Monthly

Media – March 2020

How long has Pat Cassidy been delivering us the news on the radio by “the dawn’s early light?” “The alarm clock has gone off at 2:30 am for over 40 years,” he says with a laugh. “I go to bed early. The bottom line is that I start going to bed around 6:30 or seven […]

Photo Gallery: Lamb of God at House of Vans

Brassneck | February 15, 2020 | 0 Comments

Acclaimed metal stalwarts Lamb of God performed a rare intimate show at House of Vans Friday night, commencing a promotional campaign for a new self-titled album and the single “Checkmate,” plus the band’s mega-tour that comes to Tinley Park later this summer. Lead vocalist Randy Blythe also treated fans to his personal photo and artwork […]

Live Review and Photo Gallery – Dirty Honey at Bottom Lounge

Brassneck | February 15, 2020 | 0 Comments

Dirty Honey Tuesday, February 11 Bottom Lounge, Chicago For the past year, some music industry folks have been working themselves into a piranha-like frenzy over L.A. blues-rock quartet Dirty Honey. Formed in 2017, the band features singer Marc Labelle, guitarist John Notto, bassist Justin Smolian, and drummer Corey Coverstone. The buzz surrounding the band is heightened in […]

Photo Gallery: Sons of The Apollo with Tony McAlpine at The Arcada Theatre

Brassneck | February 9, 2020 | 0 Comments

Ed Spinelli captured pro-metal supergroup Sons of The Apollo at The Arcada Theatre with guitar pioneer Tony McAlpine opening the show.

Hello My Name Is…Steve Harris from Iron Maiden and British Lion [with Photo Gallery from The Forge of Joliet]

Brassneck | February 9, 2020 | 0 Comments

Liam Gallagher always said that there are only two ways for an English lad to break free from his grey, oppressive, working-class environment — become a professional footballer or start a rock and roll band. Growing up in the London suburb of Leytonstone, Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris clearly remembers doing both. Quite well, […]

Live Review and Photo Gallery: EOB at Lincoln Center

Brassneck | February 9, 2020 | 0 Comments

Ed O’Brien (EOB) Lincoln Hall Saturday, February 8, 2020 Following in the footsteps of bandmates Thom Yorke, Colin Greenwood, and Phil Selway, guitarist and vocalist Ed O’Brien is stepping outside his role as a founding member of Radiohead and occasional high-profile sideman for other artists including Neil Finn. Performing under the name EOB, O’Brien […]

Cover Story: Grace Potter [with added Photo Gallery from Riviera Theatre]

Brassneck | February 8, 2020 | 0 Comments

In the DC Comics universe, Superman always had his Fortress of Solitude, a secluded palace on the frozen Arctic tundra where he could go to muse on his complex relationships with villains, the Justice League, and indeed his planetary protectorate, humankind itself. Not bad, as exotic getaways go. Vermont-bred folk-rocker Grace Potter, on the other […]

Media: February 2020

Brassneck | February 1, 2020 | 0 Comments

Scott Miller was a regular on the radio in Chicago for several decades (WJMK, WCKG, WGN, WDRV, News 101.1 FM, Oprah Radio). Still, a few years ago, after his stint at the Drive (97.1 FM) with Pete McMurray and Dan McNeil, Miller found himself out of work. Despite knowing just about everyone in town, he […]

Cover Story – Caroline Polachek

Brassneck | February 1, 2020 | 0 Comments

The relationship between art and its attendant inspiration has been analyzed countless times over the years. The French painter Henri Matisse, for instance, said that the main impetus for creativity was simply courage, while author Jack London believed that you had to hunt it down with a club. Renowned acting coach Stella Adler posited that […]

Photo Gallery: Heilung at The Riviera Theatre

Brassneck | January 30, 2020 | 0 Comments

Heilung Riviera Theatre 01/20/2020 Heilung (‘healing’ in German), the Nordic folk mood makers arrived in North America for the first time and easily sold out the Riv on their short tour. Originally booked at the Vic Theatre, the show was to moved to the Riviera to meet ticket demand. Ed Spinelli captured their Nordic spectacle. […]

Stage Buzz: Tedeschi Trucks at Chicago Theatre [Updated with Photo Gallery]

Brassneck | January 12, 2020 | 0 Comments

Florida’s legendary Tedeschi Trucks Band, led by married blues guitarists Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, return to the Chicago Theatre for a 4-night run beginning this weekend. TTB has redefined blues and soul over their decade together, powered and defined best by the debut album Revelator. IE’s Ed Spinelli talked with Derek Trucks as he […]

Hello My Name Is…Michael Des Barres

Brassneck | January 6, 2020 | 0 Comments

Michael Des Barres doesn’t want to sound jaded like he’s seen it all before. But at a sage-like 71, he has, in many ways. So don’t fault the Renaissance man for his cynical view of most pop stars’ careers: “They pretty much have a formula now,” he chuckles. “Young kid writes some songs, has some […]

Media – January 2020

Brassneck | January 1, 2020 | 1 Comment

When Brad Edwards was asked to be the co-anchor of the 5, 6, and 10 pm newscasts on CBS-2 Chicago in March of 2019, he was a little taken aback. Edwards had been a big part of the award-winning CBS investigative team since 2012, and “anchor” was a whole different ballgame. He knew what […]

Photo Gallery: KISS-FM Jingle Ball at Allstate Arena

Brassneck | December 23, 2019 | 0 Comments

‘‘Tis the season for the metaphorical kissing of the ring that is the radio station holiday concert. It’s the most wonderful time of the year when bands and artists pay homage to terrestrial radio by popping in for brief live sets as a way of thanking the radio overlords for putting their radio friendly unit […]

Cover Story – Liam Gallagher

Brassneck | December 3, 2019 | 1 Comment

What becomes a legend most? It’s an old question when it comes to pop stars and celebrities in general. Not rhetorical at all, but a real procedural, albeit aesthetic conundrum whose answer — either flamboyant or conversely simplified — can often have disastrous long-term results on the career of the said performer. You’ll […]