John Mayer performs at the United Center in Chicago on April 28, 2022.
With the throwback sounds of his 2021 album, Sob Rock, John Mayer created something totally new, a genre built upon smooth yacht rock grooves taken to greater heights by the singer-songwriter’s incredible guitar chops, wry sense of humor and romantic lyricism.
On Thursday, April 28, Mayer and his band stopped by the United Center in Chicago for the first of two performances – both with support from the rising R&B crooner, Yebba – on the Sob Rock Tour. Although the new jams have a decidedly distinct vibe, Mayer and company incorporated material from his entire career into a wonderfully cohesive set united by the effortless solos that seasoned every song.
Sob Rock was certainly the star of the night with “Last Train Home” opening the show and “New Light” appearing as the final song of the setlist. In between, Mayer touched on fan favorites, deep cuts and even a cover or two. “Belief” – funky and tight – and a serene “Shot in the Dark” were highlighted in the first full band portion of the show as was a groovy rendition of “Helpless” elevated by the absolute shred-fest of Mayer’s electric guitar wails versus Greg Phillinganes’ incomparable keytar stylings.
Mid-set, as his band exited the stage, Mayer picked-up his acoustic and strummed a touching take on Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home” and his catchy Born and Raised ditty, “Walt Grace’s Submarine Test, January 1967.” After sharing “In Your Atmosphere,” Mayer found his way back to Sob Rock for the tender “Shouldn’t Matter but It Does” accentuated with an added snipped of Alphaville’s “Forever Young.”
John Mayer performs at the United Center in Chicago on April 28, 2022.
When his bandmates, including Pino Palladino (bass) and David Ryan Harris (guitar/vocals), returned to the stage, Mayer remained armed with his acoustic leading into the pre-encore stretch of the concert.
“Let’s not overthink it too much,” he said while encouraging fans to enjoy the “ironic fun” of his Room for Squares hit “Your Body Is a Wonderland.” On stage, Isaiah Sharkey emerged as the song’s MVP with a delicious electric guitar solo while the videographer spotlighted super-fans in the crowd, dancing the night away, showcasing their moves up on the big screens that hung on either side of the venue.
Elsewhere in the set, “I Guess I Just Feel Like,” “Rosie” and “Assassin” – with two face-melting solos compliments of Mayer – were further stand-outs.
It’s always interesting to see how an artist blends the old and new in the live setting. In the case of John Mayer – perhaps somewhat inspired by his side gig rocking with Dead & Company – allowing songs from every era to unfold into epic jams while highlighting the talents of everyone on stage to create a brand new experience each night is an ideal way to delight the artists and audience members alike.
Check out photos from John Mayer’s April 28 show in Chicago below and click here to pick-up tickets to upcoming tour dates. More information can be found at Johnmayer.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
