CHICAGO
NYE Fremont St. Experience Live in Las Vegas 2006 DVD (UPGRADE)
Concert Review
Chicago’s New Year’s Eve performance at the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas is a celebration of legacy, precision, and pure musical endurance. Captured live in 2006, this concert finds the band in strong form, confidently delivering decades of hits to a packed and energetic crowd beneath the neon canopy of downtown Vegas.
The band balances polished musicianship with a festive NYE atmosphere, blending rock, jazz, and pop with the unmistakable Chicago horn sound. Vocals are shared seamlessly, arrangements stay faithful to the originals, and the band’s chemistry feels earned rather than rehearsed. This is Chicago as seasoned professionals, not chasing trends, just playing the songs that made them legendary.
The sound mix is clean and powerful, with horns cutting sharply through the mix while rhythm and vocals remain well balanced. The crowd response adds to the experience without overpowering the performance, making this a very enjoyable live document from the band’s post-classic era.
Concert Highlights
“Make Me Smile” opens the set with confidence and energy, setting the tone immediately.
“If You Leave Me Now” delivers a warm, emotional moment, beautifully handled vocally.
“Saturday In The Park” becomes a communal sing-along, perfectly suited to the open-air Vegas setting.
“Hard To Say I’m Sorry / Getaway” transitions smoothly from ballad to groove, a classic Chicago move.
“25 Or 6 To 4” closes the show with power, precision, and a reminder of the band’s rock roots.
Musicians’ Rating (2006 Lineup)
Bill Champlin (Vocals / Keyboards): ★★★★★ – Strong, soulful vocals throughout.
Jason Scheff (Vocals / Bass): ★★★★★ – Consistent, polished, and confident lead vocals.
Robert Lamm (Keyboards / Vocals): ★★★★☆ – Steady presence and classic Chicago tone.
James Pankow (Trombone): ★★★★☆ – Solid performance when present.
Lee Loughnane (Trumpet): ★★★★☆ – Sharp, reliable horn work.
Walt Parazaider (Woodwinds): ★★★★☆ – Adds texture and authenticity to the sound.
Keith Howland (Guitar): ★★★★☆ – Clean, tasteful guitar work.
Tris Imboden (Drums): ★★★★☆ – Tight rhythms and strong transitions.
Nick Lane (Filling in for James Pankow): ★★★★☆ – Seamless and professional.
Larry Klimas (Filling in for Walt Parazaider): ★★★★☆ – Smooth integration into the horn section.
DVD Format: NTSC
Video Quality: 8.5
Source: Pro Shot (Multi-Camera)
Chapter Selection: Every 5 Min.
Fullscreen: Yes
Standard Quality: Yes
Total Runing Time: 48 Min.
SETLIST:
Make Me Smile
Color My World
Now More Than Ever
Feel
Old Days
If You Leave Me Now
Beginnings
Saturday In The Park
Feelin' Stronger Everyday
Hard To Say I'm Sorry/Getaway
Free
25 Or 6 To 4
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