By: Jenafur Schlangen
September 14, 2025
Chicago, Illinois

Mudvayne returned to Chicago’s Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom on September 14th as part of their 2025 “L.D. 50” 25th Anniversary Tour, delivering a night that was as powerful as it was personal. For those of us from Central Illinois, where the band also hails from, this milestone carried a special sense of pride. The Aragon was packed with fans who have carried these songs with them for decades, and the band matched that energy with a set that reminded everyone why “L.D. 50” remains a landmark in heavy music.

Frontman Chad Gray commanded the stage with the raw passion that has defined his career. At one point, while still singing, Chad stepped down from his platform, leaned over the stage, and grabbed my hand in greeting. Having known Chad back in the day in Central Illinois, it was a quiet but unforgettable moment of recognition, a reminder of the shared roots and long history that connect the band to their fans. The performance itself was ferocious, with the heavy grooves and intricate rhythms hitting just as hard as they did a quarter century ago.

The show also carried a weight of absence. Longtime guitarist Greg Tribbett is not on this tour following the recent passing of his wife after a battle with cancer. During the set, Chad paused to acknowledge the loss, speaking with heartfelt emotion and closing his words with two defiant, cathartic words that the crowd roared back with him: “fuck cancer.” It was one of the evening’s most poignant moments, uniting band and audience in both grief and solidarity.

From start to finish, Mudvayne gave Chicago everything fans could hope for, proving that their legacy is still very much alive. The celebration of “L.D. 50” was both a throwback and a testament to their staying power, resonating with those of us who have carried the music for years and those discovering it anew. It was a night of heavy music, deep connection, and Central Illinois pride, etched into memory as a true anniversary worth celebrating. The tour is still going strong across the U.S. until the end of October so, make sure you check the band’s website (linked below) to find a show near you!

Mudvayne – OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom – OFFICIAL WEBSITE