I spent Tuesday evening with friends Paul and Lori Myers, enjoying the band 7th Heaven at Hillside Festival. It was my first 7th Heaven show, but they are longtime fans of the band, having seen them more than 100 times.

Formed in 1985, 7th Heaven is a Chicago-based rock band. While they have had some shuffling of band members, 7th Heaven has entertained millions of fans with original songs and cover versions over the last 33 years. Their current lineup is Adam Heisler, Richard Hofherr, Nick Cox, Mark Kennetz and Michael Mooshey.

They have a lengthy list of accomplishments, including three No. 1 songs on the Midwest Billboard Charts. Their last five CDs also topped the charts. They opened for Kid Rock, Bon Jovi, Styx and others while also headlining shows.

© LORI MYERS

© LORI MYERS

© LORI MYERS

© LORI MYERS

I quickly realized how loyal and rabid the fanbase is. Fans arrived several hours early to stake out their spot. Many people wore 7th Heaven shirts and played their music to set the mood. This wasn’t just a music show. It was a musical experience.

The show was a lot of fun, with the audience and the band feeding off each other. The band performed with a lot of energy all night.

© MIKE GILMARTIN

When we had the opportunity to talk to the band, I asked them about travel. Previously, they have performed all over, but lately they play mostly in the Midwest because of family ties. Not surprisingly, they all listed Chicago as one of their favorite cities, but Guam and Bloomington, Indiana, also received mentions. That’s an interesting mix, just like their musical selections. Playing in Soldier Field was especially a band favorite.

This was my first 7th Heaven show, but it won’t be my last. The band has no intention of slowing down, so I will have plenty of chances to see them again.

— John Wroblewski, online writer