Honestly, it’s kinda wild when you think about it. Most bands from the late 1960s are either long gone or touring as a shell of their former selves with maybe one roadie from the original era holding the rights to the name. But Chicago? They’re basically the Iron Men of rock. They haven’t missed a single year of touring since they started. That is a 58-year streak that puts almost every other legacy act to shame.
But if you’ve bought tickets recently, you might have noticed the stage looks a little different. The roster of Chicago the band current members has shifted quite a bit lately, especially as we move through 2026. While the "Big Three" founders—Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, and James Pankow—are still the bedrock of the organization, the day-to-day reality of a grueling tour schedule has forced some changes that every fan should know about before the lights go down at the Venetian.
The Foundation: Who’s Still Leading the Charge?
The heart of Chicago has always been that wall of brass. You can’t have "25 or 6 to 4" without that punchy, aggressive horn section. As of early 2026, the band is officially anchored by three original founders, though their physical presence on stage has become a bit of a "rotating door" situation due to the realities of being in your late 70s and early 80s.
Lee Loughnane is the man of the hour right now. At 79, he is the primary original member you’ll see center stage every single night. He’s the one handling the business, talking to the press, and blowing that trumpet like he’s still 20. He recently mentioned in an interview that "we just get older," which is about as blunt and honest as it gets. He’s the glue.
Then you have Robert Lamm and James Pankow. These guys are the architects. Lamm wrote "Saturday in the Park" and "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" while Pankow is the genius behind those legendary horn arrangements. While they are still "official" members and very much involved in the creative direction, 2025 and 2026 have seen them take more frequent breaks from the road.
The New Blood Keeping the Legacy Alive
So, who is actually on stage when the founders take a breather? It’s a group of world-class musicians who, quite frankly, have been with the band so long they aren't really "new" anymore.
- Ray Herrmann (Sax/Woodwinds): Ray took over the "Walt Parazaider" seat years ago. He’s been a staple since 2016 and honestly, his tone is so spot-on you’d swear you were listening to the 1970 records.
- Neil Donell (Lead Vocals): This guy has the hardest job in rock. He has to hit those soaring Peter Cetera high notes and the soulful Bill Champlin grit. He joined in 2018 and has become the vocal backbone of the live show.
- Walfredo Reyes Jr. (Drums): "Wally" is a powerhouse. He moved from percussion to the drum throne in 2018, and his energy is probably the reason the band still sounds like a rock group and not a lounge act.
- Tony Obrohta (Guitar): Replacing Terry Kath is impossible, but Tony brings a bluesy, aggressive edge that honors that original 1969 spirit without being a clone.
One of the most recent additions that has fans talking is Carlos Murguia. He joined on keyboards and vocals in March 2025. He fills a massive gap when Robert Lamm isn't on stage, handling those complex textures and soulful backing vocals that define the Chicago sound.
Is Chicago Just a Tribute Band Now?
That’s the "elephant in the room" question, right? Some fans on Reddit and music forums have been getting a bit salty. They see a stage with only one original member (Loughnane) and start using the "C" word—Cover band.
But that’s a bit unfair.
Here’s the thing: Chicago was always designed to be a "collective." Even back in the '70s, it wasn't about one frontman. It was about the sound. When you hear those horns, you know exactly who it is. The current lineup includes guys like Nick Lane, who has been subbing for James Pankow for decades. These aren't random session players; they are part of the family.
The 2026 tour schedule is packed, including a massive ninth-year residency at the Venetian in Las Vegas. You don't get invited back for nine years straight if the music doesn't hold up. The current members are protectors of a specific musical language.
What to Expect at a 2026 Show
If you’re heading out to see them this year, don't expect a sleepy "greatest hits" stroll. The current setlist is usually around 30 songs. They still do the full "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon" suite. They still rock out "I'm a Man" with a massive percussion duel between Wally Reyes Jr. and Ramon "Ray" Yslas.
It’s loud. It’s brassy. It’s exactly what you want it to be.
The reality of Chicago the band current members is that the lineup is evolving into a permanent institution. Much like a symphony orchestra, the players might change over sixty years, but the "Chicago Symphony of Rock" keeps the charts exactly as they were written.
Practical Tips for Fans
- Check the Lineup: If you are dying to see Lamm or Pankow specifically, check fan forums like Steve Hoffman Music Forums or the Chicago subreddit before your date. They usually post if a founder is sitting out a leg.
- Listen to "Born for This Moment": This is their 38th studio album (released recently). It features many of the current touring members and proves they are still interested in making new music, not just living in 1974.
- The Vegas Residency: If you want the "full" experience, the February shows in Las Vegas are usually where the band pulls out all the stops and where you’re most likely to see the largest gathering of official members.
The band is approaching their 60th anniversary in 2027. Whether all three founders are on stage or just the "New Guard" led by Lee Loughnane, the music of Chicago remains a singular force in American history. Go for the songs, stay for the horns, and appreciate the fact that these guys are still out there doing it at all.
To stay updated on the latest tour rosters and health updates for the founding members, keep an eye on the band’s official "Band Members" page, which they update relatively frequently to reflect the touring cast. Planning your trip to the Venetian residency early is also a smart move, as those nine-show runs tend to sell out months in advance due to the band's status as the venue's longest-running residency artist.