Hans Zimmer Live at United Center on September 22, 2024

Nick Shotwell
Sep 25, 2024
2 min read

CHICAGO

Photos and Review by Nick Shotwell

A performance I’ve been wanting to see, even before I knew it existed.

A few months ago, I eagerly watched a Netflix show about Hans Zimmer, which coincided with his 2024 tour, Hans Zimmer Live. Afterward, I visited his website, found the tour dates, and reached out to his publicist to request media credentials on behalf of audiophileoholic.com for the Chicago show. Filled with excitement, I bought tickets for my entire family.

As one of three photographers covering the event, I had the privilege to shoot during the first three pieces (around 20 minutes). Throughout the performance, Zimmer repeatedly shifted the spotlight to his remarkable ensemble of musicians, including the Odessa Philharmonic Orchestra from Ukraine. You will even see in my photos, Zimmer literally points the spotlight on the other musicians. Many of these artists have worked with him for decades, creating a sense of camaraderie and collaboration on stage.

I’ll admit, I was hoping for tracks like "The Dream is Collapsing" (Inception), "Why Do We Fall" (The Dark Knight), or "This Land" (The Lion King). However, my expectations were pleasantly subverted. Without researching his set lists ahead of time, I let the experience unfold organically, balancing my personal excitement with professional intent. What Zimmer did was far more intriguing: he took his most recognizable pieces, expanded upon them, and offered each artist a chance to shine. The soul of his compositions remained, but they evolved into something new, something more alive and dynamic.

Early in the evening, Zimmer reminded the audience that he doesn't "do this for a living," describing the tour as more of an intimate dinner party with a few thousand guests. It truly felt that way—a personal, unforgettable evening of music, where both the familiar and the unexpected came together seamlessly.