Where Live Music Comes Into Focus

Puscifer has always existed in its own orbit—equal parts performance art, industrial rock, and absurdist theater—and their stop at the Chicago Theatre on April 25 proved that Normal Isn’t isn’t just an album title, it’s a mission statement. Frontman Maynard James Keenan, flanked by the ever-dynamic Carina Round and multi-instrumentalist Mat Mitchell, led a performance that leaned heavily into the band’s latest release while never feeling confined by it. The night opened with

The Hives hit the stage like a controlled explosion, unleashing a relentless barrage of riffs and rhythm that validated their legendary status—half jest, fully undeniable—as one of rock’s greatest live bands. Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist led with manic precision, commanding every inch of the room with swagger and razor-sharp bravado. Behind him, Nicholaus Arson, Vigilante Carlstroem, The Johan and Only, and Chris Dangerous moved with decades-deep cohesion, blending punk immediacy w

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit turned Chicago’s Salt Shed into a room full of quiet reverence and explosive release. Backed by the tight, road-hardened 400 Unit, Isbell moved effortlessly between searing Southern rock and hushed, introspective moments, reminding the sold-out crowd why he’s widely regarded as one of the most compelling songwriters of his generation. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, with guitarist Sadler Vaden trading fiery leads with Isbell while the rhythm