The band is actually from Russia, the lead singer on this song is the only member from Ukraine. He, however, has done minimal shows with them since the war in Ukraine broke out. Since this before was shot, the lead guitarist was replaced on tour, he and the lead singer were replaced by two other younger singers. This guitarist is phenomenal, as are all the members of Leonid and Friends. I saw this lineup about 5-5 years ago. I also saw the new lineup last year. No matter which you see, they are consummate musicians and great performers live.
I am a huge Terry Kath fan and I never thought I would ever be saying this but the truth is the truth? This lead guitar player is simply incredible and in my humble opinion he does Terry honorably in his spot on cover! Well done friends! The cover may be better than the original song release! Awesome!!!
@@nancibell7083 Amazing absolutely. He is incredible not only playing but vocally as well. His potential has no limits and I feel honored to have witnessed some of it. I wish this group everything great that can come to them!
You didn’t mention Leonid transcribed the music from listening to the recordings and all the Friends are well respected musicians and singers in their own right within their country.
Sergey channeling Terry Kath on the guitar... Igor killin' it on the drums... Leonid did the world a solid by getting this group together. Saw 'em in AZ and they're equally crisp in person.
You know the whole story of Leonid right? Makes you appreciate him even more. What an accomplishment given living in Soviet Russia and the obstacles he faced just to be able to get a guitar. Everyone needs to check this genius out! Cannot wait to see them Nov 3 in Iowa. They are all trained musicians. No Monkee business with this band!
Amazing! Playing iconic American songs , playing in American soil and Americans going crazy listening to them. Barely spoke English! Just amazing how great musicianship can break barrier ❤
First time watching you guys. Really fun. I just saw Leonid and Friends live in Hopewell, VA a few nights ago. They were great live. One correction ... Leonid Vorobyev (the band's founder) and the band members are from Moscow, not Ukraine.
Leonid & Friends didn't just blow up out of nothing. Danny Seraphine - the drummer and one of Chicago's founding members- was made aware of, and watched the very first cover L&F did as a one-off birthday present for Leonid Vorobiev (I believe 'A Brand New Love Affair') . Seraphine was so impressed with their version he persuaded Chicago to put it on their official Chicago site .... and the rest is history. Leonid got so much positive feedback and requests for more songs he could do little else than to continue to recreate more songs by Chicago which he didn't find a problem at all. The original song he did out of the love for the band anyway. BTW Danny met the band and became good friends with them. He even sat in during some performances replacing the magnificent Igor Javad-Zade.
Thank you, friends! It's a magical performance! This is an amazing band! We need to clarify, Leonid&friends, this is a group from Russia. And only vocalist Sergei Tiagnyriadno from Kiev. In this song he performs the lead vocals.
Subjective on your part. This is basically a recent live version you’re comparing to an original studio version recorded in 1969. Take a listen to Chicago’s live version recorded in 1970 Tanglewood. Best guitar solo hands down!
I just saw these guys play a concert in L.A. last Saturday night. They are soooo damn good! I went with a friend who has seen Chicago five times (twice in their prime). He said these guys are better than any of the concerts he’s seen. They are so technically perfect and they are very entertaining on stage. Best concert I have seen in 25 years!
I've been subscribed to Leonid and Friends for a couple years now, and they never cease to amaze! I really like their version of EW&F's 'September', as well as all their Chicago stuff. I too was a big fan of Chicago back in the 70's and 80's. Every one of these guys (and gals) are excellent musicians, and their brass section.. Whew!! Their brass section is second to none!!😁👍
How can he not remember Ksenia Buzina’s name, possible the most beautiful woman in the world! Speaks several languages and sings like an angel. Just saying😄
These aren't a bunch of rag-tag players who just sauntered in to see what was going on. They have oodles of background and pedigrees/resumes among them in their own individual rights. Think George Martin while he was alive putting out a call for a project he was doing. Think he would have any trouble getting call backs from the most premier musicians he contacted? That's the way it is with Leonid, who is a top dog in Russia. (Need three Chicago-clone solo vocalists? -You got it.) Just the female background vocalist (Ksenia) alone is an awesome _solo_ act in Russia. These Chicago horn parts are as easy as falling off a log for these guys, who are tops in their field. ...Be sure to check out the latest from them (Vehicle, by the Ides of March) - another amazing cover which they nail to the wall.
These guys are definitely the best of the best, in my opinion. Chicago being one of my Fav bands ever, I am always looking for good covers of their songs, so it was not long after Leonid & Friends started posting that I found them.
