Anberlin and Switchfoot Bring an Unforgettable Night to House of Blues Chicago

There are a few bands out there that will always hold a special place in my heart, and for me, Anberlin is at the very top of that list. I've been fortunate enough to follow the band through different chapters of their career, from attending their supposed final Chicago show to witnessing their reunion and now seeing them continue their journey with Matty Mullins as their new frontman. So when the opportunity came around to photograph them once again, there was no way I was going to miss it.

On October 10, House of Blues Chicago welcomed Switchfoot and Anberlin for a night of alternative rock in the heart of downtown Chicago. The venue was packed, with fans standing shoulder to shoulder throughout the floor, ready for what was ahead. With Anberlin joining Switchfoot as the supporting act, the night brought together fans of both bands, including plenty of longtime listeners who have followed their music over the years. Having covered plenty of shows at House of Blues, it was exciting to be back, especially for a night that meant so much to me personally.

I've seen Anberlin multiple times over the years, but never as an opening act. With new music coming out and the band continuing to evolve, I honestly wasn't sure what to expect. As the time got closer for Anberlin to take the stage, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement, nervousness, and pure happiness. Being able to photograph one of my all-time favorite bands is something I will never take for granted, and getting to hear some of my favorite songs from the photo pit made the opportunity even more special.

From the moment Anberlin took the stage, the energy was unmatched. Matty Mullins has proven himself to be an incredibly energetic frontman, constantly moving around the stage and giving the crowd everything he had. Even though Anberlin was there as the supporting act, you wouldn't have guessed it from their performance. They brought the same energy and excitement that I've come to expect from their headlining shows.

One thing that immediately stood out was just how many Anberlin fans were already in attendance. From the amount of merchandise I spotted throughout the venue to the fans singing along to every song, it was clear that Anberlin had plenty of support in Chicago. What made it even better was hearing the crowd sing along to their newer material, showing just how much the band continues to grow with this new chapter.

I'll admit, when Matty Mullins first joined Anberlin, I was a little hesitant. Having followed the band for so many years, I wasn't sure how I would feel about such a big change. But the more I listened to their new music and experienced Matty performing live, the more he grew on me. His vocal energy fits right in with what I've always loved about Anberlin, and at this point, I honestly couldn't imagine anyone else taking on the role. Seeing him help keep the band moving forward is something I truly appreciate as a longtime fan.

Of course, one of the biggest highlights of the night for me was hearing "Feel Good Drag." No matter how many times I've heard this song live, it never gets old. As soon as it started, I couldn't help but sing along with everyone else in the room. It was one of those moments where I had to stop for a second and just take everything in. Here I was, photographing my favorite band for the second time, listening to a song that I've loved for years. It's hard to put into words just how much that means to me.

Unfortunately, as with most opening sets, Anberlin's time onstage felt way too short. I found myself wanting more, especially after seeing just how much energy they brought to the performance. But before leaving the stage, the band mentioned that they would be returning soon, which was more than enough to get me excited for the next opportunity to see them.

Having been there through so many different stages of Anberlin's career, it's incredible to see them still performing, creating new music, and connecting with fans both old and new. No matter how many times I get to see them, that excitement will always be there. It's a privilege to continue witnessing their journey, and I can't wait to see where they go next.

With Anberlin's set coming to an end, it was finally time for Switchfoot to take the stage. Now, I knew I was in for a good show, but I don't think I was prepared for just how insane their performance was going to be.

From the moment Switchfoot came out, the energy was through the roof. Frontman Jon Foreman was constantly running around, jumping, and shredding on his guitar. I honestly had a hard time keeping up with him from behind my camera! His stage presence was incredible, and it seemed like he never stopped moving throughout the performance.

But one of the craziest moments of the night happened shortly after my first three songs in the photo pit. I had heard that Jon Foreman was known to make his way into the audience, but I had no idea when or if it would actually happen.

Sure enough, not long after I finished photographing, he jumped into the crowd and made his way right into the middle of the packed House of Blues floor. And he didn't just walk through the audience. He stayed out there and performed several songs surrounded by fans!

The crowd was LOUD. From singing along to newer material to screaming every word of the older songs, the entire room seemed completely invested in the performance. Jon was shaking hands with fans, singing alongside them, and making the experience feel incredibly personal for everyone around him.

I've been to House of Blues Chicago plenty of times over the years, but I honestly can't remember seeing anything quite like this. I tried finding a spot to grab a few photographs, but with how packed the floor was, it was nearly impossible. So instead, I stopped and watched everything unfold. And honestly, I'm glad I did.

Seeing an artist connect with fans on that level was something special, and it gave me a whole new appreciation for Switchfoot and their live performances.

Looking back at the entire night, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. From getting to see my all-time favorite band up close once again to witnessing the absolute insanity that is a Switchfoot concert, the entire evening was something I won't forget anytime soon.

I've been fortunate enough to attend and photograph some incredible shows throughout 2026, and I can confidently say this one ranks among my favorites. And considering how stacked that list already is, that says a lot!

Anberlin continues to remind me why they've been my favorite band for so many years, while Switchfoot managed to completely blow me away with a performance I wasn't expecting.

I already can't wait for the next opportunity to see either band again. And as for Switchfoot, I think it's safe to say they've officially made their way into my playlist!