Stage Buzz
Updated: Live Review/Stage Buzz – Mastodon at Metro
Live Review Mastodon Metro, Chicago Sept. 9, 2017 Mastodon rarely plays an encore. Instead, the band merely thanks the crowd and walks offstage. Saturday night at Metro, though, the band’s parting words carried more weight as they played an intimate benefit concert for Hope For The Day, a Chicago-based mental health education and suicide prevention […]
[Updated] Stage Buzz/Recap/Photo Gallery: Kiss at RiverEdge Park
Kiss brought all their pageantry and glory to RiverEdge Park in Aurora, Sunday. Despite the threat of thunderstorms hovering overhead, Kiss took the stage on time and ended just minutes before buckets of rain hit the western suburbs. Three generations of fans were treated to a classic catalog and all the pyro Kiss fans […]
Riot Fest 2017 Single-Day Line-Up, Danzig Performance Announced
The wai-it-ing is the hardest part when it comes to Riot Fest’s single-day line-ups, but the wait is over. Riot Fest announced Friday, Saturday and Sunday (September 15-17) line-ups today with a bonus performance from Danzig to the Saturday bill. As expected, Jawbreaker’s historic reunion closes things out on Sunday September 17th. Single Day and […]
Stage Buzz: Pitchfork Music Festival Chicago 2017 at Union Park
Now entering its second decade of existence, the 2017 Pitchfork Music Festival has assembled what is arguably one of their finest line-ups yet. The curation has always made an effort to be eclectic, and this year is certainly no exception. This year’s headliners include a newly activated LCD Soundsystem on Friday (July 14), old-school […]
Stage Buzz/Recap/Gallery (Updated): Wolf Alice at Schubas
North London’s Wolf Alice completely eviscerated Chicago’s Schubas Tavern Wednesday. The intimate confines at Belmont and Southport proved to be the perfect setting for the quartet to preview songs from their forthcoming release (due this fall). They also tore through fan favorites that included “Moaning Lisa Smile,” “Bros,” “Giant Peach” and “Lisbon.” Curt Baran managed […]
Photo Gallery: Dreamcar at The Vic Theater
Take three parts No Doubt (bassist Tony Kanal, guitarist Tom Dumont and drummer Adrian Young), one part A.F.I (vocalist Davey Havok) and you’ve got yourself a new supergroup called Dreamcar. The band, which graced the cover of IE’s April issue, recently hit the road in support of their eponymous debut album. Curt Baran commenced his […]
Stage Buzz: Ratt at Concord Hall
Are you ready to Ratt ’N’ Roll again? The recent court battles between former drummer Bobby Blotzer and the rest of the members over the use of the RATT band name has finally been determined. The winners singer Stephen Pearcy, guitarist Warren DeMartini and bassist Juan Croucier, who are now joined by guitarist Carlos Cavazo […]
Stage Buzz: Robin Trower at Copernicus Center
British blues-rock guitarist Robin Trower is a living legend. If you haven’t heard of him by now, add his classic discography to your musical bucket list. Respect is properly due, because Trower has become the workman, prototype British blues guitarist including his start in Procol Harum in the late ’60s to a successful solo career […]
Stage Buzz Review: The Rolling Stones Exhibitionism at Navy Pier
The Rolling Stones Exhibitionism Navy Pier, Chicago Wednesday, April 12, 2017 With exponential amounts of albums, books, photographs, memorabilia and merchandise on the market relating to The Rolling Stones, it seems impossible that anyone could possibly unearth another morsel on what many might call the world’s greatest rock n’ roll band. But thanks to the […]
Stage Buzz: Dave Davies at Arcada Theater
In 2014, the Kinks’ “You Really Got Me” turned 50 years old. Since that astonishing milestone, guitarist Dave Davies has only gotten busier. After returning to touring work in support of 2013’s invigorated I Will Be Me, he followed quickly with 2014’s Rippin’ Up Time, the 2015 live album Rippin’ Up New York City, and […]
Stage Buzz: Overkill at Concord Hall
New Jersey’s “Wrecking Crew” and old guard thrash metal kings, Overkill are back with their 18th album, The Grinding Wheel on February 10th. The 2017 line-up features members vocalist Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth, bassist D.D. Verni, guitarists Dave Linsk and Derek Tailer and drummer Ron Lipnicki, all intact and energized. The Grinding Wheel is the perfect […]
Stage Buzz: DevilDriver at Portage Theater
California groove-metal machine, DevilDriver have returned with a ferocious seventh album, Trust No One. On 10 tracks, vocalist Dez Fafara is like a ticking time bomb ready to explode. With a dose of anger and brutal rants about life being destroyed by trust, this is Fafara at his cynical best. Gearing up for their first […]
Stage Buzz: Tribute Weekend!
January usually means snow and cold in Chicago and reduced touring schedules for a lot of bigger bands. It also opens up tour dates, which means national tribute bands get to showcase their wares to fans. This weekend a couple of acclaimed tribute acts from opposite ends of the musical spectrum will hit the stage […]
Stage Buzz – Steve Grimmett’s Grim Reaper at Tailgaters
Legendary British heavy metal band Grim Reaper is back. Original vocalist Steve Grimmett reformed the band in 2006 as Steve Grimmett’s Grim Reaper, and they’ve just released their first album of new material in 29 years. Walking In The Shadows combines 12 fiery tracks reminiscent of the band’s early roots with a vigorous spirit. Usually […]
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