Great band and it's amazing when you hear them in interviews how they mostly speak Russian...They do such a great job singing Chicago's lyrics! When ever I get in a Chicago mood; I put on Leonid...:)..They put a lot of time into these productions...Their "Free" and I'm a Man really get me going...:)...Thanks for the reaction!
Been following them for 3 yrs now and seen them 3 times in SoCal, they're good live as well...they also do BS&T "Spinning Wheel" They do not disappoint.
Chicago was my group during my high school days in the 70s. Accidentally discovered Leonid and Friends. Saw them perform in person. I cannot find enough superlatives for these guys. Not trying to disrespectful to the group Chicago because they are one of my favorites, but I like Leonid and Friends better.
Copying a performance when you have the music in front of you is impressive...creating the charts by ear is in a whole other dimension...in addition to the obvious other great musicians, I am totally blown away by the consistent and precise playing of the drummer, who matches every single nuance ...yes, with a name like Marrella, I am a drummer!
These guys talent is undeniable, but don’t forget studio/recording techniques have improved slightly in the last 45 years. N Little wonder they sound fantastic. Immense talent + technology = mind blown.
Love L&F! I will pay to see them next time they come through AZ for sure. And they are amazing. Not to take anything away from them because what he’s done is unbelievable but consider that they were using 3 guitar players to do what 2 did in Chicago and 4 horn players to do what 3 did in Chicago and they have facilities that are unbelievably advanced over what was available in 1969 in 1970. So before people start saying they’re better than Chicago, might want to reign it in a little bit and have some perspective. Having said that, I haven’t heard anything they’ve put out that I haven’t loved and I’m so glad someone respects Chicago’s music enough to do it this well.
I have seen them live twice in Solana beach Ca. There live shows are incredible. They are all well established studio players and together make the most incredible music. They are all so thankful to be playing for american audiences. There reaction to our reaction of them is amazing to see. My thing is Randy Rhoads,and Michael Schenker but they have made me respect what Chicago did and the Musicianship that was put into every detail of the songs.
Thank you for your reaction to this cover song by 'Leonid and Friends' - please also react to their rendition of another Chicago song, "I've Been Searching So Long" - thank you.
What a great tribute to Chicago, a great band in an era when there was a great flood of great popular music. This music has and will meet the highest of all popular music standards: the test of time!
It would be best to remember that Leonid (the bass player) is a symphony musician, as are all brass players. Kashirin (guitarist) can stand up against anyone, anywhere. He is not only a good guitarist but a great vocalist as well. It is also well to point out that Leonid rewrote the musical arrangements written by Chicago and took them to a new level where they should be - in the stratosphere. Remember as well that Chicago members are highly trained musicians as well. You should check out Leonid and Friends on TH-cam. You won't be disappointed. They are brilliant.
I've been lucky enough to see them perform twice. They have just as much energy and enthusiasm live as they do in the videos. And damn close to sounding just as great live, as the vids. I've got a third show planned again in July
Unhinged reactions....... Both you and your cohort are cracking us up watching the reactions to this beautiful masterful cover!! Thanks a million for putting this up.
Undoubtedly one of the best classic rock tribute bands out there, and certainly a much better representation of the classic Chicago sound compared to the rather pale and tepid current incarnation that is passing itself off as the formerly great CTA today!!
Also, can you possibly even imagine how much greater they would sound if their fellow Ukrainian, that noted comedic beast Yakov Smirnoff, were to join their ranks?!? Not sure what purpose that would ultimately serve, but it would certainly add a bit of a different flavour, or not!!!
From what I've read the band learned their parts painstakingly by ear listening to the original music since there wasn't sheet music readily available, which is even more amazing.
I just came across this band's youtube videos a couple months ago. There are no words. Fantastic!!! They capture the ORIGINAL, classic Chicago lineup's vibe and energy. Really they're more like the original Chicago than the current iteration of Chicago. They're Chicago I-V. Amazing!!
They do many songs from Chicago VII, more than any other album. Their covers are spot on, and they just happen to play songs from my favorite album from Chicago. Absolutely impressive!
They aren't from the Ukraine. Only one of them is. The rest are from, I guess The Moscow area. They record their parts and then he records his parts seperately. They are freakin fantastic! Planning on going to see them in August at a re-scheduled concert. Can't wait!!!
