Teenage Punk Band “The Linda Lindas” Rocks Chicago’s Metro Stage

Who knew a Sunday night could be so action-packed?? As Metro staff were scanning tickets from the fan line stretched down the block, openers Adan Diaz and Pinkshift, as well as headliners The Linda Lindas, were in the greenroom prepping to cross the midway point of The Linda Lindas Spring Tour.

The general admission pit quickly filled with eager fans. First, local musician Adan Diaz wooed the crowd with his iconic indie rock jams, which were contrasted but simultaneously complemented by Maryland band Pinkshift’s high-intensity punk rock. I personally had listened to some of Adan’s music back around 2020, so it was definitely a full-circle experience watching his set live. Though I wasn't familiar with Pinkshift beforehand, their music was insane (in the best way). The group started off their set by talking about the state of our country, and how the movement for freedom and maintaining democracy is upheld by women and the LGBTQ+ community. They then proceeded to jam out super hard, which had the crowd moshing in no time. 

The Linda Lindas, consisting of band members Bela, Eloise, Lucia, and Mila, were up next and had fans reeling with excitement. Once they ran onto the stage, the rest of the night felt like a blur of pure excitement and energy bouncing around each corner of the venue. It felt like no matter what people had going on in their lives outside of Metro, they were in a space where they could let loose and enjoy the incredible display of punk rock talent in front of them.

I honestly wasn't super familiar with The Linda Lindas' discography before their show, but they sounded so tight on stage that I had no option but to check out their music on Spotify after the fact, and I have been streaming since – seriously. The most notable and energy-filled tracks they performed that Sunday night were “Resolution/Revolution,” “All in my Head,” and “No Obligation.” These tracks are off their 2024 album ‘No Obligation,’ which I find myself continuing to revisit since covering the show a week ago.

I also had the chance to take band portraits for each artist, and between them, the metro staff, and even some of fan interactions, everyone was so kind. Metro was even cool with me leaving the venue to grab a Chicago-style hot dog across the street – 10/10 night all around. Psyched to have left this experience with a hot dog in my stomach and as a new fan of all three performing acts.