The Marcus King Band Brought Darling Blue Pt. 2 Tour to the Festival Ground at The Salt Shed

Jun 22, 2026 admin_bitlc Features, Music News, Reviews 0

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By Fred Peth

It was not the first time Marcus King played the Salt Shed and the packed crowd on Friday night proved he has built a strong following over the years. King brought his generational musical experience, heartfelt songwriting, and unmistakable soulful voice to Chicago for a night that stretched into a two-hour, 20-song musical journey. Warming up the packed crowd with “Sin’s a Good Man’s Brother”, the crowd knew they were in for a special night.

Hailing from the Greensville, South Carolina area, Marcus King’s soulful singing comes out in his song structure and passion for playing. His voice connected with the crowd, painting pictures of the various songs throughout the night that drew the audience deeper. The crowd responded enthusiastically from start to finish. A memorable moment came during “Carolina Honey,” when King asked the audience to raise their cell phones and lighters to illuminate themselves. The visual was a great compliment to the song’s warmth and emotion, creating an unforgettable scene.

Another emotional highlight of the night was “Goodbye Carolina”. A heartfelt performance that showcased King’s gift for personal storytelling alongside his exceptional musical ability. The song resonated deeply with the audience and stood as a moving moment during the night. Fans also enthusiastically sang along during Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band’s “Night Moves,” when the opening band Penelope Road came up and joined onstage. The performance served as a great tribute to one of classic rock’s most beloved songs and further showed the band’s appreciation for the artists who influenced their sound.

As the show progressed, the band’s chemistry became increasingly apparent. During “Wildflowers and Wine” King’s vocal strength was completely apparent as drummer Jack Ryan, who formed the band alongside King, anchored the rhythm section with precision and energy. Bassist Eric Vogel, guitarist Drew Smithers and keyboardist Mike Runyon each contributed standout performances throughout the night. Toward the latter part of the set, the group stretched songs beyond their studio versions. This allowed space for extended improvisation and musical conversation between the players. These jam-heavy sections highlighted the band’s exceptional musicianship and drew the crowd in even further.

For their encore, they closed the evening with a spirited cover of “Ramblin’ Man” by The Allman Brothers Band, sending the crowd home on a high note and paying homage to one of Southern rock’s most influential groups. From the response of the crowd, Chicago will be happy to welcome him back to play again.

For more on Marcus King, click here

For photos from the show, click here

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• Chicago, concert review, live, Marcus King, Salt Shed, Tour 2026

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