After, literally, falling asleep at the pavilion, our next stop was the Big Backyard stage to catch Buckcherry.
One of us did honestly fall asleep in between Hailey Whitter and Buckcherry. In our defense, there was a cool breeze coming in from the lake, and after a few long weeks, and weekends in a row, even metal bleachers become cozy. Despite being exhausted it looked like there was no rest in sight. For real though, how are you supposed to shove fun, chores, and rest into one tiny weekend?!
With one, probably needed, nap in the bag, and with the two of us feeling somewhat more awake we walked into what was a surprisingly large crowd. Our past Summerfest experiences have led me to the conclusion that legacy acts go one of two ways. Either they result in standing room only or the stage is half empty at best. It seemed Buckcherry was going to be one of the former cases as we squeezed into the concession space to grab a view. It wasn’t long before the group took the stage, and everything got loud.
Waking up with Buckcherry
Sound shook the concrete, even in the way back. It was indeed time to wake up and this set was going to make sure we were!
Just in front of us was the path that ringed the concession area. This means we had a front-row view of several people snaking through the crowd covering their ears due to the volume.
It certainly felt like one of the loudest sound setups we had heard at the fest. The band was here to rock, and they did just that!
When it came to the music itself, the group, led by shirtless frontman Josh Todd blasted us with textbook late 90’s sleaze rock. Their songs focused on classic themes such as hating the system, drugs & alcohol, and sex.
Todd’s vocals were largely overshadowed by the surrounding instruments during most of the songs. However, the group occasionally launched into a ballad to give him the opportunity to shine.
One rock ballad about halfway through the show I recognized. I was surprised because going into the set I didn’t think I had known them.
Their 2005 hit “Sorry” was one I knew though. I could even sing along, remembering the lyrics from way back when.
It seemed as if the rest of the crowd knew it as well. There was a shift from the loud rock n roll to a softer moment that connected the audience by a song we once knew.
Where to see Buckcherry near Chicago?
If Buckcherry seems like your vibe you are in luck. The group has three, yes I said that right three, upcoming shows in the Chicagoland area with dates in St. Charles, Des Plaines, and Joliet.
Tickets for the August 19th date in St. Charles at the Arcada Theatre are going for between $19 and $69 with their show the next day at the Des Plaines Theatre showing prices hovering between $38 and $150.
The last Illinois date on Buckcherry’s 2023 tour will be at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet on September 20th. Will call tickets are almost sold out at $34, with aftermarket hovering in the low $100’s.
