Daniel Knighton/Getty ImagesLongtime Chicago drummer Tris Imbolden has resigned from the band, and the group also has revealed additional lineup changes.
In a lengthy Facebook post, Imbolden, who replaced original Chicago drummer Danny Seraphine in 1990, explains that his decision to leave the band came “after many sleepless nights and much soul searching.”
He explains, “I realize the great honor I was given to have played drums with this incredible band for quite nearly three decades, however, at this point in my life I no longer want to commit to 9 to 10 months out of every year being on the road. This in no small way is because I have finally found and married the love of my life, Mary, and I want to share more of my life with her.”
Imbolden also points out that he isn’t retiring from playing music, and he’s “in negotiations with a major artist right now that will require much less time away from home and loved ones.”
Chicago reports that the band’s percussionist, Walfredo Reyes Jr., will take over on drums.
Meanwhile, singer/bassist Jeff Coffey, who officially replaced Jason Scheff in Chicago in October 2016, has also exited the group. In his place, Neil Donell has been welcomed as the band’s high-tenor vocalist, while Brett Simons has become the new bass player. Donell had been an occasional guest vocalist with Chicago, while Simons previously has played with Brian Wilson, Melissa Etheridge and Fiona Apple.
Regarding Imbolden, Chicago says, “We are fortunate to have known him and grateful to have shared the stage with him these many years. He has been a great friend and band mate.”
Chicago will begin a nine-date Las Vegas residency at The Venetian Theatre on February 7. Here are all of the band’s upcoming tour dates:
2/7, 9-10 — Las Vegas, NV, The Venetian Theatre
2/11 — Santa Barbara, CA, Arlington Theater
2/14, 16-17 — Las Vegas, NV, The Venetian Theatre
2/18 — Thousand Oaks, CA, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza
2/21, 23-24 — Las Vegas, NV, The Venetian Theatre
3/9 — Dubuque, IA, Five Flags Center
3/11 — Columbia, MO, Jesse Auditorium
3/13 — Park City, KS, Hartman Arena
3/14 — Tulsa, OK, Paradise Cove at River Spirit Casino Resort
3/16 — Baton Rouge, LA, River Center Performing Arts Theater
3/17 — Thackerville, OK, Winstar Casino
3/18 — Amarillo, TX, Amarillo Civic Center
3/20 — Colorado Springs, CO, Pikes Peak Center
3/25 — Tucson, AZ, Tucson Music Hall
3/27 — Albuquerque, NM, Kiva Auditorium
3/28 — El Paso, TX, Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Center
3/30 — San Antonio, TX, Majestic Theatre
3/31 — Sugar Land, TX, Smart Financial Centre
5/8 — Huntsville, AL, Von Braun Center
5/9 — Mobile, AL, Saenger Theatre Mobile
5/11 — New Orleans, LA, Saenger Theatre New Orleans
5/12 — Alexandria, LA, Rapides Parish Coliseum
5/13 — North Little Rock, AR, Verizon Arena
5/15 — Memphis, TN, Orpheum Theatre
5/16 — Chattanooga, TN, Tivoli Theatre
5/18 — Tallahassee, FL, Donald L. Tucker County Civic Center
5/19 — Savannah, GA, Johnny Mercer Theater
5/20 — Asheville, NC, Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
5/22 — Charleston, WV, Charleston Municipal Auditorium
5/23 — Knoxville, TN, The Tennessee Theater
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