The Saviors Tour: Green Day, The Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid, and The Linda Lindas

13 Aug, 2024 John Kosiewicz Alternative, Concert Reviews, Latest, Pop, Punk, Rock

Green Day - Photo credit: Taylor Ward / Live Nation

The Saviors Tour

On August 13, 2024, The Saviors Tour brought a powerhouse lineup to Chicago. Iconic bands included Green Day, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Rancid lead the charge, along with the support by rising stars The Linda Lindas. This tour was a celebration of rock’s enduring spirit, blending Green Day’s punk anthems with The Smashing Pumpkins’ alt-rock mastery and Rancid’s raw energy. The Linda Lindas, with their youthful exuberance, set the stage with a fiery performance. Each band delivered amazing sets which made the night an unforgettable experience for rock enthusiasts of all generations.

The Linda Lindas

First up, The Linda Lindas set the tone with their youthful energy and raw talent. These teenage rockers have been making waves with their unapologetic sound and socially conscious lyrics. Despite their age, they’ve already become a powerful voice in the punk rock scene, blending influences from Bikini Kill to The Ramones. Their set in Chicago was a burst of fresh air, reminding everyone that punk’s rebellious spirit is alive and well in the next generation.

Rancid

Rancid took the stage, bringing with them decades of punk rock heritage. Known for their gritty sound and anthemic hits, Rancid showed why they’ve been a cornerstone of the genre since the 90s. Their performance was a mix of old favorites and newer tracks, all delivered with the intensity that fans have come to expect. Tim Armstrong’s raspy vocals and Lars Frederiksen’s ripping guitar solos kept the crowd fully engaged, making it clear that Rancid’s influence on punk rock remains as strong as ever.

The Smashing Pumpkins

The Smashing Pumpkins, a hometown favorite, brought a wave of nostalgia and alt-rock mastery to the stage. Billy Corgan, James Iha, and Jimmy Chamberlin delivered a set that spanned their extensive catalog, from early classics to newer material. Their atmospheric soundscapes and Corgan’s distinctive voice created an otherworldly experience, making the Chicago stop on The Saviors Tour especially poignant. The Pumpkins reminded everyone why they’ve been a dominant force in alternative rock for over three decades.

Green Day

Headlining the night was Green Day, who marked the 30th anniversary of “Dookie” and the 20th anniversary of “American Idiot” by performing both albums in their entirety. From the moment they kicked off with “The American Dream is Killing Me,” the energy was amazing. The crowd roared, danced and jumped as Billie Joe Armstrong and company blasted through hit after hit. The setlist was peppered with transition covers like “Jack & Diane,” “Free Fallin’,” and “Surrender,” which kept the audience singing along. The highlight was when a lucky fan named Bridget was invited on stage to sing the end of “Know Your Enemy” with Billie Joe—a moment straight out of a dream.

As the night continued, Green Day’s performance only intensified. Their mix of punk anthems and emotionally charged ballads showcased why they’re still at the top of their game. The band’s interaction with the crowd, especially during the sing-alongs, created an experience that was both exhilarating and unforgettable. With the backdrop of Wrigley Field, this night will go down as one of the most memorable stops on The Saviors Tour.

In Conclusion

The Saviors Tour at Wrigley Field was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of punk rock’s past, present, and future. Each band brought their A-game, making the night a perfect blend of high-energy performances and poignant nostalgia. For those lucky enough to attend, it was a night that will go down in the history of Chicago’s live music scene.

Be sure to check out our post from 2021 show Hella Mega Tour: Green Day, Fall Out Boy & Weezer – Jacksonville, FL.