When Time Stood Still at Tanglewood: Chicago’s Brilliant 1970 Performance of “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?”
On July 21, 1970, the band Chicago delivered a memorable performance at the historic Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts. Among the highlights of that concert was a vibrant live rendition of the song Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, written and sung by keyboardist Robert Lamm. The performance captured the band at a crucial moment in their early career, when their bold blend of rock, jazz, and pop was beginning to reshape the sound of American popular music.
Originally released on the band’s debut album Chicago Transit Authority, the song quickly became one of the group’s most recognizable compositions. Its lyrics reflect a thoughtful and somewhat ironic meditation on the pressures of modern life and society’s obsession with time. In the Tanglewood performance, that message was delivered with remarkable clarity and energy, supported by the band’s distinctive horn driven sound.
The live arrangement showcased the musical sophistication that set Chicago apart from many of their contemporaries. Lamm’s warm keyboard work and expressive vocals guided the song, while guitarist Terry Kath added depth with his fluid playing. Bassist Peter Cetera anchored the rhythm section with melodic precision, supported by the steady drumming of Daniel Seraphine.
Equally essential to the performance was Chicago’s celebrated horn section. Trombonist James Pankow, trumpeter Lee Loughnane, and multi instrumentalist Walter Parazaider created the powerful brass textures that became the band’s signature. Their arrangements gave the song a rich and expansive sound that moved effortlessly between jazz phrasing and rock momentum.
The Tanglewood concert itself was part of a period when Chicago was rapidly building a reputation as one of the most exciting live acts in the United States. Their ability to merge sophisticated musicianship with accessible songwriting helped them reach a wide audience and laid the foundation for a career that would eventually produce dozens of hit records and millions of album sales worldwide.
Looking back, the 1970 Tanglewood performance stands as an early document of Chicago’s creative ambition. “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” remains one of the band’s defining songs, and this live version captures both the youthful energy and the musical discipline that propelled the group to lasting success.
More than half a century later, the performance continues to resonate with listeners. It reminds audiences of a time when Chicago’s innovative fusion of rock and brass driven arrangements was still fresh and unfolding, and when a thoughtful song about the nature of time could electrify a concert stage.