CTRL+ALT+Repeat: Best Shows of 2024
The concert calendar of 2024 has been nothing but remarkable. With outstanding performances from some of the biggest names in the indie and alt-rock scene as well as intimate, career-defining shows, the OTR staff was lucky enough to be barricade side for all of it. Here are some of the shows that had us singing, dancing, and talking about them for weeks to come.
The Dandy Warhols in New York City- April 22
Emma Hug Rosenstein, Managing Editor and Tori McGraw, Photojournalist
“McCabe led us inside the Dandy’s light blue tour bus parked outside the iconic awning of Webster Hall. We sat down to learn all about McCabe and her ever-changing personal evolution. She carries many titles: musician, mother, real estate agent, DJ, activist, and clothing-optional fan. As such a unique, eclectic, multi-faceted, and awe-inspiring person, Zia McCabe answered a few questions about her life.”
Ashton Irwin in Los Angeles- July 18
Makenna Cordiano
“Ashton Irwin’s first-ever solo show at The Belasco Theater in Los Angeles, CA on July 18th was nothing short of electrifying. For the past decade, he has been known as the drummer of 5 Seconds of Summer, but now Ashton stepped into the spotlight to celebrate the release of his second solo album, BLOOD ON THE DRUMS, delivering an unforgettable night for fans.”
The Dillinger Escape Plan in Chicago- Aug. 24
Mathew Aguinga, Contributor
'It’s safe to say, nothing changed one bit. As soon as the band hit the stage, Minakakis was throwing himself into the crowd, hugging audience members like old family friends who he hadn’t seen in a long time, blowing kisses towards them, and screaming the lyrics to”Destro’s Secret” right in their faces, as the band launched into the frenzied, adrenaline pumping track.”
Clairo in New York City - Sept. 18
Mia Barić, Photojournalist and Staff Writer
“She melts seamlessly into each song, the band intently following her every move. The music is calculated and soft with every instrument fulfilling its purpose, from the smooth saxophone to the twinkling keys of the piano. Clairo teases the crowd occasionally, insisting that they can’t possibly be as “crazy” as the crowd the day before, but then remarks that she feels them “bubbling up”. The atmosphere she created in the room was warm and inspiring. A pair of girls could be spotted hugging each other tightly and swaying as she sang ‘Slow Dance.’”
Towa Bird in Los Angeles, CA - Sept. 25
Tabita Bernardus, Staff Writer
“With all spotlights on her, Bird ironically dived into an electric rendition of the National Anthem before the chords for “B.I.L.L.S.” shook the room with full force. Screaming about the pains of student debt and paying rent left the crowd on a rebellious high that would be hard to come down from at the end of the night. By declaring the finale with the distorted guitars of “Drain Me,” Bird successfully stamped the evening with an unforgettable performance.”
Charli Xcx and Troye Sivan in Chicago - Sept. 30
Natalia Pfeiffer, Creative Director with photos from Henry Redcliffe
“As the pair took turns trading off the limelight of the stage, fans danced to the nines and sweated everything out, making sure the tour lived up to its name. Charli XCX and Troye Sivan ended the show with their remix collaboration of “Talk talk” off Brat, said their goodbyes and hyped each other up as they took in Chicago’s overwhelming gratitude one last time. The stars put on the show of a lifetime packed full of hit song after hit song, immense joy, and most importantly an overflowing community. Every stranger in that room became a like minded friend for two magnificent hours. And just like that, Sweat Tour had ended.”
Gracie Abrams in New York City - Oct. 4
Caroline McKenzie, Senior Writer
“Going from playing for tens and hundreds of people, now to a sold-out Radio City Music Hall with thousands of people, Abrams had a distinct “I made it” moment on stage. In a venue filled with decades and decades of history in music and entertainment, she was moved to tears in the first ten minutes of the show. “I don’t think I’ve ever cried during the first speech,” she later admitted to the crowd. In nearly every interaction with the crowd, Abrams couldn’t hold back from expressing her true gratitude for her fans, or as she prefers to call them, her friends.”
Mannequin Pussy in St. Louis, MO - Oct. 17
Sophia Bianco, Photojournalist and Senior Writer
“The night ended with two powerful stories, “Romantic” and “Drunk I,” providing an energy that closed the set just perfectly. The crowd came to enjoy their favorite songs, and left with a deeper connection to the music, to the band, and to themselves. There is nothing that beats the authenticity of a Mannequin Pussy show, and after experiencing it first-hand, there is no question that they will sell out St. Louis again.”
Rise Against in Chicago- Oct 18
Abra Richardson, Contributor
“The encore was a perfect capstone to the night. The energy exploded with the band's signature fast-paced sound, followed by the politically charged "Blood-Red, White & Blue," which transformed the room into a massive circle pit. McIlrath took the time to explain the message of that song, spoke on current events and urged people to use their voices at the polls as the upcoming presidential election day is on Nov. 5, 2024. They made their grand finale with “Savior,” a crowd favorite that had every voice in the building belting out the chorus.”
When We Were Young Fest In Las Vegas, NV - Oct. 19-20
Peyton Mott, Photojournalist and Staff Writer
“Spanning over 13 hours, there were almost TOO many options of performers and attractions to visit. Fans stated they were attending both days of the festival so they could see bands conflicting in their pre-made schedules. Regardless of which stage you ended up at, or even got stuck within the packed crowd, it was bound to be a good show.”
Alice Phoebe Lou in Columbus, OH - Oct. 20
Jaymee Gallagher, Music Review Editor and Regan Jones, Photojournalist and Contributor
“As the drums count off into “Touch,” their first song of the night, the sun is making its way into the horizon ever so slowly as if to catch a glimpse of the performance, casting the stage and crowd in an autumnal glow. Alice Phoebe Lou stands center stage with an acoustic guitar, singing about turning fantasy into reality. As the song comes into its ending, she sets the guitar down and instead turns to a strong sense of personal agency to accompany her during “Open My Door.” She is subtly pacing the amplification of her convicting vocals as she comes back to herself through song: “Welcome to your life, Alice” she sings into a captivated crowd.”
