From the moment Sace6 stepped into the spotlight, the energy in the room began to shift. The Long Island-/Los Angeles-based alternative act brought a fresh, atmospheric edge to the evening, and even in a support slot for Don Broco, they made the moment their own. On stage, the performance had both the intensity of a smaller-room act and the ambition of a band ready to level up.
The guitar riffs hit with tension, the vocal delivery ranged from plaintive to urgent. Their set struck a compelling balance between mood and muscle. While Sace6 may still be in the early phases of their touring arc, their Chicago appearance proved they’re already capable of stepping into larger rooms and making their presence felt.
As soon as Capstan hit the stage, it was clear this wasn’t simply a “warm-up” act. The Orlando post-hardcore outfit wasted zero time making their mark exploding into their set with the precision and confidence of a band that knows exactly who they are and what they do best. I had seen Capstan several years ago, but the last time I caught them, was probably around 2016/2017 when they were still playing small DIY spaces. Capstan’s live sound hits like a collision between technical musicianship and raw emotion.
Their blend of soaring melodies, punchy riffs, and mathy time shifts kept the crowd on edge in the best possible way. In a scene crowded with post-hardcore hopefuls, Capstan stood out in Chicago not just for their technical skill, but for their conviction. They don’t fake it; they feel it.
Chants of “Broco! Broco!” rolled through the packed room, and within seconds of the first riff, the U.K. quartet exploded onto the stage, all swagger, sweat, and irresistible hooks. Lights flared, the bass dropped like a bomb, and within seconds, the House of Blues became a riot of sweat, sound, and pure adrenaline. In a city that’s seen every kind of rock spectacle, Don Broco still managed to turn the night into something louder, slicker, and more chaotic than anyone expected. From the opening riff, it was clear, this wasn’t a band playing a show; this was a band commanding one.
Chicago’s always had a reputation for showing up hard when a touring band crosses the Atlantic, and tonight was no exception. The energy felt like a shared celebration. The pits were rowdy yet friendly, consisting of more camaraderie than chaos, with crowd surfers flying across the top while everyone below shouted the lyrics in unison. What makes a Chicago crowd different isn’t just volume, it’s the commitment. These fans didn’t just know the words, they felt them. Every shout of “Yippie-Ki-Yay” hit like a declaration, every chorus of “T-Shirt Song” came with full-throated unity.
The setlist balanced the best of both worlds, the hard-hitting bangers that get pits swirling, and the melodic anthems that show off Don Broco’s pop sensibilities. Early in the night, “Gumshield” and “Uber” hit like controlled detonations, each chorus met with a sea of bouncing bodies. The mid-section eased off slightly, giving fans a chance to catch their breath, before the band detonated again with “Hype Man” and “Come Out to LA.” As Don Broco’s continues to release new music and shift into their next era as a band, much of the setlist will reflect that, while still maintaining those classic tracks everyone loves to see come to life.
There’s confidence, and then there’s Rob Damiani. The Don Broco frontman doesn’t just command a stage, he owns it. From the moment he strides into the spotlight, sunglasses on, mic swinging like a weapon, there’s a sense that he’s in complete control of the chaos around him. He doesn’t shout for attention; he is the attention with his mixture of rockstar charisma, charm, and onstage unpredictability. He commands the crowd with ease.
Behind him, the rest of Don Broco are every bit as crucial to that kinetic force. Simon Delaney’s guitar work is razor-sharp slicing through with riffs that hit as hard live as they do on record and a precision that anchors the chaos. Tom Doyle on bass holds down the low end, adding groove and physicality, his movements synced to every thud of the kick drum. Then there’s Matt Donnelly, the secret weapon. His dual role as drummer and backing vocalist gives Don Broco their unique texture live, providing those layered harmonies that soar over the chaos. Watching him sing full-voiced while hammering the kit is hypnotic; a real masterclass in synergy and showmanship is being demonstrated on stage.
By the end, there was no question left about why this band’s reputation as one of the U.K.’s most exciting live acts keeps spreading stateside. They didn’t just deliver a show; they delivered a statement. They are a band in full command of their identity. They’re heavy without losing groove, playful without losing grit, and stadium-sized in sound even when packed into a smaller room. Every move, every shout, every grin, feels like it’s done with purpose.
Don Broco
Capstan
Sace6
