Stage Buzz: Smoking Popes, Billy Corgan, Better Lovers, Atreyu, Mickey Dolenz

Brassneck | November 23, 2025

Smoking Popes

This is the last week to experience the Smashing Pumpkins’ iconic album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness in a new way. Billy Corgan closes out his “A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness” anniversary shows with the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus (James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlin are also contributing . Hear the album redefined and reimagined at the Lyric Opera of Chicago from November 24th through November 30th. Tickets available here.

IE cover stars Smoking Popes will cap off their 2025 in Chicago with special guests Scott Lucas of Local H and Menthol. Hear cuts from their latest album, Lovely Stuff, along with classics like “Need You Around,” “Rubella,” and “Before I’m Gone” when they perform at Bottom Lounge this Friday, November 28th. Grab tickets here.

Metalcore mainstays Atreyu are celebrating the 21st anniversary of their breakthrough album The Curse. Featuring songs like “Bleeding Mascara,” “Right Side of the Bed,” and “The Crimson,” it helped define the burgeoning metalcore scene of the mid-2000s. The band performs the album in full when they swing by Concord Music Hall on Friday, November 28th. Norma Jean and Zero 9:36 join as support. You can still get tickets here.

The last surviving member of 60s pop pioneers the Monkees, Mickey Dolenz arrives at Arcada Theatre in St. Charles Saturday, November 29. Expect a trip down TV and musical memory lane as Mickey reaches back in the catalog of Monkees hits including “I’m A Believer,” “Stepping Stone,” and “Pleasant Valley Sunday.” Tickets available here.

Better Lovers, featuring former members of Dillinger Escape Plan and Every Time I Die, are on the road supporting their critically acclaimed debut album, Highly Irresponsible, and they’ve brought some friends with them. The celebration continues at Joliet’s The Forge with special guests Soul Blind, Johnny Booth, and Hong Kong Fuck You on Sunday, November 30th. Get tickets while you can here.

-Ashley Perez Hollingsworth

Tags: Ashley Perez Hollingsworth, Ashley Perez Hollingsworth Stage Buzz Illinois Entertainer, Better Lovers, Billy Corgan, featured, Smoking Popes