Idles performs at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom in Chicago on Sept. 18, 2024.
During a sold-out show at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom in Chicago on Sept. 18, Idles shared a theme of thanks. Gratitude for fans, for life, for survival, for family legacies, and for musicians – including the British band English Teacher who opened the show – was expressed throughout a blistering setlist that opened with “IDEA 101” and closed with “Rottweiler.”
“This song is a celebration of all the insults that were thrown at me over the years,” said vocalist Joe Talbot introducing “I’m Scum.” “I was very lost and alone and I turned to my friends and they carried me for a very long fucking time. I’d go as far as to say, they may have saved my life. And what we did was make music together and then in turn, you saved our lives. We are very fucking grateful to be back in your city of Chicago. There is no doubt that you carried us here in some way. Thank you for your love and your energy.”
Idles performs at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom in Chicago on Sept. 18, 2024.
Amid the cacophonous chaos, the members of Idles – Talbot, Adam Devonshire (bass), Mark Bowen (guitar), Jon Beavis (drums), and Lee Kiernan (guitar) – displayed a level of perfection that was awe-inspiring. Kiernan spent ample time thrashing in the crowd – all without missing a strum – during several songs including “Benzocaine,” while Bowen created a joyful energy with fiercely ferocious sounds on “1049 Gotho.” The heavy hitting percussion of Beavis led the intensity of “War” as Devonshire propelled each subsequent sonic assault to the extremes.
With vocals that simultaneously expressed love and kindness with merciless rage, Talbot commanded the crowd with ease. He even got a chance to show off his softer range during the delicate waltz, “The Beachland Ballroom,” which had the previously turbulent crowd swaying and singing.
All night long, energy pulsed through the packed venue as fans slammed into each other alternating between circle pits, moshing, and even dancing during the aptly titled “Dancer.” “Crawl!,” “Divide and Conquer,” and “Jungle” were also standouts of the set.
Idles performs at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom in Chicago on Sept. 18, 2024.
“Split the crowd into two halves like Braveheart, but not Braveheart – fuck the king,” said Talbot before the eruption that was “Colossus.” “Are you ready to collide? Are you ready for love? Well, Viva Palestina.”
“Viva Palestina” and “Fuck the king” were two common refrains of the night as was a theme of unity and the importance of love and community.
Prior to playing their ode to immigrants, “Danny Nedelko,” Talbot explained a bit of background on the creation of the song.
“In the face of despair we tried to make a song that celebrated what was being attacked, which was the bravery and the hard work of the immigrants that built our country,” he said to a massive chorus of cheers. “It’s a celebration of their bravery and it’s a sense of empathy, trying to understand how terrifying it must be to start a new life in a new land. This song is for the people of Palestine. This is for the people of Chicago. And it’s for Danny Ne-fucking-delko.”
On top of being talented musicians and among the best performers in the business, the magic of Idles is how they are able to navigate the bleak reality of our troubled times with the boundless love and kindness that still exists in humanity. Their Wednesday night show in Chicago was an affirmation of the unifying power of music. Love is the fing, after all.
Check out photos of Idles – along with English Teacher – performing at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom below and click here to pick-up tickets to future tour dates. More information is available at Idlesband.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