These musicians are from different areas of vast Russia. For example, Leonid and Ksenia Siberians. More information about each musician is in the movie "Leonid & Friends: Behind The Music" th-cam.com/video/OYEsPM3lMhc/w-d-xo.html By the way, Sergey Tyagnyryadno records his vocal parts in both Moscow and Kiev.
I came across this band on accident on TH-cam. Curious, I opened the video and was mesmerized by their authenticity! And Chicago being one of my favorite bands of all time, I was most impressed. Thank you both for sharing this.
Kinda sad when a Russian cover band outplays the current version of Chicago :) Love these guys and I've never heard any guitarist channel Terry Kath like this guy. Wonderful stuff innit?
Lead singer from Kiev, Leonid and the rest of the band from Moscow. Most dont speak much English, but they sing it right. Chicago, like most bands can't or won't play live like their studio recordings. LF does
I too am a Leonid and Friends fan, so pleased Terry Kath got this song to show his chops, he was usually wah-wahing chords to blend with the horns and rarely got to cut through the mix and out of the back-line. Here Sergey gets to show us by video or sometimes live how awesome this song is. Have only seen one video of Chicago/Kath playing it live, poor quality audio, video and really execution. Don't think Chicago ever played live with the precision Leonid and Friends do. my $.02
Leonid & Friends are absolutely spot on for the entire Chicago catalogue. I stumbled across the band a couple yrs ago on TH-cam. At that time they were still trying to round up the money to do a US tour. It didn’t seem to take much time as the next thing I know, I’m seeing they are coming for a US tour. Then the came again last year. Absolutely ridiculous how incredibly talented this entire group of musicians really are. It’s truly hard to believe! Lol, they’re honestly that good!
Ksenia Buzina is the female background singer they mention. A world class beauty as well as an incredible singer. Sergeiy Kasherin is the guitarist, he is the closest thing to Terry Kath I have ever seen. You can't teach that, you can't get there by practice either. Igor Javad-Zade is an incredible drummer, top ten on my list.
Many do not know, but this started with Leonid, who was retiring at that point, wanting to record a cover of his favorite Chicago tune. After that hit the internet, people, including band members, asked to do more and more until it got so big that requests came in for them to tour. Now, years later, they tour yearly and put on shows that are so great. The band Chicago actually posted them on their pages on the net. Interesting that these two do not know the real information. Not from Ukraine, only the lead singer on this song was from Ukraine, the band is actually from Russia. Plus, Leonid did not put out a call to form a tribute band, it get organically from the recording of one song as a retirement gift to himself.
If you watch most of the earlier videos, you will notice the bearded lead singer who does the Peter Cetera vocals is in a different studio. This is because HE is in the Ukraine, while the band is in Russia. He only did video while in studio with the band on a couple of tune, the rest is from a studio in Ukraine. I wish those who want to do these ‘first listen’ videos would actually do their homework.
I was at the Sony Theatre, too! Fabulous show!!! Followed that up with Nashville and Jacksonville FL in the fall tour. Had 5 shows booked for the spring 2020 tour ... but Covid. Hopefully they’ll be able to travel spring 2021 for the rescheduled bookings.
We saw Leonid & Friends in November, perhaps the best concert I've ever been to. At this point, they out-Chicago the real Chicago and I've been a Chicago fan since I was a Jr High kid in Chicago in the early 70's. I've been following this band since their first video came out 5 years ago - a deep cut from Chicago VIII no less. The "Pete Cetera" singer is actually the only one from Kiev, the rest of the band is from Moscow. The guitarist is amazing, and he sings all of the Robert Lamm vocal parts. Check out "I'm a Man", it's another powerhouse tribute.
Terri died in 1978, Sergey was born in 1982 .... Maybe Terri's spirit was still roaming the earth as he felt hes wasn't done yet .....maybe it took 4 years for him to find someone to reincarnate a new body ^_^
Thanks for this. I can't believe I haven't seen your video with as many times as I see the video. I agree with you on these guys and their Chicago tributes.
Can't agree with you Sergio if you're comparing them to today's lineup. They faithfully recorded mostly Chicago's early music. Chicago was amazing back then.
I've known about Leonid &Friends for a long time. I've seen and heard all their tribute songs, seen all the interviews and watched many concerts. I must say Leonid &Friends are unbelievable and just incredible 😁👍🏼🎉💞 I mean there is a singer for each song that just fits like a glove. Have you seen how they rehearse a song ? Leonid doesn't play around he expects perfection and gets it. I hope Lenoid&Friends get as much deserved exposure as possible. They are an awesome band. I like the way Leonid sings Color My World so great 👍🏼😁
When the guitar hit his solo... he did note for note... exactly what Terry would do... that just blew me away... spot on... and Igor on drums.... he's a monster... he's a machine... no he could be a robot... just awesome...
