Pretty Metal: The Lady in Red - Vana
May 1, 2026 will forever be a night that I look back on, as it is the day that I got to experience The Lady in Red - live. A night of great music, flashing lights, memes, and gambling... it's hard to forget something like that. Vana truly is something else. Not only is she a killer performer, but she also has the charisma to keep the crowd riled up the whole night - not to mention the right amount of filter.. or the lack thereof. Seeing the night unfold made it so very clear how she's able to sell out her shows. However, no one spits back energy invested quite like Chicago does.
Vana brought some major powerhouses out to open for her: Redhook, Deadlands, and Chandler Leighton. Together, there wasn't a single molecule in that building left unshaken. As it was, the house was filling up well before anyone went on - with each opener bringing in new waves of individuals. With each passing song, the room got louder and louder. While all of the openers were new to me, they all honestly surprised me with their own uniquely heavy sound - everyone with their own rad on-stage theatrics.
Seeing the night unfold was nothing short of incredible. By the time it was Vana's turn to go on stage, it was hard not to be hyped - not to have your hopes up. Usually you expect the front person to be the one that's interactive with the crowd, but in this case it felt like the rest of the band was on the same wavelength - with [almost] the whole band coming up and leaning right into your face (or camera). The whole ordeal gave off very comfortable, sibling-like energy.
Now, I'm not going to say that I wanted to leave early, but it was a long week, and I had a long weekend ahead of me. But, no matter how many times I said "one more song," I found myself sticking around... and stick around I did! Before I knew it, I was part of the crowd chanting "one more song." And to that, I say I wish there was one more.. and another one.. and another one. Before long, I was standing outside with the rest of the crowd - settling in my post concert depression.
Everything about Vana is so contagious: her music, her way of quite literally barking commands [to bark.. or 'meow'], and her laugh when everyone abides... we can't forget the "gambing" chants as people held up Pokemon packs for her signature on-stage opening(s).
This might have been my first live Vana experience, but it surely will not be my last. With this being her first headlining tour, I hope that I can say that I'll be there for all of the future ones, too. In its own dark and heavy way, this show.. this tour.. is something magical.. a very deserving name.. Vana: "The Lady in Red" (tour).
