Shaboozey Sells Out The Legendary Metro In Chicago!

Nestled in the heart of Chicago, The Metro has a history as rich as the music it houses. Originally built in 1927 as a Swedish Community Center and transformed into a beloved concert venue in 1982, The Metro has long played a crucial role in launching local bands and artists into stardom. On a bustling Tuesday night, it played host to Shaboozey's Where I've Been Isn't Where I'm Going Tour, a night that would etch itself into the memories of every attendee. The tour, marking his first as a headliner after a decade-long journey in the music industry, was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of resilience, talent, and authenticity.

Photos By: Nashville Is His Bride

The night began with Maryland-born singer/songwriter Luke Borchelt. Although this marked his first tour, Borchelt carried himself with the poise and confidence of a seasoned veteran. Armed with just an acoustic guitar and accompanied by a friend on electric, he immediately captivated the Chicago crowd. A special moment came when Borchelt proudly acknowledged his mother in the audience, a testament to the familial support that underpins his burgeoning career.

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Borchelt's latest song, Itchin', released in July, already had the crowd singing along, demonstrating the swift connection he has forged with fans. His breakout song, Every Rain, which boasts over 800K streams on Spotify, also resonated deeply with the audience. However, it was Same Old Square that truly showcased his storytelling prowess, cementing Borchelt's status as a rising star in the music scene.

As the lights dimmed and smoke enveloped the stage, the anticipation in the sold-out Metro reached a fever pitch. A sold-out show on a Tuesday is a rarity, but not when Shaboozey is in town. Fresh off his seventh consecutive week at #1 with his debut single—a record that shattered a nearly 20-year streak set by Carrie Underwood—Shaboozey's reputation precedes him. His stage name, derived from a playful mispronunciation of his surname Chibueze, meaning God is king in Igbo, adds a layer of cultural significance to his rising fame.

Shaboozey kicked off his set with Last Of My Kind, a song he co-wrote with Paul Cauthen. The energy in the room was palpable, as the crowd roared in approval. This was followed by Tall Boy, a track that clearly fired up the audience. Shaboozey took a moment to thank the Chicago crowd for accommodating a date change due to his first-ever VMA nomination. Although he didn't win Song of the Summer, losing to Taylor Swift and Post Malone's Fortnight, the mere nomination was a milestone in his career.

Anabelle was a massive sing-along, with the crowd's voices blending seamlessly with his. It was a moment of pure joy and unity, setting the tone for the night. Shaboozey's setlist showcased songs from various stages of his career. Let Love Be The Reason and All Men Die, both from his 2022 release Cowboys Live Forever, Outlaws Never Die, proved that many in the Chicago crowd had been loyal fans for years. Shaboozey emphasized his love for storytelling through music, a theme that resonated deeply with his audience.

“I’m a storyteller, and I love telling stories through music”

Shaboozey's setlist was a testament to his songwriting prowess and versatility. Songs like Horses & Hellcats, Vegas & Drink Don't Need No Mix showcased his ability to blend storytelling with catchy melodies, capturing the audience's attention with every word. These self-penned songs felt like an open diary, sharing his experiences and emotions in a way that was both raw and relatable.

However, Shaboozey didn't shy away from adding a few surprises to the mix. His cover of Waka Flocka Flame's No Hands was a delightful twist, incorporating a touch of country that made it uniquely his own. The crowd erupted in cheers, appreciating the creativity and the nod to his musical influences. The next cover, Turn The Page by Bob Seger, was a heavy crowd favorite. Shaboozey's rendition was powerful and emotional, a tribute that resonated deeply with the audience.

One of the most poignant moments of the evening was East Of Massanutten. Shaboozey revealed that the song's true story made it particularly emotional for him, and he performed it with a vulnerability that endeared him further to the audience. Following this, Highway and Let It Burn kept the momentum going, the latter being a song that helped put him on the map. The night continued with hits like Beverly Hills and Steal Her From Me, each song building on the energy of the last. Just a few days before the show, Shaboozey had received news of his nomination for two CMA awards—Single of the Year and New Artist of the Year. It was a milestone moment, considering he had written a song about the CMA's back in 2016. The pride and gratitude were evident in his performance, as he poured his heart into every note.

As the night drew to a close, Shaboozey performed Finally Over, his favorite self-penned song. He admitted that despite his success, he still gets jitters but felt comforted by the supportive Chicago crowd. He said all he ever wanted to be was authentic, and he showed that tonight. Though he announced it as his final song, the audience clamored for more, knowing that one song was conspicuously absent from the setlist.

As the chants grew louder, Shaboozey reemerged for an encore, delivering the summer hit A Bar Song (Tipsy). The atmosphere was electric, with the audience's voices nearly drowning out his own. This song, which has swept the nation, has undoubtedly been a significant catalyst in launching his career. The crowd's energy and enthusiasm were a testament to the impact of this track. In a heartfelt gesture, Shaboozey started the song over from the beginning, giving the Chicago crowd one last moment to cherish. It was clear that he was not just performing but sharing a piece of himself with every note. As the final chords echoed through the Metro, it was evident that Shaboozey's deep, raw talent had firmly established him as a singer-songwriter to watch.

The Where I've Been Isn't Where I'm Going tour is more than just a series of concerts; it is a narrative of growth, resilience, and authenticity. Shaboozey's performance at the Metro was a poignant reminder of the power of music to connect, heal, and inspire. His journey over the past decade, culminating in this tour and his recent CMA nominations, is a testament to his dedication and talent.

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For those who have been following Shaboozey since the beginning, this tour is a rewarding culmination of years of support and anticipation. For new fans, it is an invitation to join a journey that is far from over. Shaboozey's ability to blend genres, tell stories, and connect with his audience ensures that he is here to stay. His heartfelt performance in Chicago was a beautiful reminder of the power of music and the importance of staying true to oneself. As the crowd slowly dispersed into the night, there was a shared sense of having witnessed something special.

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Shaboozey Set List:

Spaghetti (Intro)

Last of my kind

Tall Boy

Anabelle

Why Can’t Love Be the Reason

All Men Die

Horses & Hellcats

Vegas

Drink Don't Need No Mix

No hands (Waka Flocka Flame Cover)

Turn the page (Bob Seger Cover)

East of Massanutten

Highway

Let It Burn

Beverly Hills

Steal Her From Me

Finally Over

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A Bar Song (Tipsy)