Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
Chicago knew they were in for a treat the moment it was announced that Europe and Black Star Riders were coming to the House of Blues as part of their co-headlining tour, and they were certainly not disappointed. Black Star Riders came out and set the tone for what was going to become a night of classic rock. They are currently touring to support their new album “The Killer Instinct” but mixed in some Thin Lizzy classics, such as “The Boys Are Back in Town” and “Jailbreak”, much to the delight of the crowd. The Chicago crowd sang passionately along with the songs both old and new, and it was clear to see the Black Star Riders’ boys were feeding off their energy. Their 9 song set clearly left the audience wanting for more. It might have been short and sweet but it certainly did not disappoint. Out of those members of the crowd who were there to see Europe, it’s fair to say that a lot of them would have been adding Black Star Riders to their playlists after that show.
With big shoes to fill after the energy filled opening set, Joey Tempest and the Europe boys took to the stage, and continued the rock fest from where it Black Star Riders had left it. After waiting 10 years for Europe to return to Chicago, the crowd and band were clearly up for it. Joey’s energetic mic stand thrusting did not stop from beginning to end. The front rows were clearly loving the attention Joey was paying them as he grabbed hands and reached his guitar out to them. This tour was in support of their new album, “War of Kings” but it wouldn’t have been a true Europe show without them embracing their hair metal past along the way. There were no dips in their performance at all, right up to the final song – the one everyone was waiting for, of course it had to be “The Final Countdown”, a song that will forever be popular with all 80s rock fans. It was a wonder you could hear the band at all with the pure volume of everyone singing along and pumping their fists in the air.
A great night was clearly had by all, which was evident with how exhausted the Chicago crowd looked as they walked out the door, hoping it wouldn’t be another 10 years before they come back. It might not have been a hot night in Chicago when they first walked into the House of Blues, but it certainly was when they walked out.
Check out our photo gallery for Black Star Riders here.
Check out our photo gallery for Europe here.
