Sleep Theory was welcomed to a sold-out show at the House of Blues. The line outside the venue stretched across the bridge that connects the House of Blues to the Loop. Chicago was more than ready for an incredible night.
Sleep Theory was supported by Robin X, Stray View, and Nevertel—a lineup that brought headliner-level talent to keep Chicago moving all night.
Frontman Cullen Moore brings such a refreshing touch that truly sets Sleep Theory apart—a key factor in their well-earned success. From the first song to the last, the energy was unmatched. When Moore wasn’t singing, the crowd could be heard belting every word back at him.
I loved the band’s stage presence: jumping into the crowd, handing the mic to fans, and even crowd surfing. Moore’s soulful vocals were beyond impressive, seamlessly blending hints of R&B with heavy rock—a combination I never expected to work, but Sleep Theory not only pulled it off, they absolutely killed it.
The House of Blues was packed from top to bottom, every balcony and every VIP box completely full. It takes serious talent to sell out the House of Blues, but even more impressive? Getting the entire crowd moving. At one point, Moore commanded the audience to stop and make the place jump, and best believe Chicago showed up to party. The whole venue shook from the sheer force of the crowd’s energy. Even the security guards looked impressed.
Mid-set, Sleep Theory hit us with a cover of NSYNC’s ‘Bye Bye Bye,’ and I’m not going to lie, it totally threw me off at first. But somehow, it worked. It matched the energy in the room perfectly. And the vocals? Unreal. I don’t even know how to describe it. He can sing. Maybe it’s the raw emotion in the lyrics or just the way he pours his soul into every word. You feel it. Like, really feel it. And it’s not just Moore doing the heavy lifting; the whole band brings their own flavor. Together, they’ve got this sound that’s totally their own.
In retrospect, Sleep Theory’s rise feels absolutely deserved. They bring a refreshing sound that’s completely their own. I honestly can’t think of anyone else doing what they do. As my first Sleep Theory show, the night blew me away. I haven’t had that much fun covering a concert in a long time. What excites me most is getting to witness their rise from the ground up. Bands like Sleep Theory don’t come around often, and when they do, you just have to be there for the ride.
Check out their latest release, "Afterglow":
