O.A.R.
Tour Review & Photos by Mike Danenberg
It was freezing cold, doors didn’t open until 7pm, and fans were roped around the corner waiting for the clock to strike so they could grab their front row spots and escape this horrible Chicago weather. Many had friends run to Starbucks for something warm to drink to beat the blistering cold. I couldn’t wait to get inside myself. The Aragon is always a fantastic venue. It’s huge, it always has killer sound, and it packs thousands of fans into the same place.
Stephen Kellogg and The Sixers opened the show. I had not seen them before, but they sure as hell made a great opening set. They seemed to favor the crowd very well, and I was blown away by their energy and enjoyed their style of music. The lead guitarist was damn talented. They performed a Prince cover that won over the audience. It was a great opening to a set many were waiting so long to see. I’m definitely now a fan.
If you like to scream, shout, and dance your ass off all night, this was the show to be at! O.A.R. put on a night that I’ll always remember. This was my third time seeing the band, and they get better each and every time. They opened with their hit “Hey Girl” which lit up the room with energy. It’s one of my favorites and I was pumped to take photos during that track. The band busted out mainly older tracks with just a few off the new album “King” that released this past August. Frontman Marc Roberge put the energy in the crowd as he took his camera and kept taking what seemed like video clips of the crowd. I only wish I had that footage. Jealous!
Mid way through the set, they busted out some laser lighting which most O.A.R. fans aren’t very accustomed to, but boy was everyone impressed! Pianist, Michael Paris, put out a very impressive solo during the track “About an Hour Ago” which I’ve been a fan of since the Chicago recording of “Rain or Shine” they released a few years ago. The HIGHLIGHT of the show in my opinion with crowd reaction was “Love and Memories” as it always seems to be a favorite and it had the most people singing along. I even found myself rocking out a little hard during that one. They closed the set with their classic, “City on Down” in which Jerry pulled out a fantastic sax solo. Man, that guy is more than good.
The Aragon Ballroom was jam packed with people of all ages. I think I even saw a few fairly older gentlemen rocking out. Their encore included a track off of the new record called “Irish Rose” in which they brought out Stephen Kellogg from the opening band to perform. What a great collaboration! The encore was filled with intense laser lighting, especially during “Heaven” where clouds of green filled the air above the crowd. The band closed on their well known “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker” where fans threw up their poker cards. What a sight! O.A.R. fans are dedicated and always put up a good time. Everyone in the crowd seemed to feel at home with thousands of friends that just want to sing and dance. The show in Chicago was one I personally won’t ever forget.
See more photos here!
