2025-05-17 Radius - Chicago, IL

[cdave2]

Let's do it! We all had such a great time in '99 and 2002. Any veterans from previous meetups? (I missed the meetup in '98, but was at the show.)

First question is when to get together. I'm thinking noon-early afternoon on Saturday. Dinner would be cutting it too close to the show. I'd also consider something the night before.

The venue is on the south side and not in an area I'm very familiar with. Anyone here from nearby or attending the University of Chicago?

Last question: We need to think of Something Goofy to Hand to Karl. In '98 it was Nickole's famous snowglobe, which even earned a magazine photo as part of their stage setup.
A later show during the Easter season saw Peeps from Amy (Karl's bewildered expression was priceless). Finally, there was the crowning glory that was Nickole's Beaucoup Fishing trophy. Something fun and friendly without being fawning.

Can't wait!

[34958hq439-qjw9v5jq298v5j]

cant answer those questions as I'll be driving down from Wisconsin but I'd be down to meet some of yall

[cdave2]

I think a lot of people will be traveling for this one. The more the merrier!

[Yannick]

:)

[dubnobasswithme]

Hey there cdave2! Yes! Let's do it up old school here :D I was at the '99 and '02 dirtymeets and it would be cool to do it all again.

I've been to Radius for a show in 2022 and I think that it should be a UW-friendly sort of place. Modern lights and a big open room. Think 'warehouse-style' and not 'converted theater'. No seating unless you want to grab a bench on the wall all the way opposite of the stage though!

I like the idea of an early-afternoon meetup so that folks can get to the venue and stand in line as soon as they want. I'm not 100% sure when I'll be able to make the drive in though...

[cdave2]

Hey dubno! Hope to see you and your wife there!

[Yannick]

I got my tickets, im up for a meet early in the day, somewhere to eat bonus without the need for a reservation, I should arrive a few days before.

[joethelion]

Hey!

Not sure how it's all going to work, but my wife and I are going to fly into Chicago day of the show, then fly back the next morning

*it'll be the first time the in-laws are watching the baby overnight, so here's hoping everything goes smoothly*

[Yannick]

my buddy suggested https://www.skylarkchicago.com/ for the meet / pre-game its walking distance

[cdave2]

Great suggestion, Yannick, thank you!

[fivesixzero]

Not sure if anyone would remember me from the dirtylist/trsr-trade days, but I was a semi-active lurker from 96-2001 (under the name kaliema). Going to Chicago to *finally* see UW for the first time (!) and it'd be great to meet up with other UW fans. Especially folks from the dirtylist era - following those discussions introduced me to the music that got me through my teens and twenties.

Anyway, I'll be in town solo for a few days before/after, in case anyone wants to go crate digging or wandering Chicago with a fellow UW nerd.

[joethelion]

I know it's still a few weeks out - but if anyone finds out ahead of time when UW are actually coming on stage - please share! This whole "open till close" deal makes me a bit anxious... especially as we're not getting into Chicago until 4 o'clock.

I mean, with a normal show - I'd imagine they wouldn't come on stage until about 9pm, but if they're their own opener (so to speak) - it could be anywhere between 7 > 8, right?

[TheBang]

They will be playing UW songs on the PA from when the doors open at 6 PM. About 1 or 1.5 hours after the doors open you should expect UW to take the stage for a 1 hour Set 1. Half hour break (with UW playlist on the PA again), then 1.5 Hours for Set 2.

Given the early door times, I'd say it's more likely the first set starts at 7:30. They'll most likely post detailed set times as the date approaches or on the day of the gig.

[cdave2]

Thank you Bang, that’s very helpful!

Let’s all meet the day of the show at Skylark, Yannick’s suggestion:

2149 S Halsted St
Chicago IL 60608
(312) 624-8583
www.skylark.com

Please be aware they are CASH ONLY (although they do have an ATM on the premises)!

What do you guys think about timing? Is 1:00pm too early?

[StrangeLastName]

I have to say, I'd love to meet up here, despite being a bit of a newbie and/or lurker on the forums here, but I'll be with my son (12) and two other folks who aren't super plugged in, so I'm not sure if I could persuade them to join us. But it might happen. Hope you guys have a great time.

Does anyone know if there's parking nearby Radius or Skylark?

