State Champs Kick off 10 years of "Around the world and back" in Chicago.

On January 09th State champs kicked of their 10 year anniversary celebrations of " Around the world and back" in the first night of the tour in Chicago's beloved venue, The salt shed.

From the moment the lineup was announced, this tour promised heavy hitters, and it delivered. With Driveways, Harrison Gordon, and Real Friends as support, Chicago was given a gem of a lineup and an unforgettable night of music.

Driveways opened the night with a confident, high-energy set that immediately pulled the crowd in. Their sound carried effortlessly through the room, setting the bar early and making it clear the night was off to a strong start.

Following that momentum, Harrison Gordon took the stage and steered the energy in a different direction. Their set leaned more melodic and emotionally driven, offering a smooth contrast while keeping the crowd fully engaged as the night continued to build. Being a Normal, Illinois based band, the home-state crowd showed up in full support. Ahead of the show, the band teased on social media that Chicago would get a mix of new material alongside old fan favorites, a promise they delivered on.

With the crowd fully warmed up, Real Friends took the stage and brought the energy to another level. From the moment they stepped out, the connection with the Chicago crowd was undeniable, delivering a set that felt both familiar and refreshing as the night reached its peak. This was the moment it became clear the crowd was fully invested. That connection was solidified when vocalist Cody Muraro stepped into the crowd for a heartfelt moment, performing an entire song surrounded by fans, a moment that made the night feel even more special.

After catching our breath from Real Friends’ set, it was time for State Champs. As photographers were guided to our positions, it was clear we were in for something special. The anticipation in the room was undeniable, with fans buzzing and eager for the band to take the stage. The Salt Shed erupted in cheers as the lights dimmed and the band walked out.

From the very first moment, State Champs hit the stage with an intensity that was instantly reflected back by the Chicago crowd. Every call to jump and every sing-along moment was met with full participation, proving just how locked in the crowd was. One of the standout things to witness was how many younger fans packed the room. For a band celebrating the 10-year anniversary of "Around the World and Back", you might expect the crowd to skew older, but that could not have been further from the truth.

Pop punk is alive and well, and State Champs proved that music has no age limit. Whether young or old, meaningful music connects everyone in the room. Chicago felt like the perfect city to kick off the tour. From The Salt Shed hosting the night to a crowd that gave everything back, song after song, Chicago brought exactly the kind of energy any band would want at the start of a tour.

As a tour opener, this night could not have asked for a better start. From a stacked lineup to a crowd that gave everything back, Chicago set the bar high. If this show was any indication of what is ahead, this tour is in for a memorable run.