The War on Drugs perform at the United Center in Chicago on Sept. 24, 2024.
There’s the relatives your born to love and then there’s the unbreakable bonds forged in friendship. During their Sept. 24 stop at the United Center – on The Zen Diagram Tour with Lucius and The National – The War on Drugs used their time on stage to celebrate the familial experience of collaborating with friends and performing for fans.
Lucius – Jess Wolfe, Holly Laessig, Dan Molad, Peter Lalish – opened the show with a short set that warmed up the crowd for a night full of impeccable artistry and imaginative compositions. The tune, “Lucy,” began with pitch perfect vocals from Wolfe and Laessig that glided over a percussive core that allowed the music to build into a rhythmic whirlwind in the outro.
Lucius performs at the United Center in Chicago on Sept. 24, 2024.
The new song “Old Tape” found The War on Drugs’ Adam Granduciel stepping on stage to jam with Lucius – a favor Wolfe and Laessig returned during The War On Drugs’ setlist closer, “I Don’t Live Here Anymore.” Granduciel wasn’t the only special guest on stage. Wolfe is quite pregnant at the moment and, before walking off stage at the home of the Chicago Bulls, she modeled an adorable pint-sized Michael Jordan jersey across her baby bump.
The War on Drugs – Granduciel (vocals, guitar), David Hartley (bass), Robbie Bennett (keys), Charlie Hall (drums), Jon Natchez (horns), Anthony LaMarca (guitar), and touring multi-instrumentalist Eliza Hardy Jones – opened their dazzling and atmospheric set with the Slave Ambient track “Baby Missiles” before moving into A Deeper Understanding‘s “Pain.” “An Ocean in Between the Waves” featured a soaring instrumental interlude that once again reminded fans that no one can create an otherworldly musical trip quite like this Philadelphia rock band.
“I Don’t Want to Wait” also highlighted the musical prowess of the band members as the keys, percussion, and wailing guitars created a sonic portrait of an impatient man. Later, “Red Eyes,” received an enthusiastic reaction from the crowd, propelling those on the floor to dance and sway while “Lost in the Dream” showed off the band’s sensitive side. Throughout the performance Granduciel moved around the stage, taking moments to engage in close-quarters collaborations with each of his bandmates setting an improvisational tone that made it feel like, musically, anything could happen.
The War on Drugs perform at the United Center in Chicago on Sept. 24, 2024.
Following “Under the Pressure,” which Granduciel jokingly referred to as “a new song,” the front man took time out to share his gratitude for the Zen Diagram Tour experience.
“We’re so lucky to be on tour with [Lucius] and The National, jamming every night – having fun. Playing for you – having fun. Bringing it home. The National are up next. Thanks for being here with us tonight,” he said.
Soon after, The National stepped into the spotlight unleashing a setlist that included “I Need My Girl,” “Mr. November,” “Graceless,” and many more heart-wrenching songs.
Check out photos of The War on Drugs and Lucius performing in Chicago below and click here to pick-up tickets to future tour dates. More information about upcoming shows at the United Center can be found at LiveNation.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