[fivesixzero]

I'm up for getting together a bit earlier at Skylark pre-show. Looks like a pretty nice spot to hang out.

I'm getting in a few days early on the train from Minneapolis, so I decided to get a ticket to the previous night's show at Radius - Armin Van Buuren - to get a feel for the space. Anyone going to that as well?

Not sure about parking, planning to take the red line to the Cermak/Chinatown station and walk across the river. Looks to be about a 20 minute walk, but I guess the 21 bus can make it go a bit faster. Been over a decade since I've used Chicago transit though so I might be a bit out of date.

Anyone have recommendations for record stores to check out?

[StrangeLastName]

Reckless Records is pretty great, though the downtown one is kind of small and not worth the visit.

I waited too long to book my hotel, and now they're extremely expensive, thanks to Beyonce being in town, I'm guessing.

[cdave2]

Anyone have recommendations for record stores to check out?

Most of the places I'm familiar with are on the North Side, but this mentions a few in Pilsen not far from the venue:

https://www.insidehook.com/music/best-record-stores-chicago

Gramaphone is still THE place for dance music, although I've been told their hours are now very limited.

[Yannick]

ill be staying near Reckless record, Wicker Park:
1379 N Milwaukee Ave

ill be sure to check it out

[cdave2]

Shuga and Dusty Groove are around there too, Yannick.

I used to live near there above what used to be the Double Door (now a Yeti store). Good times!

[cdave2]

6 days to go! Okay, unless anyone has any objections, 1:00 at Skylark it is.

I'm the middle-aged woman with short brown hair and glasses, wearing a multicolored plaid shirt. Geeky, yes, but I have good taste in music. :)

[lowbit]

We'll head to Skylark, though not sure about time, as we're driving down from MSN and need to check in to our B&B first.

Have not been to Radius before – do you need to get there early to get a spot with decent sightlines? My better half is on the shorter side, and so doesn't get to see much at a show if surrounded by taller folks.

[cdave2]

I imagine we'll be hanging out at Skylark for a couple of hours. Anyone who’s interested, please shoot me a PM and I'll send you my number so you can text to see where we are. Please PM me by 10am on Saturday so I’ll be sure to get your message!

I've only been to Radius a couple of times, but I would recommend getting there early. If I remember correctly, the floor isn’t sloped. The venue is more warehouse than theater.

[TheBang]

FYI, the box office is saying the first set starts at 7 PM.

[cdave2]

Thank you, Bang!

[lowbit]

Thank you for the insights, Cdave2 and Bang – appreciated!

Seems like we may know a bit more after tonight's NYC show (first of the 2025 US tour).

[fivesixzero]

Just pulled into town on the ol’ Empire Builder Amtrak train, more and more excited for the show. Planning on joining the crew at Skylark day-of, but few plans before/after. Gonna roam downtown a bit today. If anyone else is around Millennium Park this evening and sees a tall, beardy, bespectacled guy with a Mezzanine album cover tee shirt it might be me, heh.

I did get a ticket for Armin van Buuren at Radius the night before, mostly to check out the venue. Other than that, just riding the sainted rhythms for a few days.

[joethelion]

Well… CRAP

I bought my tickets through the official seller for the show (“AXS”) and the verification code keeps being sent my old phone number… and of course there’s no other option for Two-Factor Authentication!

I’ve already contacted customer service, but it’s been four days and it still hasn’t been fixed.

Hopefully it won’t be too crazy at the box office and they can sort it all out, especially if I have the confirmation emails. BUT if you see a full grown ass man decompensating, and crying that he’s waited 13 years to see UW again- say ‘hi’ - it’s me! :p

(Edit)
Was finally able to speak to a person and got it fixed!

[cdave2]

Dang. I hope the box office can print your ticket for you.

What was the address posted on UW’s Instagram for issues with the NY show? Was it for the promoter or did it go to UW’s management?

[2dreamofluv]

i missed out on merch last night.

can someone grab me a L white tshirt and i will happily repay you with interest.

[StrangeLastName]

I just got an email saying doors open at 7 and the show starts at 7??

[joethelion]

I just got an email saying doors open at 7 and the show starts at 7??

Yeah... That seems insane.

