Aussie psych rock prolifics King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard sell out Chicago's Salt Shed (Show Review)

Aussie psych rock prolifics King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard sell out Chicago’s Salt Shed (Show Review)

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard

Salt Shed

Chicago, IL

June 11th, 2023

By Colette Custin

Australian alt-rock legends King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard opened their first show of their run at the Salt Shed Chicago to an energetic and dynamic crowd. The unusual rain and cold didn’t stop frontman Stu Mackenzie from the momentum of a truly comprehensive setlist, including their newest album, “PetroDragonic Apocalypse; or Dawn of Eternal Night: An Annihilation of Planet Earth and the Beginning of Merciless Damnation”.

An enthusiastic member of the crowd was invited to come on stage to proudly proclaim “Nuclear Fusion” in his best drawn out, Stu-style voice. Gaia, from their 2022 album “Omnium Gatherum” was a comedic nod to “Johnny Mayer the Guitar Slayer”.

Motor Spirit and O.N.E. were a clear homage to King Gizzard’s metal roots, arguably a heavier and more progressive thrash moment in contrast to “Omnium” or even the psychedelic pop feel of “Changes”, also released last year. Drummer Michael Cavanagh wore an epic Ride the Lightning t-shirt, in homage to this next phase of King Gizzard’s discography.

The diversity and chameleon-like nature of their setlist is sure to draw in fans of the psychedelic, jazzy, and thrash over this understandably sold-out three-night stand along the Chicago river.

Setlist:

Pleura

O.N.E.

Nuclear Fusion

Minimum Brain Size

Gaia

Motor Spirit

The Great Chain of Being

Witchcraft

Satan Speeds Up

Trapdoor

The River