Mayday parade @ salt shed

May 16 Mayday Parade brought their "Three Cheers for Twenty Years" tour to Chicago's Salt Shed, delivering a night of nostalgia and fresh energy that celebrated two decades of their pop-punk legacy. The evening featured a dynamic lineup with Like Roses, Grayscale, and Microwave setting the stage for them.

Like Roses opened the night with a 20 minute set that showcased their emo-forward sound. Their performance included the power-rock single "Stuck," and ended with my personal favorite "Easy," leaving a strong impression despite their brief time on stage.

Grayscale followed with a 30 minutes set blending pop-punk and alt-rock. They kicked off with the emotive "The Hart" from their January 2025 album and concluded with the vibrant "Not Afraid to Die," engaging the crowd throughout.

Microwave took the stage next surrounded by giant blow up mushrooms, delivering a 40 minute performance that traversed psych and post-hardcore rock. Their set included tracks like "Lighterless," "Something Right," and the dreamy "Circling the Drain," captivating the venue with their crushing energy.

Mayday Parade took the crowd by storm, offering a 100 minute setlist that spanned their entire career. Fans were treated to classics like "Jamie All Over," and "Oh Well, Oh Well," as well as new material from their last album "Sweet", including "Pretty Good to Feel Something" and their opener, "By the Way". Their entire performance was a heartfelt homage to their journey from following Vans Warped Tour selling CDs out of their van, to where they are now, selling out multiple venues, and resonated deeply with their audience.

The Salt Shed's atmosphere, combined with the band's passionate delivery, made for an unforgettable night that honored Mayday Parade's 20 year milestone while looking forward to their future endeavors.