r/bigthief

I noticed there is a very minimal amount of shows on Archive.org - I’d have to imagine they have a stronger/committed taper community. Is there another source? There’s not a single show from the current tour posted yet.

Wondering if anyone else’s mind was blown. Their sound was amaaaazing… we were standing in the center about 20 feet from stage. it sounded so crisp but also heavy, sounded so much like the recorded versions it was lovely.

I lost my mind when they played cattails and contact… ufof is one of my favorite albums and since cattails has lyrics about the Midwest, it was really special. I was so happy they played the ending heavy part of contact, I’ve always loved that part.

It was devastating that the sound cut out for shark smile and Paul.. but other than that it was an amazing concert. They play so well live! Tears were shed. Soul ascended.

Hi! Saw Big Thief for the first time after years of being a big fan. Amazing experience. There were a couple songs I didn’t recognize, but really loved. Does anyone have the setlist from last night in Des Moines?

Thanks so much💕

i’m a newer fan of the band. been a fan of adrianne for awhile but only really listened to her solo stuff.
i’m seeing big thief at redrocks in october and im super stoked! my fav songs as of right now are Not, Vampire Empire, Mystical Beauty, Incomprehensible and Velvet Ring
any recs would be appreciated!

If anybody is attending Wednesday yall can have my two premium tickets I couldnt find a ride and cannot sell them so im giving them away for free 💔💔💔 it’s at the momentary

I was at the Twin Cities concert and noticed that no one was really singing along. My friend and I were at the kinda back left of the venue and no one was singing or dancing at all. Even during Vampire Empire, probably there most known and one of the punchy-er songs. Some people looked a bit older so maybe its just a "I enjoy going to any sort of concert" type of group I guess? Was it like this closer to the stage?

Anyone know what acoustic guitar adrianne is using on tour?

Technical difficulty’s at the Madison, WI show led to an awesome moment. Any chance any of you recorded that and can put it up on YouTube?

Big Thief – Chicago – 08/13/26

The Salt Shed Fairgrounds was packed in spite of on-and-off rain showers. I wasn’t wearing rain gear and my hair was wet from the walk to the venue. My friend and I eventually found standing room in the crowd between half and two-thirds of the way from the stage. We had a fair view of the stage and a good view of the jumbotron screens on either side of it.

I commented to my friend that the crowd in Chicago was similar in vibe to the crowd I experienced in New York at Forest Hills last October. While there certainly were millennials, Gen X, and older, it seemed that the crowd skewed to Gen Z. Lots of young queer folk, unusual hairstyles, lots of people wearing Doc Marten type footwear and dresses with fuzzy legs.

There were clusters of friends, couples, friend couples, and solo fans. I took a secret solace in seeing the solo fans. Shout out to folks who are comfortable doing things and going places alone.

Ben Lamar Gay, the opener, was very loud. I wish I had had earplugs. While I appreciated the group’s originality (tuba, unusual time signatures, cryptic chanting), they were a little too noise-y and chaotic for me. But I love that Big Thief supports such a range of artists.

Big Thief came on and you could see the excitement on the band’s faces. Adrianne addressed the crowd with a simple, adorable, “Hello.” Buck cutely said, “Thanks for waiting in the rain.”

The jumbotrons were a godsend. It was lovely to be able to see Adrianne clearly in spite of not being super close to the stage.

They kicked it off with Vampire Empire. They were immediately in the zone. You could see and feel the chemistry between everyone on stage; they were having a great time.

The first song that I was thrilled to hear was Not, four songs in. That opening minor chord ringing out! You know what I’m talking about. One of my all-time favorite Big Thief songs. I wanted to scream the lyrics and flail, but contained myself.

Things got interesting during the next song, Contact, which also happens to be one of my favorites. Not one, but two people in different parts of the crowd had medical incidents during that song. I couldn’t tell what had happened, but apparently one person fainted (?). Adrianne paused the song both times to send security over to help. After the second incident, she encouraged everyone to take a break if needed and the band skipped ahead to the breakdown (again, IYKYK).

Muscle Memory was a new one for me and I loved it. The lyrics are so real and relatable.

The opening notes to Flower of Blood made me swoon, as always.

We were treated to three new songs, two of which they had never played live before. Adrianne said, “It’s not every day that two come to you,” or something like that. She indicated that she had written them the night before and for the second one she asked the crowd not to record due to it being a vulnerable one for her as well as it being unfinished. I was pleased that people (myself included) did put their phones away. Everyone was respectful and attentive.

The lyrics of the second new song referred to a feeling of heartbreak at looking into someone’s eyes and difficulty trusting after a rupture or betrayal. It was very plaintive. I will be interested to see how it develops going forward.

Mary was a revelation. Of course, I knew the song but hearing it live was magic.

They closed the set with an ecstatic version of Spud Infinity that made me want to sing and cry. That was the highlight of the show for me. So much pure joy.

Naturally they came back for an encore, and it was a banger! The first encore song, Beautiful World, was new to me and I loved it. Los Angeles was like a big, much needed sigh. Actually, I would describe Los Angeles, Change, and Incomprehensible (the final three of the encore) all as having the energy of a much-needed sigh and return to balance after an energetic, passionate set.

I feel extremely fortunate to have been at such a heartfelt, real, joyful show! I am delighted for the band that they seem to be having so much fun and I wish them many more years of the same.

Anyone concerned about the weather impacting the show tonight in Chicago? I know Salt Shed is rain or shine and I am going either way! I am more curious how others are feeling.

This was my second time seeing them (first was last October at Forest Hills). The Forest Hills show was great, but this show was on another level.

The whole band exuded joy. Adrianne seemed in her creative element and played three new songs. When she addressed the crowd, it felt genuine, natural, and affectionate.

I didn't know I was in for such a treat of a show 😍

So basically a little backstory about me I was born super Premature. I had a twin brother who passed at birth. Than I spent like 200 to 100 days after being born in the nicu

I don’t know but.
I have this werid feeling when I listen to simulation sawm like it’s deep to my soul kinda of connection.

It’s like a werid connection or nostalgia
To a time I wasn’t aware while being in.

Like I literally lived it.

“I believe we can renew
And you could be my brother
Once again, fall asleep with our backs against each other
You believe, I believe too
That you are the river of light who I love
That I sing to in the belly of the empty night
From the 31st floor of the simulation swarm
With the drone of fluorescence
Flicker, fever, fill the form
With a warm gush, now I wanna touch
Like we never could before”

I know when my birthday comes around every years there’s this little solemn feeling.

Like I don’t listen to big theif genre that much. Mainly listen to red dirt or folk Americana stuff. (Zach Bryan) and (Gillian Welch) some times the occasional Joel gossbetts but ya.

That why I love simulation sawm. This post is more of a late night thought of mine. But ya

was wondering if anybody had the seat for tonight’s show at the salt shed. thank you!

UPDATE: gifted to a fan. Wish I had more to give!

Hope this doesn't violate the ticket trading rule, if so please delete. Was planning on a solo go of the Salt Shed show tonight but cannot make it. As a deadhead we'd call this "miracle-ing" the ticket (not sure if there's significant Dead/Big Thief crossover?), but looking to give it away to a fan who will enjoy the show. Will require transfer through ticketmaster.