Under the clouds, stars, and skyline, Andrew McMahon played Chicago’s Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island. A venue on the Lake, between museums and the iconic Soldier Field. The clouds offered light sprinkles as a nice reprieve of the summer heat while fans entered the show about to undertake a 3 hour journey through McMahon’s music catalog of bands.
Sharing the same namesake as his book Three Pianos, in the book McMahon goes through the importance of each piano in his career. This show mimicked that sentiment in that it wasn’t just a concert, but an experience, memorable like enjoying theater even including a 15 minute intermission. The stage was covered in instruments and screens while a message describing the piano before Jack’s Mannequin took the stage starting with the song, “The Resolution.” A melodic reminder of his battle with cancer and coming through the other side.
Jack’s Mannequin, a side project after Something Corporate dismantled gained their own cult following and McMahon played songs from various albums, like “Amy I,” “Spinning,” and “The Mixed Tape.” The crowd looks a little different than in the 2000’s, but the punk rock spirit remained. Less moshing and more families enjoying the music that has followed them along their own lives. Next was McMahon’s latest project Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness, more mature but familiar, like seeing an old friend and picking up right where you left off.
Starting with “Love and Great Buildings” was a nice touch while the Chicago Skyline shined through the dark. Playing songs like “Ohio,” “Little Disaster,” and “Maps For The Getaway,” the lyrics are more introspective through his musical journey. Lastly, a new cast of characters took the stage as Something Corporate began with “Cavanaugh Park.” A song about youth and the shenanigans that come with having fun with friends.
With each band, the crowd grew more and more excited for the nostalgia that comes attached to songs like “She Paints Me Blue,” “Ruthless,” and “I Woke Up In A Car.” One would think this alone is enough for a great experience but the show was not done. William Tell, and Brian Ireland of Something Corporate took over the main stage with a couple of acoustic covers. Under the guise of being completely serious they began singing until the crowd finally caught wind they were singing Sisqo’s classic “The Thong Song.”
At a B-Stage in the middle of the crowd, McMahon was joined by fellow band members in the back of the amphitheater. Here they performed an acoustic version of the song “Swim” to a crowd who sang loudly as the line, “Swim for these lost politicians that don’t see their greed as a flaw” hung in the night. A reminder of how relevant these songs still feel even years later. Back at the main stage the show carried on with back to back hits from a combination of all three bands.
“Dark Blue,” “Punk Rock Princess,” “Fire Escape,” and yes the 10 minute punk rock ballad “Konstantine.” Making the night more special, Cecilia McMahon joined in a duet of the song “Cecilia and The Satellite.” The two singing in harmony brought the show full circle as a reminder of life and keeping the feel good moments going until the last song. Closing the show, all band members and their kids took the stage to sing “La La Lie” with a display of joy and friendship.
Between the Three Pianos shows, McMahon is simultaneously touring solo and announced shows performing with a full symphony into 2027. In addition, his Dear Jack Foundation annual fundraising benefit will be held in Denver, CO this year. An event bringing awareness to his foundation, it’s full of experiences for fans, as well as presentations sharing the impact of the foundation. More information can be found at https://andrewmcmahon.com/pages/tour-dates.
GALLERY: Andrew McMahon at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island in Chicago, Illinois (August 14, 2026)