I saw Leonid and Friends in concert last year in Los Angeles. They were absolutely fantastic. They are probably the best "cover band" in the world. And- they are super nice people. Genuine in every way! I highly recommend going to see them when they come back to America. They claim that they enjoy playing here in the states and look forward to coming back to entertain us.
I saw L&F @ their first concert in NYC ! They were incredible ! Their musicianship was outstanding ! Go see them in concert ! I grew up with the original members of CHICAGO ! My favorite band & will always be CHICAGO !! Love my Peter Cetera !!!
There’s a group called Chicago that does a pretty good cover of this song by leonid & friends
Clever dude 😎
LMAO!!!
Getting old, bro. Every Leonid tape, someone has to post that same damn comment, again and again.
Lol😅 oh really ? I wonder if this cover band called Chicago has heard of Leonid & Friends 🤔👌🏾
Unbelievable....love leonid
The band is actually from Russia, the lead singer on this song is the only member from Ukraine. He, however, has done minimal shows with them since the war in Ukraine broke out. Since this before was shot, the lead guitarist was replaced on tour, he and the lead singer were replaced by two other younger singers. This guitarist is phenomenal, as are all the members of Leonid and Friends. I saw this lineup about 5-5 years ago. I also saw the new lineup last year. No matter which you see, they are consummate musicians and great performers live.
Igor the drummer can shut his eyes and still won’t miss a beat on drums! Amazingly executed! Blown away!
Has to be the greatest guitar solo by anyone in a tribute band wow, blown away
Yes, that’s Sergey Kashirin. He’s amazing!
I am a huge Terry Kath fan and I never thought I would ever be saying this but the truth is the truth? This lead guitar player is simply incredible and in my humble opinion he does Terry honorably in his spot on cover! Well done friends! The cover may be better than the original song release! Awesome!!!
@@nancibell7083 Amazing absolutely. He is incredible not only playing but vocally as well. His potential has no limits and I feel honored to have witnessed some of it. I wish this group everything great that can come to them!
Yep been sharing like crazy tonite.just found them🤩😍😁
@@jefftownsend4483 agreed 💯
The Terry Kath solo is the most precision note for note playing in existance.
Hands down, the best damned tribute band out there.
Craig Cook 1000% agree!
That guy f**king NAILS it on the guitar solo. Just amazing!
It's a wonder the guitar doesn't blow up as Serge takes it to a new level. I wish he was still with the group. He is truly amazing.
@@bethvirginiaphillips4583 he sure was
You didn’t mention Leonid transcribed the music from listening to the recordings and all the Friends are well respected musicians and singers in their own right within their country.
I can believe that.
Leonid & Friends deserve to find success. Get the word out - they are fantastic.
Doing my part...
I got to see them live and it was the best concert I have ever seen. They play with such enthusiasm and you can't help but sing and dance with them.
It would be great for them to be invited to play during a Rock & Roll Awards show er sum'n.
Sergey channeling Terry Kath on the guitar... Igor killin' it on the drums... Leonid did the world a solid by getting this group together. Saw 'em in AZ and they're equally crisp in person.
@Gary Columbus, Ohio, I agree.
@Gary they came to Houston??
@Gary dammit!! I probably hadn't discovered them yet.
This is amazing, hats off to the guitar player. He nailed that solo with sniper precision.
This is a Russian group .. from Ukraine only soloist Serge Tiagniryadno
Right. I was going to say the same. They are based in Moscow.
You know the whole story of Leonid right? Makes you appreciate him even more. What an accomplishment given living in Soviet Russia and the obstacles he faced just to be able to get a guitar. Everyone needs to check this genius out! Cannot wait to see them Nov 3 in Iowa. They are all trained musicians. No Monkee business with this band!
Amazing! Playing iconic American songs , playing in American soil and Americans going crazy listening to them. Barely spoke English! Just amazing how great musicianship can break barrier ❤
Never heard a trib band as precise as L&F. Immaculate, note for note, as well as perfect phrasing.
Chicago can't even do it this well anymore. Knocked out of the park.
Well, they are all in their 70's.
This is Beyond Comprehension !!! Just Phenomenal !! He is an Awesome Guitarist!!
They are so good...amazing musicians having a clearly great time. And Ksenia? OMG....
