Belle and Chain surprise Evanston with wondrous sound

On April 24, 2026, on a beautiful Friday evening, an up and coming band put on one-of-a-kind performance - opening for Barns Courtney. Led by the one and only, the stunning, Spencer Grammer (who is most well known for her role as the voice of Summer Smith ("Rick and Morty"), and joined by Davis IL (former guitarist/keys for Barns Courtney) - Belle and Chain is a two-piece alt-country gothic rock band. They just released their first original single, "Don't You Worry Babe," on April 9th.

While the band only has one official song out, they have been writing and/or have other originals in their back pocket. Along with those, they did perform some covers - as well as tell stories and joke with the crowd. Regardless of whether it was song or speak, Grammer just has this sultry - almost magical - voice that just seems to pull you in. Everywhere I turned, everywhere I went, every new face that I bumped into had one question.. "Who is this?".. followed by a "Wow, I can't believe I've never heard of them."

This duo coming together is one crazy incident. Davis and Grammer met at one of Davis' parties - who was impressed with Grammer's songwriting - which ultimately ended up in what is now Belle and Chain. They always say that great songwriting / great music stems from deep pains and suffering. This was no different. In a crazy incident that happened at the beginning of the decade, Spencer ended up getting stabbed/slashed, which ended up causing severe nerve damage (a severed median nerve and two severed tendons). After surgery, as a part of her recovery, she picked up the guitar and that is when she also discovered the power of songwriting. This is what ultimately led her down the path of music - eventually running into and meeting Davis. Spencer Grammer is incredible for having gone through all of that and still having the resilience to push through - evolving into someone new.

If you are already a fan, or just like what you hear, this is a much more intimate show with it being an "unplugged" tour. Their final show will be a homecoming show, in Los Angeles, on May 3, 2026. They still have a few stops before the end, so be sure to check them - and Barns Courtney - out and catch them on this run and join the fandom before they really blow up!

Many thanks to Belle and Chain & their team for having me. Looking forward to the first EP / first album!!