Chicago backs new releases with live performances

Chicago follows the release of a new live DVD and a re-tooled Christmas album with a round of U.S. tour dates.

The veteran soft-rock outfi, which last year celebrated its 35th anniversary, launches the new round of shows in late November, and dates so far stretch into early December.

Tucked amidst the group's concert dates is a Nov. 28 performance on NBC's "The Today Show."

Chicago is hitting the road to support its pair of Oct. 14 releases, the first of which, "Christmas: What's It Gonna Be, Santa?," is a remastered and expanded version of the group's 1998 holiday set, "Chicago 25: The Christmas Album." The revamped edition features six newly recorded tracks, including "Winter Wonderland," "Sleigh Ride" and "Jolly Old St. Nicaholas."

The group's second new release is a DVD that captures the its 2002 performance on cable-channel A&E's "Live by Request." The 92-minute concert features performances of 14 fan-requested tracks, including "25 or 6 to 4," "If You Live Me Now," "Hard to Say I'm Sorry/Get Away" and "Saturday in the Park."

Over the course of its recording career, Chicago has scored 20 Top 10 singles, 12 Top 10 albums--five of which hit No. 1--and has sold more than 120 million records, according to the band's website.