What can audiences expect from a Chris Isaak concert today? Melancholy, sophistication, unmistakable style, and timeless songs such as Wicked Game and Blue Hotel. All of that was present on Saturday night, June 13, at the Lycabettus Municipal Theatre, where the American singer-songwriter appeared with his longtime band, the Silvertone, as part of Release Athens 2026.
The setting added its own magic. A sunset glowing behind the stage, a red carpet, the cool evening air, and a crowd in which women appeared to be in the majority created an atmosphere perfectly suited to Isaak’s romantic persona. Yet it was his effortless professionalism that defined the evening.
By the third song, he had won over even the most skeptical listeners. Armed with a wireless microphone, Isaak stepped off the stage and wandered through the theatre while singing, weaving among fans before climbing into the stands, stopping for photographs and drawing enthusiastic applause. It was an early masterstroke that instantly connected him with the audience.
Still, the performance had much more to offer. Isaak expressed his delight at the turnout, marveled at the traditional Lycabettus spectators watching from the surrounding rocks, and encouraged fans to continue supporting live music. Recalling a visit to Greece many years ago, he promised to return soon. Over a generous 100-minute set, including an extended encore, he delivered a catalogue-spanning performance.
Alongside signature hits, he performed favorites including Somebody’s Crying, Forever Blue, San Francisco Days—at one point playfully changing the lyric to “Athens days / Athens nights”—and a rendition of Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love.
During Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing, eight women joined him on stage to dance, while Black Flowers was dedicated to the audience.
Backed by the Silvertone—bassist Rowland “Roly” Salley, guitarist JD Simo, keyboardist Mike Webb, and drummer Chris Powell—Isaak delivered a polished, expertly paced show. There were no unnecessary surprises, just a veteran performer giving the audience exactly what it came to see and hear.
