Garage Rockers The Orwells Return For A One Off Hometown Show In Logans Square

Sep 15, 2025 admin_bitlc Features, Music News, Reviews 0

By James Currie

The Orwells are a Chicagoland based band that seemingly blew up overnight and made it to the big time that even included a gig on the TV show, Late Night with David Letterman, all while just having graduated from high school. They went on tour, played around the world opening for huge national acts like the Arctic Monkeys. They recorded several albums and received much acclaim throughout the industry. They seemed unstoppable and destine to be the next great underground garage rock band following in the wake of The Stooges, White Stripes and their idols, the Black Lips. But controversy, allegations and backlash halted their progression almost as fast as they came to be and for years, they seemed to be gone. But last Saturday night, a comeback, packed homecoming show proved that fans were still here for them and ready for more from the boys from Elmhurst, Illinois.

Earlier this year, a subtle announcement went up on the bands social media stating that they would be playing a gig right here in their stomping grounds scheduled for late summer. They had planned a one off show for Logan Square Auditorium joined by Mickey Avalon and others for a night of underground music to remember. Hosted by The Sonic Muse, this event was for one night only. A return to their hometown roots.

Arriving at the Logan Square institution, I was meet with a packed house of fans, the band set up at their merch table meeting with people from all over, signing autographs and taking selfies. As the night progressed, the room became more and more jam packed. It was clear, these fans came for the headliners, The Orwells.

I spoke with singer, Mario Cuomo earlier in the night. I asked how it felt to be here doing this show. He said, “It feels really good to be back home. Playing at this place (Logan Square Auditorium) was an honor to be at. One of my first experiences here was seeing a favorite of mine, the Black Lips. We’re going to be playing on that same stage they did.” He went on to say, “This is my first time back in a while. I live in LA now and only came back for rehearsals and to do this gig but it’s been great being back.”

Cuomo joined up with his bandmates and regrouped in preparation for the nights main event. After Mickey Avalon finished his set, a short break came before The Orwells would make their return.

Shortly after nine, the band took the stage. The lights went down and the crowd cheered wildly. Smashed right up to the stage were fans from way back and new. Twenty something young men and woman all here to rock.

The Orwells kicked off the set with ‘Southern Comfort’ from the album that put them on the rock road map, ‘Disgraceland’ (2014) before continuing with ‘They Put The Body In The Bayou’ and ‘Amy’. Fans constantly called out to the band with song titles, fuck yeahs and singalongs. Pumping their firsts in the air, reaching up for high fives and pogoing like it was 1995.

Mario Cuomo thanked the fans for coming and told them how important this show was to them but playing on the stage their heroes played before them. He introduced a new band member saying, “Here’s someone you haven’t met before, our new guitarist Caleb Tucker.”

They played songs from all their albums including the latest one, ‘Friendly Fire’ which although was heard back in 2023, got it’s first official vinyl album release this week and was available for purchase at their merch booth limited to just 350 copies. Several songs were played off this album including ‘Amy’, ‘Bar Fly’, ‘USA’ and the title track, ‘Friendly Fire’. And from the crowd response, was well received.

Playing through rapid fire songs, the set was quick, but energetic. Songs like ‘Who Needs You’ and “Halloween All Year’ got the floor shaking as fans jumped up and down so hard you could feel the beams flexing. I can’t imagine what the neighbors below thought.

The Orwells ended the night with one of their first fan favorites, ‘Mallrats (La La La)’. When this hit, so did the mosh pit. The pop punk classic really hits deep with long time fans as they always go nuts for it and this night proved no different.

What I saw this night was a return to the roots of what made this band such a spark of interest over a decade ago. There was no fancy set or stage show. No crazy high end gear. It was a no nonsense DYI rock show. They’ve obviously gone through some hard times and issues that may still be ongoing, but the fan turnout, interactions and response was that this is their band and what they want. Especially impressive for a band that doesn’t even have a website anymore.

For more on The Orwells, click here

For photos from the show, click here

Setlist: The Orwells, Logan Square Auditorium, Chicago, IL – Sept 13, 2025