Chicago live music

Pop Shows in Chicago

Live pop events across Chicago-area venues on RUE. Listings come from venue calendars — open a show for tickets and details.

Upcoming events

Salt Shed·Bucktown

93XRT Winter Jam Presents - Ratboys w/ special guests Friko and Florry

Despite its title, Ratboys? new album Singin? to an Empty Chair is not defined by what?s missing. Rather, it?s the beginning of an important dialogue with a close loved one vocalist Julia Steiner finds herself estranged from. The music on the band?s sixth studio album ? its first for New West Records ? fills the space that person left behind with 11 songs showcasing Ratboys at the peak of their powers ? twangy, effervescent, as confident as they?ve ever been, and perhaps more emotionally interrogative than ever before. The four-piece Chicago band followed up 2023?s highly acclaimed The Window by reconvening with co-producer Chris Walla to begin tracking at a rural Wisconsin cabin before taking the songs to Steve Albini?s famed Electrical Audio studios in Chicago and later to Rosebud Studio in Evanston, Illinois.

Folk / RootsPopRock
Dec 19
7:30 PM
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Joe's Live Rosemont·Lincoln Park

Mike and Joe

Mike & Joe is a modern rock cover band widely regarded by its audiences, and peers as one of the best sounding cover bands in the nation. The bulk of the setlist includes popular rock from the 90s through today with a solid chunk of songs from the 80s, 70's and even some 60s. Their aim is not just to entertain with infectious energy and crowd interaction, but to create a true concert experience. .. a living, breathing rock show. .. with the benefit of countless hits that audiences can dance and sing along with while feeling like they are at the original artist's show. Mike and Joe has played more than 4,000 shows for clients worldwide – From Chicago arenas, to Boston conference centers, to Florida beaches, to Hollywood movie sets, to national historic landmarks, to Super Bowl Events, to international resorts in Costa Rica and Mexico, to Lake Michigan Cruises, to private events for professional sports teams of the NFL, MLB, and NHL. .. They've seen it all! Some Artists Mike & Joe cover: Maroon 5 • Morgan Wallen • Goo Goo Dolls • U2 • Blink 182 • Fleetwood Mac • Justin Timberlake • Third Eye Blind • The Killers • Sublime • Dave Matthews Band • Eric Church • Keith Urban • The Eagles • Jimmy Eat World • Foo Fighters • The Cure • Tears For Fears • Fallout Boy • Pearl Jam • and more!

Pop
Dec 19
8:30 PM
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Garcia's Chicago·West Loop

Relix Presents: An Intimate Evening with Moe.

Event features a General Admission Dance Pit in front of the stage open to all! All sales are final, no refunds/exchanges permitted, but tickets may be transferred through your TM Account. Garcia's is fully ADA compliant featuring wheelchair lifts and ramps between the various levels of the venue, assisted listening devices upon request, and allows official service animals.

RockPopFolk / Roots
Dec 20
7:00 PM
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Garcia's Chicago·West Loop

G. Love & Special Sauce

G. Love is excited to offer the Pre-Show Pop Off VIP Meet & Greet option. This is an ALL REQUEST storytellers solo acoustic performance by G. Love and a one of a kind merch package. Includes one General Admission ticket, early entry (time TBD), Q&A and photo opportunity with G. Love, a VIP laminate, an exclusive VIP poster, and early access to the merch booth. Supply of these tickets is limited! Event features a General Admission Dance Pit in front of the stage! All sales are final, no refunds/exchanges permitted, but tickets may be transferred through your TM Account. Garcia's is fully ADA compliant featuring wheelchair lifts and ramps between the various levels of the venue, assisted listening devices upon request, and allows official service animals.

