When you get a chance to see an iconic band like The Pixies, that has shaped the music scene for the better, you go! One of the most influential bands that helped make the alternative genre what it is today. When they announced their tour earlier this year, I knew I had to go. This group has influenced some of the biggest bands that are still top notch acts today. Bands including Weezer, Blur, Bush, and most importantly Radiohead.

The Pixies may have not been a huge hit when they were first formed in 1986, but after they broke up in 1993, their popularity grew. Over the years their following quickly blossomed because of their influences as well as their recognition in pop culture. They made a triumphant return in 2004 and were a mainstay in the alternative world soon after.

Since then, the quartet had seen a change with their original bassist, Kim Deal, leaving the band. Paz Lenchantin has taken over since and has been a great fit.

Fast forward to 2017 and the band has a loving fanbase that packs in every venue. For a band that has been around as long as they have, I am surprised that this was my first time seeing them. Sunday night’s show dug deep into their catalog and gave everyone in attendance a reminder that this band knows how to put on one hell of a show.

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From the get go, the foursome came out swinging by kicking off the set with “Wave of Mutilation”. The set flowed seamlessly with little to no interruption the entire night. At times I felt like there should have been an open area with no seats for fans to truly enjoy the show.  It was an experience to see The Pixies at The Chicago Theater, but they are more of a band that is meant for a venue like Aragon Ballroom or a music festival. Some of the tracks during the night, you could see fans wanting to burst out of their seats.

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Looking back I can say this is a band that still has so much to offer the music world.  I could go on and on with what songs stood out, but that would have been a very long list. The Pixies have more than stood the test of time.  The have transcended it. Black Francis and company have an obligation to bring solid and innovative music to the masses and have a new generation of fans experience the genius of this band.

Photo gallery below the setlist.

Setlist:

1. Wave of Mutilation > 2. Classic Masher > 3. Bel Esprit > 4. Debaser > 5. I’ve Been Tired > 6. Isla de Encanta > 7. Um Chagga Lagga > 8. Monkey Gone to Heaven > 9. Cactus > 10.  Silver Snail > 11. Caribou > 12. Hey > 13. Might As Well Be Gone > 14. Head Carrier > 15. Something Against You > 16. Ana > 17. Mr. Grieves > 18. Gouge Away > 19. Dead > 20. All The Saints > 21. Here Comes Your Man (tease) > 22. La La Love You > 23. Vamos > 24. Nimrod’s Son > 25. Where Is My Mind? > 26. Winterlong (Neil Young cover) > 27. Motorway to Roswell > 28. Magdalena 318 > 29. Velouria > 30. Havalina > 31. Snakes > 32. Wave of Mutilation (UK Surf)

Encore:

33. All I Think About Now > 34. Bone Machine