"Chicago was one of the groups that came out last," Walsh said. "They quit doing the concert after a while because there was so much rain coming down and nobody could hear anything."

Despite the chaos that ensued that night, Walsh still recalled the concert as a largely celebratory event. It came in the weeks following the Kent State University shooting, in the midst of the Vietnam War and served as a sigh of relief and a much-needed step away from reality for college students worried about the future. 

"It was good music, hard boiled rock ‘n’ roll," Walsh said. "I can’t say that people were dancing in the streets, but it was pretty close to it."

55 years since their MSU debut and 58 years since their first tour, Chicago was still able to perform a sold-out show in East Lansing. The crowd was a mix of first-time attendees and recurring guests, but they all had one thing in common: they were expecting an amazing night. 

Some, like Jim Fox and his wife, Mary, had been following the band since their start in the late 1960s and have never not been impressed with one of their gigs.

"They’re just incredible musicians," Fox said. "I’m hoping to relive (old) memories and make some new ones, too."

Others, like Matt Mulford, grew up alongside Chicago but never had the chance to see them previously. Mulford said that their songs filled his house as a child thanks to the influence of his older brother. For him, the concert was more than just an opportunity to hear the music live.

"My brother passed a few years ago, so it’ll be nice to feel him with me tonight," Mulford said. 

Chicago is known for its mix of rock and orchestral music, being one of the first acts to have created such a combination. The ten-member outfit is composed of guitarists, drummers, singers, a bassist and a trio of horns, all of whom got the chance to show off the individual components that build Chicago’s unique essence through solos and duets. 

Though only three of the men on stage were original members, Chris Horvath said that the band’s chemistry resulted in a performance and a presence equaling that of fifty years ago. A musician herself, Horvath was keen on seeing how each instrumentalist worked together to put on a captivating show. 

"You can tell they’re very connected," Horvath said. "It’s not about the members; it’s about the sound."

From the early 1970s, brassy feel of "Questions 67 & 68" and "Mongonucleosis" to the 1980s rock ballads "Look Away" and "You’re Not Alone," the extent and variety of Chicago’s talent was fully displayed, and the audience was far from blasé. It would’ve been hard to spot a fan whose head was not nodding along during each song, and every final chord was met with an eruption of applause. 

The lively sound of Chicago was joined with lively effects to further the concertgoing experience. Photos from the band’s early days cycled through the background showcasing their story and identity, while the lights and vivid artwork served as visual manifestations of the music. Daniel Hayes said that this sort of technological innovation elevated an already exciting performance.

"It’s mind boggling, they couldn’t do this that long ago," Hayes said. "It really adds another dimension."

Neither band nor audience grew weary throughout the nearly three hour long set. Despite the cushiony chairs available behind them, the spectators stayed on their feet, moving and cheering right up until the band took their final bow. Chicago closed the night by playing their most recognizable tune, "25 or 6 to 4." Unlike the lyrics that everyone sang along to, nobody was feeling like they ought to sleep. 

Russ Schauben was one audience member who spent the night dancing. He said he had high hopes for the show, but his expectations were greatly exceeded. Schauben had been a lifelong fan of Chicago, but this was his first show of theirs.

"It was just tremendous," Schauben said. "It was like turning back the hands of time and bringing it to the future, never missing a step."

58 years of touring has hardly aged Chicago’s sound. East Lansing has welcomed the band in rain or shine, and their longevity speaks to the timeless talent that the band possesses. 

"Classic rock, classic pop never goes out of style," Mulford said. "There’s a certain type of music that endures and Chicago is definitely one of those bands that we’re very fortunate to still have."