Johnny Marr performs at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago on Oct. 17, 2024.
There are songs that serve as pure escapism, whisking listeners away to a joyous place and there are songs that encouraged deep contemplation about the meaning of life, death, love, and heartbreak. On Oct. 17, during a show at The Riviera Theatre in Chicago, Johnny Marr and James shared setlists that encouraged fans to dance and sing the night away while still diving into deep existential matters, pondering the strength of eternal lights, and wondering what awaits us in the great beyond.
James kicked things off with the melodic “Way Over Your Head” and “Sometimes (Lester Piggott)” – which was upbeat and strummy. It didn’t take long for vocalist Tim Booth to find his way into the crowd, hop up on the rail, and sing “Life’s a Fucking Miracle” face-to-face, hand-in-hand with fans. Near the end of the set, Booth literally climbed up to the opera boxes during “Waltzing Along” before heading to the balcony during “Getting Away With It (All Messed Up).”
James performs at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago on Oct. 17, 2024.
A slide guitar and sturdy drums highlighted “She’s a Star” while Saul Davies and Adrian Oxaal traded their guitars for a violin and cello during the climactic “Shadow of a Giant.” The Ainslie Henderson-directed video for “Moving On” – a song about reaching the end of one’s life – played in the background during the tender La Petite Mort tune.
“We’ve made a lot of fucking shit videos in that time, this one – because we’re not in it – is really fucking good,” joked Booth of the tender stop-animation visual work.
James concluded their portion of the show with an epic sing-along of “Laid” that had everyone from the front to the back of the venue dancing to the irresistible hit.
There’s no way around it. James is a tough act to follow. For most artists that is, but when you’re Johnny Fuckin’ Marr, you’re more than up to the task. A siren signaled the start of the set as Marr and his band walked out and immediately commanded the crowd with the infectiously poppy response to the troubles of our times that is “Armatopia.” “Panic,” the first of many songs from The Smiths including “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want,” “The Headmasters Ritual” and “How Soon Is Now?” among others, had everyone within earshot singing the iconic lyrics. Several songs by Electronic – Marr’s alternative dance project with New Order‘s Bernard Sumner – also appeared on the setlist.
Johnny Marr performs at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago on Oct. 17, 2024.
After playing “This Charming Man” – which featured Marr’s distinct riffing– he took time out to joke with the crowd before sharing the next tune, “Somewhere,” which appears on the 2023 compilation Spirit Power, The Best of Johnny Marr.
“We’re gonna go from a golden oldie to a brand new song. Don’t be frightened. Don’t worry. Don’t be scared. It doesn’t suck,” Marr said with a smile.
Booth returned to the stage to join Marr for a cover of Iggy Pop’s “The Passenger” before “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” closed out a beautiful, fun, and spiritually fulfilling evening.
Check out photos from Johnny Marr and James’ stop in Chicago below and click here to pick-up tickets to see them close out the tour in Saint Paul on Oct. 18. More information can be found at Johnnymarr.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
