AMPED ALL SEASON WITH LEGACY ICONS
The HOT list of today's biggest contemporary artists are on the slate for summer concerts in Chicago. But for this entry, we tuned-in on the Iconic legends, the visionaries, the classics whose music transcends eras and represents the soundtrack of generations.The icons: Universally loved - era-defining, crowd owning, still-setting-the-standard-l-e-g-e-n-d-s!
And they are all coming to Chicago this summer! Here we go!
Mumford & Son at Wrigley Field / June 11
Boot-stomps, banjos, and zero chill—Mumford & Sons turns heartbreak into a full-body singalong at Wrigley Field. What started as London pub energy became a global folk revival, with anthems that hit loud, fast, and a little bit spiritual. Not just a band—more like a collective release. Did you know Lead singer Marcus Mumford is married to Oscar-nominated actress Carey Mulligan? Their love story is literally for the ages - and began long before either of them were famous. The two were actually childhood pen pals through a church camp and lost touch as they grew up. Years later, after both achieved major celebrity status, they were reintroduced by mutual friend, Jake Gyllenhaal and married a year later. It was Kismet! So don't overlook those childhood connections! Book your room, Wrigley is a 15 minute L ride from ACME.
The Human League at The Chicago Theatre / June 23
The highly influential British synth-pop group of the 80's comes to the Chicago Theatre to throw it back for one night only. Known as pioneers of the "Second British Invasion" of the US, The Human League is still recognized as a major influence on electronic music today. Fans will fondly remember their #1 single Don't You Want Me, which topped charts in both the UK and US. They had a second US #1 hit with the song Human in 1986 - As icons of the '80's electronic scene and with over 20 million records sold, they're sure to hit the vibe with fans today. Walk out our front door, turn left, then left and you're about 5 blocks away!
Bob Dylan at Northerly Island / July 8
One of the most renown artists of a century, and known for letting his music speak for him, Bob Dillon distinctively blends folk roots with poetic, often surreal lyrics that feel more like literature than song writing. That might explain his win for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016. Bob Dylan returns to the stage for one night at the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island. There aren't many like him! If you have the chance to see him live, do it - and no, seeing the movie doesn't count!
Rush-fifty-something-tour/">Rush at United Center July 16/19/21/22
According to Ultimate Classic Rock, their name came largely as one of convenience. When the band needed a name for their first gig at a Church basement coffeehouse in 1968, they hadn't yet come up with one. The original drummers' older brother came up with "Rush". And it stuck. Today, the Canadian trio is ranked fifth for the most consecutive gold or platinum albums by a rock band - trailing only The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Kiss, and Aerosmith. . . That's some major rockstar energy right there. See Rush at the United Center July 16, 19, 21, or 22.
Buddy Guy at The Chicago Theatre / July 25
Buddy Guy is described as a towering figure in American Music, widely considered a primary bridge between traditional Chicago blues and modern rock - The True Fire blog said it best - he is known for developing a uniquely aggressive sound characterized by slashing electric guitar riffs, intense distortion, and feedback, which he developed before it became mainstream in rock music. Buddy Guy also owns Buddy Guy's - a south side Blues institution where he has hosted famous musicians like Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones and more. Catch Buddy if you can - The Chicago Theatre is a short walk from ACME.
Foo Fighters at Soldier Field / August 8
Founded by Nirvana drummer, David Grohl, the band took its name from the UFOs and various aerial phenomena that were reported by Allied aircraft pilots in World War II, which were known collectively as foo fighters. And in case you're looking for a Chicago connection - David Grohl went to the Cubby Bear in Chicago when he was just 13 years old to see American punk rock Naked Raygun. It was his very first concert. He and the band returned to play at the Cubby Bear in 2014. Don't miss their big return to Chicago at Soldier Field!
Eric Clapton at United Center / September 11
Best known for his blues-rock style, Clapton rose to become one the most influential artists of all time, winning 18 Grammy Awards, and the only artist inducted into the Hall of Fame three times. Two of Clapton's biggest hits, Grammy winner, "Layla", and "Wonderful Tonight" were written for Pattie Boyd, with whom he was deeply in love, but who was married to his close friend, Beatles guitarist George Harrison. :eyebrows raised: Lucky for Eric, Pattie and Harrison divorced, she married Clapton and they all stayed close friends - No reality TV drama here! . . . Biography: Music and News
ICONIC ARTISTS - ICONIC VENUES
United Center
Home to the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks. Here's a fun fact - When the Chicago Bulls play on the same day or back-to-back with the Blackhawks, the basketball hardware is literally built like a puzzle directly over the Blackhawks ice rink! Seriously? If you decide to take in any event at the United Center, be sure to pop by the the atrium and take a gander at the 17 foot tall Michael Jordan statue in his infamous spread eagle dunk pose. Great Inst opp! United Center is accessible via Uber, lift and taxi from all over the city.
Soldier Field
Soldier Field is the oldest stadium in the NFL and home to the Chicago Bears. It completed a massive removation in 2003 that involved building a brand new contemporary stadium insider the shell of the historic original. You won't find anything like it! It's also known for hosting massive concert events including Ed Sheeran this summer and Taylor Swift in 2023.
The Chicago Theatre
Owned by the same people that own Madison Square Garden, The Chicago Theatre is one of Chicago's most coveted venue - Modeled after the Palace of Versailles and the Paris Opera House, this iconic venue is known for its stunning architecture and intimate setting Did wer mention, the Chicago theatre is around the corner and just blocks from ACME - It's a super easy and scenic walk from ACME.
Wrigley Field
Yes, it's named after the gum. William Wrigley Jr bought the Cubs in 1921 and the stadium officially adopted the name Wrigley Field. It has become so iconic that unlike many other sports venues, the name has never changed. This iconic Chicago Cubs stadium doubles as a concert venue in summer, and has a unique vibe all its own. To experience a concert at Wrigley is like no other. Hop on the Red line from ACME and you're there in 15 minutes.
Northerly Island
Originally constructed in 1925, this site has served as a site for the World's Fair, nature sanctuary, and even a downown airport . Today this beautiful outdoor venue offers a music venue for some of today's biggewt artists and picturesque views of Lake Michigan with the stunning Chicago Skyline as a backdrop.
HERE'S WHAT TO DO NEXT
Now that you've got some inside info, and some tea to share and impress your friends, hit any of the links above to grab your tickets . . .
Once you've booked your tickets, Keep the rock vibes alive and book an encore night or two at ACME. We're known for being artsy and totally into the music sene. Plus we've got The Berkshire Room shaking and stirring those craft cocktails, and good moods right here in our lobby. Perfect for pre-concert or post concert meet-ups!
Make this the summer to talk about all year . . .