Live Reviews
Rise Against live!
Metro, Chicago Friday, December 18, 2009 It’s weird to think about now, but there was a time before Rise Against was one of Chicago’s biggest rock acts. Once upon a time, the group plied their trade for indie label Fat Wreck Chords, and overturned venues like Knights Of Columbus in Arlington Heights. The band’s early […]
Metric live!
Cubby Bear, Chicago Thursday, December 17, 2009 It was about 12:15 a.m. when Canadian alt-rockers Metric took the Cubby Bear stage as part of the “Q101 Twisted After-Show” — much to the surprise of a sold-out crowd that had been told 9 p.m.
Cool Kids, Bun B live!
Reggie’s, Chicago Thursday, December 10, 2009 In their rise to indie-rap fame, part of The Cool Kids’ image has been about a certain swagger, topped with an air of nonchalance. But live, especially at this capacity Reggie’s show, Chuck Inglish and Mikey Rocks were actually having fun.
The Flaming Lips live!
Allstate Arena, Rosemont Friday, December 11, 2009 The Flaming Lips live for the moment, and the Fearless Freaks’ live shows treat each song as if it is the main event. They amplify the emotion as much as possible so that there is a more-than-usual lull between each song as if the band have to […]
Kid Sister live!
House Of Blues, Chicago Wednesday, November 25, 2009 Though it shines through on record, it was last Wednesday’s House Of Blues show that truly demonstrated Kid Sister’s energy and versatility. As the opening electro shocks of “Right Hand Hi” announced her onstage arrival, the high-profile Chicago MC bounded out in a silver dress, a flash […]
The Cranberries live!
Riviera, Chicago Wednesday, November 25, 2009 In one of alternative rock’s more random reunion stories, The Cranberries were essentially dead and buried as frontwoman Dolores O’Riordan was pursuing a solo career. The decision was met with obvious sadness from band faithful, but her individual offerings were still greeted with a respectable amount of critical acclaim […]
Fool’s Gold live!
Lincoln Hall, Chicago Friday, November 27, 2009 Lincoln Hall was designed to be a sort of Admiral’s Club for bands who’ve earned their way out of Schubas’ cozier confines. Its crisp lines and modernist demeanor underscore this idea, giving even opening bands a chance to feel like they’re on the up. It was nice, however, […]
Pixies live!
Aragon Ballroom, Chicago Friday, November 20, 2009 To paraphrase Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain: Without Doolittle there would be no Nevermind. Arguably, the former document provided the blueprint that would take Alternative Nation to the top of Mt. Mainstream. Virtually ignored upon its release (except by critics and those in the know), it is now considered a […]
Ian McLagan live!
Martyrs’, Chicago Friday, November 20, 2009 The universe is back to smiling on former Small Faces and Faces keyboardist Ian McLagan. After a rough couple of years when he lost both best friend Ronnie Lane and his own wife, the impish veteran completed a brief but emotionally complex set for a modest crowd.
Wolfmother live!
Riviera, Chicago Friday, November 13, 2009 The ’70s-rock revival was in full force Friday night at the Riv as Australian rockers Wolfmother hit the stage in support of their latest release, Cosmic Egg (Interscope). Frontman Andrew Stockdale (who’s 6’2″, or 6’5″ with the afro) led the charge, and though he’s now backed by a new […]
AFI live!
Riviera, Chicago Saturday, November 7, 2009 In September 2007, AFI’s Davey Havok and Jade Puget brought their electro-synth side outfit, Blaqk Audio, to the Double Door for an intimate and electrified show. The performance was a far cry from the far-reaching cries of AFI’s often overdramatic and tortured anthems, borrowing more from the dance-pop side of […]
Don Henley live!
Rosemont Theatre, Rosemont Monday, November 9, 2009 Between the Eagles’ double album Long Road Out Of Eden, two years on the road supporting it, and a solo retrospective with tour in tow, Don Henley’s been especially active as of late. Currently on the road behind his first career-spanning set, The Very Best Of Don Henley, […]
Snoop Dogg, Redman & Method Man live!
Congress, Chicago Wednesday, November 4, 2009 Upon leaving Snoop Dogg’s Wonderland High School Tour show at the Congress, a middle-aged, hippie-looking man approached me a block from the venue and asked me if I was at the concert – the one with “the music from California.” Admittedly, the long-haired guy wasn’t familiar with Snoop’s […]
Lupe Fiasco live!
Congress Theatre, Chicago Thursday, October 29, 2009 Lasers, big lights, a JumboTron screen, and a full band featuring an animated guitarist were all pieces of Lupe Fiasco’s ever-visual Halloween show that drew a near-capacity crowd. While this West Side-raised rhymer has been quiet this year, his epic performance at the Congress reaffirmed his budding star […]
The Gaslight Anthem live!
House Of Blues, Chicago Tuesday, October 27, 2009 It seems like every few months, The Gaslight Anthem is out somewhere in Chicago. Just this past August, the group played a Lollapalooza after-party at Double Door, in addition to the outfit’s set at the festival proper. Before that, it was an April appearance at Double Door, […]
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