I'm guessing that's when the UW playlist starts? Before the first set

[fivesixzero]

Looks like it’s doors 7, music 8.

https://twitter.com/radiuschicago/status/1923514259746488394

“There is an issue on AXS. Show will begin at 8pm CT.”

Looking forward to meeting up with some fellow dirties at Skylark today! Ran into a half dozen UW fans that’ll be at the show at Shuga Records and on the Red line yesterday. Guess wearing a Massive Attack tee shirts turned out to be a good signaling mechanism, lol.

[cdave2]

On my way to Skylark. See you guys there!

[cdave2]

This place is great, Yannick, thanks for the suggestion! It feels like someone’s basement. Not fancy at all, but there’s a friendly bartender named Brian, a pinball machine, old country music playing in the background, and, so I’m told, Chicago’s oldest urinal. :)

[fivesixzero]

Heading that way myself, see ya’ll soon.

[cdave2]

Also, for those of you driving, Brian mentioned that people often park near Skylark for shows at Radius. Space is limited, but it’s an alternative to the venue parking lot.

[potatobroth]

have fun Chicago! This show was EPIC!

[cdave2]

Thanks potatobroth! We’re in line at the venue now and we are READY!!

[spacejunk]

Radius is going off like a frog in a sock!!!

[Kein]

Cut my vacation two days short just to be there tonight. It was worth it.

Hope everybody had a beautiful time.

[fivesixzero]

I think that might’ve been the best experience I’ve ever had at a show. Thanks for being a great impromptu show buddy, cdave2! Utterly lost my mind on the rail, finally got to see the guys live after so long. Even listening to all those bootlegs (and Bootleg Babies) a million times couldn’t have prepared me. If you saw a dazed, sweaty dude with a Mezzanine shirt after the gig that was probably me.

Gonna post a few photos/videos I managed to get between utterly losing myself on my Instagram (http://instagram.com/fivesixzero). Same username as the forums here. Edit: posted a ton to IG stories. Not the best medium, probably, but it works for now.

Will be in Chicago for another day, so if anyone wants to get lunch or grab a beer and talk music drop me a message. Every UW fan I met today was good people, down to meet some more.

[potatobroth]

awesome! any idea if the set was exactly the same as brooklyn or did they swap anything in/out?

[fivesixzero]

Saw a setlist on Insta.

1. GENE POOL
2. CONFUSION / LOW BURN
3. DIRTY EPIC
4. TECHNO SHINKANSEN
5. PUSH UP
6. KITTENS
7. JUANITA
8. TIN THERE

Set Two

1. JUMBO
2. DENVER LUNA
3. STAR
4. PEARLS GIRL
5. DARK TRAIN
6. TWO MONTHS OFF
7. COWGIRL
8. AND THE CLR RED
9. KINGS OF SNAKE
10. BORDER COUNTRY
11. ARPEGGIO12 (KI/KI)
12. MOANER
13. NUXX

Confusion, Tin There (face melting!) and STAR were highlights for me, but the whole set was gold. Gene Pool made for a nice chill entry point, then Confusion/Low Burn just opened the floodgates.

[34958hq439-qjw9v5jq298v5j]

that was amazing. pretty sure I saw you fivesix. idk if I've ever been to a show as special as that. not just because of the performance but because of the crowd. you could really feel how much this meant to everybody. I still can't believe those dudes were like...30 feet away from me.

such a dream setlist too. don't get me wrong, like most of you I think these 'greatest hits' type sets aren't as interesting as what the band is capable of when they get really out there, but you know what, if you're only gonna get one opportunity to see these guys (or...fingers crossed??), that's absolutely the set you want them to play. I remember listening to Everything Everything and thinking "do they really play banger after banger like that?" ...well last night they did :)

[spacejunk]

"Some of you have aged since last we were here...."

My 1st ever show. Loved it! Me and the missus were up near the front of the soundboard for the 1st set. We moved to the back for the 2nd set and had more space to bounce. I can't say anything bad about the whole set. Only thing from the back section was we couldn't see the boys too well through the over abundant use of the smoke machine.

