The Cab @ House of Blues - Chicago, IL
June 12th 2026: The Cab, CARR, and Paradise Fears @ House of Blues Chicago - Chicago, IL
The Cab - Photos Courtesy of: Emily Nava
On Friday, June 12th 2026, The Cab brought their 'Back From The Dead' Tour to a packed House of Blues Chicago with Paradise Fears and CARR. This tour follows the April release of their latest full-length album in over 10 years—Chasing Crowns.
CARR opened the show with a fierce and energetic set that got the crowd moving. Paradise Fears kept the show's momentum going with a performance full of singalong moments for their fans. The band also mentioned this was their first tour in over 10 years.
The Cab walked on stage and began their set with "Locked and Loaded," the first track from their latest album, after absorbing the crowd's palpable energy and excitement to see a band that hasn't toured in over a decade. The night was full of nostalgic moments, ranging from lead singer Alex DeLeon sharing stories of his teenage self writing "Vegas Skies" from the first The Cab album, Whisper War, to the band covering a few early 2000s pop hits. Although the show was very high-energy and featured songs across the band's discography, The Cab still welcomed intimate moments. They played stripped-down snippets of songs from their first album, and even created a mash-up of their song "One of THOSE Nights" with a cover of Justin Bieber's "YUKON". While asking for a show of hands from those who had seen them live before, DeLeon mentioned that regardless of how attendees discovered them or how long they had listened to The Cab, the band was grateful they had come to the show. The Cab will continue their tour across the United States through the rest of the month.
CARR
Paradise Fears
Pierce The Veil @ Credit Union 1 Amphitheater - Chicago
June 7th 2025: Pierce The Veil, Sleeping With Sirens @ Credit Union 1 Amphitheater - Tinley Park, Illinois
Pierce the Veil | Photos Courtesy of: Amanda Huerta
Pierce The Veil is forever.
The first time I ever got to see Pierce the Veil live was at the Vans Warped Tour in Chicago in 2010. I’ve had the privilege of going to almost every single show they’ve ever had in Illinois since then, and 15 years later, they STILL make me feel like I did that very first time. I was a teenager at the time and had to beg my mom to take me to the show. She finally caved and let me go as long as my cousin came with me. I remember screaming the lyrics so loud that my throat hurt the next day, and taking tons of photos on my BlackBerry, which sparked my love for concert photography. I have so many other fond memories over the years regarding this band. I used to sit at my family computer until the music video for “Caraphernelia” was released in 2010, and again for “King For A Day” in 2012. Years later, I still wait for every music video premiere, but now I can watch from my phone. It’s honestly insane to see a band graduate from playing smaller iconic venues like Bottom Lounge, to now having their headlining tour and selling out a show at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre with 26,000+ people.
Opening the show was Beach Weather, this is not a band I would expect to be on the lineup but I was happily surprised to see their name on the flyer as I’ve been a fan since 2016 when they released the Chit Chat and What A Drag EP’s. Their overall sound just exudes summer vibes, slight angst, and romance, it was the perfect way to kick off the show.
Sleeping With Sirens. Wow. They’ve toured with Pierce The Veil previously but not to the same magnitude that the I Can't Hear You Tour is. If you want to see a high energy band- this is the one! I was trying to keep up with all the movement happening on stage, not wanting to miss a second of it. As a band that has been touring for 15+ years you can immediately tell that they still give it their all and make sure that every person in the crowd is having the time of their life. The band even played “Scene Two: Roger Rabbit” at the request of a fan, a song that has not been in their setlist for this tour. Their overall set was the perfect balance of old and new which included hits ranging from “If I’m James Dean, You’re Audrey Hepburn” and “Bloody Knuckles.”
The moment we were all waiting for was finally here. Pierce The Veil made their way to the stage while “El Rey,” a cover by Vicente Fernández, played. Banners with symbols representing all 5 of their albums shot down from the ceiling and the entire crowd exploded. The first song in their incredible setlist was Death Of An Executioner, which is a personal favorite of mine off their most recent album The Jaws Of Life. When this tour was announced, most of us fans expected this to be an “eras” type tour, and they absolutely delivered. The setlist was sprinkled with classics from A Flair For The Dramatic like “Yeah Boy And Dollface,” “I’d Rather Die Than Be Famous,” and even “Wonderless.” I never thought I’d get to hear songs off that album performed again so these really hit me in the heart and brought on tears of joy. I do wish there were a few more deep cuts played from Selfish Machines, but that’s okay because Disasterology was included in their encore and it was EVERYTHING. The band confirmed that not only was this the biggest show of the tour, but it was also the biggest single show in their career. I can’t believe how they managed to make a show of 28,000 people feel as intimate as their few hundred capacity shows in Chicago all those years ago. Halfway through the set, rain started falling and no one seemed to mind one bit, everyone was still screaming from the top of their lungs, dancing, and there were even pits happening on the lawn. The final song of their 3-song-encore was none other than “King For A Day,” as soon as the song began it was pure insanity, and even more so when Kellin Quinn was brought back on stage. This song means the world to many fans, it was apparent that they all went somewhere mentally during this final song, and erupting in the crowd. Pierce The Veil cares so much about their fans, the show experience, and their music. Maybe I’m a little biased as a long-time fan, but it seems impossible to dislike such a talented group of people. Thank you Pierce The Veil for this show, and everything you’ve ever done for all of us.
