First show of 2024 – Tinashe at Chicago’s Radius! The 9-city East Coast leg of the BB/Ang3l Tour kicked off in Atlanta back in January and wrapped up here with Chicago being the finale show. I’d previously not been to a concert since last December (for Sky Ferreira), so I was really looking forward to this night. I get crazy if I go to long without live music! After the October show’s pushback (when her joint tour with Shygirl was cancelled), I was essentially counting the days to seeing her on stage again. It’s also been awhile since I checked out a new venue, and East Pilsen’s Radius did not disappoint. This incredibly grand, spacious setting (in a former steel factory) made for a really cool warehouse vibe, and the sound and lighting were spot on. Let’s get into a quick recap!
After a relatively mild winter week, of course it was freezing for no reason (classic Chicago), but the awesome security team and staff quickly ID’d and wristbanded us while waiting in line, making entry a breeze after doors opened. Coat check was HUGE, and right up front where it should be! I don’t do standing-in-line-shivering at this age anymore, so I truly appreciate when the coat check is moderately priced and easily accessible. They conveniently sold earplugs – a must-have for the frequent concert-goer, and also, I know I saw food in there despite no mention of it on their website. Maybe it was a special occasion (or possibly in conjunction with promoting Tinashe’s upcoming cannabis collab with Rythm)? Regardless – petition for all venues to have snacks!
The layout was vast and airy, with a ton of floor space conducive to dancing. Bars lined every other wall and merch and snacks were nestled in between. Everything from the bars to the bathrooms were easily to find, not overcrowded, and well-staffed. It felt like we were in a massive airplane hangar (if you’ve ever seen a show at Navy Pier) – that kind of vibe, and upon entry I was immediately met with the building equivalent “new car smell” (because the venue was so well-maintained, and they opened in 2020). You could essentially choose if any spot in the room and have prime viewing of the stage, which is always a plus.
Unsurprisingly, Tinashe always brings out the most beautiful, diverse, and enthusiastic supporters to any event she holds. You can immediately tell when people are really into music vs just being there for – whatever else. Ahead of things kicking off, I remember my friend and I kept calling it “Drake Night” because so many throwbacks were being shuffled the to get the room moving. The crowd was really responsive and interactive with the opener UNIIQU3 (the Jersey Club Queen!), and her high energy throughout her set helped me shake off my pre-show jitters (yes, that still happens every time). I was also able to “assess” the true capacity of the venue’s sound, and it was really good! So I knew the rest of the night was going to be sonically rewarding.
Following the appearance of a much-appreciated visual countdown on the main screen, attendees scurried to do their last-minute drink runs and return to solidify a cozy spot in the crowd. The last time I saw Tinashe in Chicago back in 2021, I had VIP Meet & Greet tickets with my friend Mitchell and we were literally nose to the stage. Despite the obvious benefits to being in the very front row, this time around we were able to gain a more expansive view of the overall concept by hanging back a bit. This allowed me to take in the concept more wholly, and bounce energy off of those around me. Not gonna lie, I still get Covid anxiety in large indoor crowds, but I evaluated my risks to the best of my abilities, and I’m never without a mask regardless. (Update – I did not get Covid!)
While I am known to self-spoil a show or two by scrolling the interwebs, I intentionally avoided as many clips from this tour as possible so I could really be surprised throughout the night. And surprised I was! Let’s talk about how she ran through the HITS honey! The deep cuts, the b-sides, the singles – a setlist truly tailored to the definitive and quintessential Tinashe stan. Songs for You, Nightride, and BB/Ang3l (in full) got their flowers – lemme tell you. I couldn’t have chosen a better selection of songs.
“Life’s Too Short” into “Throw a Fit”? Disgusting! “Bouncin” / “Link Up” / “Cash Race”? Just disrespectful! And also why did “Sunburn” and “Cold Sweat” hit me so hard? Maybe because I was not expecting to ever hear “Sunburn” live, so that was a really special moment to think back on. A standout moment for me was the which was really innovative and cute performance for “Story of Us”, with Tinashe seated at laptop and “typing” the lyrics out while the desktop was shared on screen. Another perfect blend was the transaction from “Uh Huh” into “Ghetto Boy”. I’ll never forget the connection her and the dancer had while interacting on stage for that song – It was honestly a really moving and emotional moment in the performance.
The sequence in which the performances were arranged was perfectly curated, which is something I OBSESS over even just creating my own personal playlists. I’m always further blown away by her live transitions between tracks, too, which is like an added bonus at a Tinashe show. With elements of the upcoming song being slowly integrated into the mix, it’s like getting a unique version of almost every song as you proceed to the next. I need every single remixed version of these songs to be released!
Also – not me PREDICTING that “Needs” & “All Hands on Deck” should be a mash-up! I swear I had no idea that was going to be a thing that happened. In line at the show, I told my Mitchell: “Needs feels like you can do the AHOD choreography to it and it would still fit!” I showed him a sloppy example of what I meant (for clarity) – and lo and behold, the show wrapped with that exact mash-up. I was like, yep – I did that! (Meanwhile not a human in sight knew or cared about my inner prediction – but I KNEW, and that’s what matters.)
In conclusion, any time Tinashe has announces a project (whether it’s her music, a tour, concert livestream, etc.) – I’m going to fully support it with my chest. It’s always worth it, and her consistency is honestly so mind-blowing. I’m so glad I’ve been able to see her and tell her how much her music means to me. Not a lot of people get that opportunity, and it’s a memory I’ll always cherish. And at the end of the day – the girlies that get it, GET IT!
Until next time, Tinashe – Chicago loves you! Did anyone else attend the BB/Ang3l Tour? If not, what shows are headed your way for 2024? Drop them in the comments below! Here’s one last video to wrap things up – see ya soon besties…