First time watching you guys. Really fun. I just saw Leonid and Friends live in Hopewell, VA a few nights ago. They were great live. One correction ... Leonid Vorobyev (the band's founder) and the band members are from Moscow, not Ukraine.
Leonid & Friends didn't just blow up out of nothing. Danny Seraphine - the drummer and one of Chicago's founding members- was made aware of, and watched the very first cover L&F did as a one-off birthday present for Leonid Vorobiev (I believe 'A Brand New Love Affair') . Seraphine was so impressed with their version he persuaded Chicago to put it on their official Chicago site .... and the rest is history. Leonid got so much positive feedback and requests for more songs he could do little else than to continue to recreate more songs by Chicago which he didn't find a problem at all. The original song he did out of the love for the band anyway.
BTW Danny met the band and became good friends with them. He even sat in during some performances replacing the magnificent Igor Javad-Zade.
Saw these guys in Ft. Myers this year, guess what? They sound just like this LIVE!!! Fricken awesome!
Thank you, friends! It's a magical performance! This is an amazing band! We need to clarify, Leonid&friends, this is a group from Russia. And only vocalist Sergei Tiagnyriadno from Kiev. In this song he performs the lead vocals.
Oh yes, we've got that clarification probably about 700 times now. Thanks so much for watching, we love these cats! 🤘
🙂@@UnhingedReactions
I was absolutely stunned when I first heard them awhile back.
Lbfent2 I’m still stunned every time I hear these guys... they are just on a whole new level
This truly sounds BETTER than the CHICAGO Orginal STUDIO VERSION!!!! Crazy GREAT!!!
Subjective on your part. This is basically a recent live version you’re comparing to an original studio version recorded in 1969. Take a listen to Chicago’s live version recorded in 1970 Tanglewood. Best guitar solo hands down!
I agree..that was live fire..when jimmy hendrex is saying this guy is the best player EVER you know this guy was over the top. What a show that was.
I just saw these guys play a concert in L.A. last Saturday night. They are soooo damn good! I went with a friend who has seen Chicago five times (twice in their prime). He said these guys are better than any of the concerts he’s seen. They are so technically perfect and they are very entertaining on stage. Best concert I have seen in 25 years!
They've just covered March of Ides's "Vehicle". Of course, it's also amazing.
Ides of March, yes thanks... they did a great job on that one too🤘
Wow. What an incredible band. The fidelity is off the charts.
Every song Leonid and Friends do is perfection
An original member of Chicago turned me on to these guys. This is the world's best tribute band. Don't miss an opportunity to see them on tour.
They’re great Live🔥🔥🔥
Leonid and Friends are fantastic, stupendous, marvelous, intoxicating..............oh, hell. They are the best!
Been watching them since they started posting a few years back. They are amazing!
I've been subscribed to Leonid and Friends for a couple years now, and they never cease to amaze! I really like their version of EW&F's 'September', as well as all their Chicago stuff. I too was a big fan of Chicago back in the 70's and 80's. Every one of these guys (and gals) are excellent musicians, and their brass section.. Whew!! Their brass section is second to none!!😁👍
How can he not remember Ksenia Buzina’s name, possible the most beautiful woman in the world! Speaks several languages and sings like an angel. Just saying😄
These aren't a bunch of rag-tag players who just sauntered in to see what was going on. They have oodles of background and pedigrees/resumes among them in their own individual rights. Think George Martin while he was alive putting out a call for a project he was doing. Think he would have any trouble getting call backs from the most premier musicians he contacted? That's the way it is with Leonid, who is a top dog in Russia. (Need three Chicago-clone solo vocalists? -You got it.) Just the female background vocalist (Ksenia) alone is an awesome _solo_ act in Russia. These Chicago horn parts are as easy as falling off a log for these guys, who are tops in their field. ...Be sure to check out the latest from them (Vehicle, by the Ides of March) - another amazing cover which they nail to the wall.
These guys are definitely the best of the best, in my opinion. Chicago being one of my Fav bands ever, I am always looking for good covers of their songs, so it was not long after Leonid & Friends started posting that I found them.
Great band and it's amazing when you hear them in interviews how they mostly speak Russian...They do such a great job singing Chicago's lyrics! When ever I get in a Chicago mood; I put on Leonid...:)..They put a lot of time into these productions...Their "Free" and I'm a Man really get me going...:)...Thanks for the reaction!
I was at there concert last night in MGM Northfield, Cleaveland Ohio, My Mind is Blown , the best
show this year, What a talented group of people
Very special tribute to the best American rockband ever
Been following them for 3 yrs now and seen them 3 times in SoCal, they're good live as well...they also do BS&T "Spinning Wheel" They do not disappoint.
