‘Twas All Romance with Fontaines D.C. at the Salt Shed in Chicago

With support from Been Stellar, Irish punk band Fontaines D.C. performed a sold-out night in Chicago. 

On October 9th, the Salt Shed was preparing to host a sold-out show featuring pure alternative rock talent. The night was set to begin with a 5-piece band from New York City, Been Stellar. This younger band has made a name for themselves since their first EP release in 2020, Been Stellar. Walking into the huge event space, blue lights glow as the band performs. The group gives off a garage band vibe, all dressed in muted colors. You can see their passion for the art of music as they immerse deeper into their set.

Heads nod up and down as the lead singer strikes a tambourine to his side. Lyrics about NYC and the meaning of being a youth from a great city envelop the crowd as the members sip on Stell Artois. Their energy is electric and hard to ignore. If you’re new to Been Stellar, this performance will definitely make you a fan. They set the stage for an amazing night and were the perfect opening act for our headliners. There’s no doubt that Been Stellar is on the rise as a youth band from NYC.

The sounds of chatter and beer cans opening crescendo as a huge FDC backdrop rustles in the air of the salt shed stage. Lights of green and red shine as soundcheck begins and the countdown to Fontaines D.C. shortens.

The crowd becomes dense and the battle for a good view begins for GA attendees. The last of the latecomers arrive, and without warning, the venue goes completely black. With nothing in sight, all one hears is the haunting guitar strums of the opening song, “Romance.” Lights flash the band’s iconic color, green, as lead singer Grain Chatten begins to perform. The crowd is jumping and filled with fiery excitement as the group commands the stage.

Dressed in “cool boy” attire, the Irish rock band delivers a stellar performance, captivating the audience with their energy and stage presence. Guitarist Carols O’Connell, stationed at stage left, flawlessly hits every note, while the stage lights and sound merge in perfect harmony, creating one of the most memorable shows to grace Chicago in 2024. The love and enthusiasm of the crowd are palpable, with shouts, moshing, and even crowd surfing adding to the electric atmosphere.

Despite the diverse ages of the audience, one common thread unites them all: their adoration for Fontaines D.C. As the curtains fell and the final notes faded into the air, a hush fell over the crowd. Like so many others, I found myself at a loss for words. The Irish rock stars demonstrated an undeniable ability to enthrall and exhilarate their audience. The Romance USA & Canada Tour was an experience that left you not just a fan, but a fervent admirer of the talented lads. I highly recommend attending this tour if you have the opportunity.