Live Review: Ministry at the Riviera Theatre • Chicago
Ministry (photo: Derick Photography)
Ministry
Riviera Theatre
Chicago, IL
May 9, 2025
Live Review by Ashley Perez Hollingsworth
“Are you guys ready to take a trip down memory lane? Get in a hot tub time machine and forget there’s all this turmoil?” asked Ministry’s Al Jourgensen decked out in an oversized fuzzy hat, heart-shaped glasses, and glittery blazer. The crowd at the nearly sold-out Riviera Theatre on Friday night (May 9th) was more than ready. This was a tour that was never meant to happen. For decades, Jourgensen has not been shy about his disdain for Ministry’s early material, especially their debut album, With Sympathy (1983). He refused to talk about it, play songs from it, and even autograph the album (unless it was for a good price).
Over the years, however, Jourgensen has softened his stance and has finally accepted the debut of Twitch (1986) as part of the Ministry’s legacy. The two albums are being celebrated on Ministry’s “The Squirrely Years Tour” with Nitzer Ebb and Die Krupps, featuring re-worked songs from both albums. And gasp, Jourgensen seems to be enjoying it.
To kick off the With Sympathy set, Ministry opened with “Work For Love,” transforming the theatre into a goth nightclub. The crowd gleefully danced and chanted “Work! For Love!” at the top of their lungs. Jourgensen couldn’t help but smile as he stalked across the stage. The crowd ate up every moment as the band delivered more synthpop goodness with “I’ll Do Anything For You,” “Same Old Madness,” “Here We Go,” and “Effigy (I’m Not).”
The Twitch set took things in a darker direction with songs like “We Believe,” “Over the Shoulder,” “All Day,” and “Just Like You” earning more cheers from the crowd. Then came the heavy hitters fans were waiting for. As the opening chimes of “Revenge” (from With Sympathy) rang out, the crowd unleashed an uproarious cheer. This song that Jourgensen disowned for decades is now a fan favorite. People danced, sang, and pumped their fists in the air. Hard to believe it was once considered the black sheep of their catalog.
As you’d expect, the celebratory set ended with his 1984 club anthem “(Everyday Is) Halloween.” It was an oddly unifying moment. Goths, punks, and metalheads came together to shout the song’s catchy hook. Looking at the crowd’s reaction, it’s amazing to see how the song’s message still rings true 41 years later. For the encore, Ministry took things in a different direction and performed a cover of Fad Gadget’s “Ricky’s Hand.” But the night wasn’t over yet.
“We’re not finished with you yet!” Jourgensen said. Being the hometown show, the audience buzzed with anticipation. Surely something special was planned. And Jourgensen delivered. He brought out surprise guest Chris Connelly for a mini Revolting Cocks reunion to perform their cover of 1978’s “Do You Think I’m Sexy?” Eat your heart out, everyone who left early to beat traffic! The crowd went ballistic as Connelly and Jourgensen strutted on stage with the leather-clad Squirrel-ettes gyrating around them. The two ended the song in an embrace, bringing the night to a close. “This has been awesome! Thank you!” exclaimed Jourgensen as he walked off stage grinning from ear to ear.
At last, Jourgensen has made peace with Ministry’s synthpop past and is having a good time with it. For once, it feels like Jourgensen is not taking himself too seriously. He’s just having fun with the songs and the crowd. The costumes are silly, the visuals are funny, and the backup dancers are over the top, but it only adds to the celebration. The show was nothing but a good time. The crowd reveled in hearing these songs, many of them for the first time. Others relived their old club days at Tut’s and Medusas, dusting off moves they haven’t done in 40 years. It may just be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You never know if Uncle Al and Ministry will perform these songs again.
Category: Live Reviews
