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Thundercat Brings Cosmic Funk and Pure Joy to Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom
- Ernesto Raul Aguilar
- Nov 10
- 3 min read
Article & Photos Contributed by Ernesto Raul Aguilar
Few artists blur the lines between virtuosity and eccentricity like Thundercat. On November 7th, 2025, the Los Angeles bassist, singer, and producer brought his signature blend of jazz, funk, and soul to Chicago’s historic Aragon Ballroom, delivering a performance that was both musically dazzling and emotionally charged. Touring in support of his catalog that’s redefined modern fusion, Thundercat reminded a packed house why he remains one of the most magnetic live acts in contemporary music.
From the opening track, “Children of the Baked Potato,” the tone was set, technical mastery, groove-heavy arrangements, and a sense of play that makes Thundercat shows unlike anything else. His six-string bass work was nothing short of jaw-dropping, effortlessly moving between dense chordal runs and rhythmic flourishes that served both as foundation and melody. Behind him, his touring band locked into every twist and tempo shift with precision, creating a soundscape that was both tightly rehearsed and loose enough to feel spontaneous.
“Candlelight” and “I Love Louis Cole” followed, giving the crowd moments of emotional texture and humor in equal measure. The chemistry between Thundercat and his bandmates radiated throughout the venue, translating complex time signatures and harmonic progressions into something infectious and deeply human. When “Black Qualls” hit, the energy in the ballroom surged, its mix of funk and social commentary resonating loudly with a Chicago audience that knows a good groove when it hears one.
Midway through the set, the mood took a more introspective turn. “Overseas” and “I Wish I Didn’t Waste Your Time” showcased the tender, melancholic side of Thundercat’s songwriting. His falsetto, fragile but confident, cut through the mix with disarming sincerity. The swirl of light and visuals added to the dreamlike quality of the performance, enhancing the surreal contrast between heartbreak and humor that defines much of his music.
The second half of the night leaned into fan favorites. “Lava Lamp,” “A Fan’s Mail (Tron Song Suite II),” and “Tron Song” reminded everyone that Thundercat’s deep-cut catalog is just as strong as his hits. The crowd erupted when he launched into “Dragonball Durag,” his playful ode to romance and self-image, followed by “Funny Thing,” which had nearly the entire room dancing. The collaboration with Tame Impala, “No More Lies,” gave a nod to his continued evolution and crossover appeal, its shimmering groove feeling right at home between the older material.
By the time “Lady / Them Changes” hit, the Aragon had transformed into a communal singalong. The signature bassline, instantly recognizable, sent a wave of nostalgia through the audience, a reminder of how far Thundercat’s music has traveled since his Drunk era.
The encore was an emotional exhale. “Show You the Way” brought warmth and reflection, while “Friend Zone” reignited the room’s collective energy. He closed with “It Is What It Is,” a fitting emotional coda, equal parts mournful and transcendent.
For nearly two hours, Thundercat turned the Aragon Ballroom into a cosmic jam session, balancing technical brilliance with soulful vulnerability. His ability to make virtuosity feel accessible and deeply fun remains unmatched. In a music landscape often obsessed with perfection, Thundercat’s Chicago performance was a celebration of imperfection, emotion, and groove in their purest forms.
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