You've heard the horn section. That unmistakable, punchy, "Saturday in the Park" wall of sound that somehow defined both the gritty 1970s jazz-rock scene and the glossy 80s power ballad era. But if you look at the stage today, it’s a bit of a revolving door. Honestly, keeping track of the current members of Chicago is a full-time job for even the most dedicated "Constant One."
The band has been touring for over 55 years. Let that sink in for a second. Most startups don't last five years; Chicago has outlasted multiple musical genres, several presidents, and the transition from vinyl to 8-tracks to cassettes to CDs to streaming. While the lineup has shifted—sometimes due to tragic loss, sometimes due to messy internal politics—the core DNA remains surprisingly intact.
The "Big Three" founders still holding the fort
Look, when people talk about Chicago, they’re usually thinking about the horns. It is the band's signature. Remarkably, three of the original founding members are still there, blowing the same notes they played at the Whiskey a Go Go in 1967.
Robert Lamm is basically the soul of the group. He’s the guy who wrote "25 or 6 to 4" and "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" and he still handles keyboards and a good chunk of the vocals. His voice has aged, sure, but it has this rich, weathered texture now that actually makes the old songs feel more grounded. Then you have Lee Loughnane on trumpet and James Pankow on trombone. Pankow is a legend in the industry—he’s the one who arranged those complex horn charts that every high school marching band in America has tried (and often failed) to play. Seeing these three guys on stage together in 2026 is like watching a living museum piece that still kicks.
It’s rare. You don't see many bands from that era with three original guys still doing 100 shows a year. Most of their contemporaries are either hologram tours or have maybe one original bassist left who barely remembers the lyrics.
The new faces in the horn section
For a long time, the horn section was a locked vault. But time catches up to everyone. Walter Parazaider, the original woodwind player, officially retired from touring a few years back due to health reasons (he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, which the band has been very open about to raise awareness).
Since 2017, Ray Herrmann has been the man on sax and flutes. He isn't some session player they found on Craigslist; the guy has been subbing for Walt since the late 90s. He knows the charts backward. He fits in so well that if you close your eyes during "Color My World," you’d swear it was 1970 again.
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Replacing the "Unreplaceable" Peter Cetera
This is the sticking point for every casual fan. Every time the band plays a state fair or a casino, someone in the third row turns to their spouse and asks, "Where’s the guy who sang 'Glory of Love'?"
Peter Cetera has been gone since 1985. Move on.
After Peter left, Jason Scheff took the mantle for about 30 years—an incredible run by any standard. But the current bass player and high-tenor vocalist is Eric Baines. Taking over that spot is a thankless task. You have to play complex bass lines while hitting those glass-shattering high notes that Cetera made famous. Baines joined the ranks fairly recently, bringing a gritty energy that the band desperately needed. He doesn't try to impersonate Peter; he just sings the songs with the respect they deserve.
Then there’s Neil Donell. If you’ve seen Chicago in the last few years, you’ve noticed the guy with the incredible range who handles the lion’s share of the tenor leads. Neil was actually a renowned session singer from Canada before joining. He’s the "secret weapon." He can hit those "If You Leave Me Now" notes without breaking a sweat, which allows Robert Lamm to focus on the baritone parts and the keys.
The engine room: Drums and percussion
The rhythm section has seen the most turmoil over the decades. Danny Seraphine was the original drummer—a jazz-rock pioneer—but he’s been out of the band since 1990. For a long time, Tris Imboden held down the kit, but he retired to spend more time with family.
Currently, Walfredo Reyes Jr. is the man behind the drums. This guy is a monster. He actually started in Chicago as the percussionist before moving over to the main drum throne. He’s played with everyone from Santana to Steve Winwood. His brother, Daniel de los Reyes, is actually the percussionist for Zac Brown Band—musical talent just runs in that family.
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Speaking of percussion, Ramon "Ray" Yslas is the current guy shaking the shakers and hitting the congas. He’s worked with Patti LaBelle and Christina Aguilera. He brings a Latin flair that really pops during the "Dialogue (Part I & II)" sections. It adds a layer of sophistication that keeps the band from sounding like a "greatest hits" jukebox.
