M'Lou Elkins 
CONCERT REVIEW + PHOTOS
Incubus, Coheed and Cambria
8/24/24 – All State Arena – Rosemount, IL.
Review/Photos ©Nick Buzinski
Sat Aug 24th – Incubus brought their highly anticipated Morning View Arena Tour to the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois on Saturday night for the second of ten shows throughout the United States, delivering a night of nostalgia and fresh energy to what appeared to be a nearly sold-out crowd.
The tour, titled after the band’s critically acclaimed 2001 album “Morning View”, commemorates the legacy of one of the early 2000s’ most significant rock records while also demonstrating the band’s enduring popularity. Fans packed the arena, eager to hear the classic songs that defined a generation, as well as a smorgasbord of hits spanning their career that continue to broaden Incubus’ diversified musical landscape. The evening promised a voyage through the band’s illustrious career, with a perfect mix of old hits and modern favorites.
The Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, is a prominent venue that provides a dynamic and immersive experience for both artists and audiences. With a seating capacity of around 18,500, the arena offers an intimate yet vast atmosphere, making it perfect for large-scale events while preserving a sense of connection between performers and audience. The arena is outfitted with cutting-edge sound and lighting technologies that improve the overall musical experience by guaranteeing that each note and visual effect reaches the audience with clarity and impact. The immense floor space can accommodate both general admission and standing-room supporters, with the tiered seating providing superb sightlines from all angles, allowing fans to feel close to the action no matter where they sit. Tonight, however, instead of the normal standing room general admission pit found at most concerts, there would be no standing room layout as the entire floor portion was covered in seats, creating a more relaxed atmosphere. Allstate Arena’s lively atmosphere, paired with superb amenities and accessibility, makes it a popular choice for large touring performers and a spectacular live music venue.
Coheed and Cambria opened the evening’s performances with an electrifying set. The band, known for their complex storytelling and progressive rock sound, immediately captivated the audience with their high-energy performance. The band opened the act with “In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3,” displaying their trademark blend of strong riffs, soaring vocals, and complex melodies. Claudio Sanchez‘s powerful voice and dramatic stage presence mesmerized the audience, while his guitar work, with Travis Stever, created the intricate, layered soundscapes that fans have come to anticipate. The band’s ability to seamlessly combine concept-driven storylines with compelling live performances set the tone for the evening, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
As the set progressed, Coheed and Cambria delved into fan favorites such as “A Favor House Atlantic”, “Blood Red Summer” and “Welcome Home,” all of which received enthusiastic responses from the audience. The rhythm line of bassist Zach Cooper and drummer Josh Eppard, whose precise playing underpinned the band’s more intricate arrangements, stood out for their passionate musicianship and cohesive performance. Despite being the opening act, Coheed and Cambria gave a performance that felt like a headlining event in its own right, raising the bar for the evening and leaving the audience pumped and eager for Incubus to take the stage. Their performance demonstrated why they are one of the most innovative and captivating bands in modern rock, and it perfectly complemented the vibe of the tour.
Incubus delivered an unforgettable performance, performing Morning View in its entirety, much to the joy of their fans in attendance, with the crowd participation off the charts, as what seemed like everyone in attendance helped sing along from the very first song. The record, which has been praised for its introspective lyrics and genre-blending sound, came to life on stage as the band expertly navigated each tune.
From the upbeat energetic opener “Nice to Know You” to the calmer “Aqueous Transmission,” Incubus nailed the spirit of the album’s various moods, transporting the audience on a musical trip complete with LED board visuals, pumping fog machines and laser show behind them as they performed. Brandon Boyd‘s captivating charisma and passionate vocal delivery were crucial to the performance, while guitarist Mike Einziger‘s innovative riffs, drummer Jose Pasillas‘s thunderous percussion and DJ Chris Kilmore‘s atmospheric turntable work gave depth and texture to the classic tunes, giving them new life. The band would take a minute after an acoustic rendition of “Blood on the Ground” to have the audience warmly welcome new bassist/backing vocalist Nicole Row and thank her for being a part of their journey, while making a joke about how the band had been together before she was even born.
In addition to Morning View, Incubus treated the audience to a selection of eight of their greatest hits from their extensive catalog. The addition of fan favorites such as “Anna Molly,” “Pardon Me” and “Drive,” heightened the evening’s excitement, with each song eliciting loud sing-alongs and applause from the packed house in attendance. These tracks demonstrated the band’s versatility, seamlessly transitioning from alternative rock anthems to more experimental, groove-laden tracks. The flawless blend of Morning View’s pensive vibe with the high-energy delivery of their biggest hits demonstrated Incubus’s unrivaled ability to transcend genres and captivate audiences.
By revisiting the Morning View album in its entirety and mixing in a slew of their greatest hits, Incubus created an unforgettable experience that showcased their musical evolution and enduring appeal. Their performance and ability to garner a near-capacity crowd was a testament to the band’s talent, energy, and connection with their audience, making the night a journey through emotion, sound, and memories for those who grew up on the band. As the tour just gets started, it’s clear that Incubus is once again proving why they are a staple in the rock world, leaving fans eagerly anticipating whatever comes next.
Check out our Incubus concert photo gallery below:
Check out our Coheed and Cambria concert photo gallery below:
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