Stage Buzz: Slowdive, Chappell Roan, Violent Femmes, Tommy Lefroy
Chappell Roan (Photo by Ryan Clemens)
Shoegaze giants Slowdive returned this year with their acclaimed fifth album, Everything Is Alive. Originally forming in 1989, the British band continues to hypnotize listeners with their psychedelic soundscapes, ambient noise, and Rachel Goswell’s dreamy vocals. The band will perform tracks from their new album along with a slew of classics at the Riviera Theatre on Tuesday, October 3 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are still available.
Opening for Olivia Rodrigo has generated a new audience for Missouri-born, LA-based Chappell Roan, and the ’80s-influenced, sex-positive pop on her debut record, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, certainly lives up to the hype. A compendium of the music released since her sleeper hit “Pink Pony Club” in 2020, the album utilizes her glitzy, unapologetic brand of synth-pop and balladry to celebrate heartbreak, self-discovery, and queer identity. Her two sold-out shows at House of Blues Chicago are on October 4th and 5th. (-Aubrey Vernon)
Beatles legend Ringo Starr will bring peace, love, and rock n roll when he and his All-Star Band roll into Chicago this week. Touring in support of his upcoming EP Rewind Forward, expect to hear cuts from Starr’s expansive back catalog, including classic Beatles hits, when he performs at the Chicago Theatre on Thursday, October 5th at 7:30 PM. Get tickets here so you don’t miss out.
40 years ago, Violent Femmes released their groundbreaking debut self-titled album. Little did they know the impact it would have on their lives and the alternative music scene. Led by the breakout single “Blister in the Sun,” the album remains their most successful to date, having sold three million copies since its release. To celebrate the album, the band will perform it in full along with other fan favorites at Riviera Theatre on Thursday, October 5th at 7:30. Get tickets here.
Wynter Bethel and Tessa Mouzourakis – better known as indie singer/songwriter duo Tommy Lefroy – embark on their Le Trashfire tour in the wake of the release of their Rivals EP in March. Hailing from the United States and Canada, respectively, the duo, now based in LA and London, were able to record this new set of songs together after their TikTok-renowned debut EP, Flight Risk, was created under international pandemic restrictions. They offer a collection of heartfelt, introspective, and often sardonic indie pop with rock and folk influence. Their sold-out show is this Friday, October 6th at Schuba’s Tavern. (-Aubrey Vernon)
Bob Dylan just may be the hardest-working musician around, even in his senior years. The iconic singer/songwriter has a slew of classic hits that continue to resonate with fans young and old, such as “The Times They Are a-Changin’,” “Get Born,” “All Along the Watchtower,” “Lay Lady Lay,” and “Tangled Up In Blue,” to name a few. Yet, he continues making new music with his 40th (!) album Shadow Kingdom released earlier this year. Dylan will treat fans to new songs and all-time favorites during this three-night stint at Cadillac Palace this weekend. Shows start Friday, October 6th, and run through Sunday, October 8th. Tickets are available here.
-Ashley Perez Hollingsworth
Category: Stage Buzz