Why the lineup actually matters
Some people argue that if the original members aren't all there, it’s just a tribute band. That’s a cynical way to look at it. Chicago was always envisioned as a "collective." Even in the early days, they didn't put their faces on the album covers—just that iconic logo. The logo is the star.
The current members of Chicago are caretakers of a specific sound. When Tony Obrohta (the current guitarist) steps up to play the solo on "Make Me Smile," he isn't trying to be Terry Kath. No one can be Terry Kath. Kath was a one-of-a-kind force of nature who Jimi Hendrix reportedly idolized. Obrohta plays with a similar fire, but he brings his own bluesy sensibility to the mix. It keeps the music breathing.
The 2026 Touring Roster
To keep it simple, here is who you are actually seeing on stage right now:
- Robert Lamm: Keyboards, Vocals (Original Member)
- Lee Loughnane: Trumpet, Vocals (Original Member)
- James Pankow: Trombone (Original Member)
- Ray Herrmann: Saxophones, Flute, Clarinet
- Walfredo Reyes Jr.: Drums
- Neil Donell: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
- Eric Baines: Bass, Vocals
- Tony Obrohta: Guitar, Vocals
- Ramon "Ray" Yslas: Percussion
It’s a nine-piece machine. Most bands would collapse under the weight of that many personalities and payrolls, but Chicago operates like a precision-engineered German car.
Misconceptions about the "Current" status
A lot of people think Bill Champlin is still in the band. He’s not. He left in 2009. His soulful, raspy voice was a huge part of the 80s era (think "Look Away"), but that spot has been filled by several people since, including Lou Pardini, who recently stepped away.
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Another big one: "Is Peter Cetera coming back?" No. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2016 was the big chance for a reunion, and it didn't happen. The bridges aren't just burned; they’ve been dismantled and the scrap metal sold off. The current lineup is what the band is, and honestly, they sound tighter now than they have in years. There’s less ego and more focus on the arrangements.
How to experience the band today
If you’re planning on seeing them, don't expect a quiet night of soft rock. While the ballads paid the bills in the 80s, the current live show leans heavily into the early 70s rock material. They play the "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon" in its entirety. It’s loud. The brass will rattle your teeth.
The band's endurance is mostly due to their work ethic. They don't take "farewell tours" because they don't want to stop. James Pankow has often said in interviews that the music keeps them young. When you see him jumping around with his trombone at age 78, it’s hard to disagree.
What to do next if you're a fan
Knowing the current members of Chicago helps you appreciate the show more, but the real magic is in the deep cuts. To get the most out of the current lineup's vibe, you should listen to their 2022 album, Chicago XXXVIII: Born for This. It’s one of the few recent recordings that actually features many of these touring members.
Also, check out the documentary Now More Than Ever: The History of Chicago. It gives you the context of why the lineup changed so many times and helps you understand why Lamm, Loughnane, and Pankow are so protective of the band's legacy.
If you want to see them live, check their official site—they usually announce their summer shed tours (often co-headlining with bands like Earth, Wind & Fire or The Doobie Brothers) early in the year. Seeing the "Rock and Roll Horn Section" in person is a bucket-list item for any music lover, regardless of who is holding the bass guitar.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Verify the Lineup: Before buying tickets, check the band's official "Soldiers of Fortune" section on their website. While the core "Big Three" are almost always there, sub-ins happen occasionally for the newer members.
- Listen to the "Live at the Isle of Wight" recordings: This helps you understand the technical standard the current members have to live up to. It’s the benchmark for their performance.
- Support the Foundation: The band often does charity work for the American Cancer Society in memory of Terry Kath and for Alzheimer's research for Walt Parazaider. Contributing is a great way to honor the members who are no longer on stage.
- Ignore the "Tribute" Labels: Go for the music. The current horn section is objectively one of the tightest units in professional music today, regardless of the year on the calendar.