Bill Murray 2025I do not recall a time I was not a fan of Bill Murray. I was a high school freshman when he replaced Chevy Chase on Saturday Night Live.

Although Murray has made his name as a comic actor these past five decades, he came to Chicago's Thalia Hall to sing! The two shows in the Pilsen venue kicked off a national tour through October. A group of first-rate musicians joined him on stage, including accomplished bluesmen Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia. Together, they referred to themselves as Bill Murray and the Blood Brothers.

Calling this a backing band would be a misstatement. Murray deferred most of the entertainment to his bandmates during the concert as he stood in the back banging on bongos or a cowbell. His percussion was not needed, as two drummers flanked him. The blues these musicians produced on this night was excellent. For most of the evening, Murray was just as much an audience member as I was. He just had a better seat.

But Bill Murray's name was at the top of the bill, and fans came to see and hear him. So, Bill stepped to the front every few songs to sing the lead.

He sang classic rock songs from The Dave Clark Five ("Catch Us If You Can"), The Kinks ("Tired of Waiting for You"),
Although his "backing band" was far more talented, it was fun to see Bill pretending to be a famous singer. He has never taken himself too seriously; this night was no exception. "Any one of you could sing with this band," he assured us. Born and raised in the Chicago area, Murray delighted the audience when he appeared for the encore wearing a Black Hawks jersey.

If I ever become as famous as Bill Murray, I fully intend to do exactly as he did - surround myself with great musicians and ask them to play while I sing my favourite songs in front of my adoring fans. I guarantee I will have as much fun as Bill did.