Australian pop-duo, The Veronicas, returned to Chicago for the first time in twelve years, bringing their Gothic Summer Tour to the famous House of Blues. 

The opener for the tour, Jesse Jo Stark, opened the night with a sexy rock and roll vibe. Playing both released and unreleased songs, as well as a sultry cover of “RIng of Fire” by Johnny Cash. Jesse Jo Stark is perfect for fans of Suki Waterhouse and Lana Del Rey. 

The twins Lisa and Jessica, AKA The Veronicas, have been making music for twenty years now, blowing up in the early 2000s with a signature electronic and pop-punk sound that spanned a variety of genres. Now, the duo was able to share this music with the fans who grew up with them.

As soon as The Veronicas stepped on stage HOB was electrified with energy, the twins opened with throwbacks and classics from their first two albums “Hook Me Up” and “The Secret Life Of…” They came out on level one hundred of energy, as they were dancing, so was the crowd, so much so the floor was shaking. Lisa and Jessica also showed off their skills as instrumentalists, displaying their chops on acoustic & electric guitar, as well as on the bass.

The energy of the fans didn’t waver throughout the set. The Twins stripped it down for an acoustic set in the middle of the concert, playing a few of their more emotional songs, including “You Ruin Me,” from their 2014 return EP, and talking back to the audience. They exclaimed their gratitude for the fans showing up for them throughout their career, and how their fans being themselves allows the duo to make the art they want to make.

Bringing the BPM back up to end the night, The Veronicas performed “Here To Dance,” a disco track off their brand new album “Gothic Summer.” To close out the set they performed the classics. Second to last was “4ever,” a pop-punk classic featured in the iconic movie She’s The Man. Finally, they announced to stand for the national anthem, and performed smash-hit “Untouched,” a mainstay for anyone who grew up in the 2000s. 

The return of The Veronicas to Chicago was more than welcome, their staying power in queer culture was proven in the packed venue. The Veronicas are more than just their music, they’re the message of being authentically yourself. As the weather gets warmer, Chicago prepares for its own “Gothic Summer.” Make sure to stream the new album of the same name and check out their many tour dates left in the US.

Article and Photo Gallery by Mollie Menuck