The Disco Biscuits kicked off their New Year’s Eve run in Chicago with two nights of jam packed sets, arguably their best shows in Chicago to date.

The Bisco weekend took over Chicago at the Concord Music Hall, and tickets for the 2-night run went fast, with the Saturday show selling out. Although the venue gets backlash for harsh security, the intimate setting allows concert-goers to see the stage at all angles. Modern Measure, a DJ and drum duo opened on Friday night, while Cosby Sweater pleased the crowd beforehand on Saturday. 

Jon Gutwillig began the show strumming the recognizable blues-y tune, “Barfly,” which showcased a plethora of smiles from fans. The crowd sang along with fan favorites, “King of the World” and “Rock Candy” before the songs ventured into “Bombs > Mr. Don” to end the first set.  The fairly small venue makes the light production take over the entire room, and they did not disappoint with the colorful array of beams that covered the crowd like a ceiling.

The second set of Friday night rocked the Concord, featuring an amazing setlist with lots to love; a long intro into “Caterpillar” that transformed into “Minions” and back, as well as the return of “Shadow,” which fans were stoked about. “Shem Rah Boo” ended the set, which fit well since it can sound off-base when played mid-set. The band came back on stage to play “Hope” before closing out night one. 

 

Fortunately, limited tickets were released the morning of Saturday’s sold-out show, so people who waited last minute could get the chance to get down to some Biscuits. 

They opened Saturday night with “The Tunnel,” to the delight of hardcore tDB fans. They brought the holiday spirit back with a unique cover of Tchaikovsky‘s “Sugar Plum Fairies” from The Nutcracker, which has become a staple of these holiday/New Year’s run shows over the years.

The Biscuits took it to the next level with a palindrome second set, starting with “Digital Buddha.” “Svenghali” was next, then “Crickets” creeped in between “Munchkin Invasion.” The beauty of this set was the sequence of songs leading into one another, and perfectly jamming back to where it all started. They closed out Chicago with a stunning encore of “Mulberry’s Dream”, a perfect ending to one of the best Biscuits shows Chicago has seen to date.

The band and fans both agreed that the two nights were the best they played in awhile, and their 2014 vibe of performing unforgettable shows looks promising for their 3-night run in New York City at the Best Buy Theater (which begins tonight).

The Disco Biscuits will play three sets on New Year’s Eve, and if they are anything like they were in Chicago, get ready for a mind-blowing night. Tickets are still available for the 29th and 30th shows. PURCHASE TIX HERE!

– Allison Matyus

[all photos courtesy of Dave Vann & The Disco Biscuits – for a full gallery CLICK HERE]

 

Setlist

12.26.14
I: Barfly, King of the World > Rock Candy > Bombs > Mr. Don
II Caterpillar > Minions > Caterpillar, the Very Moon > Shem-Rah Boo > Shadow > Shem-Rah Boo
Encore: Hope

12.27.14
I: The Tunnel, Little Shimmy in a Conga Line > Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies > Story of the World > Little Shimmy in a Conga Line, Shelby Rose
II: Digital Buddha > Svenghali > Crickets > Munchkin Invasion > Crickets > Svenghali > Digital Buddha
Encore: Mulberry’s Dream

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