Brassneck
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Live Review: Brokeback at Epiphany for the Arts Center ⢠Chicago
Brokeback Epiphany Center for the Arts, Chicago, IL Saturday, July 26, 2025 Review and photos by Jeff Elbel Chicago-based instrumental quartet Brokeback appeared in the upper Sanctuary hall at Epiphany Center on Friday to perform new material, while also celebrating the release of Long Days, Pleasant Nights by their friends in Dark Canyon. When completed, […]
Stage Buzz: Dinosaur Jr., Ghost, TLC, Lollapalooza
Dinosaur Jr. may be one of the most influential alternative bands of the 80s, but donât call them a legacy act. The band behind alternative mainstays like âFeel the Pain,â âThe Wagon,â âFreak Scene,â and âStart Choppin,â keeps on going with their latest album, Sweep it Into Space, released in 2021. Hear their latest and […]
Stage Buzz: Hozier, Wicker Park Fest, The Warning, L.A. Guns
Anyone who claims rock is dead hasnât heard the fury and fire of rock trio The Warning. Featuring sisters Daniela, Paulina, and Alejandra Velez, the outfit knows how to rock out with their blazing riffs, heavy-hitting attitude, and all-out sonic assault. Their high-energy sound makes rock feel exciting and dangerous, as it should be. Check […]
Live Review: Hung Up on a Dream documentary with Colin Blunstone and Robert Schwartzman ⢠Thalia Hall ⢠Chicago
Hung Up on a Dream documentary with Colin Blunstone and Robert Schwartzman Thalia Hall, Chicago, IL Tuesday, July 15, 2025 Review and photos by Jeff Elbel Rooney frontman Robert Schwartzman welcomed a crowd of Zombies fans to Thalia Hall on Tuesday evening, declaring his own enduring passion for the band. The British Invasion quintet is […]
Stage Buzz: Pantera, Alabama Shakes, Chris Kirkpatrick
Critically acclaimed rock band Alabama Shakes is back after an eight-year hiatus. Known for their fusion of Southern rock, blues, and garage rock along with Brittany Howardâs powerful vocals, the band will celebrate their legacy and preview new music on their latest tour. The outing starts with two nights at the Salt Shed on July […]
Live Review: Robin Trower at Copernicus Center ⢠Chicago
Robin Trower Copernicus Center Chicago Friday, July 11, 2025 Review by Jeff Elbel. Photo by Stacey Katsis. Rock and roll survivor Robin Trower may look his age, but he certainly doesnât behave or play like heâs past his prime. Fit and wiry at 80 years, the guitarist appeared on Friday with his trio at the […]
Spins: Robin Trower ⢠For Earth Below 50th Anniversary Edition
Robin Trower For Earth Below 50th Anniversary Edition (Chrysalis) Following the 1974 landmark sophomore effort, Bridge of Sighs, Procol Harum veteran Robin Trower returned in 1975 to prove his staying power as a solo act with For Earth Below. The gold-selling album was the third under Trowerâs name. Like its predecessor, For Earth Below is steeped in […]
Stage Buzz: Babymetal, Primus, Kesha
Kawaii metal band BABYMETAL has reached iconic status. Starting as a metal idol band, they went from flashy gimmick to earning their place and respect in the metal genre. Known for blending heavy metal with cutesy images and lyrics, theyâve since gained a loyal following thanks to songs like âGimme Chocolate!!,â âKarate,â âAmore,â and âMegitsune.â […]
Stage Buzz: Robin Trower at The Copernicus Center ⢠Chicago
Robin Trower Copernicus Center Chicago, IL Friday, July 11, 2025 By Kelley Simms As a newly minted octogenarian, British blues-rock guitar legend Robin Trower continues to dazzle audiences with his signature Fender Stratocaster. From his musical beginnings in Procol Harum in the late â60s to a successful solo career in the early â70s (followed […]
Stage Buzz: Nas, Tripping Daisy, Wu-Tang Clan
Hip hop icon Nas will deliver an unforgettable experience when he makes his Ravina debut, teaming up with the Chicago Philharmonic for a symphonic performance of his groundbreaking debut album, Illmatic. Hear revamped classics like âThe World Is Yours,â âOne Love,â âOne Time 4 Your Mind,â and âN.Y. State of Mind.â It all goes down Wednesday, July […]
Cover Story: Push Puppets ⢠Risk Takers
Erich Specht is a risk taker. Whether itâs using homemade backstage passes to meet one of his idols or adding a spicy horn section to his song, he believes in taking chances. Thatâs part of what drives his band, Push Puppets. The project began as a musical outlet for Specht, where he played […]
Media: July 2025 ⢠40 Years of Steve Bertrand
A few weeks ago, WGN Newsman Steve Bertrand celebrated his 40th anniversary at WGN Radio. He was kind enough to sit down and chat with me about his tremendous career. IE: 40 years. I donât want to say thatâs a long time, but they were filming âFerris Buellerâs Day Offâ on your first […]
Stage Buzz: Less Than Jake, Mark Farner, Prairie Fest, Tyler The Creator
Floridaâs Less Than Jake proves that ska punk isnât dead. Though the band has dabbled in other genres, like pop punk and skate punk, they canât shake their ska roots. This summer, theyâll be celebrating the beloved genre with veteran ska bands Fishbones and The Suicide Machines on their âSummer Circusâ tour. The trek pulls […]
Photo Gallery: Queens Of The Stone Age Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island ⢠Chicago
Queens Of The Stone Age Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island Chicago, IL June 21st, 2025 Recap and photos by Curt Baran Back in 2000, singer/guitarist Josh Homme probably had no idea that his Queens Of The Stone Age record, Rated R, would somehow build a bridge between metalheads and alternative rock kids. But its […]
Photo Gallery: Perfume Genius ⢠The Vic Theatre ⢠Chicago
Perfume Genius Vic Theatre Chicago, IL June 17th, 2025 Recaps and photos by Curt Baran Micheal Alden Hadreas is his own best stage prop. Performing under the moniker Perfume Genius, his wirey frame, accentuated by pronounced sinew, seems to completely inhabit the music he makes. All of these attributes where on display Tuesday night at […]
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