Check out Illinois’ best 90s cover bands, performing the decade’s biggest anthems with spot-on sound and showmanship.
Run Forrest Run
Run Forrest Run is Chicago’s ultimate 90s party band, transforming every stage into a time machine packed with the sights, sounds, and energy of the decade. Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Elianne Nascimento, with Clinton Long on rhythm guitar and co-lead vocals, Louie Rodriguez shredding on lead guitar, and Gordo holding down the groove on bass, the band captures the spirit of the era with style and precision. Their setlists are like live mixtapes, covering everything from Blink-182, Nirvana, and Green Day to the Spice Girls, TLC, and the Backstreet Boys, making every show a sing-along celebration. Known for their colorful stage presence and nostalgic flair—complete with throwback touches like GameBoys, walkmans, and Warheads—Run Forrest Run delivers more than music; they deliver a full-blown 90s experience. Whether it’s a wedding, club night, festival, or corporate event, this band guarantees a party that feels straight out of 1999. Check them out at https://www.runforrestrun.com/
How Rude
Chicago’s own How Rude! has built a reputation as one of the Midwest’s most electrifying ’90s tribute acts, channeling the decade’s pop, grunge, and alt-rock favorites with unmatched energy. Fronted by Gary Weissmann on guitar and vocals alongside Mark Weissmann on bass and vocals, Jake Bouquet on guitar, and Tyler Kent on drums and vocals, the band brings every song to life with precision and passion. Their setlists move seamlessly from radio pop sing-alongs to the raw edge of grunge, creating an atmosphere that feels like stepping back into the height of the 1990s. From local clubs to large festivals, casinos, and private celebrations, How Rude! delivers an immersive experience that goes far beyond a standard cover show. Audiences don’t just hear the hits—they relive the sights, sounds, and spirit of an unforgettable era. Learn more at https://www.howrudeband.com/
Fool House
Fool House isn’t just a band, it’s a time machine that catapults audiences straight into the golden age of the 90s. Every performance feels like a full-scale throwback party, beginning with a video DJ and exploding into two hours of music, comedy, and coordinated dance moves. Their themed tours, such as the “Millennium Tour” with frosted tips and flip phones or the “90s VMAs Tour” complete with red carpets and moon-man photo ops, make each show feel larger than life. Behind the spectacle are drummer and manager Jon Lewchenko, guitarist Matt Chiaro, and bandmates Gary Hochstetter and Dave Ada, who together fuel the sound. Their setlists run the gamut from Britney Spears to Blink-182, TLC to the Spice Girls, with deeper cuts thrown in for surprise. Based in Chicago, Fool House travels widely across the Midwest, bringing polished production and infectious humor to weddings, festivals, and corporate events alike. Their reputation as the “life of the party” has earned them consistent five-star reviews and a loyal following of fans who can’t wait for the next show. Find them at https://www.foolhouseband.com/
Too Hype Crew
Too Hype Crew is Chicago’s ultimate old-school hip-hop and R&B party band, known for electrifying performances that take audiences back to the golden era of the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s. The crew features Woodsy Fresh on drums and vocals, Elle Hoodz on vocals, keys, bass, and percussion, Cornbread covering guitar, bass, saxophone, vocals, and keys, P. Tugz as freestyle MC handling vocals, keys, and mouth turntables, J Dizzy on bass, vocals, and keys, and DJ Shor “T” working the turntables along with vocals and percussion. C-Note adds vocals, keys, and his signature “oral sax,” while Da Legend amps up the party with dance, MC skills, and crowd hype. Backed by their signature Fly Girl dancers and packed with choreographed energy, Too Hype Crew goes far beyond a traditional cover band—blending comedy, throwback fashion, and pure nostalgia into every show. They’ve shared stages with icons like Nelly, RUN DMC, and Naughty by Nature, making each performance feel like an all-out house party where the old school lives forever. https://www.runforrestrun.com/
Nine Deeez Nite
