‘Twas the first night of Twisted and all through the Aragon, Chicago music fans gathered to hear their favorite alternative rock songs.
On Tuesday, Dec. 9, Q101 kicked off its annual four-night holiday concert series with a stacked lineup that started with an opening set from Out in Front and ended with a confetti-filled show by AJR. In between these energetic performances, Wet Leg – Rhian Teasdale, Hester Chambers, Ellis Durand (bass), Henry Holmes (drums), and Joshua Mobaraki (guitar, synth) – delivered a loud, noisy set that was the perfect blend of naughty and nice.
“Chicago, how we doin’? Merry Christmas, motherfuckers,” said Mobaraki early in the night.
Wet Leg’s performance began in a flurry of fog and feedback, Teasdale appearing in silhouette, arms raised in a display of strength that perfectly suited the defiance of “catch these fists,” which served as the first song of their set. Dazzling, disorienting strobes complemented the confrontational lyrics and pounding rhythms of the moisturizer single.
Songs from the group’s 2025 sophomore album dominated the set, the glossy finish of the studio versions elevated to grungy, noise rock glory in the live setting. “pond song,” “liquidize,” and a blistering rendition of “pillow talk” were among the tracks that roared across the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom in a flurry of guitars and drums. This cathartic chaos was complimented by well-honed movements and flawless vocals most notably on the ode to staying in that is “u and me at home.”
That’s not to say that the English rockers’s self-titled debut was neglected in any way, shape, or form. Quite the opposite, in fact, as “Too Late Now” proved to be one of the highlights of the night, showcasing the band’s range in more ways than one. Teasdale and Chambers started the song face-to-face, guitar-to-guitar with the tune’s resonant riff patiently driving fans into its climactic conclusion. Teasdale’s vocals oscillated between an etherial falsetto and spoken word snark as the band increased the urgency with a cacophony of riffs, rhythms and distortion. It was glorious.
“CPR,” “Chaise Longue” – with the crowd gleefully yelling “what” at every opportunity – and “davina mccall” were further highlights of the set. “mangetout” ended the show with a collective sing along that had Teasdale assuring fans that she could hear them loud and clear.
Q101’s Twisted continued with performances from Cake, Third Eye Blind, Yellowcard, Soul Coughing, and many more artists. Check out photos from Wet Leg’s Dec. 9 set in Chicago below and click here to pick-up tickets to the remaining Twisted shows. More information about Wet Leg can be found at Wetlegband.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
