Words/Photos: Chris Rugowski
https://www.chickenortheeggphotography.com/
On Sunday December 1st The Pineapple Thief and opener Randy McStine took over House of Blues Chicago for three hours to play to a packed house. There were so many types of people here, young and old, and people you might not expect. I suppose all I can say is prog rock just brings people together.
The Pineapple Thief puts on a show and it’s nonstop. Add in that mix Randy McStine opening the night and it’s a really good time! Seriously, they both know how to rock and keep it locked.
RANDY MCSTINE
Kicking off the night was Randy McStine doing a solo set and all I can say is, WHAT A VOICE. His way of playing is unique too, I especially appreciated the various layering he did throughout the set. I also felt the lighting very much complemented the song choices and moods all around. The songs were all powerful in their own way and each one you could tell the passion behind it, however the last song “Economies of Differences” was especially powerful and at 9:26 it was a journey that we were all on at the same time. It didn’t feel that long however, it felt like a blip.
The crowd really appreciated his set, probably the loudest applause I’ve ever heard for an opener, which is a nice change.
PINEAPPLE THIEF
What a treat to be able to finally see this band live. I even decided to get the VIP package (which I never do) and it was 100% worth the money. They played a few acoustic tracks, talked to the audience, and interacted, it was more than just a photo with the band and a signed something, which is respectable and cool to see a band do that.
They played a good mix of songs from their albums, and from the start you could tell they were getting into it. Their sound guys had their sound locked in, and you weren’t straining to hear one thing over another. The energy was palpable because of that. Same with the lighting.
Their harmonies live are on point, their singing is on point as well. The band was rehearsed, but still you could tell three weeks into the tour it wasn’t feeling like work for them, they certainly had a lot of fun on stage and with the audience.
I felt like the lighting was exactly form fitting for each song, plus the venue was the perfect size for what they had. The song choice was spot on too. What I liked about it all was while the songs of course remained true to the albums, the live setting really hit you differently. For example in “White Mist” the drums sounded great, and lighting worked really well with it. The solos – HOT DAMN! – the energy in this tune was raw. During “All That’s Left” the bass was on par and I loved how the guitars and effects on the guitars blended with the room.
About the time we got 10 songs in they took the heavy down a notch, but, the overall lower sound and energy didn’t mean it was any less moving or energetic. The solo during “Fend For Yourself” was just beautiful. I have to say too, guitarist Beren Matthews was killing it all night and his playing and style of playing I absolutely loved. As a guitarist I could’ve watched him all night. But then you mix that with Jon Sykes on bass and his constant movement on the fret board…it’s like a puzzle all night long and by the end of it they’ve completed it. The whole band really works well together and it shows.
Anyways, after a couple songs we got back on that heavy rock train and were treated to four more, Rubicon, To Forget, It Leads to This and Give it Back.
But wait…there’s more! We got two more songs and they didn’t hold back!
During “The Final Thing on My Mind” we got some stage fog back. I loved how the stage looked. Holy shit, they could’ve ended on this one and I would’ve been happy.
They ended the night with “Alone at sea” – the blue light on the stage was fitting. This was a great song to end on.
As a musician, this show truly inspired me to work harder to get out and write, play and keep doing what I am.
10/10 recommended. If you can make it to the European tour, do it. You won’t be disappointed.
‘IT LEADS TO THIS’ FULL NORTH AMERICA TOUR
November 14th – Atlanta, GA – Terminal West
November 16th – Clearwater, FL – Capitol Theatre
November 17th – Orlando, FL – The Plaza Live
November 19th – Charlotte, NC – The Underground
November 21st – Washington, DC – Union Stage
November 22nd – Philadelphia, PA – World Cafe Live
November 23rd – New York City, NY – Gramercy Theatre
November 24th – Boston, MA – Somerville Theater
November 26th – Quebec City, QC – Palais Montcalm
November 27th – Montreal, QC – Beanfield Theatre
November 29th – Toronto, ON – The Opera House
November 30th – Pittsburgh, PA – Jergel’s
December 1st – Chicago, IL – House of Blues – Chicago
December 3rd – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater
December 5th – Mexico City, MEX – Auditorio Blackberry
December 7th – Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom
December 8th – Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst
December 9th – San Francisco, CA – The Independent
December 11th – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre
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