Rainbow Kitten Surprise Shakes Up The Salt Shed
February 28, 2026 - Chicago, Illinois
Rainbow Kitten Surprise made their return to Chicago for back-to-back sold-out shows on the North American leg of the bones tour for their latest album, released in September. Despite the almost freezing temperatures last Saturday, fans in rainbow wigs and glowing cat ears rushed through The Salt Shed’s front gates, eager to be attending the opening night. Alternative rock band, Common People, set the tone with lively grooves and an electric performance, successfully warming up the crowd for the main act.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise, or RKS, is not what you may expect when you first hear the name. From the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, RKS is an alternative band that beautifully intertwines rock, folk, and hip-hop all into one to create unique, rhymical melodies. Though their recent work more closely reflects indie pop, tonight’s twenty-five song setlist displays their diversity.
In the blink of an eye, the former salt factory was packed from wall to wall, floor to balcony, with eclectic fans. Dressed in sequined mini shorts paired with knee high platform boots, lead vocalist Ela Melo emerges from the green haze alongside her bandmates: Darrick “Bozzy” Keller (rhythm guitarist), Ethan Goodpaster (lead guitarist), Jess Haney (drummer), joined by Maddie Bouton (bassist) and Drew Long (keyboardist and guitarist) for the tour.
Kicking off the set with the second track from bones, “Hell Nah,” a smiles drapes across Ela’s face while fans match her volume, synonymously chanting, “Dare you say some! Dare you say some!”
With gazes magnetically drawn to the stage, Ela embraces Chicago and notably asserts, “Anybody who stands in their own light and is their true authentic self is deserving of love,” a quote that perfectly encapsulates the vibe of the night. Everyone in the room held a shared understanding of acceptance and self-worthiness that emitted a powerfully liberating energy.
Following career defining hits from their third album How to: Friend, Love, Freefall like “Painkillers” and “When It Lands,” fans erupt in cheers when “Cocaine Jesus,” is announced as the next song. Halfway through the bridge, all instruments go silent. The roars of 3,000 people can be heard vibrantly; a spine-tingling moment for one of their most popular songs which depicts themes of drug addiction and a superficial relationship, proving to be more universal experiences than is understood.
Seemingly concluding the night iconically with, “Goodnight Chicago,” applause and echoing shouts of support follow the band offstage and never let up until their swift return for the encore. Their most well-loved song, “It’s Called: Freefall” ultimately brought the magical night to its end.
You do not want to miss your chance to experience the love and unity emitted from an RKS show. The band notably runs a fundraising page that has raised over $648,000 for various non-profit organizations, supporting causes such as LGBTQ+ rights, food insecurity, mental health support and more. The link to donate is here, and tickets for the remaining bones world tour dates can be purchased on their website.