Chicago was my group during my high school days in the 70s. Accidentally discovered Leonid and Friends. Saw them perform in person. I cannot find enough superlatives for these guys. Not trying to disrespectful to the group Chicago because they are one of my favorites, but I like Leonid and Friends better.
Copying a performance when you have the music in front of you is impressive...creating the charts by ear is in a whole other dimension...in addition to the obvious other great musicians, I am totally blown away by the consistent and precise playing of the drummer, who matches every single nuance ...yes, with a name like Marrella, I am a drummer!
Bestie😊
These guys talent is undeniable, but don’t forget studio/recording techniques have improved slightly in the last 45 years. N
Little wonder they sound fantastic. Immense talent + technology = mind blown.
me too!!
Love L&F! I will pay to see them next time they come through AZ for sure. And they are amazing. Not to take anything away from them because what he’s done is unbelievable but consider that they were using 3 guitar players to do what 2 did in Chicago and 4 horn players to do what 3 did in Chicago and they have facilities that are unbelievably advanced over what was available in 1969 in 1970. So before people start saying they’re better than Chicago, might want to reign it in a little bit and have some perspective. Having said that, I haven’t heard anything they’ve put out that I haven’t loved and I’m so glad someone respects Chicago’s music enough to do it this well.
Spread the word, they're wonderful - who bothers with Chicago now and I was there from the beginning.
I have seen them live twice in Solana beach Ca. There live shows are incredible. They are all well established studio players and together make the most incredible music. They are all so thankful to be playing for american audiences. There reaction to our reaction of them is amazing to see. My thing is Randy Rhoads,and Michael Schenker but they have made me respect what Chicago did and the Musicianship that was put into every detail of the songs.
Leonid & friends is spot on with all their covers.
Saw them in concert a week ago and they were incredible. They played this song to close out the show. What a blast!!
Yes they are😂❤❤❤
Yep same in Kc awesome 😂
Everyone is wonderful in this group but the brass is stunningly good...
Serge is one of the best guitarist ever ....unbelievable group and discipline artists.
Saw them in concert last Spring. Excellent!
Same and loved every second ❤❤❤❤
Thank you for your reaction to this cover song by 'Leonid and Friends' - please also react to their rendition of another Chicago song, "I've Been Searching So Long" - thank you.
Saw them live 2 weeks and they’re even better Live🔥
What a great tribute to Chicago, a great band in an era when there was a great flood of great popular music. This music has and will meet the highest of all popular music standards: the test of time!
It would be best to remember that Leonid (the bass player) is a symphony musician, as are all brass players. Kashirin (guitarist) can stand up against anyone, anywhere. He is not only a good guitarist but a great vocalist as well. It is also well to point out that Leonid rewrote the musical arrangements written by Chicago and took them to a new level where they should be - in the stratosphere. Remember as well that Chicago members are highly trained musicians as well. You should check out Leonid and Friends on TH-cam. You won't be disappointed. They are brilliant.
Such a shame they lost Three of the best members 😔
Leonid and Friends is more than a cover band. What they do is an exact reproduction of the original recordings. It is truly incredible.
Absolutely amazing musicians
I've been lucky enough to see them perform twice. They have just as much energy and enthusiasm live as they do in the videos. And damn close to sounding just as great live, as the vids. I've got a third show planned again in July
Got hooked on Leonid and Friends while living in Italy in 2017 and got to see them live in Dallas in 2019 .... they were stunning.
Unhinged reactions....... Both you and your cohort are cracking us up watching the reactions to this beautiful masterful cover!! Thanks a million for putting this up.
Thanks!
The drummer is incredible as they all are. I am amazed by their professional talent. These are headliners!
I am in 100% agreement brother!
I'm not sure what amazes me more... The fact that Sergey can cover Terry Kath so flawlessly... Or the fact that Sergey makes it look so effortless.
Undoubtedly one of the best classic rock tribute bands out there, and certainly a much better representation of the
classic Chicago sound compared to the rather pale and tepid current incarnation that is passing itself off as the formerly great CTA today!!
Also, can you possibly even imagine how much greater they would sound if their fellow Ukrainian, that
noted comedic beast Yakov Smirnoff, were to join their ranks?!? Not sure what purpose that would
ultimately serve, but it would certainly add a bit of a different flavour, or not!!!