Catch them at their remaining U.S. Dates:
6.17.25 – Isleta Amphitheatre – Albuquerque, NM
6.19.25 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO
6.20.25 – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre – Salt Lake City, UT
6.22.25 – WAMU Theatre – Seattle, WA
6.23.25 – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater – Ridgefield, WA
6.25.25 – Toyota Pavilion at Concord – Concord, CA
6.27.25 – The Kia Forum – Los Angeles, CA
6.29.25 – PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino – Las Vegas, NV
Sleeping with Sirens
Saint Motel @ The Riviera Theatre - Chicago
May 10th 2025: Saint Motel, Brigitte Calls Me Baby @ The Riviera Theatre - Chicago, IL
Saint Motel | Photos Courtesy of: Emily Nava
On Saturday May 10th 2025, Saint Motel brought their Symphony In The Sky tour to a sold out Riviera Theatre with opening act Brigitte Calls Me Baby. This tour follows the February release of their latest album Saint Motel & the Symphony in the Sky.
Chicago-based indie rock newcomers Brigitte Calls Me Baby opened the show with a set full of 80s rock-inspired vocals and shimmery guitars. Their energy was a great start to the evening and got fans pumped for the show.
Saint Motel started off their set with lead singer AJ Jackson conducting the "symphony" of Saint Motel, which consisted of a digitally projected strings section, in addition to their usual band of members Aaron Sharp (guitar), Dak Lerdamornpong (bass), Greg Erwin (drums), as well as a touring saxophonist and trumpeter. The set then began with "Puzzle Pieces," a high-energy, danceable hit from the band's 2012 album Voyeur, which got the crowd moving and excited for the rest of the night. Whether it was by clapping along to a beat, saying a word altogether on cue for "Move," or waving a wand/flashlight in different directions during "It's All Happening" etc., Saint Motel kept the audience engaged while playing songs from most of their previous releases. It seemed as though Saint Motel were enjoying the night as well. They recounted previous Chicago shows and mentioned that this was their "craziest" Chicago show yet before playing "Fine Wine." The momentum of the show kept building and was full of surprises — one of them being AJ emerging from the balcony for the encore to perform "A Bluer Blue" then returning to the stage, only to come back out into the crowd several songs later during an explosive performance of "My Type."
As a long-time listener of the band, I have to say, Saint Motel's incredible attention to detail when it comes to taking the theme of their album and translating it into a live production is truly something to admire. The band's outfits, grand piano on stage, sheet music stands, star-like LED lights, merch and so on matched the Symphony in the Sky theme perfectly. Their fun vibes were enjoyed by an audience of all ages, who I'm sure, will return to see them the next time they are in town. Saint Motel's first leg of this tour just ended but be sure to catch them on the other leg in the Fall!
Brigitte Calls Me Baby
Armor For Sleep @ House of Blues - Chicago
March 13th, 2025: Armor For Sleep @ House of Blues - Chicago, IL
Armor For Sleep | Photos Courtesy of: Jetzi Calvin
Chicago was in good spirits last week—unseasonably warm and heading into a Full Moon weekend. The elder emos were out in full force, making their way to River North for Armor for Sleep’s anniversary tour stop. We gathered at the House of Blues, one of frontman Ben Jorgensen’s favorite venues, to celebrate 20 years of What to Do When You Are Dead—an album that became a rite of passage for any early 2000s kid who knew what it meant to drown in their sorrow.
A concept album that wrestles with the transition between life and death, What to Do When You Are Dead encapsulates the rawest depths of heartache and the sort of perpetual grief that lingers like a ghost, even after crossing over to the other side. Midway through the set, Ben pauses to reflect on what he was going through while writing the album, a time in life when he didn’t want to be here anymore. The crowd, a sea of nostalgia and lived experience responds by singing every lyric back to him, word for word.
Voices echo through the room, and the iconic House of Blues floor does what it’s famous for—bouncing beneath us, just enough to make your stomach drop for a split second. In that moment, time folds in on itself. The same fans who once clutched this album like a lifeline now stand together, older and wiser but just as connected to the songs that once saved them.
Latto @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom - Chicago
November 12th, 2024: Latto, Mariah the Scientist @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom - Chicago, IL
Latto | Photos Courtesy of: Asia Austin
In the ever-evolving landscape of modern hip-hop, Latto is paving the way for herself as one of the top female MCs in the game. Last night, she had a sold-out show on her highly anticipated Sugar Honey Iced Tea Tour in Chicago, which was a testament to her meteoric rise and the deep connection she has cultivated with her audience. This event showcased her talent and highlighted her charisma and ability to engage fans, making it a night to remember.
