William Beckett

William Beckett // 5-29-12 // Chicago, IL
Review and Photos by Ashley Osborn 

Schubas is a lovely bar/restaurant tucked perfectly into my favorite Chicago neighborhood. I’ve been here a few times (their mac n’ cheese is RIDICULOUS) and I’ve never once had an unpleasant experience. Actually, the first time I had stepped foot through the door for a live show was to have the complete honor of seeing Patrick Stump step onto a stage for the first time as a solo artist last year and it was incredible. Needless to say, Schubas is an amazing place and I was recently able to head out and catch one of William Beckett’s impeccable live sets.

I have a few things to say first. Chances are, if you’re reading this you were a huge fan of The Academy Is…, but that isn’t at all what this article is about. In fact, I’m going to be the first blogger, person, entity, photographer, whatever you want to call me, out there to refer to William Beckett as his very own entity because it is quite the recognition he deserves. I’m going to pull the ‘chances are’ card again and say that 50% of you are still mad about The Academy Is… and still haven’t given his new EP, Walk The Talk, a chance yet (at least open Spotify right now and do so – it’s completely worth the listen).

The point I’m trying to make here is that after spending quite some time in a band, William Beckett has been able to fully explore who he is musically for the first time and I think that is something that every fan, new and old, should be able to respect. Throughout his set, Beckett delivered every song with an upbeat attitude which made it irresistible for a very packed Schubas crowd to sing and dance along to. I really enjoyed how Beckett was able to incorporate so many different areas of himself as an artist into his set by playing everything from covers to an “Academy Is Rock Block.” I have to say a personal highlight was when him and tour-mate, Cara Salimando (who was incredible), covered Ryan Adams’ “Come Pick Me Up.” Beckett and Salimando’s voices fit together quite well and I liked that William was able to bring covers into his set so simply.

Regarldess of it being the final night of the Walk The Talk tour, both Salimando and Beckett were both lively and delivered their sets flawlessly. It was a great night full of liveliness, several awkward moments (in a good way), too many laughs and great music. If this tour didn’t prove to fans across the country that Beckett has truly deserved a chance to freely express himself as a solo artist without judgement, I just don’t know what will. I’d also like to note that despite having to fly to Japan the next day, Beckett stayed after the show to meet each and every single fan that came out to support him. It’s truly hard not to have respect for an artist who is out there playing music he believes in. I hope that you’ll all be able to catch him play live this year because I can honestly say that William Beckett has more than earned the right to become his own entity and his live performance does not disappoint even the tiniest bit.

After he gets back from Asia, you can catch Beckett on tour with Relient K throughout August. He’s also putting out his second of three EP’s he will be releasing this year! Be sure to check out the tour dates HERE. I’d also like to add in that you can expect more William Beckett coverage from Highlight within the next few months (maybe that was a hint, maybe not). Feel free to check out some of the very limited angled photos I snapped the other night at the show below!

I may post more photos here.