With Dominating Energy, MONSTA X Takes Chicago on a Whirl
On October 13th, MONSTA X brought their signature intensity to the Rosemont Theater just on the outskirts of Chicago, delivering a performance that reminded fans why the group continues to command the stage after all these years. As part of the 2026 MONSTA X WORLD TOUR [THE X : NEXUS], the group moved between explosive performances, softer moments, and individual stages that gave each member room to show a different side of himself. It was a night built around the contrast that has long defined MONSTA X and makes their music resonate with fans, MONBEBE.
The show wasted little time getting started. “DRAMARAMA” kicked things off before rolling straight into “Love Killa” and “Rush Hour,” establishing an intensity that carried through “LONE RANGER” and “Catch Me Now.” The opening stretch was a reminder of what MONSTA X does best, pairing their unmistakable sound with the kind of performance that demands your attention. There was little room to settle in before the next track arrived, and the momentum kept building as the group worked through the first part of the set. But the night wasn't all heavy beats and high-impact choreography. “MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT,” “baby blue,” and “heal” offered a change of pace, bringing a softer atmosphere to the theater.
The second set brought more edgy songs like “MAGIC,” “Do What I Want,” and “Tuscan Leather,” followed by the iconic track, “WHO DO U LOVE?” The variety across the set made it easy to appreciate how much ground MONSTA X have covered musically, moving between different sounds without making the night feel disjointed. Then came the solo performances that brought another dimension to the evening, shifting the focus from MONSTA X as a collective to the individual artistry behind the group.
I.M opened the segment with the unreleased “Error 404,” followed by Shownu and Hyungwon's performances of “Around & Go,” “NO AIR,” and “Breathe.” The trio of tracks highlighted the duo's work together while offering a change in dynamic from the full-group performances. While MONSTA X are at their strongest when sharing the stage, there's plenty to appreciate when the members have room to explore their own styles.
Photo Credit: Dakota S.
Kihyun kept the momentum going with “Howling,” before Minhyuk took the stage for a mellow performance of “Reaching.” Joohoney followed with crowd-pleaser “STING / Touch the sky,” closing out the solo performances. While MONSTA X has always been known for their commanding presence as a group, these solo stages offered a closer look at the different personalities and musical styles that make up the group. Each performance felt distinct, giving the members a chance to take center stage in their own way.
The energy picked right back up with tracks like “Autobahn” and “Burning Up,” setting the tone for a run of some of MONSTA X’s harder-hitting tracks. “Alligator” and “Shoot Out” followed, bringing the kind of intensity that has become synonymous with the group’s name. The heavy beats paired with sharp choreography made for a powerful stretch of the set, with each song building on the last.
Photo Credit: Dakota S.
Of course, the night wasn't over just yet. MONSTA X returned to the stage, welcomed by cheers for encore performances of “Oh My,” “Rodeo,” and "Growing Pains,” giving the audience one last chance to take in the many sides of the group. What made MONSTA X’s Rosemont stop memorable for fans was the way the night balanced different sides of their artistry. From the high-energy numbers to the softer moments, individual solo stages, and the return to their signature hard-hitting sound, the show gave each part of their musical identity room to breathe. The transitions between these moments kept the night feeling dynamic, while the familiar tracks gave fans plenty of opportunities to sing along and lose themselves in the music.
What's your favorite track from MONSTA X? Let us know by leaving a comment below or by reaching out on Instagram or X!
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Edited by Martina Yee
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