Machine Gun Kelly's (MGK) recent concert at Allstate Arena was a dizzying showcase of his eclectic discography, featuring a wide range of musical personas that left it difficult to pinpoint which artist the audience should take him for in 2025. The tour marked MGK's first proper outing since 2022 and saw him celebrating both his pop-punk debut "Tickets to My Downfall" – released five years ago – and his new "vampire phase" album "Lost Americana".
The concert began with a sprawling medley of songs from across MGK's catalog, including hits like "Maybe", "Wild Boy", and "El Diablo". This was followed by a country-infused track, "Lonely Road", featuring Jelly Roll. The evening also included newer material, such as the remix of "Cliché" courtesy of The Jonas Brothers.
However, it was not until MGK brought out surprise guest Halsey on stage that the show truly took off. The unlikely duo performed their hit duet "Forget Me Not," which originally appeared on "Tickets to My Downfall." Later in the set, MGK asked Halsey to join him for his 2019 single "Bad Things."
One of the most striking aspects of the concert was MGK's tendency to defy expectations. The performance featured elaborate stage production and special effects, including a dramatic reveal of a giant, crestfallen Statue of Liberty. However, it was not until Halsey appeared that the true star of the show was on display.
MGK's camaraderie with his audience members added an intimate touch to the evening. He even invited fans onto the stage for "Bloody Valentine," acknowledging their handmade posters – including one from Russia and another that detailed MGK-heavy Spotify Wrapped updates.
The concert also featured heartfelt moments, such as a dedication to Halsey's health struggles and a poignant cover of Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris" with Julia Wolf. In the midst of this musical sprawl, MGK took time to address his hip-hop roots by delivering lines from his tracks. A possible new direction in his artistic persona was hinted at when he teased an upcoming rap album.
Overall, Machine Gun Kelly's performance showcased a dizzying array of styles and personas, with Halsey serving as the icing on the cake.
The concert began with a sprawling medley of songs from across MGK's catalog, including hits like "Maybe", "Wild Boy", and "El Diablo". This was followed by a country-infused track, "Lonely Road", featuring Jelly Roll. The evening also included newer material, such as the remix of "Cliché" courtesy of The Jonas Brothers.
However, it was not until MGK brought out surprise guest Halsey on stage that the show truly took off. The unlikely duo performed their hit duet "Forget Me Not," which originally appeared on "Tickets to My Downfall." Later in the set, MGK asked Halsey to join him for his 2019 single "Bad Things."
One of the most striking aspects of the concert was MGK's tendency to defy expectations. The performance featured elaborate stage production and special effects, including a dramatic reveal of a giant, crestfallen Statue of Liberty. However, it was not until Halsey appeared that the true star of the show was on display.
MGK's camaraderie with his audience members added an intimate touch to the evening. He even invited fans onto the stage for "Bloody Valentine," acknowledging their handmade posters – including one from Russia and another that detailed MGK-heavy Spotify Wrapped updates.
The concert also featured heartfelt moments, such as a dedication to Halsey's health struggles and a poignant cover of Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris" with Julia Wolf. In the midst of this musical sprawl, MGK took time to address his hip-hop roots by delivering lines from his tracks. A possible new direction in his artistic persona was hinted at when he teased an upcoming rap album.
Overall, Machine Gun Kelly's performance showcased a dizzying array of styles and personas, with Halsey serving as the icing on the cake.