Delicate Steve is the stage name of musician Steve Marion. Tonight, he opens with “Baby” from his latest album, 2024’s Delicate Steve Sings. This song is fresh and keeps the audience fully entranced. No words are needed. Like classical music, the emotion is in the notes.

His musical talent matches that of Joe Satriani, another instrumental rock guitarist. See our review of Satriani’s 2022 performance at the Chicago theatre here.

Throughout the show, Steve doesn’t say much beyond “Hi Chicago”. He lets the music do the talking.

Midway into the set, he plays his cover of “Yesterday” by The Beatles. It sounds absolutely magnificent and definitely fits within his style. 

Later on he plays “Wally Wilder” from his 2012 album, Positive Force. This track sounds amazing. His guitar playing goes along so well with the great electric tones he has created. 

He closes his set with “Butterfly” from his 2011 debut album, Wondervisions. The audience is ecstatic to hear this one.   

In the middle of the last song, he transitions into a cover of “Benny and The Jets” by Elton John. Since he doesn’t sing, the audience sings the words! The crowd was very exuberant all night long and he surely made some new fans on this evening.

Cost of a ticket: $30

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It +

Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Half Price > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Quinn Delaney

See the full setlist here.