Recent Articles
Media: February 2018
When I called Chicago radio legend Fred Winston (WLS, WMAQ, WFYR, WCFL, WPNT, WJMK, WLUP, and just about every other station on the dial), the gentleman farmer now living in Southwest Michigan, was in the middle of a project. “You caught me repairing a doorknob. Thank God for the internet. There are scores of YouTube […]
Eddie Shaw (1937-2018)
A huge, gaping hole has been left in the foundation of the Chicago blues scene with the passing of Eddie Shaw, who died on January 29 at age 80. Beloved by all for his warmth and charisma, Eddie was also a walking encyclopedia of blues history. Born in Mississippi, he learned to play blues by […]
![Photo Gallery: [Updated] Umphrey’s McGee at Park West](http://illinoisentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/UM-24-e1518494793886-150x150.jpg "Photo Gallery: [Updated] Umphrey’s McGee at Park West")
Photo Gallery: [Updated] Umphrey’s McGee at Park West
650 lucky Umphrey’s McGee fans were treated to an intimate performance at the Park West in Chicago Sunday, featuring a dynamic performance of music from their new album It’s Not Us and some old favorites. Fans were treated to a free CD of the new album, some unique band swag, a post show meet-and-greet, plus […]
Live Review: The Killers at The United Center
The Killers United Center, Chicago Tuesday, January 16, 2018 Just six months after headlining Lollapalooza, The Killers swung back through Chicago in support of Wonderful Wonderful, its fifth studio album and first in five years. The group may have stuck to a somewhat similar set list outside of extra emphasis on the current collection, but […]
Stage Buzz: Zaius at Reggies Chicago
Modern prog/post-metal instrumental music has never been stronger, especially in Chicago where bands such as Pelican, Electric Hawk, Russian Circles and Zaius all share a bit of the spotlight. With plenty of venues in the city that welcome acts who play original material, it’s a blessing for a band like Zaius. “There is really […]
Photo Gallery: Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Allstate Arena
TSO brought their annual holiday extravaganza to a sold-out Rosemont arena on Dec 28th. Ed Spinelli caught the holiday spirit and their amazing lightshow showcasing the symphonic rockers in all their glory.
Media: January 2018
If you’ve listened to rock and roll radio for the last three decades, you’ve undoubtedly run across the work of Steve Seaver. He’s been rocking Chicago since 1991 at stations like The Blaze, The Loop, and currently The Drive (97.1 FM). He’s one of those rare personalities who can be identified by one name, […]
Cover Story: Avenged Sevenfold
Avenged Sevenfold frontman M. Shadows easily remembers exactly where he was and what he was doing when he received the remarkable news a few weeks ago. And it was the last bulletin on Earth he was expecting. “I was laying in bed, and I was checking my morning e-mails when I saw a ‘Congratulations’ […]
Stage Buzz: Todd Rundgren at Park West
As one of the most prolific and forward-thinking artists/producers of the last 50 years, it’s no surprise that Todd Rundgren would rather keep exploring than nestle into a comfort zone. In fact, that fierce commitment to his current artistic muse over commercialism and a regularly shifting set list is exactly what keeps the faithful coming […]
Feature Story: 25 Years of WIIL Rock
Celebrating 25 years in the radio biz is pretty impressive. Especially in the new-model digital age where Sirius, satellite stations and streaming services are competing for listeners. Just turning on the radio and letting the current DJ decide your playlist can be refreshing. Terrestrial radio’s 95 WIIL Rock is somewhat rare by today’s radio station […]
Photo Gallery: Greta Van Fleet at Lincoln Hall
Greta Van Fleet’s sold-out show at Lincoln Hall attracted a cross section of enthusiastic fans that greatly admire a band that carries the brightest flames of a classic rock torch. Their new double EP, From The Fires, mines the best of Led Zeppelin in a new way. This feral band of three brothers and a friendly […]
Photo Gallery: B96 Jingle Bash at Allstate Arena
’Tis the season for the annual radio station concerts. In brief: some of the biggest stars in music thank terrestrial radio buy agreeing to pop in, bang out a half a dozen songs and vanish almost as quickly. Kiss the ring and watch your songs go into heavy rotation. The B-96 Jingle Bash arguably scored […]
![Stage Buzz : The Jesus Lizard at Metro [Updated with Photo Gallery]](http://illinoisentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/the-jesus-lizard-photo-2-150x150.jpg "Stage Buzz : The Jesus Lizard at Metro [Updated with Photo Gallery]")
Stage Buzz : The Jesus Lizard at Metro [Updated with Photo Gallery]
Though they stopped just short of a “full monty” (as the gallery will atest), Chicago’s Jesus Lizard showed everyone their goodies during a sold-out show at Metro, Friday. Performing in Wrigleyville on only one of only six tour dates, the powerful quartet pulled themselves out of the mothballs, playing with precision and aplomb, and sounded […]
Gallery: Jay-Z at United Center
At this point in his career, Jay-Z is all but an elder statesman in Hip-Hop. The East Coast rapper has always had some of the silkiest flow in the genre and certainly has the record sales as proof (100 million and counting). His “4:44 Tour” touched down for a stop Tuesday at the United Center. […]
Photo Gallery: Gary Numan at Thalia Hall
Although his name is synonymous with the ’80s New Wave classic “Cars,” London-born Gary Numan has quietly carved out a career that is now deep into its third decade. He just released his 22nd (!) album Savage (Songs From A Broken World) and has hit the road to lend it support. “The Savage” Tour landed […]
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