Archive for August, 2025
Cover Story: The Barbarians of California • From L.A. to Riot Fest
At first glance, the Barbarians of California seemingly appeared out of nowhere. For Aaron Bruno and Eric Stenman, this has been decades in the making. The hardcore scene is one of Bruno’s first loves. He discovered the music during a pivotal time in his life as a 14-year-old punk skater. He was not only […]
Media: September 2025 • John Owens’ Passion Project
You may not realize it, but you have either read or watched the work of John Owens if you lived in Chicago any time over the past 35 years. He wrote for The Chicago Reader (including a front page piece at the young age of 21) and the Chicago Tribune (for 28 years). But […]
Stage Buzz: Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters at Joe’s Live September 16 • Rosemont
The Boxmasters — featuring musician/actor Billy Bob Thornton and guitarist J.D. Andrew – plays an amalgam of twangy country music, jangling rockabilly, and infectious pop, with large doses of Americana and British Invasion influences. Although most people are primarily familiar with Thornton as an actor, music was his first love. Thornton initially started out as […]
Photo Gallery: The Lumineers at Soldier Field • Chicago
The Lumineers August 30, 2025 Soldier Field Chicago, IL Recap and photos by Curt Baran The Lumineers perform music that wouldn’t feel out of place being performed on a dilapidated front porch adjacent to a gravel road. Yet there they were on a perfect Chicago summer evening, taking the stage inside a massive football stadium. […]
Live Review: Oasis • Soldier Field • Chicago
Oasis August 28, 2025 Soldier Field Chicago, IL Review by Jessi Roti For some people, the thought of being confined to a space amongst 70,000 people singing “Wonderwall” is their worst nightmare. Then there are Oasis fans. Some of whom have waited nearly 20 years to do it. Because you HAVE to sing along […]
Photo Gallery: My Chemical Romance at Soldier Field • Chicago
My Chemical Romance Soldier Field Chicago, IL August 28, 2025 Recap and photos by Curt Baran Is Classic Rock getting younger? Over the past week or so, the city has welcomed visits from rock radio staples such as Oasis and Nine Inch Nails. But unlike those Gen X-leaning acts, My Chemical Romance has not so […]
Stage Buzz: Oasis, System of a Down, The Black Parade
Oasis shocked everyone when they reunited earlier this year. The Gallagher brothers achieved legendary status thanks to iconic songs like “Wonderwall” and their constant bickering. With their deadpan style, poignant lyrics, and retro-tinged sound, they became the Kings of Britpop – a title they retain to this day. Oasis brings their highly anticipated reunion tour […]
Live Review: Nine Inch Nails at United Center • Chicago
Nine Inch Nails August 19, 2025 United Center Chicago, IL Reviewed by Ashley Perez-Hollingsworth When Trent Reznor appeared on stage at the United Center on Tuesday night (August 19), he was greeted by ear-shattering screams that quickly turned into silence. The crowd hushed as he sat at his piano. The opening notes of “A Minute […]
Photo Gallery: Volbeat with Halestorm at • Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre • Tinley Park
Volbeat with Halestorm Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre Tinley Park, IL August 22, 2025 Recap and photos by Curt Baran Consummate road dogs Volbeat and Halestorm arrived at Tinley Park’s Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre to wrap up what has essentially amounted to a co-headlining trek through North America. Both bands straddle a sort of netherworld between […]
Stage Buzz: Nine Inch Nails, Coheed and Cambria, Simple Plan
Over the course of three decades, Nine Inch Nails has evolved from a one-man project into a powerhouse of industrial rock. With albums like Pretty Hate Machine, The Downward Spiral, and The Fragile, Trent Reznor touched a raw nerve with critics and fans alike. While Reznor keeps fans on the edge of their seats for new music, […]
Photo Gallery: The Flaming Lips at The Salt Shed • Chicago
The Flaming Lips The Salt Shed Chicago, IL August 16th, 2025 Recap and photos by Curt Baran Mother Nature was determined to spoil the evening. The Flaming Lips said, “Hold my beer!” Severe storms rolled through Chicago’s near West Side this past Saturday night, threatening to shut down a sold-out show at The Salt Shed. […]
Photo Gallery: Billy Idol at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre • Tinley Park
Billy Idol Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre Tinley Park, IL August 14th, 2025 Recap and photos by Curt Baran Billy Idol somehow continues to rage against the dying of the light. Hard living and a serious motorcycle accident should have snuffed him out some time ago, yet here he is, still standing like punk rock’s version […]
Photo Gallery: Lollapalooza 2025 – Day One (Part One)
Lollapalooza Grant Park Chicago, IL July 31 Recap and photos by Curt Baran In its past few incarnations, Lollapalooza seemed to have lost its luster. Competition in the form of festival oversaturation cut into the supply of talent needed to distinguish one of the county’s marquee events from countless others. Well, for the 2025 version, […]
Photo Gallery: Lollapalooza 2025 – Day One (Part Two)
Lollapalooza Grant Park Chicago, IL July 31 Recap and photos by Curt Baran In its past few incarnations, Lollapalooza seemed to have lost its luster. Competition in the form of festival oversaturation cut into the supply of talent needed to distinguish one of the county’s marquee events from countless others. Well, for the 2025 version, […]
Photo Gallery: Lollapalooza 2025 – Day Two (Part One)
Lollapalooza Grant Park Chicago, IL August 1 Recap and photos by Curt Baran Lolla’s second day in the park continued to treat attendees with what was arguably the best weather the festival has ever experienced. Highs in the upper 70s and not a raindrop in sight were the backdrop for a day filled with performances […]
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