Arcade Fire — An Out of this World Night

If you’re a UIC student, “An Out of this World Night” might sound familiar. As we get into the second half of our homecoming week, you might have realized that the theme of UIC’s Homecoming week 2022 is “Out of this World.” Think constellations, the moon, the sun, galaxies, stardust…

Going to Arcade Fire’s concert on Saturday, November 12th at the United Center felt very full circle. At the very beginning of the show, vocalist-guitarist, Win Butler, stated “We’re so happy to be here in Chicago, this feels like a homecoming show, we love Chicago.” I gasped. Add to my surprise the fact that the Canadian indie rock band decided to start the concert with blue lighting and star-like lights that gave the sense we were all in space. Out of this world.

Arcade fire has been in the news lately not only for the release of their new album WE, but for the shocking departure of longtime multi-instrumentalist Will Butler and the pressing sexual misconduct allegations against Win Butler. Although these topics were not addressed during the concert, the artists seemed to have something to prove. Their performance was full of passion and energy. They gave Chicago their all and the audience knew that. 

Looking around the United Center, there were so many special moments that caught my eye. One of the general admission security guards dancing and singing to “No Cars Go” as if there was no tomorrow. A couple in the audience created their own world, not even facing the stage, they started singing “The Suburbs” to each other. A young girl dancing with her dad to “Everything Now” and getting on his shoulders while screaming and laughing. It was moments like these that made this concert an unforgettable experience. 

Put your headphones on and relieve the concert! 

Setlist:

Age of Anxiety I

Ready to Start

Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)

Afterlife

Reflektor

We Exist

Creature Comfort

Age of Anxiety II (Rabbit Hole)

The Lightning I

The Lightning II

Rebellion (Lies)

No Cars Go

The Suburbs

The Suburbs (Continued)

Unconditional I (Lookout Kid)

Unconditional II (Race and Religion)

Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)

Everything Now

Encore:

End of the Empire I-III

End of the Empire IV (Sagittarius A*)

1979

Wake Up

Pictures taken by Bill Smith / United Center