Starting the new year off with a bang, American pop-punk band State Champs brings the “Around The World And Back” tour to the Salt Shed in Chicago, IL, celebrating the 10 year anniversary of what most fans would call a “game-changing album”. Coming from Albany, NY, State Champs crushes a full, front to back performance of their sophomore album, plus bonus tracks, to a packed crowd full of superfans that are repping merch from the past 10+ years of tours, shows, and releases. Alongside State Champs, bands Driveways, Harrison Gordon, and Real Friends join for this stop of the tour to bring 3 additional sets of high-energy, pop-punk/punk-rock/emo live-music galore.

The first thing you see when walking into the Salt Shed is the seemingly never-ending merch line, full of fans looking for limited edition, 10-year anniversary specials, or whatever they can get their hands on to remember this already unforgettable night. Past that, you wouldn’t be surprised to find a quickly filling room, buzzing with hundreds (and counting) of anticipating fans. The stage is already set for the opener, Driveways, with lights that plaster the entire room with a low, moody combination of blues and whites.

Opening bands Driveways, Harrison Gordon, and Real friends all played unbelievably fun sets. Coming from someone who has never had the opportunity to see any of them perform, I was in awe of the way each band was able to bring out an intense energy from the entire crowd, every single time. You could tell that many of these fans have been waiting for a show like this for a long time. Between the passion in the way they were screaming their favorite lyrics, or throwing their hands in the air to catch a truly endless sea of crowdsurfers, this crowd was all in for everything the night brought their way.

Being in the photo pit minutes before State Champs took the stage, I was able to get a couple moments with the front row of fans, all of whom were genuinely beaming with glee under the stage lights. With tiny, handmade signs to place on the rail, or the vast variety of different shirts and merch spanning over the bands’ 15 year career, it seemed like all of the superfans earned their place front and center. As the band stormed onto the stage, it was incredibly obvious how true that was, with fans screaming as loud as they possibly can, and instantly breaking out into the lyrics of an album they’re all too familiar with. 

Recapping the night on their official Instagram, the band states, “...what an incredible way to start this run. That was the first time we have EVER played Around The World And Back in its entirety and it was incredibly special.”; meaning no matter what, every fan was able to hear their favorite song from the album that night, even if it was a bonus track! The entire night was like a reunion with the perfect soundtrack, as fans from all over joined together to celebrate 10 years of their favorite album. 

But in the end, it didn’t matter if you were front and center, or in the very back of the pit, State Champs made everyone feel like part of the show. The connection they’ve built with their fans turned the night into something personal, and their passion was infectious, leaving the crowd buzzing and knowing they’d just witnessed a band firing on all cylinders. Fans on Instagram state this was “the most FUN show I have ever been to!!!,” and it was clear how true that would be for so many people in that room. With 7 more shows in the US, fans have a couple more chances to catch this once in a lifetime performance before the tour heads overseas, and if you have the chance, take it! This was truly an unforgettable experience.

“We knew we had to do it up big for ATWAB, she deserves it!” -State Champs

Photos and Review by Mae Kessler