Recent Articles
Stage Buzz: Dinosaur Jr., Ghost, TLC, Lollapalooza
Dinosaur Jr. may be one of the most influential alternative bands of the 80s, but don’t call them a legacy act. The band behind alternative mainstays like “Feel the Pain,” “The Wagon,” “Freak Scene,” and “Start Choppin,” 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 hasn’t 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 Howard’s 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 doesn’t behave or play like he’s 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 Trower’s 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, they’ve since gained a loyal following thanks to songs like “Gimme Chocolate!!,” “Karate,” “Amore,” and “Megitsune.” […]
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 ’60s to a successful solo career in the early ’70s (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 “The World Is Yours,” “One Love,” “One Time 4 Your Mind,” and “N.Y. State of Mind.” It all goes down Wednesday, July […]
Cover Story: Push Puppets • Risk Takers
Erich Specht is a risk taker. Whether it’s using homemade backstage passes to meet one of his idols or adding a spicy horn section to his song, he believes in taking chances. That’s 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 don’t want to say that’s a long time, but they were filming “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” on your first […]
Stage Buzz: Less Than Jake, Mark Farner, Prairie Fest, Tyler The Creator
Florida’s Less Than Jake proves that ska punk isn’t dead. Though the band has dabbled in other genres, like pop punk and skate punk, they can’t shake their ska roots. This summer, they’ll be celebrating the beloved genre with veteran ska bands Fishbones and The Suicide Machines on their “Summer Circus” 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 […]
Hello My Name Is … Jim Kerr of Simple Minds + Photo Gallery • Friday, June 20: Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island • Chicago
Although Scottish art-rockers Simple Minds enjoyed massive support in Europe and elsewhere, mainstream success in the United States remained elusive through the early ‘80s. The band had gained a modest foothold with college radio airplay for songs like the shimmering “Promised You a Miracle” from 1982’s New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84) and the anthemic homage to […]
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