The Avett Brothers Fit Rarities Into Chicago Theatre Run Opener

The Avett Brothers opened a three-night stand at the Chicago Theatre last night. A number of rarities made the setlist on Thursday night, including the band’s first “The Lowering (A Sad Day In Greenvilletown)” since 2018.

Performing in different formations throughout the night, The Avett Brothers delivered a 26-song concert to start the run in the Windy City. After opening with staples “Live And Die,” “Morning Song,” “Satan Pulls The Strings” and “Laundry Room,” the full band worked a bit of Led Zeppelin’s “How Many More Times” into the traditional “Old Joe Clark.”

Seth Avett then fronted a more compact lineup on “The Lowering (A Sad Day In Greenvilletown)” from 2006’s Four Thieves Gone: The Robbinsville Sessions for its first play since September 27, 2018 as per November Blue. Another surprise followed a few songs later when Seth, Scott Avett and bassist Bob Crawford gathered at the front of the stage for “St. Joseph’s.” The song off 2008 EP The Second Gleam was last played on November 2, 2019.

Scott and Seth continued on with a “When I Drink” duet before the rest of the band returned for “Distraction #74.” Next up was “Will You Return?” and “Better Here.” The latter comes from the group’s 2019 studio album, Closer Than Together and hadn’t been performed since February 28, 2020. More careeer-spanning fare followed to end the set, including The Avetts’ first cover of George Jones’ “The Race Is On” of the year.

The Avett Brothers said farewell with a four-song encore. Fiddler Tania Elizabeth opened the encore with her solo piece encompassing covers “Le reel du pendu / Les bars de la prison.” The band then returned for a raucous “Locked Up,” emotion-laden “Die Die Die” and powerful “No Hard Feelings” to conclude the night. It’s back to the Chicago Theatre for The Avetts tonight and tomorrow.

Watch fan-shot video featuring 2022 debuts from last night’s concert below:

Setlist (via November Blue)

Set: Live and Die, Morning Song, Satan Pulls the Strings, Laundry Room, Old Joe Clark [1], The Lowering (A Sad Day In Greenvilletown), Roses & Sacrifice, Salvation Song, Ain’t No Man, St. Joseph’s, When I Drink, Distraction #74, Will You Return?, Better Here, At the Beach, Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise, November Blue, Gimmeakiss, The Prettiest Thing, The Race Is On, Go To Sleep, I and Love and You

Encore: Le Reel Du Pendu/Les Barres De La Prison, Locked Up, Die Die Die, No Hard Feelings

[1] — Interlude: Led Zeppelin “How Many More Times”