The Brian Jonestown Massacre

It can be more than iffy these days watching Anton Newcombe perform live on tour with the ever-changing current band members. Joel Gion was there, thankfully, but even he couldn't contain Anton's agitation and antics with a few audience members or prevent the god-awful five minute pauses to allow Anton to adjust--whatever. Irritating. Newcombe also kept his back to the audience most of the time, presumably so he could better berate his drummer. But, the songs were brilliant, a soulful mix of old and new, though in general the whole gig lacked vibrancy. BJM was tired. Not like a year ago, when they were solid. Many people just sat in the Variety's seats, and some left. I drove for 10 hours both times to get there. So my judgment is obviously suspect.

Absolutely incredible show! Been listening to this guy for years and finally got to catch a show! The whole thing was perfect.

Magic Castles Opener were fantastic! BJM were swell as well, but their sounds gets real repetitive and the finale fuckin sucks unless you love 20 minute of earsplittingly loud feedback

Love coming to Chicago and seeing bands at The Vic, not a bad view anywhere. 7 years of not seeing BJM was too long. Another wonderful long set from an incredible live energy band.

I wish Anton was out front and we could see him. My only itty bitty criticism. Otherwise and solid show

It was an interesting show. The venue is great. Major Fan of their music, Sometimes though, seeing your music hero's live is tough to see.

Seen them before and they were awesome. So went to MCR with high expectations. Sadly, I found this performance a bit lacking. Sure it had its moments, but on the whole it was lacklustre. Plus I found Anton NewCombes constant criticism of his bandmates insufferable. Proper mardy git. Apparently he apologised to them after the gig. Nice. He should apologised to us instead. Looking at other reviews, die hard fans loved it. So job done. I probably won’t see them again. Been there, done that….. but might still buy the t-shirt

Absolutely loved it. The band were great, Anton had his usual grumpy moments and they played and played and played. 7 guitars on stage at once was awesome!

When the band played they were out of this world. Loved it, but 11 songs in 2 hours is not fair on fans.

Super amazing. It was my first time seeing them and I was so close to the stage! I can’t wait to see them again, hopefully next year :)

Great show…..although Mercury Rev bowed out at the last minute. Orange Peel is a great venue, BJM sounded great even if there was a long pause between songs for them to get a different guitar or tune or whatever. I’ve wanted to see them for a long time now & so happy I did. I even met Anton.

Amazing, wish he wouldn’t have skipped some songs because stupid drunk fans yelling song demands but I guess that’s how it goes. Can’t wait to see them again for the next tour . Keep music evil

Just an awesome show, 2 hours and despite the usual occasional delays, the band sounded great, in a great intimate venue to see them compared to some of the much larger venues they play. Great club too.!

What a show! An excellent mix of old and new songs and an amazing performance! I loved every second of it

lack of rest and use of drugs took a toll on their on stage performance. the lead writes and plays music like a genius but organizes his words and music sheets like, well, less than a genius. the energy was at a weird place that made their performance look between carefree and unprofessional.

Anton is a god, but a few more classics would have been nice, less time “wasted “ between songs, and the last 10 minutes would have been better spent playing “wisdom” and “miss June 75” but glad to have seen them 👍🤪

Anton Newcombe is a genius. The Brian Jonestown Massacre is the greatest band around today. Anton sneezes and hits come out! He was also very friendly an signed autographs after the show

It was amazing! They did great on the stage yesterday night! The lighting was nice, stage was awesome, speakers where loud, and and awesome band! I’m so happy I got to see them play, and hopefully they will come back soon.

The show was excellent!I came to the show without previously listening to any of the band's songs and it totally blew my mind. The band's playing was great, with thick beautiful sound, great rhythms and massive energies. And of course, the great songs.

3 hours of some of the best Psyc-Rock you will ever hear! In terms of quality of sound it was the best concert I have ever seen!