Andy Frasco and The U.N. at Thalia Hall in Chicago 2025 Front Row Music News

21 Mar, 2025 John Kosiewicz Blues, Concert Reviews, Indie, Latest, Rock

Andy Frasco & The U.N. - Photo credit: John Kosiewicz

Try Not to Die Tour

On Friday night, March 21, 2025, Chicago’s Thalia Hall was buzzing with anticipation as Andy Frasco & The U.N. brought their Try Not to Die Tour to town. After performing at Chicago’s Metro last year (see 2024 Metro post here), the band made a triumphant return, this time shaking the rafters of Thalia Hall (see 2022 Thalia Hall post here) with their signature party-rock chaos. The historic venue, known for its grand balconies and vintage charm, provided the perfect backdrop for Frasco’s raucous energy. Supporting the headlining act was the Hayley Jane Band, delivering their own genre-blending magic. With Frasco’s latest single, “Swinging for the Fences” (featuring G. Love & Special Sauce and Eric Krasno), dropping the same day, fans were treated to a night filled with fresh music and wild antics.

The Show

Hayley Jane Band

Hayley Jane kicked off the night with a genre-blending set that showcased her theatrical flair and raw vocal power. Performing a mix of solo material and tracks from her former band, Hayley Jane and the Primates, she captivated the room with songs like “Madeline” and “Goddess.” Her commanding stage presence and soulful delivery set the perfect tone for the night ahead.

Andy Frasco & The U.N.

When Andy Frasco & The U.N. stormed the stage, they wasted no time whipping the crowd into a frenzy. The set was a wild ride through new material from their upcoming album, Growing Pains (due out May 23), including “Crazy Things,” “Try Not to Die,” and the freshly released single, “Swinging for the Fences,” which dropped earlier that day. The energy hit another level when Chicago’s own Andrew Cooney and fiddler Allie Kral joined Frasco for most of the show. Kral took lead vocals on a rowdy cover of Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation,” adding extra Chicago flavor to the night.

The setlist was packed with surprises, from genre-bending mashups like “This Is How We Do It / Mama Said Knock You Out / OPP / Get Low” to Frasco’s signature antics. At one point, he waded into the center of the audience, leading an impromptu dance party while performing The Horah, sparking pure chaos and joy.

For the Talking Heads cover, “Life During Wartime,” guitarist Shawn Eckels took over lead vocals, delivering a gritty and inspired performance. As if the night needed more fireworks, Hayley Jane returned to the stage for a powerful duet with Frasco on Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best.” Dedicated to Frasco, the performance was a heartfelt highlight that left the crowd buzzing.

Conclusion

During the encore, the crowd sang along with every word of “Dancin’ Around My Grave,” as Frasco and the band introduced each member with playful flair. With the energy at its peak, Frasco paused for a moment of sincerity, delivering a heartfelt speech about kindness and self-care. “I love you, Chicago. Thank you so much for being here with us tonight,” he declared, leaving the crowd with a lasting message of unity.