Mumford & Sons Wrigley show on hold as storms loom
A Stormy Surprise for Thousands of Fans
Weather threw a curveball at the highly anticipated Mumford & Sons concert at Wrigley Field, forcing organizers to hit the brakes just hours before doors were set to open. What was supposed to be a 5 p.m. entry for a 6:30 p.m. start turned into a tense waiting game as storms rolled in, leaving fans outside while officials monitored the skies.
The National Weather Service had already placed 51 counties in northern Illinois—including Chicago—under severe weather alerts, warning of possible tornadoes through Thursday evening. But the risks didn’t stop there. Forecasters also cautioned of tennis-ball-sized hail and winds that could gust up to 80 mph—strong enough to turn loose items into deadly projectiles.
A Riveting Contrast: One Venue Plays, One Holds
While Wrigley Field remained locked down, Northerly Island’s Jimmy Eat World show pressed forward. The competing gig still planned to open its doors at 5:30 p.m., with a concert start set for 7:30 p.m.—at least for now. Staff there were tracking the same radar updates as everyone else, promising real-time adjustments if conditions shifted.
For fans debating whether to brave the lake crossing in worsening weather, the choice was far from simple.
Wrigley’s Uncertain Wait—and What It Means for the Band
Back at the historic ballpark, organizers kept fans in the dark about a firm new start time, urging them to keep checking for updates instead of speculating. The delay was a bitter pill for Mumford & Sons, whose "Prizefighter" tour stop at Wrigley carried extra weight.
Lead singer Marcus Mumford has spoken openly about his Chicago roots, once recalling how he grew up in the U.K. watching the city’s sports teams. For the band, this marked their first-ever performance at Wrigley Field—a milestone they clearly wanted to deliver under clear skies. Instead, Mother Nature had the final say.
As thunder rumbled and winds picked up, one question hung in the air: Will the show go on—or will the storm claim another victim in the name of live music?
