Conan Gray took his Chicago fans through the immersive experience of his Aug. 15 album “Wishbone” at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheater in Tinley Park, Ill. Sept. 14. Gray’s Pajama Tour invites fans to enjoy his new album while in the comfort of their pajamas, creating an intimate atmosphere akin to a slumber party. As …
Conan Gray took his Chicago fans through the immersive experience of his Aug. 15 album “Wishbone” at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheater in Tinley Park, Ill. Sept. 14.
Gray’s Pajama Tour invites fans to enjoy his new album while in the comfort of their pajamas, creating an intimate atmosphere akin to a slumber party.
As fans waited restlessly for Gray to appear, the speakers began to play “bad idea right?” by fellow pop star Olivia Rodrigo. The song cut off as Rodrigo sang “I know I should stop,” making the theater go silent for a moment before the audience exploded into anxiously anticipatory shouts.
The bright lights came on to reveal a detailed set design. The backdrop detailed a sun setting over mountains, tall grasses, hay bales, a windmill and a mailbox inscribed with the writing “Tinley Park.” The elaborate set allowed for beautiful storytelling throughout.
Gray biked onto the stage — this dramatic entrance setting the scene for an exciting evening ahead. Opening with the upbeat “My World,” Gray matched the ecstatic energy of the crowd by running around and interacting with props like the windmill and mailbox across the stage.
Gray also explored his older work with “Never Ending Song” and “Bourgeoisieses” from his 2024 album, “Found Heaven.”
As the sun set, the backdrop turned black. A spotlight resembling moonlight appeared, along with a large, fluffy bed, creating a nighttime atmosphere. Gray joined his fans in the pajama party as he changed into sparkling striped pajamas. He hopped into bed and took a nap to transition into “Class Clown.”
Following “Class Clown,” the audience sang along to crowd pleasers “People Watching” and “The Cut that Always Bleeds.”
Gray’s voice live was just as powerful as the recordings. His strong vocals allowed him to explore his wide range without his voice sounding tired.
The black screen transformed again into a starry sky full of shooting stars, paralleling the lyrics of “Eleven Eleven.”
“Shooting star on the night we first kissed,” Gray sang softly, his volume building with the song.
The hopeful song inspired listeners to hold up phone flashlights, creating their own sea of stars for Gray to enjoy.
Gray continued exploring his new album with hit song “Nauseous.” When the song ended, Gray left the stage. As the sun began to rise, the band began to jam out.
Gray then returned to embark on a trip through the sea, sitting in a small, one-person boat to perform “Romeo.” Despite his confined setup, his performance was captivating as ever. His animated movements kept the crowd engaged.
No longer in his boat, the singer launched into “This Song,” which brought the crowd’s energy to its highest point of the show.
“I fucking love Chicago,” Gray said.
Taking a beat to talk with the audience, Gray began carefully scanning the crowd for someone to help choose his next song, landing on an audience member wearing a birthday crown.
Holding up a wishbone — a reference to his album title — Gray informed everyone that if he pulled the larger side, he’d pick the next song, but if the audience member got it, they’d get to choose.
He announced the options were “Checkmate,” — a deep cut from his early album — “Kid Krow,” or “Sunset Tower,” recently released on “Wishbone.” Gray pulled the bigger end of the wishbone, but as a birthday present to the fan, he let them choose anyway. They chose “Sunset Tower” and Gray obliged.
After delivering a birthday wish, Gray played the lost verse version of his hit “Heather.”
Gray opened his heart to audience members, letting fans know they’re not alone before playing his melancholic song “Family Line.”
“If you ever feel like you’re not loved, just know you’re loved by me and you’re loved by the people in this room with you,” Gray said.
The bed reappeared for Gray to perform “Connell.” Gray’s passionate performance created a relatable image of a mental breakdown while expressing feelings of self-hatred. The 26-year-old heightened the expression by getting up on the bed and collapsing, accepting defeat. Emotionally exhausted, Gray took his second nap of the night.
Waking up to perform “Actor,” Gray then announced there were only two songs left in the evening.
“I definitely won’t come back,” Gray said, sarcastically hinting at an encore performance.
Traveling back in his discography, he performed head-bang inducing “Maniac,” hyping up the crowd for the final song.
Single “Vodka Cranberry” ended the setlist memorably. Gray sang newsworthy high notes, leaving many audience members speechless. Thanking the crowd for the evening, Gray ran off stage.
Gray’s name was chanted among the crowd, begging for an encore. Returning in an eye-catching glittery costume, Gray performed “Memories” and “Caramel,” pairing fast beats with emotional lyrics.
Gray took his fans through a storybook with highly detailed sets and dramatic outfits. Dancing their hearts out and crying to gut-wrenching lyrics in their pajamas, fans’ dreams came true.
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