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Stage Buzz: Screeching Weasel, Abbey Road, BoDeans
If there were a Mount Rushmore of Chicago punk bands, Screeching Weasel would be on it, along with Naked Raygun and The Effigies. Founder Ben Weasel (it’s one constant member) rocketed out of Prospect Heights in the mid -80s with a few early youthful stumbles that eventually led to 14 albums and a long list […]
Live Review: Robyn Hitchcock at Athenaeum Center ⢠Chicago
Robyn Hitchcock Athenaeum Center Chicago, IL April 10, 2026 Review and photos by Jeff Elbel Pop surrealist Robyn Hitchcock has been good to his devotees in Chicago, making regular visits to town with his engaging one-man shows. On Friday, fans got a special treat when the English musician and former Soft Boys frontman stopped […]
Live Review: Florence + The Machine at Allstate Arena ⢠Rosemont
Florence + The Machine Allstate Arena Rosemont, IL April 10, 2026 Review By Curt Baran âEverybody scream!â Not only is it the name of her latest single, but it was also something that shares the name of Florence Welchâs current tour. But at the first of two sold-out shows at Rosemontâs Allstate Arena, it also […]
Stage Buzz: The Maine, Raye, Health
Singer/songwriter RAYE has been an unstoppable force with the release of her chart-topping single âWhere Is My Husband!â Drawing cues from Jazz, R&B, pop, and soul, her sound feels classic yet fresh. See what the buzz is about when RAYE brings her âTHIS TOUR MAY CONTAIN NEW MUSICâ show to The Auditorium this Friday, April […]
Photo Gallery: Nessa Barrett at Thalia Hall ⢠Chicago
Nessa Barrett Thalia Hall April 7, 2026 Chicago, ILÂ Recap and photos by Curt Baran On her Tuesday return to Chicago, Nessa Barrett chose to host a black-tie affair. As guests assembled for her performance at Thalia Hall, the Pilsen venue greeted arrivals with an air of sophistication. Gentlemen clad in black tuxedos and white […]
Record Store Day Guide 2026
Record Store Day 2026 is Saturday, April 18. Our guide includes complete RSD listings, plus previews, album reviews, a local RSD lists, and advertisements from your favorite local stores: Rolling Stones Records, Laurieâs Planet of Sound, Blue Village Vinyl, Bobâs Blues & Jazz Mart, Scratched Vinyl, Hoarders Records & More, Audiophilâs Records, S&J Stereo, Purple […]
Record Store Day 2026 ⢠Spins: Blur ⢠Live at Budokan 30th Anniversary
Blur Live at the Budokan 30th anniversary 2xLP (Warner Bros.) Live at the Budokan is a Record Store Day release to entice Blur diehards and vinyl junkies alike. This is the first vinyl pressing of a set that originally appeared in 1996 as a […]
Stage Buzz: BoDeans at Art Theater ⢠Hobart, IN
While attending Waukesha South High School in Wisconsin in 1977, buddies Kurt Neumann and Sam Llanas planted the seeds that would soon germinate into Americana roots-rock band BoDeans in 1983. After the release of its 1986 debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, the years of slugging it out in the Milwaukee clubs […]
Live Review: Billy OâNeill ⢠Liarâs Club ⢠Chicago
Billy OâNeill (of oh my god) Liarâs Club Chicago, IL Friday, April 3, 2026 Live Review and photos by Jeff Elbel Good Friday saw the welcome return to Chicago of erstwhile local hero Billy OâNeill. The singer and bassist visited Liarâs Club to reacquaint his former hometown audience with songs by theatrical post-punk band […]
Cover Story: Trouble – Headlines Legions of Metal Festival
Chicagoâs beloved doom metal legends, Trouble, will be headlining the second night of the eighth annual Legions of Metal festival at Reggies on Saturday, May 2. Incidentally, itâs the bandâs first-ever appearance at the famed Chicago rock club. Initially conceived in May of 2017 by Reggies owner Robby Glick, along with longtime local promoter Shane […]
Media: April 2026 ⢠100 Years of Sirens In The Loop
The journalism business has obviously changed dramatically over the past few decades. The latest book about the history of the Chicago News Bureau (Sirens in the Loop), written by Paul Zimbrakos and Jim Elsener, really shines a spotlight on just how much it has changed. Â The City News Bureau was a news cooperative, meaning […]
Photo Gallery: The Format ⢠April 2 ⢠Chicago
The Format The Salt Shed Chicago, IL April 2nd, 2026 Recap and photos by Curt Baran Nate Ruess FINALLY made it back to Chicago. His band, The Format, announced in 2020 that they would once again hit the road as a live touring band. They booked shows in New York, Phoenix, and the previously […]
Stage Buzz: GWAR, Ashnikko, Poison the Well
Intergalactic shock rockers GWAR are chaos incarnate. The only thing they love more than blood, sex, and violence is rock and roll. The otherworldly beings promise to bring carnage and kick ass music when âThe Gor Gor Strikes Back Tourâ rolls into town. Catch GWAR with special guests Soulfly and King Parrot at Concord Music […]
Photo Gallery: The Hives at The Salt Shed ⢠Chicago
The Hives March 26, 2026 The Salt Shed Chicago, IL Recap and photos by Curt Baran Since their inception back in the early ’90s, Swedenâs The Hives have consistently proven to be one of the most dependable live acts in the Rock pantheon. To the unsuspecting, their matching suits (which included illuminated hemlines this time […]
Live Review: Lamb of God at Aragon Ballroom ⢠Chicago
Lamb Of God Aragon Ballroom Chicago March 25, 2026 It only took three songs for frontman Randy Blythe to express an overt and timely political message during Lamb Of Godâs all-ages headlining show at the Aragon on March 25: âNo more war for oil, motherfuckers,â Blythe spat out as an introduction to âBlood Junkie.â Otherwise, […]
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