RockPop
Jan 8
8:00 PM
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Thalia Hall·Pilsen

Anna von Hausswolff presented by Thalia Hall and Empty Bottle

Anna von Hausswolff is a Swedish musician and composer whose work carves out space for the celestial and the transcendent to enter into the modern world. Following her breakthrough album, Ceremony (2012), von Hausswolffs subsequent releases quickly cemented her as an artist of unpredictable and vast creativity, always moving forward, always melding tradition with experimentation in unimaginable ways. Taking the pipe organ, with its ancient whirring character, as her instrument of choice, von Hausswolfs sound has long played with the ethereal qualities of breath: of taking in, holding, and releasing it. This sometimes takes the form of colossal, doom-laden rock songs, and at other times, as intimate organpieces. On ICONOCLASTS, her sound evolves again, bringing a poppier and more vibrant element to her moving songs. ICONOCLASTS is von Hausswolfs sixth LP, and her debut release on Swedish record label YEAR 0001. Produced by von Hausswolf and longtime collaborator Filip Leyman, it is an opus of stirring movement, anthemic ritualism, and maximalist composition, marking a new chapter in von Hausswolffs music and featuring appearances from Ethel Cain, Abul Mogard, Iggy Pop and Maria von Hausswolf.ICONOCLASTS begins with brass heralding out, beckoning listeners into the boundless story that is about to unfold. Before long, von Hausswolfs first beaming vocals ring out: I came to take you back to where you came from, but thats not what you want. From this, the groundwork is set for an album of blistering, mounting tension and hard-fought, euphoric release. Addressing themes of love, freedom, and autonomy, its title, ICONOCLASTS, hints at a shattering and reimagining of the sacred personal symbols that bubble under the surface of contemporary life: commitment, time, dependency, and belief.In this pursuit, von Hausswolff chooses Atlashe who carries the worlds weight upon his shouldersas a sympathetic character. How does one find the strength to prevent collapsing in these trying moments? For von Hausswolff, it is the pursuit of the divine. She finds inspiration in the fears and contradictions that arise when one is faced with monolithic power structures and concepts. The songs on ICONOCLASTS transform these uncertain feelings into kindling for the creation of sonic bonfires of immense scale. Von Hausswolff sows her songs in the borderlands between the gargantuan and the intimate, and it is the ashes of these demolished symbols that fertilise its grounds for new possibilities.Stripping back the metallic qualities that have characterised her sound, on ICONOCLASTS, von Hausswolff breaks open the gates into a warm sound world, rich in organic, gleaming potentials. Between echoing drums, murmuring organs, and reverberating guitars, von Hausswolff herself becomes one figure in this fluttering aural space. On ICONOCLASTS, her ensemble is expanded to include the virtuoso saxophonist Otis Sandsj, who brings his swirling saxophone trills to the core of the record. With a magnetic power, her voice pulls the listener closer, offering glimpses into an emotive world of secrets and madness, of heartbreak and desire, of beauty and life. Although pushing towards new sonic territory, ICONOCLASTS features all of the signature qualities of a von Hausswolff release: mammoth intensity, crystalline iridescence, and lustrous dynamism

RockPopFolk / Roots
Jan 15
8:00 PM
Empty Bottle·Ukrainian Village

*MOVED TO THALIA HALL* Anna von Hausswolff

Doors: 8PM / Show: 9PM / 21+ Anna von Hausswolff is a Swedish musician and composer whose work carves out space for the celestialand the transcendent to enter into the modern world. Following her breakthrough album,Ceremony(2012), von Hausswolffs subsequent releases quickly cemented her as an artist of unpredictable and vastcreativity, always moving forward, always melding tradition with experimentation in unimaginable ways.Taking the pipe organ, with its ancient whirringcharacter, as her instrument of choice, von Hausswolfssound has long played with the ethereal qualities of breath: of taking in, holding, and releasing it. Thissometimes takes the form of colossal, doom-laden rock songs, and at other times, as intimate organpieces. OnICONOCLASTS, her sound evolves again, bringing a poppier and more vibrant element to hermoving songs.ICONOCLASTSis von Hausswolfs sixth LP, and her debut release on Swedish recordlabel YEAR0001. Produced by von Hausswolf and longtime collaborator Filip Leyman, it is an opus ofstirring movement, anthemic ritualism, and maximalist composition, marking a new chapterin vonHausswolffs music and featuring appearances from Ethel Cain, Abul Mogard, Iggy Pop and Maria vonHausswolf.

