#TicketStubTuesday ::: Of Monsters and Men - Lollapalooza Aftershow

Of Monsters and Men
w. Yellow Ostrich
Lollapalooza Aftershow
Saturday 08/04/2012
House of Blues
Chicago, IL

The YouOughtToHearThis trio made it's first trip the Windy City for Lollapalooza in the Summer of 2012. One of the driving forces behind this trip was the chance to catch Of Monsters and Men, as they has yet to venture a tour to the Southeast. After hearing of the Icelandic indie folk band in Fall of 2011 we, like many people instantly fell in love. The catchy lyrics, well interlaced instrumentals, and amazing sound of their first EP In the Woods were completely infectious. 

One of the best perks of Lolla is their aftershow played all over the city after the festival shuts down nightly. Admission price is separate from your festival wristband and are also extremely difficult to obtain, they sell out in mere minutes. The aftershows allow patrons to catch artists they couldn't during the day due to conflicts or in the case of this concert, see an amazing band twice in a 24 hour span. Note: Atlanta's Shaky Knees Festival has increased their number of aftershows this year and we highly encourage attendance as the atmospheres are typically electric. We also hope that Music Midtown adopts this tradition!

Lucky enough to nab tickets to this show after catching Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Red Bull Stage (far end of Grant Park) we rushed out of the park to walk the 1.3 miles to Chicago's House of Blues. Getting their a few songs into Yellow Ostrich, the crowd had already thickened. 

Taking the stage soon after Of Monsters and Men confirmed put on a show that was every bit worth the wait. The group's performance dripped with charm inviting the audience on multiple occasions to join in. It was one of our fears that after making such an immediate impact of the music landscape coupled with their seemingly calm nature that they wouldn't have the stage presence or confidence to rise to the occasion. Moments into the sold out show the worry subsided.

Having only produced on LP album, their setlist was slightly predictable, but that was the only grip to be had. The crowd, minus one drunk guy who openly admitted to trying to ruin the show for people (we took care of him), was lightning focused and involved throughout the entire night.

Friends made after 'saving the show' from the drunk jerk

Overall the show, venue, and artist was an amazing experience. If you make the trek to Chicago for Lolla, make sure there's an aftershow on your to-do list.