Barenaked Ladies – Last Summer on Earth Tour
Chicago – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
June 6, 2023
With:
Subsonic
Del Amitri
Concert review and photos by Roman Sobus
Canadian rockers Barenaked Ladies brought their “Last Summer on Earth” tour to Chicago Tuesday evening. The band took the stage almost a year since their last visit, running through a 20 song, almost ninety minute set to the delight of attendees. Opening with “Matter of Time”, It’s all Been Done”, “ Roll Out” and Brian Wilson”. They rounded out the evening with “If I Had a $100000” and the “Big Bang Theory” theme.
While not quite a sellout, Barenaked Ladies drew a solid and enthusiastic crowd. Guitarist and lead vocalist Ed Robertson connected with the crowd, feeling right at home on the shore of Lake Michigan within eyesight and just several blocks from Soldier Field where thousands of disappointed Taylor Swift fans camped out unable to purchase tickets. Referencing the past weekend’s events, Robertson joked “the main difference between Taylor Swift tour and us is that there are tickets still available for this tour!” Bassist Jim Creeggan stayed front and center with Robertson while Kevin Hearn (keys) and drummer Tyler Stewart kept it smooth as one would expect from seasoned musicians.
Last Summer on Earth might have been a bit of a mischaracterization since temperatures dropped into the 60s and a stiff breeze off the lake made it feel far chillier than that. Hoodies quickly sold out at the merchandise stands, snapped up by those unprepared for the lakefront’s fickle conditions! The coffee stands did brisk business with very long lines most of the evening, most likely at some cost of alcohol sales.
Supporting this tour were Subsonic and Del Amitri. Both are amazing bands that put in solid performances despite not having toured in the United states in a very long time. Both were a first time seeing live for me.
Semisonics’s “All about the Chemistry” was the highlight for me from their ten song set.
Hailing from Scotland, Del Amitri was another first time live for me and are seriously underrated here in the States. Their ten song set included “Driving With the Brakes On” and “Always Last to Know”. I hope we will be seeing them on a more regular basis.
This was one of those shows that I was truly happy to have experienced. Three really good bands that make a connection with their fans, keep them singing along and dancing in the aisles. Chill music at its best!
