The Story So Far and Neck Deep Live at The Salt Shed Fairgrounds in Chicago, IL

Neck Deep

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The Story So Far announced their U.S. tour with Neck Deep, Origami Angel, and Pain of Truth this past April (2025). Since the spring, flyers and posts all about the tour have been seen all over social media platforms. Many people were very excited to see the two iconic pop-punk bands, that many people have grown up on together, play on the same stage in one night! 

These two bands in particular are known for their passionate energy along with their live performances. Tours that are so nostalgic, like this one, are so important; the societal role bands or any musicians play in bringing people together and bringing people a sense of camaraderie is welcomed, not as a challenge, but as it normatively should in society’s major institution of mass media.  

From previous times seeing Neck Deep it is known that Ben Barlow, lead singer, will address inequities and discrepancies anywhere he sees them. 

On September 11, 2025, The Story So Far, Neck Deep,  Origami Angel, and Pain of Truth brought the energy to their Chicago show at The Fairgrounds at Salt Shed [Chicago]. Chicago is a music hub, but especially for pop-punk and emo music!

Walking across the bridge on the way there, the venues’ bright, flashing lights, and loud music, when Neck Deep took the stage could be seen and heard across the water. 

The absolute nostalgic atmosphere of being in Chicago, IL, on a windy, Fall night for a pop-punk show where so many were attending, felt like a Midwest pop-punk fever dream. 

Neck Deep’s performance was energetic, as always, with movement nonstop and not a single beat missed. Quickly into their set it was audible they know how loud the crowd was.

By the time Neck Deep was a few songs in, the crowd seemingly had continued to pile in showing their support. Fans were louder than ever when the band played their hit song, “In Bloom” with such melody and passion the fans gave Neck Deep’s acoustic version of the song back to them, live. Neck Deep of course played some of their newer tracks from their self-titled album, including new tracks from the deluxe version, such as “STFU”! Next, and Last, to take The Fairgrounds’ stage on September 11. was The Story So Far. Seemingly, the crowd was equally as excited for both Neck Deep and The Story So Far.

By the first note of The Story So Far’s set, fans were screaming along, moshing, crowdsurfing, and overall setting the standard for how all crowd’s energy should be in supporting live music. There were some participants in the crowd that were not handling their excitement and substances together well , but Salt Shed security did amazing job in protecting everyone they could and addressing every “little” situation that most venues look over. When not only the musicians, but also ALL venue staff genuinely make sure their attendees stay safe and respectful of one another it makes a difference. I do believe that not only with Neck Deep + The Story So Far’s advocacy on state, but also the venue creating a space that people know they are safe is so vital in the music industry and is overlooked. Some of the best and kindest venue staff to be found in Chicago were working that night on The Salt Shed Fairgrounds. The venue has a strict show cutoff/curfew time set in place of 10 PM for every show, but The Story So Far still managed to play a full set with over 20 of their top tracks. Some favorites of the night to be noted would be: “Roam” , “Out of It” , “Proper Dose”, and, of course, the final encore of “Quicksand”.  

The Story So Far

Origami Angel and Truth of Pain set the tone for Chicago’s crowd that evening, and it was maintained at a high energy throughout the entirety of Neck Deep and The Story So Far’s performances. These two will forever be staple bands in the Pop-Punk scene and history for amazing music and performances, but, should also be recognized for their community-oriented approach and outreach within the industry. Any form of a collective message for others to consume is a part of the societal institution of Mass Media Communications. Photography, writing, news, radio, + other entertainment/media services play a role in how not only society can function, but also sets the standard for societal normative expectations. All of that being said, music is arguably part of such. Let it be known that this is not being said to say anything more than: comfort in communication is where the complacency rests. So, to Neck Deep and The Story So Far: thank you for setting the tone for the industry and speaking on what should and shouldn’t be tolerated from your platform to your audience. In this ever-changing industry of music, regardless of how much it can change society.

Written by Allie Loven