This post features two concert reviews of the same band. Two different shows, coming 5 weeks apart from each other. The first was an epic aftershow capping off an excellent Lollapalooza experience in Chicago. The other was an arena rock show right down the road at USF. The end results were both superb. This post is all about - Fitz and the Tantrums.
I caught Fitz earlier this year at GovBall and they blew me away. Their modern day soul-pop energy was outstanding, and I was super lucky have a spot in the second row in a crowd of 20,000+. After that it was a no-brainer to instantly buy tickets for their Lolla Aftershow at The Metro on August 4th.
Tickets for that Aftershow were extremely hard to come by. The Metro itself is a venue way too small for a band that's had two number 1 singles this year. The demand was also escalated because Chicago specifically helped get Fitz their start. The Metro has always been special to Fitz, and a Sunday Aftershow during Lolla weekend is the last chance fans have to see festival artists for the year. Basically, the crowd was buzzing for them to come on stage.
Almost entirely opposite of the crowd of the Metro, was the crowd at USF. Taking place on a Wednesday night, Fitz found themselves playing a venue way too big for them. The USF Sundome holds 10,400 people and the arena didn't even appear to be half full. The fans there didn't even seem to be too devoted. I sure was worried when I arrived after the opener had already finished and I was easily able to walk to the third row, practically center stage.
Much to my enjoyment though, my doubts were quickly silenced. Michael Fitzpatrick and his backing band jogged out on stage and played a rousing "Get Away" to open, straight into 2012 hit "Don't Gotta Work it Out." Even after the house lights were illuminated and you could see some empty seats, the band seemed unphased by it. They actually commented multiple times on the crowd and thanked fans for coming out and supporting live music on a weeknight.
In general, Fitzpatrick and co-singer Noelle Scaggs moved pretty quickly. They wasted little time between songs and performed majority of their tunes off their 2nd album - More Than Just a Dream. Prior to seeing the band live, I did not realize how strong this album is. It's full of toe tapping, modern-day soul songs; much deeper than the two radio singles that have put it on the map.
While the music was great, part of the energetic atmosphere was caused by the back and forth banter with Fitz and Scaggs. The pair worked off each other exceptionally well, igniting the crowd with their dance moves and charisma. I also must give credit to saxophone player James King who stirred up multiple ovations with his solos.
With all due respect the the Sundome show though, I must say that the concert at The Metro was better. It was almost inevitable since the Metro is so much smaller and more intimate. It felt like the band was practically on top of you with the high stage and no security separating it from the crowd. In this case, venue capacity and the Chicago crowd gives the slight edge to the August 4th show.
But both concerts were great! I have to add that my personal favorite moment of both nights was when the group played their biggest hit off their first album - "Moneygrabber." Fitz grooves to this one and even asks the crowd to crouch down to the floor after explaining that 'Fitz and the Tantrums' likes to get down. Having the entire audience jump up in time for the final chorus is a standout moment from the 2014 concert season.
The important thing to take away from these shows? Whether it's an intimate club or a large arena, Fitz still delivered. They did not let the audience play into their performance in a negative way. That's what you have to do to be a great live band. So thank you Fitz. Well done.
Fitz at the Metro Concert Review: 4 Stars
Fitz at USF 'Sundome' Review: 3.5 Stars
Setlist:
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(Eurythmics cover)
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- Encore:
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