SKILLET – THE AFTERMATH TOUR at Chicago’s House of Blues, With special guests ADELITAS WAY and EVA UNDER FIRE

Written By | Jason Vega

Skillet started their tour off with a Bang! Making the first stop of their tour in Chicago this past Sunday; Skillet left us all wanting more. Christian hard rock group Skillet celebrates 25 years with their Aftermath tour. Accompanied by special guests Adelitas Way and Eva Under Fire; the three bands came together to give us the Holy Trinity of hard rock. Opening acts Adelitas Way and Eva Under Fire had fans screaming, jumping, and hyped for Skillet.

See more photos of Eva Under Fire HERE

First up was Eva Under Fire who had everyone going from 0-100 in no time. Amanda Lyberg delivered the performance of a lifetime. Completely owning the stage and showing the fans what it means to be a rockstar. It was hard to focus on just one person. The band works as a whole to captivate the audience; for instance,  Rob Ryberg and Chris Slapnik shared the spotlight absolutely shredding on the guitar. Their presence onstage perfectly complements that of Lyberg’s. All members of the band sported over-the-top outfits from a Boxer’s robe to a white leather jacket with insane shoulder appliques. Eva Under Fire left the crowd struggling to catch their breath as they eagerly waited for Adelitas Way to take the stage.

See more photos of Adelitas Way HERE

Adelitas Way took the stage at House of Blues and silenced filled the room as guitarist Travis Stanley played a bone-chilling solo to start off their set. Stanley’s playing paired with Rick DeJesus’s powerhouse vocals sent a shockwave through our souls! DeJesus hit some heavenly high notes that were accompanied by an amazing light show. Fans were jumping and headbanging in unison to the flashing lights it was truly mesmerizing to watch. Ending their set with the high energy performance of “Invincible. Fans screamed every word and, you could see their big smiles hiding behind their masks.

See more photos of Skillet HERE

Finally taking the stage was Skillet.  With only their silhouettes visible fans were anticipating that flash of lights that would revile their favorite artist. The venue was filled with the vampy guitar and the crash of drums. Not log after silence filled the room as everyone stood in complete awe. Opening with their hit song “Invincible” off their 2016 album Unleashed Beyond.  Skillet pulled out all the stops. Using lights to accent vocals or drum and bass, moving platforms, and even using cryo cannons to just add wow factor. The use of these stunts was fascinating, however, they did not take away from the pure talent that the band exudes.

Halfway through the set lead singer John Cooper took a moment to remember the lives lost during 9/11. He thanked all past and present first responders for putting their lives on the line and helping others out of the kindness of their hearts. Giving an emotional performance of “Hero” the room was overflowing with love and kindness and many tears were shed. the band played some of my personal favorites ” Anchor” , “Stars”, and “Comatose”. Which had everyone going absolutely crazy. As the night came to an end Skillet closed with “Rebirthing” and “Resistance”.

To wrap everything up the stage presence of these artists is on a whole other level. not only that the love they have for their fans and how much appreciation they show for them is truly heartwarming. the fans came through and showed love to each and every one of the bands that played that night I look forward to seeing all three bands return to Chicago in the future.

 

Photo Credit | Jason Vega