Looking around Auditorium Theatre during The Head and the Heart’s May 2 concert, phone cameras rarely appeared. Instead, most audience members raised their hands in the air, singing, swaying and clapping along to the band’s greatest hits.
The Head and the Heart celebrated the 15th anniversary of its self-titled debut album with the aptly named “15th Anniversary Tour,” singing its greatest hits alongside the 10-track LP.
The band’s camaraderie and chemistry could be felt on the stage. All seven band members took turns “passing the mic” to deliver short speeches in between songs.
Hits from the first album, such as “Lost in My Mind” and “Rivers and Roads,” united the crowd as they screamed the lyrics together. Orange and yellow spotlights orbited the stage and audience, paying homage to the album’s indie-folk atmosphere and energy.
Bassist Chris Zasche, called Chicago his “home away from home” during his introduction to “Sounds Like Hallelujah.” The city, he said, was one of the band’s first performances east of the Rocky Mountains years ago and was a particular highlight.
After a five-minute intermission, throughout which the crowd continuously applauded, the band moved on to the second act, singing its most popular songs from albums after the debut.
One of our favorite performances of the night was a song that skyrocketed the band into popularity: “All We Ever Knew.” The anthemic and nostalgic hit brought the crowd to life — hands went to the sky and peoples’ voices echoed loudly.
The spotlights on the crowd turned blue and green, the cover of the 2016 album “Signs of Light,” in which “All We Ever Knew” was released. This song was many’s first introduction to a band that has continued to change lives through raw, handcrafted songs like this one. The energy in the room transported us back to 2016.
“Honeybee” was another standout performance, as the falsetto vocals provided a much-needed change of pace. Lyrics like, “And if our world comes tumbling down / I never could forgive myself for leaving out / You’re the one, you are the only one,” served as a reminder to appreciate loved ones before it’s too late.
The performance of “Arrow,” a newer 2025 release, brought life back to the auditorium after the lower-energy ballads. We stomped along to the repeating chorus, “It’s all right, it’s all I’ve ever known.”
Ultimately, though, the real star of the show was the couch on stage. Before playing “Winter Song,” the band mentioned it was the first time there was one on stage, and enjoyed being able to sit down while performing the song.
During the performance, we were transported to a state of serenity as we listened to the exquisite vocals, drums and guitar work, which combined, made a unique folk melody only known to this band. The “15th Anniversary Tour” represents a culmination and appreciation of music that has brought connection to partners, friends and children for almost two decades.
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