Michelle Branch brings her Everywhere and Back Again Tour to a sold-out, very excited crowd at House of Blues in Chicago.
Just when you thought the House of Blues was already full to capacity, you’d notice a steady stream of people still filtering in. This has to be the fullest we’ve ever seen the venue, as it was busting at the seams. It was so full, people were struggling to get in, with some people being stuck on the stairs, having to come to terms with the fact that they could not see the stage. Not that this seemed to bother them, as they looked excited just to be there. The loud buzz from the crowd reflected the anticipation in the music hall as they awaited Michelle Branch‘s performance.
Branch stated early in the show that for 90 minutes, you could leave any BS at the door. So for 90 minutes, the House of Blues Chicago partied like it was the early 2000s, all singing along word for word, no matter whether the songs were old or new. Regardless of being packed in like sardines, they danced along to the pop songs, with no pushing or shoving, just all enjoying it together as one whole entity. The smiles on the audience’s faces showed that the fun they anticipated at the beginning of the night was coming true.
The Everywhere and Back Again Tour sees Branch cover songs spanning her entire career. Something old, something new, and some covers – something for everyone. However, whatever she played, everyone seemed to love. This tour has completely sold out on both the 2026 and 2027 legs. Explaining that she has been working on the new album for a few years, she introduced her new song “With Every Heartbeat,” which held the crowd’s attention every bit as much as the older material. Usually this is the moment in most shows where people schedule a bathroom break, but not here. There was zero chance you’d make it through the crowd!
In between songs, Branch had the crowd captivated with stories and anecdotes about the songs, stating that the video for “The Game of Love,” which she recorded with Carlos Santana, was actually filmed in Chicago. A true flashback to yesteryear came in the form of her cover of the Spice Girls’ “2 Become 1,” which garnered one of the loudest singalongs. She asked the crowd to help her sing this one, and they more than stepped up to the plate.
Branch’s Everything and Back Again EP’s release date has been pushed back to March 12, 2027, but we’re sure it will be an extremely popular release when it does arrive. It will include reimagined versions of her classic songs, as well as some new songs and new collaborations. Judging by the reactions and happy faces from the crowd at Chicago’s House of Blues, this tour seems to be tiding them over until then.
Kirstine moved from the UK to Chicago in 2011, and has fallen in love with the city and its music scene. She enjoys combining her two biggest passions – music and photography. If there is a band with a guitar playing, chances are she’ll be there…camera in hand. Kirstine went to her first live concert at 7 years old, and hasn’t looked back since!
