Fitz & the Tantrums, Riviera Theatre, Chicago, Illinois

On a relatively warm but rainy night for Chicago in late November, the line for the second sold out night of Fitz & the Tantrums was out the door even 30 minutes after they opened. Despite opting to wait out the line to dissipate, at least somewhat, we still able to find a spot in the back center of the lowest tier. Unlike a few other shows at the Riviera Theatre, it was still reasonably comfortable when Fitz and the Tantrums took the stage around 10pm.

The band consists of Michael Fitzpatrick (lead vocals), Noelle Scaggs (co-Lead vocals and percussion), James King (saxophone, flute, keyboard, percussion and guitar), Joseph Karnes (bass guitar), Jeremy Ruzumna (keyboards) and John Wicks (drums and percussion). I had seen the soul-influenced, indie pop band once or twice before at musical festivals, but this would be my first time in a club, comprised on only their fans. Better that atmosphere and the fact that it was their last night of their fall tour, they doubled down on the high energy they’re known to bring. Their set up included fairly standard lights and lasers with a large light up heart as the backdrop, the cover art of their most recent album, More Than Just a Dream (2013). Fans and the band would make that heart symbol with their hands.

Their set included most of the songs from Pickin' Up the Pieces (2010) and nearly all those from More Than Just a Dream. It also show included a few elements to further engage the audience. When we arrived, theatre staff were handing out bracelets that would illuminate on impact. When everyone would clap their hands above their heads, the room was illuminated. Towards the end of the show, everyone was also asked/commanded to squat down and then jump up in unison. They also rained confetti down on the audience twice, and the end of the main set and then at the end of the show.

Setlist:
Get Away
Don't Gotta Work It Out
Break the Walls
Breakin' the Chains of Love
Keepin' Our Eyes Out
Spark
MerryGoRound
Winds of Change
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) [Eurythmics cover]
Out of My League
House on Fire
Fools Gold
Last Raindrop
6am
Tell Me What Ya Here For
L.O.V.
Encore:
Tighter
MoneyGrabber
The Walker