Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Following a fairly steady streak from the early 2000s onward, alternative rockers Lifehouse went on hiatus at the turn of the 2020s, though at least there hasn’t been a shortage of solo or side projects from its members.

For front man Jason Wade, it’s given him a chance to unplug alongside fellow guitarist Steve Stout on a tour through intimate spaces such as the House Of Blues, which demonstrated its versatility with a seated section down front and standing room status elsewhere.

Although the longtime leader has a softer spoken singer/songwriter album out called “A Likely Story,” other than the lead single “All Of My Life,” it was basically the best of the band throughout two headlining hours.

The often comical duo got warmed up to the welcoming likes of “Somewhere In Between,” “Only One,” “Easier To Be” and “Empty Space,” each casually stripped down for the setting and allowing the personal, thought-provoking lyrics to come to the forefront.

“From Where You Are / Take Me Away / Broken,” in addition to “Storm / Bob Marley & The Wailers’ “Three Little Birds” / Between The Raindrops,” were combined in a communal framework, also resulting in a fresh perspective on the multi-platinum past.

“Whatever It Takes” wound up being an acoustic winner as well, leading to yet another mega medley of “Come Back Down, “All In All,” “Stanley Climbfall” and “Spin” as Wade and Stout at least touched on as much material as possible.

They saved the major anthems until the end, including the chilling ballad “Everything” and the wedding staple “You And Me,” which led fans to fall in love with Lifehouse all over again.

Wade remained the object of their affections during “Hanging By A Moment” when the entire House Of Blues screamed along and certified it, like the many that came before, as genuine modern classic.

For additional information on Jason Wade, visit AllswellRecords.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation concerts, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the House Of Blues include Chelsea Grin (Apr. 16); Best Song Ever Dance Party (Apr. 18); Knox (Apr. 19); World Famous Gospel Brunch (Apr. 20); AWOLNATION (Apr. 24); The Used (Apr. 25-27); Friday Night Pilots Club and Circa Waves (Apr. 28); Nightly (May 1); SAINt JHN (May 2); Obituary (May 6); Miyavi (May 7); Shrek Rave (May 9); George Clanton (May 10); World Famous Gospel Brunch (May 11); Smallpools (May 15); Pillow Talk (May 18); Alex Warren (May 22); The Kiffness (May 23); Victory Party (May 25); Livingston (May 29) and grentperez (May 30-31). For additional details, visit HouseOfBluesChicago.com.

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