Rise Against performs at Metro in Chicago on March 30, 2023.
A concert series featuring one massively popular band playing three amazing nights of music at a renowned Chicago venue, celebrating 40 years of iconic performances, already sounds like the place to be. Add in three completely different set lists – and the x-factor of three beloved local punk bands serving as support – and you’ve got the magic formula for a historic residency.
On Thursday, March 30, Rise Against – Tim McIlrath (vocals, guitar), Joe Principe (bass), Brandon Barnes (drums) and Zach Blair (lead guitar) – played the first of three sold-out shows in conjunction with the Alive & Well: The Metro Residency, presented by Q101. The venue was packed with fans ready to sing, scream and crowd-surf along with their favorite tracks.
“Alive and Well” proved to be the perfect choice to kick-off the extravaganza. Soon after, McIlrath grabbed his guitar for “Injection” and “Dancing for Rain” before taking a moment to thank the crowd for coming out to this hometown show and explaining that – despite their reservations – they intended to play all three Metro shows without repeating a single song.
“After considering dishonoring that agreement, we decided to honor it,” said McIlrath, who explained earlier that the band had to relearn some of the tracks. “It was a great idea six months ago, not as great of an idea a month ago when we were all like, ‘Holy shit, that’s a lot of songs.’ But fuck it. We’re gonna do it. Every song you hear tonight we’re not going to play tomorrow night or the next night.”
Fans clearly appreciated the effort as cheers roared across the audience. This once-in-a-lifetime setlist included a live debut of “Bridges,” “This Is Letting Go,” “Prayer of the Refugee,” “Entertainment” – which hasn’t been played since 2011 – and more.
The Bollweevils perform at Metro in Chicago on March 30, 2023.
The Bollweevils were on hand to open-up night one – Smoking Popes and Kali Masi will serve as support on nights two and three, respectively – and vocalist Daryl Wilson took time out to revel in what was for him, and many in the crowd, a full circle moment.
“We played this place at the ninth gala anniversary, way back in 1991, opening up for Naked Raygun on this stage. That was instrumental in making us a band, making us become who we are,” he said joking about how, after a temporary ban, they continued to return to the Metro stage time and time again. “We got to come back and play with Rise Against on their 10-year anniversary. Now, we’re back again playing for the 40th anniversary of the Metro with Rise Against. So we’ve come full circle.”
Check out photos from Rise Against’s March 30 performance below and get ready for two completely new setlists when they continue the Alive & Well residency at Metro on March 31 and April 1. Click here to check-out a list of upcoming shows at Metro and more information about Rise Against can be found at Riseagainst.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
