A rainy, cold Chicago evening could stop a sold out crowd from coming out to witness The Hives in concert. The Salt Shed’s mix of industrial and open space gives everything a little more grit, which fits a band like The Hives perfectly. Chicago crowds don’t need much of an excuse to be loud, but this one felt locked in before the band even hit the stage.
I’ve always loved the whole “ninja roadies” thing they do, and it somehow never gets old. Watching the stage get set with that level of precision and anonymity sets the tone before a single note is played. And then the band walks out in those matching light up jackets and immediately owns the room. What I loved about the whole set up is there’s no over the top production, no distracting visuals, just minimal lighting, some giant lottery balls spelling out “HIVES” and pure energy from everyone, especially Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist who commands the stage constantly going back and forth while throwing in some jumps, mic throws and high kicks.
They wasted zero time getting into it, ripping through songs like “Bogus Operandi” and “Main Offender.” The setlist pulled from everywhere, bouncing between newer tracks and staples like “Walk Idiot Walk” and “Hate to Say I Told You So,” and it never felt like the momentum slowed. “Countdown to Shutdown” and “Trapdoor Solution” had the crowd moving nonstop. Pelle Almqvist has that perfect mix of control and chaos, constantly working the crowd.
By the time they closed things out with “Tick Tick Boom,” the entire floor felt like it was on the verge of exploding. That song always hits, but in a room like that, it felt massive. It’s rare to see a show that feels so authentic and a band that still brings out so much energy like the Hives and they’ve been doing it for over 33 years… Truly one of my favorite artists i’ve seen live.
GALLERY: The Hives at The Salt Shed in Chicago, Illinois (March 26, 2026)