I'd go see them again. ;)

[34958hq439-qjw9v5jq298v5j]

speaking of shout out to the venue for passing out water bottles near the front. between the physicality of the show and the heat of all the bodies together I got dehydrated quick and probably downed like 4-5 of them throughout the course of the night. given how much they cost at the bar that actually might've covered the cost of my ticket :) idk what I would've done otherwise. reminded me of LCD Soundsystem in 2007, I recall at the end of that being thirstier than I've ever been in my whole life

[StrangeLastName]

What a fantastic show. I brought my 12-year-old son and two friends, so there was a range of fandom, from knowing just a couple of songs to mega fan (me), and all of us ended up totally blown away and thrilled with the show. We were smack dab in the middle, about 10 people back from the stage, and it was perfect. The way they built the intensity in the volume, the setlist, the lighting design (!!!), everything was stellar.

Favorite points:
- Gene Pool - Such a great opener. All of us loved it. The slow unfolding of the visual elements was perfect.
- Techno Shinkansen - This was short and sweet and such a great inclusion in the setlist.
- Denver Luna - This was already one of my favorite UW songs of the last 20 years, but this live version took it up a notch. I think this has earned a place in one of the top 10 UW singles ever. People were singing along, this one seems to have really landed with people.
- S T A R - I have to admit I didn't care for this when it came out with Drift, but I really enjoyed it in the show, I think having a few shorter tracks in between the long bangers was pretty smart.
- Two Months Off - Again, have never been a huge fan of this track, but live? I get it now.
- Cowgirl - I loved, LOVED this version. It had so much extra energy, the pounding four-on-the-floor bass was unreal. The whole time I was jumping up and down, hoping that we'd get a good recording of this live version.
- Moaner - This has always been a Top 3 track for me, and I was so happy that they played it. Honestly, if it wasn't for the fact that NUXX is their most popular track and a natural ender, Moaner would have been a perfect show closer. The feeling in the room was like, this is INSANE right now.

If there was any negatives, it would be that "And The Colour Red" dragged a bit and kind of killed the vibe, and that I didn't need quite so many songs from Beaucoup Fish. I think we could have skipped a few of those (Kittens?) to get something from the OWB-Barking era (Beautiful Burnout or Downpipe maybe?) or Barking. But that's it.

Overall, an outstanding show and I loved every single minute of it and it was worth the 25-year wait.

[34958hq439-qjw9v5jq298v5j]

ya I definitely noticed Denver Luna got the same reception as any of the classic tunes, that's pretty rare to see in a group that's been around this long. hard to use the word "highlight" when that applies to basically everything they played but it was so great.

the one that won me over was Border Country. in retrospect I think that's clearly one that's meant to be experienced live.

[fivesixzero]

34958hq439, the need for water was real. I must’ve had 7 or at bottles by the time the night was over. Without that water I would’ve been hauled out of there by EMTs halfway through the first set. And when someone did pass out just after Tin There, during intermission, they got them out safely and professionally. All pro. I hope that guy is alright.

The FOH security crew at Radius were consummate professionals. I was chatting with the FOH manager (Roland, I think?) for awhile before doors and he was a solid guy. Really there to watch out for the fan and keep people hydrated and safe. He even made that gifts for Karl and Rick from a few fans made their way to the tour manager, which is just above and beyond.

I’ve got friends in that line of work back home in Minneapolis, and that mindset - as opposed to a confrontational mindset - is a very distinct choice on the part of venue management/ownership. Radius gets a 11/10 from me on that front.

Agree on Border Country. Experiencing the tracks live made the newer tracks hit totally different!

Moaner was huge for me too. For decades I felt like it was a bit of a weird fit on Beaucoup Fish. On my more flow-y mixtapes it was hard to place since it’s just so massive! But the live experience rearranged my thoughts about Moaner completely. Core memory, that one. And Two Months Off! Just beautiful.

Meeting fans was amazing too! I was able to introduce at least 5 or 6 people to Bootleg Babies, and a bit of the history around it, which was really cool. I kinda felt like it was my duty as an elder fan, who was there lurking on RTSR-trade and the dirtylist, to bring folks into the fold a bit. Was so cool
to hear people’s stories about how they fell in love with UW - all unique and beautiful. So many people that were also there for their first show! My only regret is not talking to *more* people. Next time I might just bring a bag full of burned copies of Bootleg Babies to hand out. :)

[TheBang]

Next time I might just bring a bag full of burned copies of Bootleg Babies to hand out. :)
And what will the kids play it on??

[fivesixzero]

And what will the kids play it on??

