On the eve of International Women’s Day, feminist icon and pop provocateur Peaches stopped by The Vic Theatre in Chicago to put on a performance that was at once fun, filthy, and full of artistic political statements designed to inspire dance and deep thinking. The show was part of the No Lube So Rude Tour, named after Peaches’s stellar new studio album, her first in over 10 years.
“Hanging Titties” and “Whatcha Gonna Do About It,” both from the aforementionedNo Lube So Rude album, kicked-off the March 7 setlist as Peaches emerged dressed as a sort-of phallic Sasquatch flanked by a pair dancers portraying flesh-toned creatures. Peaches soon stripped down – revealing her human form – to perform “Rub,” instantly creating a venue-wide dance party as the lo-fi rhythms blasted through the speakers.
One of the show’s early moments that perfectly highlighted Peaches’s ability to combine compelling social commentary with an urgency to let loose and dance with a room full of strangers was “Flip This.” While defiantly delivering lyrics like “Scream it out and feel the rumble. Fuck the system, make it crumble,” Peaches methodically stripped off layered leotards each with a new slogan. “Trans Rights Now” was peeled back to reveal “Gay for Palestine” before this living legend left everyone with a written call to “Be Nice Fuck Ice.” The industrial energy and confrontational lyrics perfectly met this modern moment in American history when even the most basic of human rights are under attack.
“I U She,” “Panna Cotta Delight,” and “Light in Places” were also among the songs that got fans moving during the first half of the show as the ever-evolving stage and wardrobe transformed with each subsequent number. Later in the night, “Not in Your Mouth None of Your Business,” “Boys Wanna Be Her,” and, the song that started it all, “Fuck the Pain Away” had absolutely everyone within the four walls of The Vic moving.
Earlier in the night, Cortisa Star, a 20-year-old trans rapper from Baltimore, got the party started with a selection of stark hyperpop songs full of raw and raunchy lyrics like “Fun” and “PARTY ALL WEEK BITCH” that connected with the crowd. She kept her set moving by flowing from one song to the next while getting everyone hyped for the evening’s main attraction.
No Lube So Rude finds Peaches doing what she does best. Creating infectious dance music that shines a light on society’s ills while celebrating the joy of getting lost in a moment of bliss. This tour is an absolute must-see for anyone who needs to dance the rage away in the year 2026.
Check out photos from Peaches’s March 7 stop at The Vic in Chicago below and click here to pick-up tickets to future tour dates. More information can be found at Teachesofpeaches.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)