RockPopFolk / Roots
Jan 15
9:00 PM
Price TBADetails →
Bottom Lounge·West Loop

Boys of Fall, Wolf Rd, Gold Steps

In an effort to mitigate scalping, Bottom Lounge does not certify any secondary ticket sales via third parties and is not responsible for fraudulent ticket sales on third party websites. Please be mindful of scammers. Tickets for this event will be sent on a delay (extra time is required to process and confirm all orders), but you'll always receive your tickets in time for your event. If you have not received your tickets one day before your event, be sure to let TicketWeb know.

RockPopMetal
Jan 22
7:00 PM
Thalia Hall·Pilsen

Ibeyi

I dont make spells anymore; now I make offerings.What does it mean to let go and return to yourself? This is what Offering asks, the latest album from Ibeyi. Coming four years after their third album, Spell31, the French-Cuban twins bring you on a journey of rediscovery, an evolution of sound and self. Offering is an invitation to release.Now, 12 years after their breakthrough EP Oya, Ibeyi are less interested in seeking validation; they are robust in their convictions and their art. Offering also marks Ibeyis first project since going independent, working with a number of new producers, with Naomi Diaz and Lisa-Kiand Diaz also handing over the reins of percussion and piano to a host of talented musicians.The Ibeyi stamp is still present, building on their previous EP and three albums that gained them global recognition, singing in English, French, Spanish and Yoruba alongside their enchanting vocals. And now, in Offering, we traverse through a kaleidoscope of thumping percussion and heavy bases, to subtle incantations and delicate harmonies.Through their visuals, Ibeyi invites audiences into a part of their world they have never shared before: Cuba. All shot on location in Havana, and working with local artists, musicians and their community, Offerings visuals are the manifestation of their homecoming.Grounded in the future, their latest project is a hopeful revolution of self, representing a vulnerability that can only come with growing older, accepting failure and passing through it.- Niellah Arboine

FreeElectronicPop
Feb 2
8:00 PM

Bad Suns Disappear Here: A Ten Year Celebration

Doors open at 7PM. Performance begins at 8PM. This show is for AGES 17 AND OLDER. Valid Photo ID is required for age restricted shows. Forms of valid ID are current and non-expired Driver's License, State ID, or Passport. House of Blues Chicago is a standing room only venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. *All support acts are subject to change without notice.* Upgrade Your Experience: https://www.sevenrooms.com/events/hobchicago/hobwebsite

RockPop
Feb 4
7:00 PM
Price TBADetails →

Stella Lefty: Long Way Home Tour

Doors @ 7PM, Performance @ 8PM This is an ALL AGES event. Aragon Ballroom is a standing room only venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. There is NO re-entry. https://www.aragonballroomchicago.com/

PopFolk / RootsRock
Feb 20
8:00 PM
Price TBADetails →

Alan Walker

Doors @ 5PM, Performance @ 6PM This is an ALL AGES event. Aragon Ballroom is a standing room only venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. There is NO re-entry. https://www.aragonballroomchicago.com/

ElectronicWorldPop
Feb 26
6:00 PM
Price TBADetails →
SPACE·Evanston

Brendan James

An American Singer-Songwriter signed to Capitol Records at age 25, Universal Records at 28, James has collaborated or toured with the likes of John Mayer, John Legend, Cat Stevens, Carly Simon, Keb Mo, and Andy Grammar, and his songs have been placed in over 15 major television shows and films worldwide. Writing songs on the topics of love, optimism, political enlightenment, simplifying, self-empowerment, wanderlust, and adventuring aimlessly through the natural world, James has left no stone unturned in his six studio albums to date. His performances are chock full of stories and fresh perspectives that seem to leave his crowds wanting more every time.

