Stage Buzz: Twenty One Pilots, Creeper, Hanson

Preview by Aubrey Vernon and Emily Morrissette

Columbus, Ohio’s Twenty One Pilots (Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun) bring their latest and greatest headline tour to the United Center next Tuesday and Wednesday (October 1 and 2), buoyed by their May release of the highly-anticipated Clancy. The record boasts the title of biggest rock album debut of 2024 with 143,000 sold in its first week and a stunning 100 million streams simultaneously. It’s hard to believe it’s been eight years since their breakout album Blurryface, jettisoned by its huge hip-hop and reggae-fied radio hits “Stressed Out” and “Ride.”

Since then, they’ve added to their arsenal of classic tracks across seven albums. Logging twelve #1 hits will make their physical and interactive show a must-see event this fall. Expect fan favorites like “Trees,” “Heavydirtysoul,” and “Car Radio,” as well as new material from Clancy, including chart-toppers “Overcompensate” and “The Craving.” Reviews from the tour have indicated Twenty One Pilots shows are among the best arena shows of the year, so few fans in the Windy City should leave disappointed.

First, they were a mysterious cult. Then they were aliens. Now, they’re a group of vampires straight out of The Lost Boys. You never know what Southampton punks Creeper are going to do next. But one thing is for sure, it’s going to be unforgettable. After supporting Black Veil Brides earlier this year, Creeper returns for their own headline show at The Forge in Joliet this Friday, October 4th, at 7:30 PM. You can still get tickets here. (Ashley Perez Hollingsworth)

With hits like “Where’s the Love?” and “Mmmbop,” Hanson seemed like your average flash-in-the-pan boyband. Yet, the band has stood the test of time and will become a prolific indie band with 11 studio albums to their name. The brothers are now celebrating the 20th anniversary of their third album, Underneathand, and they’re bringing the party to Chicago. Catch Hanson with Matthew Sweet at the House of Blues on Sunday, October 6th, and again with Phantom Planet on Monday, October 7th. Tickets are available here. (Ashley Perez Hollingsworth)