Artist Spotlights, Events

Pretty Lights Returns: lights to shine on Chicago in October [Preview]

Written by Breton Spiller

The Return We’ve Been Waiting For

On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, after a nearly five-year hiatus, EDM DJ/Producer Pretty Lights stepped back into the light to announce his North American tour, “Soundship Spacesystem.”

With 27 dates in 9 cities and two festival appearances, this comeback tour is everything we could have asked for. Lucky for us out here in the Chicagoland area, we get THREE nights at The Salt Shed from October 19-21. The general on-sale for tickets begins Friday, April 7.

Additionally, the tour will feature several exceptional artists alongside Pretty Lights himself. Among these are Michael Menert, Borham Lee, Alvin Ford Jr., Chris Karns, and more!

The Comeback

Back in 2018, Derek Vincent Smith, AKA Pretty Lights, played what would be his final live set for nearly five years. The reason behind the hiatus is uncertain, and at this point, we’re just happy he’s back and happy and healthy.

Smith took to Facebook to announce the tour along with a post that read:

“I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time and am immensely grateful to be healthy and happy and surrounded by amazing people. I feel recharged and more ready than ever to launch a new vision of PL music and live events. Can’t wait to share everything that’s coming. And fam, seriously, thank you so much for your endless love and support. Thank you for all the positive energy while I took time to focus mine. It’s a new dawn and I can’t wait to see you all again shining bright. Lfggggggg”

We’ve been looking forward to it, too, Derek!

Along with this post came a video featuring what we can only assume is just a piece of the new music Smith has been working on all these years.

Starship Announce video via Youtube

Lights on Chicago!

Yes, you heard us right; the lights are turning on for 3 days in Chicago this October. The Salt Shed, a venue created from the infamous Morton Salt building, will host Pretty Lights from October 19-21, and presales have already begun.

Again, general on-sale begins April 7 at 10:00 am CST. You can secure one-day tickets, 3-day passes, and VIP tickets here when the time comes. We suggest you prepare to act fast; these tickets are expected to sell out quickly!

Update 10:50 AM Friday, April 7: Tickets have sold out in less than an hour for all 3-nights in Chicago. Please use caution when purchasing resale tickets from strangers and unofficial ticket resale websites.