Peter Cetera, the distinctive voice behind many of Chicago’s greatest hits and a successful solo career, remains an iconic figure in music history. Fans often wonder, particularly with the passage of time, about his current activities and relationship with his former band. The burning question for many remains: Does Peter Cetera Still Sing With Chicago? The answer, definitively, is no. Peter Cetera has not performed with Chicago for many years and is currently retired from performing altogether.
To understand why Cetera no longer sings with Chicago, it’s essential to delve into his journey with the band and his subsequent solo endeavors. His time with Chicago cemented his place in rock history, while his solo career further solidified his reputation as a hitmaker.
Peter Cetera’s Monumental Era with Chicago
Peter Cetera’s connection to Chicago is deeply rooted, beginning in the city itself. Raised in a musically inclined family on Chicago’s South Side, Cetera’s early aspirations weren’t on stage but on the football field. He even jokingly referred to himself as a “polka prodigy” in his youth, showcasing his diverse musical background. However, rock and roll soon beckoned. By high school, he was playing bass and singing with The Exceptions, a popular local band. In 1967, his path led him to The Big Thing, a group distinguished by its prominent horn section. This band would soon evolve and make music history.
Chicago’s Ascent and Cetera’s Vocal Signature
The Big Thing transformed into The Chicago Transit Authority, and in 1969, they launched their self-titled debut album. Quickly shortening their name to Chicago, the band released Chicago in 1970, achieving major success with “25 or 6 to 4.” This hit reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100, remarkably with Cetera’s vocals recorded while his jaw was wired shut due to an altercation. This anecdote underscores Cetera’s dedication even amidst personal challenges.
The following decade and a half were marked by a string of hits for Chicago and Cetera. His songwriting and distinctive tenor voice became synonymous with the band’s sound. “If You Leave Me Now,” penned by Cetera in 1976, became Chicago’s first number-one hit, earning them their first and only Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance. Another Cetera-written hit, 1977’s “Baby What A Big Surprise,” also soared to number four on the Billboard charts.
Chicago 17, released in 1984, became Cetera’s final album with the band but also their most commercially successful. It sold over six million copies and featured four top 20 singles with Cetera on vocals, including the top 5 hits “You’re the Inspiration” and “Hard Habit to Break.”
The Parting of Ways: Cetera Departs Chicago
In 1985, Peter Cetera and Chicago parted ways. Despite promises of a break from touring to pursue solo work, Cetera discovered another tour was scheduled. Chicago’s management presented him with an ultimatum: join the tour or be replaced. In a 2015 interview, Cetera reflected, “They sort of backed me into a corner, and then gave me a little doorway to get out. And then I took it. Was I fired or did I quit? I think it was both.” This marked the end of an era and the beginning of Cetera’s solo career.
Peter Cetera’s Successful Solo Career and Current Status
Peter Cetera transitioned into his solo career seamlessly, releasing Solitude/Solitaire shortly after leaving Chicago. This album featured “Glory of Love,” the theme song for The Karate Kid II, in 1986. It became a number-one hit and earned Cetera Grammy, Golden Globe, and Oscar nominations, demonstrating his continued appeal and musical prowess outside of Chicago. His duet with Amy Grant, “The Next Time I Fall,” also reached number one, further cementing his solo success.
Despite his achievements, Cetera felt his solo work wasn’t fully supported by his label, who he believed were waiting for a Chicago reunion. He continued to release solo albums throughout the late ’80s and ’90s, before stepping back from the limelight in the late ’90s. He re-emerged in the early 2000s, performing orchestrally with ensembles like the Chicago Pops Orchestra.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Retirement
Chicago was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, and while there was discussion of Peter Cetera joining them onstage for the ceremony, it ultimately did not happen. Cetera stated that the proposed scenarios “didn’t work for me,” expressing frustration with the situation. He later suggested creative differences with the show’s producers and a lack of support from the rest of Chicago regarding his performance ideas. “At this point in my life, I really don’t care to reintroduce the same negativity, misplaced egos, and petty jealousies I experienced years ago,” he explained, highlighting the personal reasons behind his decision.
Following his Hall of Fame absence and a period touring with his band, the Bad Daddies, Peter Cetera officially retired from performing in 2019.
In a 2019 podcast interview, Cetera confirmed his retirement, explaining his desire to quit before any decline in his vocal abilities became noticeable. His final performance was around Thanksgiving 2018, after which he felt it was time to stop. He cited the demanding nature of touring as another factor, particularly the travel logistics, which he found less appealing after years of top-level touring.
Conclusion: Peter Cetera’s Chicago Chapter is Closed
To definitively answer the question: No, Peter Cetera does not currently sing with Chicago, nor is he expected to in the future. He has been retired from performing since 2018. While a reunion would be welcomed by many fans, both Cetera’s statements and actions indicate that chapter of his musical career is firmly closed. However, Peter Cetera’s remarkable contributions to music, both with Chicago and as a solo artist, ensure his enduring legacy and the continued enjoyment of his vast catalog of hits by generations to come.
