Bleachers Bring Out The Chicks to End Five Nights of Underplays at the Troubadour

Bleachers ended a rare set of underplays in Los Angeles at West Hollywood’s Troubadour on Tuesday night, bringing out The Chicks to close out a full-circle moment marking the first time the New Jersey indie rockers have played the iconic venue since 2014.

Led by Grammy-winning superproducer Jack Antonoff, Bleachers gave fans a much closer look than usual in the 500-cap room, with their nostalgic sound and deep-cut lyrics right at home with the Troubadour’s magic.

The Troubadour gave a much more intimate vibe than the arenas and theaters they usually play, like Madison Square Garden back in June. With the smaller space, the band could engage directly with the audience more freely, with devotees in the front row feet away at the edge of the stage.

All five nights felt like a return to the start of the group, with the set list offering a blend of nostalgia from their first album, Strange Desire, and fresh cuts from everyone for ten minutes, the band’s fifth studio album they released in May. Showcasing old favorites and new material, concertgoers were given a compilation of cherished classics like “Don’t Take the Money” and “Good Morning” and new songs including “you and forever” and the everyone for ten minutes’ opening song “sideways,” which kicked off Tuesday’s show too.

The inclusion of an acoustic set further heightened the intimacy, with Antonoff’s vocals shining. Past the midway point of their set, they’d brought up country icons The Chicks for a surprise guest appearance for a cover of “I Wanna Get Better,” which sent the audience into a frenzy. Carly Rae Jepsen performed the same song — originally released by Bleachers in 2014 on their debut album — with Antonoff on the first night. Tuesday’s show also featured Antonoff’s dad, Ricky Antonoff, who joined the band for “How Dare You Want More.”

Despite the venue’s capacity of just 500, concertgoers radiated an electric energy, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Some in the crowd brought bubbles to spray during a few songs, adding a funny extra dynamic during some of the slower, more emotional songs like “Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call,” the band’s melancholy tune about setting emotional boundaries and asking a toxic person not to contact you during the holidays.

Bleachers’ mini-residency served as a good reminder of the importance of connecting popular bands with intimate venues, championing not just the music but also the shared joy between the band and their fans. For some, this was their first Bleachers show, and others their 19th, 30th or, in one fan’s case, their 98th. Bleachers may have graduated from their time in these smaller rooms, but this past week’s stand at the Troubadour is a reminder that it’s still magical when artists make their way back to those intimate spaces they began their careers in.