Chicago - "25 or 6 to 4" Historic Live Performance | Tanglewood (1970)

Experience the explosive jazz-rock fusion of Chicago with this high-voltage live performance of "25 or 6 to 4," captured at the legendary Tanglewood Music Center in 1970. This electrifying archival footage showcases the original lineup at the peak of their early, horn-driven rock era, anchored by a fiercely powerful brass section and a blistering, iconic guitar solo from the late Terry Kath. With its raw energy and unparalleled musicianship, this rendition remains a definitive look into Chicago's formidable stage presence at the dawn of the 1970s. Recorded live on July 21, 1970, in Lenox, Massachusetts, this concert took place just months after the release of the band's breakthrough sophomore album, Chicago (commonly known as Chicago II). At a time when popular music was heavily dominated by standard guitar-led bands, Chicago boldly integrated complex jazz arrangements, soaring horns, and heavy, progressive rock elements into their live shows. The Tanglewood performance has since become legendary among classic rock fans and historians, immortalizing the original seven-piece lineup's intricate chemistry and cementing Terry Kath's reputation as one of rock's most brilliant and ferocious guitarists. 🎤 Robert Lamm - keyboards, lead vocals 🎸 Terry Kath - guitar, lead vocals 🎸 Peter Cetera - bass, lead vocals 🎺 James Pankow - trombone, percussion 🎺 Lee Loughnane - trumpet, percussion, background vocals 🎷 Walter Parazaider - woodwinds, percussion, background vocals 🥁 Daniel Seraphine - drums 📅 July 21, 1970 📍 Tanglewood Music Center, Lenox, MA Written by keyboardist Robert Lamm, "25 or 6 to 4" became one of Chicago's signature anthems, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970 and driving Chicago II to multi-platinum status. The track's unmistakable descending horn riff and driving rhythm helped establish the band as pioneers of the jazz-rock movement. Across their unparalleled career, Chicago has sold over 100 million records worldwide, scored 21 Billboard Top 10 hits, and earned a well-deserved induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, alongside a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. Did You Know? • The song's cryptic title simply refers to the time of day Robert Lamm was writing the track: 25 or 26 minutes to 4:00 AM (3:34 or 3:35 AM). • Guitar legend Jimi Hendrix was a massive fan of Terry Kath, reportedly telling Chicago's horn players early in their career that Kath was a better guitarist than he was. • While Tanglewood is famously the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, legendary promoter Bill Graham booked a historic series of contemporary rock concerts there in 1970, including this iconic Chicago set. Explore more classic live performances on the Music Vault channel. #ChicagoBand #25Or6To4 #LiveMusic