Photos: Japanese Breakfast kicks off a three-night run at The Salt Shed in Chicago

If you are someone who finds beauty in sadness and a certain comfort in gloom – and who doesn’t these days – you’ve probably been listening to Japanese Breakfast’s new album, For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women), on repeat since it came out earlier this year. On April 30, Michelle Zauner and company (guitarist Peter Bradley, bassist Deven Craige, drummer Craig Hendrix, and other musicians) celebrated the sweet sorrowful sounds of the new record and much more during the first of three nights at The Salt Shed in Chicago.

“Thank you so much for being here on the Melancholy Tour,” said Zauner early in the night. “It’s great to be back here at The Salt Shed for three nights. Thank you, Night One. There’s something super magical and salty about this place. We’re really happy to be here in Chicago.”

Japanese Breakfast’s headlining set began with a trio of tunes from Melancholy – “Here Is Someone,” during which Zauner strummed while sitting in a giant clam shell, “Orlando in Love,” and “Honey Water.” The third song of the trio evolved from a woeful lament to a defiant wall of sound fortified by Zauner’s commanding guitar. Later, “Picture Window” inspired singing, clapping, and dancing from everyone in attendance and “Men in Bars” – with Hendrix singing Jeff Bridges’ part as he drummed – proved that men can be melancholy too.

Japanese Breakfast performs at The Salt Shed in Chicago on April 30, 2025.

The Soft Sounds From Another Planet standout “Road Head” was welcomed by cheers of surprise from the crowd when it appeared early in the setlist and “The Body Is a Blade” cast a dark and dreamy spell across the venue. Zauner saved a few Jubilee fan favorites, including “Be Sweet” and “Paprika” – punctuated by the gong, of course – for the encore, but there was a fun surprise nestled into the setlist.

“We’ve prepared a cover song that has nothing to do with Chicago,” said Zauner. “How many millennials are out there? Okay, if you’re a millennial you will know this song. And if you’re not, it’s a bop and you’re gonna love it.”

The band proceeded to play Donna Lewis’ infectious hit “I Love You Always Forever” creating an unexpected moment of nostalgia for fans of the 1996 “bop.”

Ginger Root performs at The Salt Shed in Chicago on April 30, 2025.

Earlier in the night, Ginger Root – led by Cameron Lew – opened the show with a multi-media experience reminiscent of alt-comedy productions. With an on-stage videographer capturing all the action and displaying it on giants screens, the band shared songs like “Giddy Up” and “Show 10,” which morphed from a funky pop song into an epic, evolving jam.

Misery loves company and melancholy loves community. In a room full of Japanese Breakfast fans singing sad songs, it’s hard to feel anything but joy.

Check out photos of Japanese Breakfast’s April 30 performance below and click here to pick-up tickets to see the band elsewhere on tour. More information can be found at Japanesebreakfast.rocks.

(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)