Band Chicago confirms reunion for Rock Hall of Fame

Soft-rock giants Chicago will reunite after three decades with singer Peter Cetera for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, a founding member says.

Robert Lamm, the keyboardist who in recent years has been the band's lead vocalist, said both Cetera and original drummer Danny Seraphine would take part in the April 8 ceremony in New York.

Asked by online network Radio.com whether the two would perform for the Hall of Fame, Lamm replied: "They will."

"I think it could have a huge emotional impact on the audience. And I think that that would be a very moving experience," Lamm said, in the interview released late Monday.

Lamm, however, said it was unlikely that Cetera would play bass -- his initial instrument in Chicago when the band formed in the 1960s.

Cetera, who initially took turns with bandmates on vocals and gradually became the dominant singer, has not played with Chicago since 1985 as he pursued a successful career as a solo singer, notably with the hit "Glory of Love" that featured in the 1986 movie "The Karate Kid, Part II."

Chicago began with roots in the jazz scene of the band's native city but in the 1980s became famous for soft-touch ballads such as "If You Leave Me Now," "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" and "You're the Inspiration."

Chicago will be one of five acts inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year along with fellow Midwestern rockers Cheap Trick, original gangsta rappers N.W.A, pioneering hard rockers Deep Purple and the blues-driven pop composer Steve Miller.

N.W.A. member turned solo star Ice Cube has voiced hope but not confirmed that the group will reunite for the Hall of Fame with Dr. Dre, who has gone on to be a multimillionaire music executive.

Even less certain is whether guitarist Ritchie Blackmore -- who played the classic opening riffs on "Smoke on the Water" -- will rejoin Deep Purple for the ceremony more than 20 years after leaving the band.