FreeRockPop
Mar 8
7:30 PM
Joe's Live Rosemont·Lincoln Park

Show Impulse Presents: Misha Miller – 13:13 Tour

This is an outside promoter show, for any questions or to book a table or suite, please reach out to 347-403-4985. Misha Miller on her first-ever USA tour 13:13 The viral sensation behind the global smash hit "Bam Bam" is coming to the United States for the very first time. One of Eastern Europe's fastest-rising pop stars, Misha Miller will bring her electrifying live show across six major cities in March 2027, giving fans the chance to experience the artist whose music has captivated millions worldwide. Blending the irresistible nostalgia of the early 2000s with modern pop, dance, and R&B influences, Misha Miller has become one of the most streamed and talked-about artists of her generation. Her breakthrough hit "Bam Bam" exploded across TikTok, reached the Global Top 10 Viral Sounds, entered YouTube Trending charts in more than 20 countries, and climbed to the Top 10 of the Shazam Global Chart. You can expect an unforgettable night featuring "Bam Bam," "Un Minut," "Don't Leave (Kylie)," and other fan favorites, delivered with the energy, charisma, and powerful vocals that have made Misha Miller one of the most influential new voices in European pop music. Don't miss the chance to witness one of Europe's most exciting artists live on her debut North American tour.

Pop
Mar 13
8:00 PM
Price TBADetails →
Empty Bottle·Ukrainian Village

The Lemonheads

Doors: 8PM / Show: 9PM / 21+ The Lemonheads returned in 2025 with Love Chant (out via Fire Records, October 24th), their first studio album in nearly two decades - a bold, melodic reaffirmation of Evan Dando's singular songwriting voice. Written across continents and recorded primarily in São Paulo, Brazil, where Dando now resides, Love Chant finds the frontman reconnecting with longtime collaborators while introducing new creative voices. It's a record of fresh starts and familiar sounds - emotionally raw, melodically rich, and unmistakably Lemonheads. The new album features contributions from J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr), Juliana Hatfield, Tom Morgan, Bryce Goggin, Erin Rae, and Nick Saloman of The Bevis Frond. It's a diverse but coherent work - from the full-throttle hooks of , "rdquo" -> Deep End" to the spectral softness of , "rdquo" -> The Key Of Victory," and the Modern Lovers-like drive of the title track. Co-released alongside Dando's forthcoming memoir Rumours Of My Demise (via Faber, November 6th), Love Chant marks both a return and a reckoning - the sound of an artist who's lived, lost, and located the thread once again. Formed in Boston in 1986, The Lemonheads have long thrived on that intersection between chaos and charm. With a revolving cast built around Dando's melodic instincts and ragged charisma, their early punk roots were forged across three scrappy albums on local label Taang! before signing to Atlantic Records and releasing 1990's Lovey. It was on tour for that record in Australia where Dando connected with Tom Morgan and future bandmate Nic Dalton - a meeting that reshaped the band's songwriting and sound.

FreeRockPop
Mar 20
9:00 PM
Salt Shed·Bucktown

Beirut

Since his acclaimed 2006 debut Gulag Orkestar, Condon has continually woven indie-folk, orchestral pop, and global influences into music shaped by wanderlust and introspection. Following the atmospheric Hadsel (2023), recorded on a remote Norwegian island, A Study of Losses continues Beirut?s evolution through an exploration of places and histories that have vanished, and what remains after they are gone. Across nearly two decades, Beirut has maintained a distinctive balance between nostalgia and reinvention?an ever-shifting reflection of places, people, and the passage of time. The 2027 North American tour marks a long-awaited return to the region and a new chapter for one of indie music?s most singular voices.

