Citizen Celebrate a Decade of Youth With a Euphoric Set In Chicago
On Sunday, June 18, 2023, I attended Citizen's 10-year anniversary show for their debut studio album "Youth" at The Metro in Chicago. The night was filled with an energetic and emotional atmosphere as long-time fans connected passionately with the impact this album had on their lives. But before Citizen took the stage, two bands enchanted the audience—Smut & Fiddlehead.
On a night filled with high expectations, the Chicago-based band Smut delivered an electrifying opening performance. From the moment they stepped on stage, Smut commanded attention with their unique blend of raw energy, skillful musicianship, and infectious enthusiasm. The band wasted no time in showcasing their dynamic sound & setting the tone for the night.
Up next, Fiddlehead appeared on stage, greeted by roaring cheers from the crowd. They unleashed a wave of energy that immediately took over the room. The band's unique blend of post-hardcore and alternative rock created a nostalgic and fresh atmosphere. Lead vocalist Patrick Flynn kept up an intense presence throughout the entire set, delivering each lyric with raw emotion, and giving every bit of himself to all sides of the crowd.
Finally, it was time for Citizen to play. Adding a visually charming touch, the stage and their gear were lined with pink, yellow, and red flowers, mimicking the Youth album art, which dazzled the crowd and made us even more excited for their set. As a fan who has seen Citizen countless times by now, I can confidently say they walked on stage and delivered one of their most extraordinary performances yet. They flawlessly played through the entirety of their iconic "Youth" album, which includes notable fan favorites like “The Summer”, “The Night I Drove Alone”, and “How Does It Feel?”.
In between songs, singer Mat Kerekes took a moment to recall the writing & recording process of Youth and explained that the band was just making music to have fun, he didn’t expect much to come of it. He said that bandmate Nick Hamm motivated them to push this release and play live shows. He said that this period in his life was some of the toughest moments he had endured and he’s grateful for his friend/bandmates’ inspiration that allowed them to create the life they have now, touring the world and playing music.
It was a touching reminder of the band's humble beginnings and their journey to becoming the influential force they are today. Citizen's 10th anniversary show of Youth was a testament to the lasting impact of their debut album. This night was a truly unforgettable experience for all who were lucky enough to be there. Here's to another decade of Citizen's remarkable music, and the enduring influence of Youth!
