The Hives took over Chicago’s Vic Theatre on May 20th, 2019 and per their usual bombastic tendencies, enthusiastic rock mayhem ensued. The group, celebrating over twenty years together (their exact timeline is a bit unclear), and having just released the digital single “I’m Alive” (as fresh as May 17th), teamed up with fellow Swedish rockers the Refused for the “Official Swedish Scream Team Tour” to command sold-out audiences around North America this spring and summer.

The Hives came to prominence in 2000 in the re-emergence of post-punk garage rock acts with the release of their second album Veni Vidi Vicious and the single “Hate to Say I Told You So.” Their musical style was instantly branded as a cross between brutal and hyperactive, and their explosive energy transferred well beyond recorded tracks. No matter the venue, The Hives’ larger-than-life presence on stage immediately earned them high notoriety as performers, and music critics still widely regard them as one of them best live rock bands. Members Per Almqvist (aka Howlin’ Pelle) on vocals, Niklas Almqvist (aka Nicholaus Arson) on guitar, Mikael Karlsson (aka Vigilante Carlstroem) on guitar, and Christian Grahn (aka Chris Dangerous) on drums have remained constant since the band’s early inception, while Johan Gustafsson (aka The Johan and Only) on bass has been with the group since 2013. Amongst several accolades and relentless touring to support their first albums, in 2004, with the release of Tyrannosaurous Hives and the single “Walk Idiot Walk,” the group earned two NME’s for “Best International Band” and “Best Dressed Band.” 

Howlin’ Pelle lived up to his reputable nickname as he took the stage at the Vic, screaming out verses and jumping into the tireless crowd within seconds of the opening riffs to “Come On!” Throughout the evening he refused to stand still, and the inevitable pause between each song presented him an opportunity to amusingly engage with the crowd, offering up his colorful commentary in the most affectionate style. “Should I fix my hair?” he playfully asked several songs in, after everyone was a ripe with sweat, slightly drunk and disheveled. Though dapper in their signature black and white suits, the band quickly worked up mosh-pits of perspiration. Pelle made his way out and into the audience several times throughout The Hive’s small-but-mighty performance; toward the end of the evening, he walked through the crowd to the back of the venue where he instructed fans to sit down until he told them to rise (or erupt from the ground) during an extended version of “Tick Tick Boom.” His antics continued long after the songs ended, soaking up adoration and cheers for several long minutes as he slowly exited the stage, slapping every front row fan’s hand on the way out.

The Hives Setlist, 5/20/19

1. Come On!
2. Walk Idiot Walk
3. Main Offender
4. Paint a Picture
5. Go Right Ahead
6. Good Samaritan
7. Take Back the Toys
8. Won’t Be Long
9. Hate to Say I Told You So

Encore:

I’m Alive
Tick Tick Boom

Be sure to check out The Hives on the remainder of their tour; dates and information are at https://www.thehivesbroadcastingservice.com.