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Stage Buzz: Avenged Sevenfold, Wicker Park Fest, Q101 Piqniq
Avenged Sevenfold became critical darlings of the metal scene with their breakthrough album City of Evil. In the nearly two decades since its release, the band has become heavy metal titans racking up a stream of accolades along the way. Though known for their heavy sound and iconic twin guitar solos, their latest release,Ā Life is […]
Live Review: Cheap Trick at Metro ā¢ Chicago
Cheap Trick with Brokeback Sunday, July 16, 2023 Metro, Chicago, IL Review by Jeff Elbel The 40th-anniversary celebration at Chicagoās venerable Metro continued on Sunday by welcoming Rockfordās finest rock and roll export,Ā Cheap Trick, for a sold–out show. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers maintain a regular presence in the area, but Sundayās show […]
Stage Buzz: Papa Roach, Kansas, Ed Bassmaster, Blood Red Shoes
Le Tigre, the electro-disco rock band fronted by the original Riot Grrrl Kathleen Hanna, are finally back for their first proper reunion tour in 18 years. Known for mixing punkās unapologetic political views with high-energy electropop, the band released three studio albums before taking a hiatus in 2007. Theyāve had some brief reunions […]
Photo Gallery: Jenny Lewis at The Salt Shed ā¢ Chicago
Jenny Lewis The Salt Shed Chicago, IL July 7, 2023 Recap and photos by Curt Baran Itās only the second night of the āJoyāAllā tour, but youād never guess it from the sounds emanating from the stage. Jenny Lewis is tearing through āPsychos,ā the first single from her album that shares a name with her […]
Stage Buzz: Sparks, Savage Master, Traveler, Less Than Jake
When Drake made the bold move from acting to rapping, no one couldāve guessed heād be one of the most prolific rappers of the 21st century. Not only is he among the worldās best-selling artists, but heās also one of the most influential rappers, old and new, taking after him. Before he drops his […]
Cover Story: Hozier ā¢ Beautiful Language
It might not have swept over him like some Hokusai-impressive wave. But Irish folk-rocker Andrew Hozier-Byrne ā who records and performs as simply Hozier ā has been caught in the subtle currents of spiritual change since he turned 33 this March. Itās the fabled Christ age, when your proper career trajectory is clearly revealed to […]
Live Review and Photo Gallery: American Music Festival – FitzGeraldās ā¢ Berwyn
American Music Festival FitzGeraldās June 30 – July 3 Berwyn, IL Reviewed by William Tokash Photos from Day One, Three, and Four by Curt Baran FitzGeraldās iconic American Music Festival in Berwyn, commenced on 4th of July weekend, celebrating its 40th year, making it one of the longest-running and storied music festivals in the country. […]
Spins: Cowboys in the Campfire ā¢ Wronger
Tommy Stinsonās Cowboys in the Campfire Wronger (Cobraside) The longstanding friendship and musical partnership between Philly guitar-slinger Chip Roberts and Replacements bassist Tommy Stinson (also a veteran of Bash & Pop, Perfect, Guns Nā Roses, and Soul Asylum) has yielded the pairās debut album as Cowboys in the Campfire. Stinson in particular, has roots in […]
Hello My Name is Tommy Stinson
Some folks just attract trouble magnetically. Take ex-Replacements bassist Tommy Stinson, for example ā when the coronavirus hit him, post-lockdown, it smacked him upside the scruffy head and just kept knocking him senseless. āThat was horrible, and Iām still reeling from it,ā the rasp-throated rock rapscallion recalls from his rustic home in upstate New York. […]
Photo Gallery: Shania Twain at Credit 1 Amphitheatre ā¢ Tinley Park
Shania Twain Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre Tinley Park, IL July 1, 2023 Recap and photos by Curt Baran Although she never technically went away, it really feels like Shania Twain is “back.” The Canadian import largely owned the pop-leaning tendencies of country music during her heyday in the ’90s and early aughts. Her sophomore release, […]
Anniversary Albums: Tears for Fears ā¢ The Hurting
Tears for Fears The Hurting (40th anniversary Abbey Road remaster LP) (Mercury/UMC) For a band with its staying power and following, Tears for Fearsā catalog is brief. By all reports, it isnāt a lack of work ethic that suppressed productivity ā itās the internal quality control exercised by principals Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith. The […]
Media: July 2023 ā¢ Catching up with Mr. Wert
After more than four decades in the media business as a sales manager/general manager/vice president for places like WLS-TV, The Loop AM & FM radio stations, NBC-5 Chicago, and the Tribune Company, Larry Wert considers himself semi-retired. āBut Iām working way more than I should be, considering Iām semi-retired,ā he admits. āIām working on […]
Stage Buzz: Between the Buried and Me, Anita Baker, NASCAR Music
Between the Buried and Me are known for their high-concept albums that create thematic sagas within their discography. Their rich storytelling will be on full display when they perform their acclaimed 2012 album The Parallax II: Future Sequence in its entirety this Friday, June 30 at House of Blues. Thank You Scientist and Rivers of […]
Stage Buzz: The Struts, Pride in the Park, Summer Smash
Fall Out Boy will kick off their summer tour with a hometown show at the iconic Wrigley Field with support from Royal & The Serpent, The Academy Isā¦, and Chicago natives Alkaline Trio. The Wilmette natives, who released their eighth studio album,Ā So Much (for) Stardust in March, will bring over two decades’ worth of hits, […]
Stage Buzz: H.E.R.; Blues on the Fox, Pansy Division, FEAR,
Multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter H.E.R. has numerous accolades to her name. 25 Grammy nominations with five wins, an Academy Award, and an Emmy. And sheās only 25 years old. Now, the singer brings her passion and heart-wrenching soul to the Chicago Theatre for a sold out show this Thursday, June 15 at 8 PM. Taste of Randolph returns […]
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