The Runarounds - Photo credit: John Kosiewicz

The Runarounds Bring the Minivan Tour to Riviera Theatre Chicago

On February 10, 2026, The Runarounds took over Riviera Theatre in Chicago. Originally scheduled for Metro, the show moved to the larger Riviera Theatre. As a result, capacity more than doubled for the Chicago stop. It was not officially confirmed as sold out. However, it felt close.

The Runarounds are a rising indie rock band with sharp hooks and restless energy. Their Minivan Tour has steadily gained momentum across major cities. Therefore, the Chicago stop felt like a milestone.

Fans lined up early for prime rail spots. In fact, several fans said they arrived at 6:30 a.m. They waited all day for center rail. That dedication set the tone before the first note played.

The Back Alley Set the Stage in Chicago

Chicago’s own The Back Alley opened the night with confidence. As a local indie rock band, they felt right at home. They opened with “Brand New” and “Always Alright.” From there, the momentum never dipped. “Gump” and “Grey Skies” kept the crowd engaged. Midway through the set, they covered “American Girl.” Axel Ellis of The Runarounds joined them for the performance. That collaboration earned one of the loudest reactions of their set. They closed strong with “What You Want” and “Is It Me.” Notably, The Back Alley will return to Chicago on May 1, 2026 to headline Lincoln Hall.

A Live Band Built on the Road

Once The Runarounds stepped on stage, the room locked in. There was no slow build. “Ghosts” started fast and stayed that way. “Cellophane” and “Sophia” followed. Each song built on the last. Meanwhile, the crowd never stopped singing. “15 Rootbeers” and “Crossroads” kept the pace sharp. However, “Beautiful Stranger” added a smoother moment. “Arrhythmia” then pulled the crowd back into motion. As the set continued, “Bleachers” and “Minivan” landed strong. “Hypocrites” and “Shoelaces” followed with tight execution. The band sounded polished but not overworked.

Midway through the night, they surprised fans with “Are You Gonna Be My Girl.” The Jet cover felt raw and fun. It also showed their classic rock influence. “Killed My Youth” and “Chasing The Good Times” pushed the energy higher. Then “It’s A Wash” and “Funny How The Universe Works” added balance.
Finally, “Senior Year” closed the main set with impact.

For the encore, they returned quickly. “Valerie” brought a sing-along moment to the balcony.
Then “Downtown” ended the night on a high note.

Final Thoughts on The Runarounds’ Chicago Concert

Overall, the move to Riviera Theatre proved wise. The larger space matched the band’s growing reach. More importantly, the performance justified the upgrade. The Runarounds played with confidence and purpose. Meanwhile, The Back Alley proved Chicago talent belongs on big stages. If this tour stop is any indication, the band is climbing fast. Chicago showed up early and stayed loud. In return, The Runarounds delivered a night worth the wait.

Links

To catch The Runarounds on tour and keep up with the latest band news, check out:

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