Stage Buzz: Aqua, Doja Cat, Juice WRLD
Juice WRLD
Heavy mock-rockers Steel Panther arrive at their home away from home locally at The Forge in Joliet on Tuesday, December 12. The band has taken its cues from hair-metal bands of the ’80s for nearly two decades with a comedic twist. Like other bands using comedy and serious songwriting chops and tight musicianship (like the Rutles/Beatles era), the band’s catalog is as good or better than the bands they’re mocking. Touring in support of their sixth studio album, On The Prowl, Steel Panther will likely blow the roof off at the Forge. They always do.
Aqua is one of those bands that seemingly appeared out of nowhere. Despite being around since 1995, the band didn’t crossover to the States until their 1997 single “Barbie Girl.” Whether you love it or hate it, you know this song. It was inescapable with its absurd concept and bubble-sweet vocals. For the past 26 years, the song has never left pop culture consciousness. In fact, it found new life this year with the release of the Barbie movie. Now, the band will bring Euro-pop dance sound to the House of Blues this Tuesday, December 12 at  7 PM. Grab tickets here.
Whether it’s her stage performances or her social media rants, Doja Cat knows how to command an audience. Love her or hate her, you can’t deny her successes, which include several chart-topping singles and albums. With her otherworldly persona and experimental nature, you never know what she’s going to do next. But whatever it is, it’s sure to be unforgettable. Catch Doja Cat’s Scarlet Tour at the United Center on Wednesday, December 13 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available here.
Within a short amount of time, Chicago rapper Juice WRLD made a huge impact on contemporary rap music. He was the leading force in what would become branded as “emo rap,” with influences ranging from Kanye West to Billy Idol. Though his life was tragically cut short due to an accidental overdose in 2019, his musical legacy lives on. The rapper’s life and music will be celebrated during the third annual Juice Wrld Day – Celebration of Life concert. It all goes down at the United Center this Saturday, December 16, at 6:30 PM. Join the celebration and get your tickets here
-Ashley Perez-Hollingsworth
Category: Featured, Stage Buzz
