Chicago has officially replaced its lead singer and bassist Jason Scheff after a 31-year run, with new member Jeff Coffey. Scheff -- who had been off the road for several months while dealing with "family health problems" -- joined Chicago in 1985 upon Peter Cetera's exit when he was only 23. Scheff immediately scored hits fronting the band in 1986 with a modernized remake of 1969's "25 Or 6 To 4," and the band's Top Thre smash, "Will You Still Love Me."
CHICAGO REPLACES LONGTIME BASSIST & FRONTMAN JASON SCHEFF
Scheff had been off the road for several months while dealing with "family health problems."
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - FEBRUARY 14: Musician Jason Scheff of Chicago performs onstage during the 2016 Pre-GRAMMY Gala and Salute to Industry Icons honoring Irving Azoff at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 14, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS)
Imagen Larry Busacca / Staff / Getty Images
In concert over the decades, Scheff also took over lead vocal duties on all of Cetera's classics, including, "If You Leave Me Now," "Feelin' Stronger Every Day," "Baby, What A Big Surprise," "You're The Inspiration," "Hard To Say I'm Sorry," "Questions 67 And 68," "Old Days," and "Hard Habit To Break," among others.
Chicago posted a message on the band's Facebook page, which read:
Chicago would like to officially welcome bassist / vocalist Jeff Coffey to the band! Jeff has been touring with Chicago in recent months, filling in for long-time member Jason Scheff.
We are so grateful to Jason for the enormous contribution he has made to Chicago over the last 30 plus years. Everyone wishes him and his family all the best as he continues his musical journey.
Jason Scheff recalled the scene that awaited him when he signed on with one of the biggest and most beloved American bands: "I joined Chicago in 1985 and it was the peak of their commercial success, y'know, with Chicago 17 and I came into the band on Chicago 18 and so, gratefully so, I was able to see exactly how the top of the music business worked with records, record sales -- 'cause they were actually still vinyl (laughs) on 18 -- and promotion and everything was geared towards, y'know, walking into this massive, successful machine." :
October 28 - Montreal, QB - Bell Centre
October 29 - Hamilton, ON - First Ontario Centre
October 30 - London, ON - Budweiser Gardens
November 2 - Winnipeg, MB - MTS Centre
November 4 - Calgary, AB - Scotiabank Saddledome
November 5 - Edmonton, AB - Rogers Place
November 7 - Vancouver, BC - Rogers Arena
November 8 - Eugene, OR - Matthew Knight Arena
November 11 - Sioux Falls, SD - Denny Sanford Premier Center
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November 16 - Wichita, KS - Intrust Bank Arena
November 17 - Omaha, NE - CenturyLink Center Omaha
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