A Night of Raw Emotion: Morgan Wade Gives Chicago Everything She Had

The buzz of anticipation filled the air as music fans gathered at The Salt Shed in Chicago, IL, for The Obsessed Tour featuring Morgan Wade. On this unusually warm March night, the Windy City seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the magic that was about to unfold. For those familiar with Morgan Wade's raw and honest storytelling, this concert promised an evening of emotional depth and musical brilliance. With The Lone Bellow setting the stage, the night was bound to be unforgettable.

All Photos By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography

The Salt Shed, with its rich history, was the perfect setting for this memorable night. Once the home of the Morton Salt Company from the early 20th century through 2015, the building had a storied past of salt production, packaging, and distribution. Its transformation into a music venue allowed it to retain a unique charm, blending industrial heritage with the warmth of live performances. On this particular Sunday, its walls echoed with the harmonious sounds of the evening, creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and expansive.

As the lights dimmed, The Lone Bellow took the stage, capturing the crowd's attention with their dynamic presence. Formed around 2011 in New York City, the trio—Zach Williams, Brian Elmquist, and Kanene Pipkin—has a history that is as compelling as their music. They began their set with Green Eyes And A Heart Of Gold, their harmonies resonating with the Chicago audience. The energy was palpable as they dedicated a new song to servers and those in the hospitality industry, a heartfelt nod to everyday heroes.

With each track, including You Never Need Nobody, the crowd swayed and sang along, clearly entranced by the band's soulful melodies. The Lone Bellow ended their set with two more songs, leaving the audience wanting more. Their performance was a testament to their ability to connect deeply with listeners, making it clear they could easily headline a show in Chicago next time.

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With the stage warmed up and the crowd fired up, Morgan Wade stepped into the spotlight. The anticipation was electric, and Morgan did not disappoint. Since the Chicago weather was on the warmer side, she and her crew had embraced the day not in the green room, but with a bonfire outside, bringing an added sense of camaraderie to the evening.

Morgan kicked off her set with Total Control, a powerful track from her recent album Obsessed, which was released in late 2024. Her setlist was a journey through emotions, starting with Time To Love, Time To Kill, and showcasing her raw honesty with songs that delve into mental health, sobriety, and relationships. Reckless, from her 2021 album of the same name, resonated deeply with the audience, drawing them into her world. An early highlight was Last Cigarette, with Morgan commanding the stage and the crowd singing along with fervor. As she transitioned into tracks from her 2023 album Psychopath, like Losers Look Like Me and Matches And Metaphors, it was clear she had the audience in the palm of her hand.

Morgan has around 140 – 150 tattoos, but one stood out this night. A depiction of the Morton Salt Girl, Sarah Peldon, on her right forearm, wondering if she knows about the venue's history. Songs like Juliet, Carry Me Home, and Deconstruction reverberated through The Salt Shed, each note weaving into the venue's storied walls.

The set continued with Don't Cry, followed by Run from her Deluxe Reckless album, and then Guns And Roses, Mend, and Take Me Away. Morgan's music, mostly self-penned and drawn from personal experiences, struck a chord with the crowd, her storytelling authentic and poignant.

In a brief but intimate interlude, Morgan took the stage alone with just her acoustic guitar, performing Obsessed and Moth To A Flame. These moments stripped down to their essence, showcased her vocal prowess and the emotional weight of her lyrics. The band returned for 2 AM In London, a crowd favorite that had everyone singing along, before closing out the set with The Night. As the final notes faded, the audience erupted into applause, calling Morgan back for an encore.

The encore was a nostalgic journey, beginning with a cover of Your Love by The Outfield, which seamlessly flowed into Jessie's Girl, a spirited nod to Rick Springfield, but it was Wilder Days that truly brought the house down. Its connection to the Windy City was undeniable, and as the song echoed through the venue, it felt like the perfect end to a perfect night.

Click The Image For The Full Morgan Wade Gallery

The Obsessed Tour featuring Morgan Wade at The Salt Shed was an evening of raw emotion and musical connection. Both The Lone Bellow and Morgan Wade brought their unique sounds and stories to the stage, creating a night that resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. As concert-goers spilled out into the unusually warm March Chicago night, there was a sense of having experienced something truly special—music that speaks to the heart and remains with you long after the last note has played. For fans of Morgan Wade and live music alike, this was a concert that celebrated the complexities of life, love, and the power of honest storytelling.

See Morgan Wade On The Obsessed Tour

Morgan Wade Set-List:

Total Control

Time To Love, Time To Kill

Reckless

Last Cigarette

Losers Look Like Me

Matches And Metaphors

Juliet

Carry Me Home

Deconstruction

Don’t Cry

Run

Guns And Roses

Mend

Take Me Away

Obsessed (Acoustic)

Moth To A Flame (Acoustic)

2 AM In London

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Your Love (The Outfield cover) / Jessie’s Girl (Rick Springfield cover)

Wilder Days