Step into the time machine with Nine Deeez Nite, New Jersey’s high-octane tribute to the 1990s. With Casey Slater on vocals and keys, Timmy Gibbler shredding guitar, Shady Frasier pounding out rhythms on drums, and Roach driving the groove on bass, the band delivers an authentic soundtrack of the decade. Their shows are immersive experiences where the crowd doesn’t just watch—they join in. Between hits from Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Snoop Dogg, the audience plays retro SNES and SEGA games, battles in 90s trivia for real memorabilia, and dances nonstop at the Nine Deeez MegaMix Dance Party. Whether you’re a 30-something reliving college days or a 20-something rediscovering childhood jams, Nine Deeez Nite makes the 90s feel alive again. Find them at https://ninedeeeznite.com/
Matchbox 90s
Matchbox 90s is the Midwest’s exclusive tribute to Matchbox Twenty, faithfully recreating the band’s biggest hits with the energy and precision that defined late ’90s pop-rock. This six-piece act features a full lineup with dual guitars, bass, keys, drums, and soaring four-part vocal harmonies, giving fans the authentic Matchbox Twenty sound they love. Based out of Chicago, Matchbox 90s has quickly built a reputation for packing venues and festivals with nostalgic singalongs and radio-perfect arrangements. They’ve played stages big and small, including Round Lake Beach Civic Center’s Summer Performance Series, Lakemoor Fest, Blarney Island, Broken Oar, Tribute Island in Kenosha, Spring Grove’s 4th of July celebration, Pub 72 in Gilberts, Whiskey River in Glenview, Rookies in Geneva, and The Piazza in Aurora. Whether headlining a summer festival or lighting up a packed club, Matchbox 90s delivers a polished, high-energy performance that transports audiences straight back to the golden age of late ’90s rock radio. Find them at https://matchbox90s.com/
Reality Bytes
Reality Bytes is Chicago’s premier 90s and Y2K tribute band, bringing nonstop alt-rock, grunge, and party anthems to life with raw authenticity and high energy. Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Andi Donahue, the band features John Nugent and Ryan Norris on guitars, Madison Stolzer on bass, and Wally Pochron on drums. Together, this lineup of full-time music teachers recreates the soundtrack of a generation—covering everything from Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Smashing Pumpkins to Foo Fighters, Weezer, Oasis, and Alanis Morissette. Known for performing 100% live without backing tracks, Reality Bytes delivers the real deal, making every show feel like a throwback mixtape come alive. Whether rocking local clubs, festivals, or private events, the band captures the noise, nostalgia, and energy that defined the 90s. Find out more at https://realitybytesband.com/
Nerdvana
Nerdvana is Chicago’s premier ’90s party band, lighting up weddings, corporate events, nightclubs, and festivals with a nostalgic yet modern edge. Known for delivering crowd-pleasing performances, the group dives deep into the decade of flannel and frosted tips while also pulling from the biggest hits of the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and today’s Top 40. Their shows are packed with the songs everyone knows by heart, making every performance feel like a sing-along celebration. Nerdvana has brought their high-energy show to stages like the Hard Rock Cafe in Chicago, the Uniquely Thursdays Summer Concert Series in Hinsdale, Tribute Island in Kenosha, and local favorites such as Whiskey River in Glenview and Pub 72 in Gilberts. With polished musicianship, engaging stage presence, and a reputation for keeping audiences on their feet for hours, Nerdvana has cemented themselves as one of the Midwest’s go-to acts for unforgettable live entertainment. https://www.facebook.com/p/Nerdvana-Band-100049459642083/
90s Kids Superfly Tribute
90s Kids Superfly Tribute brings the raw pulse of the 1990s to life, fusing live music with the kind of party atmosphere that defined the decade. Vocalists Shannon Remley and Paul Miller lead the charge with commanding stage presence and tight harmonies, with Paul also slinging guitar to boost the energy. G K takes on lead guitar duties with soaring solos and crunchy riffs reminiscent of 90s alt-rock radio, while Logan Hendley’s bass provides both groove and vocal depth. Dave Lickert recreates the lush electronic textures of the era with keys and synths, and drummer Mike Graci delivers the relentless beats that keep crowds dancing. Their playlist is as wide-ranging as the decade itself, from Britney Spears’ early pop sparkle to Nirvana’s angst and the hip hop edge of Salt-N-Pepa. Though not based in Illinois, the band often performs there and is always ready to travel across the state for festivals, concerts, and private events. More than just a tribute act, 90s Kids Superfly Tribute immerses audiences in a nostalgia-fueled spectacle where every song feels like a memory reborn.