Some might say Tim McIlrath was an unconventional pick to sing the national anthem before Friday’s White Sox’s home opener. The Rise Against singer is used to belting out his band’s politically-charged punk rock songs in front of mosh pits and crowd-surfing fans. He’d never sung the national anthem at a sporting event before.
So why was McIlrath — whose band will perform July 17 at FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island — chosen to do the honors?
Because the Rolling Meadows High School alum is a White Sox fan, just like his dad. He lives in the suburbs and said he makes it to about half a dozen games a year. Really, it’s surprising he hadn’t sung the national anthem at a White Sox game before.
“I was born and raised a Sox fan, so it’s really cool to be here,” said McIlrath, seated in a hallway on the suites level of US Cellular Field during Friday’s game. “(The national anthem) was nerve-wracking, to say the least. I sing. That’s what I do. But I’ve never sung a cappella in front of 30,000 people. Usually it’s the guys and me playing loud, chaotic music.
“I didn’t want to do anything silly (with the anthem) or sing a remix. I went at it like ‘Don’t screw it up. Those are die-hard baseball fans watching you.’ Chicago is an unforgiving place. I talked to a buddy of mine and he was like ‘No, don’t get it right. If you get it right, nobody will watch it on YouTube.'”
Fortunately for the Sox, McIlrath didn’t listen to his friend.
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