Weekly
Stage Buzz: Hatsune Miku, Sleep Token, Megan Thee Stallion, Saxon
Hatsune Miku is the worldās biggest virtual idol. Sheās the OG hologram hitting the scene before Tupac and Michael Jackson. And though sheās just a Vocaloid, she remains one of Japanās most successful exports. Mikuās world concert tour series, Hatsune Miku Expo, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and rolls into Chicago for a sold-out […]
Studiophile: Remembering Steve Albini
Audio engineer, musician, and studio owner Steve Albini passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday night (May 7). His death is a terrible loss not only to his family, colleagues, and friends but also to so many studio engineers and music fans who loved his production and passion. His extensive recording resume included groundbreaking bands like Nirvana, […]
Skating Polly, Craig David, John Oates
For the past six decades, John Oates made up one-half of the soul duo Hall & Oates. The singer/songwriter broke out on his own for his debut solo album Phunk Shui in 2002. Now, he returns with a new solo album, Reunion, and a supporting tour. John Oates will play a sold-out show with […]
Live Review: Robyn Hitchcock at Old Town School of Folk Music ā¢ Chicago
Robyn Hitchcock Old Town School of Folk Music Chicago, IL Saturday, May 4, 2024 Reviewed by Jeff Elbel Pop surrealist Robyn Hitchcock performed the second of a two-night stand at the Old Town School of Folk Music on a rain-soaked Saturday night. The career-spanning setlist included many requests coordinated via Hitchcockās social media accounts, ensuring […]
Stage Buzz: Creeper, Puscifer, A Perfect Circle, Primus
With over 50 million records sold worldwide, a rebellious drive, and one of the most distinctive voices in metal, it’s no wonder that Judas Priest are legends. Though the metal titans keep pumping out new music, with their latest Invincible Shield, dropping earlier this year, they’ll always be known for classic songs like “Breaking the […]
Stage Buzz: Legions of Metal at Reggies ā¢ Chicago
Legions of Metal Festival Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4 Reggies Chicago, IL By Kelley Simms (Feature photo Hirax by Anne De Pena) A revered Chicago metal tradition continues to thrive under its new name with this yearās two-day/two-room (Reggies Rock Club and Music Joint) music festival. Legions of Metal originally began as Ragnarokkr […]
Stage Buzz: Judas Priest at Rosemont Theatre ā¢ Rosemont
After an impressive five-decades-long career, British heavy metal pioneers Judas Priest show no signs of slowing down with the release of their highly acclaimed 19th new studio album, Invincible Shield. On 14 super-charged tracks, Priest delivers the indisputable, classic heavy metal sound that hearkens back to the bandās heyday.Ā While some legacy bands […]
Stage Buzz: Stabbing Westward, Hawtorne Heights, Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill is the hip-hop group that brought us classic gems like āInsane in the Brainā and āThe Phuncky Feel One.ā Known for their blend of hip hop, gangsta rap, rock, and psychedelic, the band has sold over 20 million albums worldwide and became the first hip hop to have a star on the Hollywood […]
Stage Buzz: The Black Crowes, Maggie Rogers, Waxahatchee
30 years ago, The Black Crowes, led by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, found critical and fan acclaim with their debut album Shake Your Money Maker. Its raw sound and fusion of Southern rock and blues made it a success with it peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. Numerous breakups and reunions […]
Spins: The Outfit “Go”
The Outfit Go (Pavement Entertainment) On its third full-length album, Go, local rockers, The Outfit continues its infectious blend of catchy hooks, memorable melodies, and a hybrid of Cheap Trick meets Foo Fighters influences. Chicago veteran sound engineer Matt Mercado returns for this release, as does Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum producer and mixer Ulrich Wild (Pantera, Static-X, […]
IE 2024 Record Store Day Guide
Record Store Day was conceived in 2007 at a gathering of independent record store owners and employees as a way to celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture surrounding nearly 1400 independently owned record stores in the US and thousands of similar stores internationally. The first Record Store Day took place on […]
Stage Buzz: Savage Master, Drowning Pool, Beach Fossils
Celebrating the ten-year anniversary (and reissue) of their debut album Mask of The Devil, Louisvilleās Savage Master mixes a unique blend of early ā80s metal infused with their love of bondage masks and horror movies. they arrive at Reggies Wednesday April 3. Openers include acclaimed Swedish headbangers Screamer and Blood Star. Tickets are still available. […]
Live Review & Photo Gallery: Mitski at Auditorium Theatre ā¢ Chicago
Mitski Auditorium Theatre, Chicago, IL Review of Friday, March 22, 2024, show by Jeff Elbel Photos of Sunday, March 24, 2024, show by Curt Baran On Friday, Mitski performed the second in a series of four sold-out concerts at Chicagoās storied Auditorium Theatre. The run of shows launched a new leg of touring in support […]
Stage Buzz: Matt Maltese, The 69 Eyes, Steve Hackett, Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny is known as the āKing of Latin Trapā and after taking a few years to explore and expand his sound, heās returning to his Latin Trap roots on latest album Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar MaƱana. Get ready for night full of dancing when the rapper performs three nights at the […]
Stage Buzz: Chelsea Wolfe, Mitski, Health, Buried and Me
Singer/songwriter Chelsea Wolfe invents her own musical hybrids. Throughout her career, she has fused together folk, doom metal, goth rock, industrial, experimental music, and noise rock to create a sound thatās truly her own. But the one thing that never changes is how entrancing and haunting her songs are. See Wolfe in action at […]
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