Legitimate question! I?ve been surprised to find pockets of gen-z music nerds in Minneapolis, at least, rediscovering CDs like my millennial peers rediscovered tapes in the 2010?s. Knew of at least two labels in Minneapolis releasing only on tapes back then! So who knows?

But yeah, very valid point. I was probably doing just fine by pointing them to the YouTube postings. 😂

[joethelion]

...wait... how has no one else mentioned the new ending to "Push Upstairs"??? It was incredible to hear "Tin There" and "STAR" was also a surprise highlight for me.

The venue was awesome - it reminded me of my old "clubbing days" back in the early '00s, and it was pretty easy to navigate. For most of the show, we ended up being a little bit in front of the soundboard - but then moved to the back for the second half

I posted to my insta a few videos -> https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17991022853799551/

We weren't able to make it to the meet up, as our flight didn't land until 4, so we didn't get to the hotel for another hour. Also... WOW - the city was FULL of Beyonce fans. I haven't seen that many people dressed up as 'cowboys' ever in my life. My wife & I took the train into town, and we ended up being in a car filled with people in tassels & glitter.

Also, the new song was awesome, and the intro kind of reminded me of that 'pling plong' intro to Rez/Cowgirl (from Reading '96).

I'd love to hear a live recording from this tour, if one ever pops up.

[TheBang]

I'd love to hear a live recording from this tour, if one ever pops up.
Gavin (orbaddict) recorded this show, and it should be available at some point.

[StrangeLastName]

Gavin (orbaddict) recorded this show, and it should be available at some point.

That is great news!

[potatobroth]

Also, the new song was awesome, and the intro kind of reminded me of that 'pling plong' intro to Rez/Cowgirl (from Reading '96).

I'd love to hear a live recording from this tour, if one ever pops up.

i thought it was going to be a new opening segment to Born Slippy .NUXX

[taoyoyo]

Think that may well have been one of my favorite UW shows! Great venue, staff, crowd. Still buzzing.

[fivesixzero]

I can't stop searching for more crowd photos and videos, the gifts that just keep on giving...

So far, this one has to be my favorite, even if its the most chaotic and poorly filmed of the lot. But, wow... It really captured the frenetic energy of NUXX at the end of the show. They were only a few feet behind where I was too, so it was pretty nice seeing familiar faces from the crowd, along with the back of my head while I was losing my mind.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUROw0qyxlQ

The kicker is at the very end of the video, when the very shirtless guy filming it is wandering out of the crowd, and says "I'm still wearing pants, don't worry about it!". Utterly priceless.

Made a 'playlist' of the stuff I found on Youtube, in case anyone wants to check it all out without having to do the actual searching.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMdUNVWp4aXqTQ9rn14DVbSnhMIIie2GX

[StrangeLastName]

Ha, nice to see myself and my son in there.

[cdave2]

You all have said it better than I ever could. That was the best Underworld show I’ve experienced since 1999! I do miss the improvs, but the show was so masterful and well-paced that it shone in an entirely different way. Full-on, nonstop.

Fivesixzero, many thanks to *you* for being my concert buddy - it took me back to my first time seeing UW. Dubnobasswithme, it was great to see you and your wife! Sorry I wasn’t able to meet up with more of you. Next time - and hopefully they won’t wait so long to return, because that was one of the most enthusiastic crowds I’ve seen in a long while.

[cdave2]

Just came across this on Reddit, posted by chupathingy99:

"https://archive.org/details/live-at-the-radius-2025

It's not exactly the greatest quality, but it's there.

It's also not playable as audio through the site, couldn't get that to work. My browser kept crashing. So, it's a zip file of mp3s. I tagged everything as best I could.

Anyway, here's the whole thing. Enjoy"

[joethelion]

Thanks for sharing that link!

Not the best recording, but given how it was made - I'm impressed. Also, considering as it's the only full show I've been able to find - beggars can't be choosers.

[buzzelvis]

Been listening to the back pocket recording of the show posted here (Thanks for the link!!) but am still curious if there is a better copy out there?

[dubnobasswithme]

Not yet. Supposedly there's another audience one that is being cleaned up before release, but no news on that from what I've seen.

[RandomViolence]

I'm still eagerly anticipating! The setlist seemed consistent for the US dates, so would love to have a clean recording of this series of shows.