"In America, you break law. In Soviet Russia, law breaks you! In America, you watch Big Brother. In Soviet Russia, Big Brother watch you!"
And who could forget 'bout all those classic Night Court appearances?!?
From what I've read the band learned their parts painstakingly by ear listening to the original music since there wasn't sheet music readily available, which is even more amazing.
Close but it's Leonid who does all the transcribing not the individual musicians. Check out his bio. He is one incredible human.
I found Leonid and Friends from your channel and all I can say is, “Wow”! Thank you for the introduction!
Hell yeah, that's what it's all about! Hope your subscribed, lots more to come 🤘
i have seen, heard and met them in person twice and look forward to the next time they pass through my area next year.
I just came across this band's youtube videos a couple months ago. There are no words. Fantastic!!! They capture the ORIGINAL, classic Chicago lineup's vibe and energy. Really they're more like the original Chicago than the current iteration of Chicago. They're Chicago I-V. Amazing!!
We totally agree!
They do many songs from Chicago VII, more than any other album. Their covers are spot on, and they just happen to play songs from my favorite album from Chicago. Absolutely impressive!
Awesome, incredible, mind blowing!!
Yes they are❤
They aren't from the Ukraine. Only one of them is. The rest are from, I guess The Moscow area. They record their parts and then he records his parts seperately. They are freakin fantastic! Planning on going to see them in August at a re-scheduled concert. Can't wait!!!
These musicians are from different areas of vast Russia. For example, Leonid and Ksenia Siberians. More information about each musician is in the movie "Leonid & Friends: Behind The Music" th-cam.com/video/OYEsPM3lMhc/w-d-xo.html By the way, Sergey Tyagnyryadno records his vocal parts in both Moscow and Kiev.
I came across this band on accident on TH-cam. Curious, I opened the video and was mesmerized by their authenticity! And Chicago being one of my favorite bands of all time, I was most impressed. Thank you both for sharing this.
F yeah! Nice cover for this band. You guys did a great job reviewing Leonid.
Much appreciated. Thanks for watching 🤘
Umm, they are all from Moscow except Serge. He is the lone Ukranian.
Kinda sad when a Russian cover band outplays the current version of Chicago :) Love these guys and I've never heard any guitarist channel Terry Kath like this guy. Wonderful stuff innit?
That kid just committed a felony with that guitar! Awesome!
I discovered Leonid and Friends about two months ago--and I LOVE THEM! Incredible band!
Incredible is a huge understatement, but I get you... They are just...indescribable! That good! Mind blowing???
See them live if they return..they are jaw droppingly great!
My favorites by these guys are "Free", "I'm a Man" and "Street Player"..
Lead singer from Kiev, Leonid and the rest of the band from Moscow. Most dont speak much English, but they sing it right. Chicago, like most bands can't or won't play live like their studio recordings. LF does
I have scene them twice in concert. Amazing. Met them in the hotel lobby. Such nice guys and girl.
Something that gets missed with this band is how good Leonid is at mixing the sound.
It surely wasn't lost on us! Thanks for watching 🤘
I too am a Leonid and Friends fan, so pleased Terry Kath got this song to show his chops, he was usually wah-wahing chords to blend with the horns and rarely got to cut through the mix and out of the back-line. Here Sergey gets to show us by video or sometimes live how awesome this song is. Have only seen one video of Chicago/Kath playing it live, poor quality audio, video and really execution. Don't think Chicago ever played live with the precision Leonid and Friends do. my $.02
Saw them live- JUST INCREDIBLE !!!!!!!!
Leonid & Friends are absolutely spot on for the entire Chicago catalogue. I stumbled across the band a couple yrs ago on TH-cam. At that time they were still trying to round up the money to do a US tour. It didn’t seem to take much time as the next thing I know, I’m seeing they are coming for a US tour. Then the came again last year. Absolutely ridiculous how incredibly talented this entire group of musicians really are. It’s truly hard to believe!
Lol, they’re honestly that good!
Ksenia Buzina is the female background singer they mention. A world class beauty as well as an incredible singer. Sergeiy Kasherin is the guitarist, he is the closest thing to Terry Kath I have ever seen. You can't teach that, you can't get there by practice either. Igor Javad-Zade is an incredible drummer, top ten on my list.
