The Circle Jerks return to Chicago for first headline show in 19 years (Show Review)

On a Friday night Chicago showed punk music was alive and well as a crowded room at the legendary Vic Theatre welcomed The Circle Jerks back for their first headline appearance in the city since 2003. The band hot on their return having played Riot Fest last year came with a stacked lineup delivering a set of favorites.

Kicking off the evening was a fast 30 minute set of Negative Approach. Stopping to talk once through the set the band blasted through a 26 song set with the speed and furiousness that bands could only dream of. Kicking the crowd into high gear from the first song it was clear that they came to tear the place up and the crowd made sure to give them it their all.

Following up were Nevada hardcore legends 7 Seconds making their return to touring after their break up in 2018. Though drummer Troy Mowat had to sit the tour out due to health issues they had Judge & Youth Of Today drummer Sammy Siegler with the band on tour. Blasting through a set of songs ranging their entire catalog the band showed the influence and various sounds they’ve had throughout their career. Fans in attendance were going crazy from the moment they started climbing on top of one other to sing every song. Hopefully this isn’t the last time the band graces Chicago.

Closing out the evening was the legends themselves, The Circle Jerks. As the band enters the stage singer Keith Morris took a few minutes to talk to the crowd relaying messages about the band, how covid messed up celebrating the 40th anniversary of “Group Sex” but now means they can celebrate 40 years of “Wild In The Streets”, and more.

Kicking it off with “Deny Everything” the band showed how after all these years they never missed a step. With nonstop energy through their massive 33 song set the band delivered hit after hit to a packed room that couldn’t get enough. Greg Hetson (guitar), Zander Schloss (bass), Joey Castillo (drums) and Keith Morris (vocals) prove that they are the legends of the genre for a reason and that we could see the band continue for years to come.

If this tour is hitting a town near you this is a must see. This is a celebration of punk music that the world needs and theres no better way to do it than with these 3 legendary bands.