Cetera parted ways with Chicago in 1985. Almost unbelievably, however, he is still approached by fans who think he's still with the band, even though he hasn't performed with Chicago for 22 years. "It's amazing to me. I've been out of the band longer than I was in it. That period of time was special with a lot of baby boomers and was really important music in their lives."

Unfortunately, Cetera said many of those fans stopped buying CDs after 1985. Although he understands how some fans who related to that era of Chicago would like to see a reunion, Cetera, who gets asked the reunion question all too often ("It's like talking about an ex-wife"), said it most likely will never happen. "I don't feel the need to delve into the past. I don't know why so many people are wound up in that."

What is more likely for the immediate future is another solo record with the right label. "I'm the kind of person that I need to have something to write for. I do my best work on a deadline. I don't have a lot of fun waiting around. I need something to work toward.

"I would love to do something with new material. I think it's going to come soon. It'll come eventually, when I know there's some place to put it and have an outlet for it. This is a good time for me musically right now."

Also in Cetera's future is surgery. Cetera, who is still active in mountain biking, snowboarding and other outdoor activities, recently tore his rotator cuff during a basketball game. The injury, however, will not prevent him from playing guitar in concert.

And the reason he's putting off his surgery ... so he wouldn't have to cancel shows and disappoint his fans.

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If you go

What: Peter Cetera

Where: Tuacahn Amphitheatre, Ivins

When: Saturday, 8 p.m.

How much: $39 and $69

Phone: 800-746-9882

Web: www.tuacahn.org

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E-mail: preavy@desnews.com