Arcade Fire swung through Chicago for two nights on August 26th and 27th before finishing up their lengthy worldwide Reflektor tour in their hometown of Montreal a few nights later. Both nights the crowd was in excellent spirits and many arrived wearing costumes and formal wear, as requested by the band. From sparkling ball gowns to skeleton body suits, from masquerade masks to frog costumes, from Kenny f**king Powers to Scuba Steve, the United Center was a visual feast.
Devo opened the evening with a solid set highlighting some of their post-punk/synthpop hits as well as their trademark de-evolution performance antics. Dan Deacon, whose stage was set up in the middle of the arena, followed by entertaining the crowd with his unique experimental electronic music. As is his custom, he curated an interactive dance party by calling upon members of the crowd to initiate audience participation. The results were entertaining, to say the least.
Arcade Fire hit the stage immediately following Dan Deacon’s dance party and completely electrified, thus dispelling any uncertainties about whether or not they could hold their own as an arena band. They absolutely can—but if I’m being honest I’d forever prefer to see them in more intimate settings, simply because there’s so much to see.
Now a 12-person act, Arcade Fire members are constantly switching from one instrument to the next, showcasing their talented skill and musicianship. They do this seamlessly and professionally—they’re a well-oiled machine at this point—but somehow their shows still feel organic and spontaneous. They’re also masters of maintaining a high energy level on stage, and it’s infectious.
The highlight of both nights for me was when Arcade Fire called Chicago’s own soul legend, Mavis Staples, onto the stage to encore with them at their second show. Yes, there were streamers, bobbleheads, interpretive dancers, pieces of mirrors used as props to reflect light, and balloons, but none of that compared to Arcade Fire and Mavis Staples covering The Staple Singers’ “This May Be The Last Time” which then morphed into The Rolling Stones’ “The Last Time.” To watch footage of it, head here.
Arcade Fire is probably one of the biggest names to come out of the indie rock scene in recent years and their popularity only continues to grow. They are reaching new crowds and playing larger venues now, but they’re still putting their hearts into every note, every lyric. Even in the United Center, in a room filled with more than 20,000 people, they found a way to connect with every, single person there.
DEVO