Performing hits such as, “Brokey”, “Sunday Service”, “There She Go,” and Grammy-nominated “Big Mama”, the crowd was on ten from start to finish. Latto had several female backup dancers and large street signs paying homage to her home state of Georgia. The excitement was non-stop as she had Mariah the Scientist and Mello Bucks join her on stage and even included a birthday cash grab for one lucky fan who happened to be me.
In conclusion, Latto's sold-out show on the Sugar Honey Iced Tea Tour was a remarkable celebration of her artistry and connection with fans. Combining high-energy performances, a carefully crafted setlist, and engaging storytelling created an unforgettable experience. As Latto continues to rise in the music industry, her ability to connect with her audience will undoubtedly play a significant role in her ongoing success. The Sugar Honey Iced Tea Tour is not merely a chapter in her career; it is a powerful statement of her impact on the music scene and her commitment to her fans.
Mariah the Scientist
SUECO @ House of Blues - Chicago
October 18th, 2024: SUECO @ House of Blues - Chicago, IL
SUECO | Photos Courtesy of: Allie Loven
On October 18th, Sueco, the LA singer/songwriter and rapper, stopped at the iconic House of Blues—Chicago. The artist has been touring North America in honor of the summer release of Attempted Lover, his third full-length album.
The tour has been doing very well with many sold-out, or almost sold-out shows.
It’s fair to say Sueco’s traction from the start on social media to constantly doing tours is phenomenal. Not only did Sueco start independently online, but Attempted Lover is his first independent record. Comparing the artist’s past shows to now, his energy is up, and so are his fans’ [and his venue capacities].
Throughout the night he engaged with fans, even having the crowd “tipping” himself and his supporting band members to “strip” after reading a fan’s sign, bringing a crowd member on stage, and getting into the crowd as well. With all of that said, beyond all the craziness within the crowd, good and bad, Sueco remained authentic and enthusiastic throughout the whole night. Something about his performances has a way of capturing his audience not only with music but personal connection as well.
He played a good mixture of his catalog, but, for clear reasons, leaned heavy on the AttemptedLover tracks. Support from Sueco fans could be felt through the movements in the floorboards. By the end of the night shouts for an encore filled the room, and as always, Sueco delivered.
Hot Mulligan (Riot Fest Aftershow) @ Metro - Chicago
September 21st, 2024: Hot Mulligan @ Metro - Chicago, IL
Hot Mulligan | Photos Courtesy of: Allie Loven
Hot Mulligan visited Chicago, Illinois for Riot Fest weekend 2024. The Lansing-based band started their weekend by playing on the Cabaret Metro Stage on Friday evening. It finished off with a bang Saturday night, September 21, 2024, with a sold-out after-show held at Metro Chicago supported by fellow Midwest locals, New Age Thief. Pulling up to the venue, there was a line full of fans, waiting in suspense for the doors to open, wrapping around the building into the alley. Hot Mulligan has remained a Chicago pop-punk favorite over the past decade, so this was no surprise.
Up-and-coming opening pop-punk band, New Age Thief, definitely brought the surprise factor though. The duo Gino Savarino and Brady Corcoran are well-known in the Midwest as well from former music, but New Age Thief is the most recent and growing project he has been a part of. These members had the perfect way of setting the tone for Hot Mulligan’s performance. It is safe to say New Age Thief is already established in Chicago and seemingly more growth is coming each day, especially after their opening set on Saturday. By the end of New Age Thief, the crowd was non-stop moving and ready for Hot Mulligan.
Once Hot Mulligan was ready to take the stage, the room quickly started to pack in even tighter. Some fans travelled over 1,000 miles for this show specifically. For a band who has been non-stop touring and doing festivals, there was impressively no lack of energy to be found. From the front of the barricade to the balcony viewing, fans filled the room screaming along to a variety of Hot Mulligan songs. The band started with three of their songs from their 2016 Album Opportunities and continued on the night with 16 more of their top hits including: “Digging In,” “SPS,” “ *Equip Sunglasses*,” and many more. Hot Mulligan never fails to provide their following with lively, upbeat performances every time they touch the stage.
New Age Thief
Offset @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom - Chicago
March 23rd, 2024: Offset, SleazyWorld Go, Mango Foo and Moonrock Mont @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom - Chicago, IL
Offset - Photos Courtesy of: Asia Austin
Offset brought his A-game on Saturday night when he performed in front of a sold-out crowd at Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom for his “Set It Off” Tour. The show featured energetic performances from Offset and both male and female backup dancers, lots of strobe lights, and an elaborate stage set up with a long white staircase. The vibes were high the entire night with emotions you could feel from the back of the venue.
In addition to performing hits from his new album, Offset also had the crowd going wild to some of his classics with Migos such as “Bad and Boujee”, a fan favorite collab he did with Metro Boomin called “Ric Flair Drip”, and a dedication to his fellow Migos member Takeoff who sadly passed away in 2022. Adding on to the excitement, Offset also had a surprise guest appearance by G Herbo.
Overall, the “Set It Off” tour seems to be solidifying Offset’s status as a top-tier performer in the hip-hop world. Anyone who attends a show on this tour can definitely expect to leave an even bigger fan of him than they were before.
