,Lady Salterio, Leah A. Gordoncillo who turns 18; New York-based Peter Burgos, Jackie Regala Katigbak’s son Mikko, Rudy B. Lomugdang and John Angelo…