According to the protesters outside the Xcel Energy Center yesterday, the devil had come to St. Paul to steal our souls through rock’n roll. I imagine there are many bands that would be much better suited for such a rescue effort than Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago. The Satan worshippers inside the Xcel were cleverly disguised as Baby Boomers with some younger family members mixed in to fool the inquisition.
Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago share many similarities beside their hometown. Both have horn sections, have a massive catalogue spanning back to the 70s and have many of their original members have left over time but the spirit driving the bands is still quite alive.
The show started with both bands on stage before Earth, Wind & Fire took over, followed by Chicago’s set and then both bands again for the encore. Both sets were well received by the crowd. The chemistry of the two large bands on stage at the time actually worked quite well. This is not their first tour together and it clearly shows in the comfort level of the musicians. With decades of material at their disposal, both bands sets were filled with familiar songs. Overall a great show, especially if the bands’ songs were a big part of your youth.
Set List:
Start (Both Bands):
Beginnings / In the Stone / Dialogue (Part I & II)
Earth, Wind & Fire:
Africano / Power / Boogie Wonderland / Jupiter / Yearnin’ Learnin’ / Serpentine Fire / Devotion / That’s the Way of the World / After the Love Has Gone / Reasons / Got to Get You Into My Life (The Beatles cover) / Fantasy / Let’s Groove
Chicago:
Questions 67 & 68 / Make Me Smile / So Much to Say, So Much to Give / Anxiety’s Moment / West Virginia Fantasies / Colour My World / To Be Free / Now More Than Ever / Call on Me / Hard Habit to Break / You’re the Inspiration / I’m a Man / Street Player / Just You ‘n’ Me / Hard to Say I’m Sorry / Get Away / Saturday in the Park / Feelin’ Stronger Every Day
Encore (Both Bands):
September / Free / Sing a Song / Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? / Shining Star / 25 or 6 to 4
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