For Guster, who have been a band since 1991, their tour schedule is all about quality of life. They haven’t played a full band show in 274 days (Since September 25th). Also, if they are going to travel to Chicago, they want to play a few other nearby shows as a warmup. Their management adds on Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Paw Paw, Michigan, after their Chicago show! It’s this type of banterand charm on stage that makes a Guster live show so great. It’s a celebration of music with the audience, not at the audience.
Gallagher Way is packed tonight. Guster immediately gets everyone dancing around early with “Satellite” from their 2006 album, Ganging up on the Sun. It’s their most popular track on Spotify with over 50 million streams. “You’re my satellite / You’re riding with me tonight / Passenger side, lighting the sky / Always the first star that I find”.
On “Barrel Of A Gun”, Brian Rosenworcel (Thunderhands) is a frenzy of fingers, sweat, and bongos. He’s the strong beating heart of the band and it’s an absolute joy to watch him perform.
The whole band is smiling as they play “Come Downstairs and Say Hello.” The whole crowd dances and sings along, “tomorrow I start in a new direction!”
For the encore, they return in Cubs jerseys with their last names and 26 (for the year) on the back. They close with “Happier” from their 1999 album, Lost and Gone Forever. Ryan Miller sings “So go on / If this will make you happier /It got you this far / Do what you have to”.
Guster isn’t coasting on their laurels. They continue to evolve and play fantastic live shows. Catch them on tour now and check out their new album, Ooh La La!
See the full setlist here.
Cost of a ticket: $64
PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Good Value +
Rating Scale: Exceptional > Good Value > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother
Quinn Delaney
PlaylistHQ 