Phoenix performs at The Riviera Theatre in Chicago on Sept. 7, 2022.
On Sept. 7, Phoenix made a triumphant return to Chicago with a hits-filled performance at The Riviera Theatre. The show, the band’s first in the city since rocking the Aragon Ballroom in 2017, was in support of the forthcoming album, Alpha Zulu – out Nov. 4 via Loyaute/Glassnote – and the new material perfectly blended into Phoenix’s repertoire as the newly-released songs already felt like fan favorites.
Following a blistering opening of “Lisztomania” and “Entertainment,” Phoenix – Thomas Mars (vocals), Deck d’Arcy (bass/keyboards), Christian Mazzalai (guitar) and Laurent Brancowitz (guitar/keyboards) – continued the hit parade with “Lasso” and “Long Distance Call.” What seemed to have been technical difficulties briefly interrupted “Too Young,” but the band quickly regrouped, restarted the song and proceeded on with a crowd-pleasing rendition of “Girlfriend.”
Throughout the night, Phoenix performed on a multi-tiered stage highlighted by immersive screens depicting images of everything from fine art – William Fraser of Reelig by Sir Henry Raeburn during “Alpha Zulu” – to the Palace of Versailles. The visual accompaniments to “J-Boy” had a very mod aesthetic with big bold blocks of color and dazzling patterns complimenting the groovy Ti Amo jam.
Phoenix performs at The Riviera Theatre in Chicago on Sept. 7, 2022.
One of the most engulfing musical moments came in the form of “Love Like a Sunset Part I & II.” The slow build of analog synths and rhythms, with patiently added bass and guitars, evolved into a colossal peak. When Mars returned to the mic, the deconstructed melody transformed into tender beauty as he sang of fleeting love.
Speaking of love, Mars frequently shared his appreciation for Chicago and its Phoenix fans calling it one of his favorite places to perform. “Ti Amo” and the new song “Tonight” – which just premiered earlier that day – were further highlights of the set. Of course, the evening wasn’t over until Mars took a trip into the audience getting up close and personal with fans across the floor.
Earlier in the night, Porches performed an engaging opening set which included “Swimming Big” and much more.
Phoenix will continue the Alpha Zulu Tour through late-November. Click here to pick-up tickets to future performance and check out photos from their Chicago show below. More information can be found at Wearephoenix.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