Many do not know, but this started with Leonid, who was retiring at that point, wanting to record a cover of his favorite Chicago tune. After that hit the internet, people, including band members, asked to do more and more until it got so big that requests came in for them to tour. Now, years later, they tour yearly and put on shows that are so great. The band Chicago actually posted them on their pages on the net. Interesting that these two do not know the real information. Not from Ukraine, only the lead singer on this song was from Ukraine, the band is actually from Russia. Plus, Leonid did not put out a call to form a tribute band, it get organically from the recording of one song as a retirement gift to himself.
If you watch most of the earlier videos, you will notice the bearded lead singer who does the Peter Cetera vocals is in a different studio. This is because HE is in the Ukraine, while the band is in Russia. He only did video while in studio with the band on a couple of tune, the rest is from a studio in Ukraine. I wish those who want to do these ‘first listen’ videos would actually do their homework.
so very good guitarplaying!!!! I can haer this all day!!
Chicago's basically a cover band of itself nowadays, we outght to just call these guys Chicago from here on.
Nailed it.
Was at their first US show in NY. Great musicians. Actually most are Russians. The singer is Ukrainian.
Stephen Tustin l was there FANTASTIC....
I was at the Sony Theatre, too! Fabulous show!!! Followed that up with Nashville and Jacksonville FL in the fall tour. Had 5 shows booked for the spring 2020 tour ... but Covid. Hopefully they’ll be able to travel spring 2021 for the rescheduled bookings.
Amazing. The sound is practically the same of the original record.
We saw Leonid & Friends in November, perhaps the best concert I've ever been to. At this point, they out-Chicago the real Chicago and I've been a Chicago fan since I was a Jr High kid in Chicago in the early 70's. I've been following this band since their first video came out 5 years ago - a deep cut from Chicago VIII no less. The "Pete Cetera" singer is actually the only one from Kiev, the rest of the band is from Moscow. The guitarist is amazing, and he sings all of the Robert Lamm vocal parts. Check out "I'm a Man", it's another powerhouse tribute.
By far my favorite cover band! That guitar player has to be somehow related to Terri Kath! Maybe a grandson...:)
Oh yeah, that kid's got chops. Thanks for your comment🤘
Terri died in 1978, Sergey was born in 1982 .... Maybe Terri's spirit was still roaming the earth as he felt hes wasn't done yet .....maybe it took 4 years for him to find someone to reincarnate a new body ^_^
Thanks guys...that was so good on an early Sunday morning
Saw them live last year. Amazing. And the drummer....!
Thanks for this. I can't believe I haven't seen your video with as many times as I see the video. I agree with you on these guys and their Chicago tributes.
Spectacular Cover!! Much better than the original!!! Leonid & Friends are an awesome band!!!!!!
Can't agree with you Sergio if you're comparing them to today's lineup. They faithfully recorded mostly Chicago's early music. Chicago was amazing back then.
I am a Chicago die hard mexican fan and I can say L & F are really amazing hoping some day come to Mexico. Cheers!!!
Phenomenal, I’ll be watching some more of these guys
I really love Leonid & Friends Chicago´s tribute!
I've known about Leonid &Friends for a long time. I've seen and heard all their tribute songs, seen all the interviews and watched many concerts. I must say Leonid &Friends are unbelievable and just incredible 😁👍🏼🎉💞
I mean there is a singer for each song that just fits like a glove. Have you seen how they rehearse a song ? Leonid doesn't play around he expects perfection and gets it.
I hope Lenoid&Friends get as much deserved exposure as possible.
They are an awesome band. I like the way Leonid sings Color My World so great 👍🏼😁
Every song they release is absolute perfection, unbelievable talent in this band!!!
When the guitar hit his solo... he did note for note... exactly what Terry would do... that just blew me away... spot on... and Igor on drums.... he's a monster... he's a machine... no he could be a robot... just awesome...
Best cover/tribute band of all time
Chicago has some of their songs posted on their website so they evidently agree😂❤
Leonid and Friends is fantastic!
I saw Leonid and Friends in concert last year in Los Angeles. They were absolutely fantastic. They are probably the best "cover band" in the world. And- they are super nice people. Genuine in every way! I highly recommend going to see them when they come back to America. They claim that they enjoy playing here in the states and look forward to coming back to entertain us.
I saw L&F @ their first concert in NYC ! They were incredible ! Their musicianship was outstanding ! Go see them in concert ! I grew up with the original members of CHICAGO ! My favorite band & will always be CHICAGO !! Love my Peter Cetera !!!
That's a lot of exclamation points! And justified! 🤘
They aren't really know in Russia but the fans are growing by leaps and bounds in the States.
If you close your eyes you would think it was Chicago.
Saw them in Portland last year - the live show is just as amazing.