While waiting to enter the Earth, Wind & Fire/Chicago double bill at Climate Pledge Arena recently, I asked a stranger if they used to be a big fan of the bands.

“What do you mean ‘used to be?’” he said. “I know every Earth, Wind & Fire song there is.” That’s truly impressive if true, given that the ‘70s-era funk-pop band released 23 albums.

It was my first concert at Climate Pledge, and the music filled every corner of the venue. And then I started thinking about nostalgia.

I’ve seen Chicago twice in the past year — the band played Chateau Ste. Michelle last summer — and this is the third time I’ve seen Earth, Wind & Fire, though the last time was more than 20 years ago. Photos and videos of the original EW&F lineup played in the background during much of the group’s 75-minute set, with a focus on late founder Maurice White and the three original members still in the band (vocalist Phillip Bailey, bassist Verdine White, and percussionist Ralph Johnson). It was almost like it was 1978 all over again.

Then it struck me: This is not a cover band. Supremely talented musicians in real time blasted out a vibrant fusion of soul, funk, jazz, R&B, and disco, and an adoring crowd loved every minute of it. This wasn’t really about recreating anything. It was all in the moment.

As a young man, Mick Jagger was famously skeptical about the longevity of rock musicians, saying “I’d rather be dead than singing ‘Satisfaction’ when I’m 45.” Well, the Stones sold out Lumen Field last May. Little Feat keyboardist Bill Payne figured he’d be playing Holiday Inns in his 30s. Now 75, Payne is still touring with the band, and the Feat play real venues, not small hotel ballrooms.

A confession: I’ve seen Little Feat probably 75 times. They’re as good as ever. Earth, Wind & Fire (dare I say) was just as good, maybe better, than when I first saw them in 1979 with The Brothers Johnson. So sure, nostalgia is part of it. But it’s so much more. 

It doesn’t matter that most of the original band members aren’t there. A few are, but the past is gone. All we’ve got is the moment. It’s less about reliving the good old days and more about enjoying the present. 

And for three hours last week, the present was pretty damn gratifying.