On a night built around energy, Twenty One Pilots delivered a rare, unforgettable experience at House of Blues Chicago. The show marked the second stop on the duo’s residency-style 2021 Takeover Tour, supporting their sixth studio album, Scaled and Icy. 

Designed to scale from intimate venues to arena stages across select cities, the tour showcased the band’s ability to ignite a crowd in any setting. Chicago’s four-night residency started at Bottom Lounge, and included a third night at Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom before ending at the United Center.

The atmosphere shifted when the duo appeared from the pitch darkness in ski masks. “Good Day,” the album opener on Scaled and Icy, hit the speakers soon after, driving the packed and visibly amped crowd to move as one, embracing the sheer exhilaration of fellow fans screaming and grabbing their phones for a quick snap.

Hearing hits like “Stressed Out,” “Heathens,” and “Ride” rip through the 1800-person venue brought a unique weight and intensity that’s impossible to replicate at larger events. Even newer tracks like “Saturday” and “Mulberry Street” sparked fresh appreciation, sending me back to revisit Scaled and Icy with new ears.

Twenty One Pilots adopted a stripped back production for this show without losing any edge. Live instrumentation and high-energy stunts, including a flip off the piano, kept the adrenaline high. The duo’s undeniable chemistry and connection with the crowd made the night even better.

Walking in as a casual listener of their biggest hits, I left with a clear understanding of why Twenty One Pilots hold such a special place in the lives of their most devoted fans. The Takeover Tour offered a superfan experience rarely seen from artists at this level, delivering exactly what it promised: a night to remember.

Listen to Scaled and Icy below, and click to see future Twenty One Pilots tour dates.