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Cover Story: Ministry ⢠Uncle Al says Adios
Uncle Al is retiring. However, this isnât the first time weâve heard those words from Mr. Jourgensen, but this time seems different. Ministryâs final album, Hate To Go (Take Out Or Delivery), released on Oct. 30 through Cleopatra Records, is Ministryâs swan song that lays to rest an incredible 45-year career that is responsible for […]
Media: November 2026 ⢠MBCâs Late Show Exhibit
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert signed off for good on May 22, 2026. When the show was canceled, it was still the top-rated late-night show on television. The cancellation was blamed on the cost of putting a show like this on the air every night. Whether you believe that public reason or not, itâs […]
Hello My Name IsâŚMartin Rossiter of Gene
With an elegant, multifaceted sound and themes that swung grandly between sweet, sharp, witty, romantic, and melancholy, Gene gathered a devoted cult of British rock fans from the mid-90s to the early 2000s. Martin Rossiterâs poetic lyricism and sweeping melodies formed the bandâs musical foundation, with guitarist Steve Mason, bassist Kevin Miles, and drummer Matt […]
Photo Gallery: The Damned at Concord Music Hall ⢠Chicago
The Damned Concord Music Hall Chicago, IL October 31, 2026 Recap and photos by Curt Baran 50 years? Yep, thatâs how long Englandâs The Damned have managed to keep it together. Although, âtogetherâ is certainly subjective. The band has been a revolving door of members, break ups, reunions and musically aesthetic face lifts. Part of […]
Photo Gallery: Dresden Dolls at Salt Shed ⢠Chicago
Dresden Dolls Salt Shed Chicago, IL October 29th, 2026 Recap and photos by Curt Baran The Boston duo Dresden Dolls decided to celebrate their 25 years together in a very unique way. They chose to revisit their past. Their two-decade relationship with their record label recently came to a close, giving them more flexibility with […]
Live Review: Kingâs X at House of Blues ⢠Chicago
Kingâs X House of Blues Chicago, IL October 16, 2026 Review and live photos by Jeff Elbel Originally from Houston, Texas, veteran hard rock trio Kingâs X has held longstanding esteem as musiciansâ musicians and celebrated songwriters without attaining the full measure of financial reward to match the acclaim expressed by arena-filling peers like Soundgarden, […]
Cover Story: Michael McDermott ⢠Making Up for Lost Time
Michael McDermott is without question one of his generation’s most prolific and consistent songwriters, and Chicago should be proud to call him our own. Fans who have been along for the whole ride could track their own timelines by his records (the ones they know about), which now span three and a half decades. […]
Media: October 2026 ⢠Nick Dâs Horror Favorites
Nick Digilio is best known for his 35-year stint at WGN Radio, but his resume includes much more. Heâs been a film critic for over four decades, currently hosts three podcasts on the Radio Misfits Podcast Network, including the popular Nick D podcast, and last year added “author” to his business card (40 Years, 40 […]
Photo Gallery: Riot Fest 2026 ⢠Day One ⢠Douglass Park ⢠Chicago
Riot Fest Douglass Park, Chicago, IL Day 1: Friday, September 18, 2026 Photos by Curt Baran Congratulations Riot Fest! Youâre officially old enough to drink legally!!! That, of course, means that the 21st addition of the now annual event once again converged on Chicagoâs Douglass Park, bringing with it w Punk Rock-leaning lineup that focused […]
Photo Gallery + Bonus Coverage: Riot Fest 2026 ⢠Day Two ⢠Douglass Park ⢠Chicago
Riot Fest Douglass Park, Chicago, IL Day 2: Saturday, September 19, 2026 Review by Jeff Elbel. Photos by Curt Baran. Moderate temperatures and overcast skies were a boon for bands that played early on Saturdayâs bill at Riot Fest. Gaslight Anthem frontman Brian Fallon and his band, the Painkillers, played to a respectable crowd on […]
Photo Gallery + Bonus Coverage: Riot Fest 2026 ⢠Day Three ⢠Douglass Park ⢠Chicago
Riot Fest Douglass Park, Chicago, IL Day 3: Sunday, September 20, 2026 Review by Jeff Elbel. Recap and Photos by Curt Baran. Rain that altered parts of Saturdayâs schedule persisted overnight. Doors shifted to 2 p.m., reshaping the timeline again. Puddles of mudâno pun intendedâformed on the Douglass Park grounds, echoing moist Riot Fests from […]
Media: September 2026 ⢠Champaignâs Indie Filmmaker
Robin Christian is an Indie-filmmaker, the writer of over a hundred film scripts, and the director of films for more than twenty years. Yes, thatâs all very impressive. But what makes his accomplishments even more impressive is where he is doing it: right here in Illinois. Robin is based in Champaign. His journey into this […]
Photo Gallery: Lollapalooza 2026 – Day One (Part Two)
Lollapalooza Grant Park Chicago, IL July 30-August 2nd Recap and photos by Curt Baran Day One Lollapalooza, the massive annual four-day music festival, returned to its home in Chicagoâs Grant Park for its 2026 edition. The festival featured dozens of bands spread across four days, all performing on the cityâs front lawn. On the first […]
Photo Gallery: Lollapalooza 2026 – Day Two (Part Two)
Lollapalooza Grant Park Chicago, IL July 30-August 2nd Recap and photos by Curt Baran Day Two The second day of Lollapalooza provided no respite for those seeking diverse musical experiences. The afternoon commenced with a performance by The Army, The Navy, and continued to keep the crowd entertained with a series of performances from High […]
Photo Gallery: Lollapalooza 2026 – Day Three (Part One)
Lollapalooza Grant Park Chicago, IL July 30-August 2nd Recap and photos by Curt Baran Day Three Mother Nature attempted to thwart everyoneâs plans for Saturday, and she managed to succeed momentarily. Severe overnight storms persisted into early morning, making it increasingly challenging for Chicago Park District officials to prepare the park for another day of […]
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