Comedian Shane Gillis has unveiled a fresh lineup of tour dates for the year 2025 — notably absent from the schedule is any performance in Illinois, a state that appears to be off the comedian’s radar this time around.
The 36-year-old comic, recognized for his stand-up specials and his original Netflix series “Tires,” performed in Peoria during his earlier tour in January. Although the shows were a hit with two sold-out performances, Gillis later described his time in the city as less than enjoyable, candidly sharing his thoughts on a subsequent podcast episode.
Gillis, who is no stranger to controversy, gained significant media attention after being dismissed from “Saturday Night Live” in 2019 when a video resurfaced featuring him making anti-Asian remarks on his podcast. Despite this rocky past, he managed to host the show in February 2024 and has forged ahead with comedy tours and specials, navigating ongoing criticism related to his previous racially charged comments and participation in controversial media projects.
Who is Shane Gillis? What to know about the comic who just announced his new tour
What did Shane Gillis say on his podcast?
Gillis performed two shows in Peoria on January 12, coinciding with a severe winter storm that brought nearly 10 inches of snow to the region. On a particular episode of “Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast,” which Gillis co-hosts with fellow comedian Matt McCusker, he criticized Peoria’s weather, sharing that the intense cold forced him to arrive a day early, leaving him with little to do.
“I was in Peoria, Illinois, new No. 1 on the power rankings of (expletive) town in the entire country,” he proclaimed. “Peoria, Illinois was… that was hell, dude. Just me and the bums were the only ones outside walking around. Minus 4 in Peoria sucks.”
‘That was hell’: Comedian Shane Gillis blasts Peoria after frigid visit
Where is Shane Gillis touring?
For fans eager to catch him live, the nearest stops on Gillis’ tour will be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, on April 5, 2025, and at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, on May 31, 2025. The tour is set to kick off in January, starting in San Antonio, Texas, a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage.
Tickets for the tour can be secured through Gillis’ official website or Ticketmaster. An artist presale will launch at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 13, followed by local venue presales at 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 14. Sales will open to the general public at 10 a.m. on Friday.
Shane Gillis tour dates 2025
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Jan. 10 | San Antonio | Frost Bank Center
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Jan. 11 | Dallas | American Airlines Center
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Jan. 17 | Pittsburgh | PPG Paints Arena
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Jan. 18 | Cincinnati | Heritage Bank Center
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Jan. 31 | Vancouver, British Columbia | Rogers Arena
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Feb. 1 | Seattle | Climate Pledge Arena
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Feb. 22 | Minneapolis | Target Center
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March 7 | Tampa, Florida | Amalie Arena
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March 8 | Jacksonville, Florida | VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
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March 14 | Colorado Springs, Colorado | The Broadmoor World Arena
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March 15 | Salt Lake City | Delta Center
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March 21 | Dublin | 3Arena
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March 23 | London | The O2
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April 4 | Columbus, Ohio | Nationwide Arena
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April 5 | Indianapolis | Gainbridge Fieldhouse
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April 11 | Cleveland | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
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April 12 | Washington, D.C. | Capital One Arena
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April 25 | Knoxville, Tennessee | Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center
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April 26 | Birmingham, Alabama | Legacy Arena at the BJCC
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May 2 | Albany, New York | MVP Arena
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May 3 | Buffalo, New York | KeyBank Center
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May 9 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Lenovo Center
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May 10 | Norfolk, Virginia | Scope Arena
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May 30 | Omaha, Nebraska | CHI Health Center Omaha
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May 31 | Des Moines, Iowa | Wells Fargo Arena
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June 7 | San Diego, California | Pechanga Arena San Diego
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June 28 | San Jose, California | SAP Center at San Jose
**Interview with Shane Gillis: A Look at His 2025 Tour and Controversies**
**Editor:** Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with comedian Shane Gillis, who has recently announced his 2025 tour dates. Shane, welcome!
**Shane Gillis:** Thanks for having me! Excited to be here.
**Editor:** Your upcoming tour has generated quite a buzz, especially since there’s no stop in Illinois. What led you to skip that state this time?
**Shane Gillis:** Well, my experience in Peoria back in January was—let’s just say—interesting. I had a great time performing, but the cold weather and the vibe of the city left a lasting impression on me. After a tough winter storm and some candid moments on my podcast, I figured maybe it’s best to focus on other cities this year.
**Editor:** You didn’t hold back your thoughts about Peoria during your podcast, calling it “hell.” How do you think that resonated with your fans?
**Shane Gillis:** (laughs) Yeah, I was pretty blunt! I think it resonated in a way that people appreciate honesty. I love getting on stage and giving people a good laugh, but sometimes reality needs to be addressed, too. Plus, it makes for a good story.
**Editor:** You’ve had your share of controversies, most notably being let go from “Saturday Night Live” due to resurfaced comments. How do you navigate that while continuing your comedy career?
**Shane Gillis:** It hasn’t been easy! The backlash was tough, but I’ve focused on my craft and connecting with my audience through comedy. I hosted SNL in February 2024, which was a huge moment for me. I try not to let the noise distract me from making people laugh and enjoying what I do.
**Editor:** Your 2025 tour is set to kick off in San Antonio and includes several major cities. What can fans expect from your performances?
**Shane Gillis:** They can expect a lot of laughs and some new material that dives into everyday absurdities. I love to mix in personal stories and observations. It’s all about keeping it real and relatable.
**Editor:** Fantastic! Lastly, any advice for upcoming comedians who might be facing challenges like you have?
**Shane Gillis:** Stay true to yourself and don’t be afraid to be authentic. Everyone has their own path; embrace yours. And remember, comedy is about resilience. Just keep pushing through and finding the humor in everything.
**Editor:** Thanks for sharing your insights, Shane! Best of luck with your tour, and we look forward to seeing you back on stage.
**Shane Gillis:** Thanks so much! Always a pleasure.