RockPopFolk / Roots
Apr 10
8:00 PM
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Salt Shed·Bucktown

Nothing But Thieves: The Stray Dogs World Tour

Marking a decade of Nothing But Thieves last year, with four albums, billions of streams, thousands of worldwide live shows and a global dedicated fanbase, the Southend five-piece make their musical return launching their next chapter with euphoric new single ?Evolution? With an ever-evolving world-building approach both musically and visually, Nothing But Thieves returned to their roots ? literally and thematically - during their recent time in the studio, recording at Angelic Studios where they made their debut record, looking back to how they began with a DIY spirit rooted in authenticity. With an adept ability to experiment between the genres that influence them as a band, the elated and fast-paced track combines soaring vocals and energetic guitars into a communal anthem that is uniquely and brilliantly Nothing But Thieves.

RockPop
Apr 12
7:30 PM
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Crush40: Speed Of Sound World Tour

Doors open at 6PM. Performance begins at 7PM. This show is for ALL AGES. House of Blues Chicago is a standing room only venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. *All support acts are subject to change without notice.* Upgrade Your Experience: https://www.sevenrooms.com/events/hobchicago/hobwebsite

RockPop
Apr 14
6:00 PM
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Thalia Hall·Pilsen

Foy Vance World Tour: Celebrating "The Wake" And The Songs of "If" with Bonnie Bishop and Ryan McMullan

$1 per ticket goes to HER Campaign: https://hercampaign.org/about/The seventh album from Foy Vance, The Wake marks the completion of a decades-long journey defined by tireless soul-searching and life-altering revelation. While playing a gig on the Spanish island of Lanzarote in January 1999, the Northern Ireland-born singer/songwriter experienced a moment of unprecedented transcendence onstage, then learned the next morning that his father had suffered a fatal heart attack that very night. Overcome by grief and a galvanizing clarity, Vance immediately resolved to create seven albums informed by the loss of his fathera traveling preacher who moved their family to the American South when Vance was a baby, and set him on his lifes path by teaching him to play guitar early in his childhood. At turns devastating and ecstatic and wildly illuminating, The Wake reveals an artist highly attuned to the task of preserving the human spirit in an often-unforgiving world.Produced by Ethan Johns (the Brit Award-winning producer known for his work with Paul McCartney, Ray LaMontagne, and more), The Wake brings Vances gritty vocal work to a potent convergence of folk and soul and Southern blues, instilling every moment with an unbridled vitality. In his intimate exploration of the human condition, the Scotland-based artist muses on matters both intensely personal (e.g., fatherhood, heartbreak) and wholly existential (the slippery essence of time, the looming crisis of AIs unchecked ascent). The final volume in a run of albums that began with his 2007 debut Hopeand also includes standouts like 2016s The Wild Swan (executive-produced by Elton John), 2019s From Muscle Shoals and To Memphis (recorded at the historic FAME Studios and Sam Phillips Recordings Studios, respectively), and 2021s Signs of Life (partly made at Vances home in the Scottish Highlands)the result is the purest distillation yet of his truly singular artistry, imparting a defiant joy into songs of longing and loss and hard-won acceptance.

FreeFolk / RootsRock
Apr 17
7:00 PM
Garcia's Chicago·West Loop

Henge

Event features a General Admission Dance Pit in front of the stage! All sales are final, no refunds/exchanges permitted, but tickets may be transferred through your TM Account. Garcia's is fully ADA compliant featuring wheelchair lifts and ramps between the various levels of the venue, assisted listening devices upon request, and allows official service animals. Premium Table seating is located closest to the stage offering the most intimate music experience for guests and includes table service. Reserved Table seating is located on our main floor, behind the Premium section, and also includes table service. Both Premium and Reserved table seating is cabaret style which means you may be sitting with other fans. Private Booths are available and depending on the booth seats 1 to 4, 5, or 6 guests. General Admission/Standing Room is located around the sides of the room on an elevated level for quality viewing and easy bar access.

RockPopElectronic
May 4
8:00 PM
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