Stage Buzz
Stage Buzz: Art Alexakis at S.P.A.C.E. Evanston
Art Alexakis and Everclear defined the post-grunge ’90s where melodies were king, and dirty guitars were toned downed mercifully down to manageable, yet filthy levels. Singles “I Will Buy You A New Life” and “Santa Monica” are practically genres unto them themselves, which are not only benchmarks for melodic rock in the Friends-era but the […]
Q&A and Live Review: Rick Wakeman
Rick Wakeman Arcada Theatre (St. Charles, IL) October 4, 2019 Celebrated prog-rock keyboardist and raconteur Rick Wakeman visited the Arcada Theatre on Friday night, performing a set of classically oriented solo piano pieces. The songs performed as part of Wakemanâs Grumpy Old Rock Star tour are connected by stories that were equally poignant and ludicrous. […]
Stage Buzz: Riot Fest Undercard Preview
Riot Fest returns this fall for its historic 15th anniversary, once again in Douglas Park (Ogden & Ashland). From its humble beginnings in small clubs to its current incarnation as a classic punk, indie rock, and hip-hop celebration, Riot Fest has a connection to Chicago like no other festival. Now in its 15th year, the […]
Stage Buzz: King Crimson at The Auditorium Theatre
As the godfathers of progressive rock, you won’t find a band with a more dedicated cult following and more influence as King Crimson. Their 1969 debut In the Court of the Crimson King is the benchmark for the prog-rock movement. Led by inventive “quality control” guitarist Robert Fripp, the band’s line-up has been noted for […]
Photo Gallery: Queen plus Adam Lambert at United Center
Eddie Spinelli captured Queen with Adam Lambert in a 2 hour sold-out show at United Center. As expected Lambert channels the ghosts of Freddie Mercury with aplomb, featuring original members Brian May and Roger Taylor running through a set of hits and deep cuts.
Stage Buzz: Jay O’Rourke Band at SPACE
Jay O’Rourke Band Cover Tracks (Self) O’Rourke released one of 2018’s best local albums (Sumthin’ Good), but Cover Tracks mines music he’s loved in his formative and modern years. It’s his labor of love. Longtime IE readers will remember him as the guitarist for the Insiders and BB Spin, and his engineering resume is almost […]
Stage Buzz: Bands in The Sand at Sideouts: New Found Glory and Vince Neil, Island Lake
As summer winds down, some of suburbiaâs larger venues are bringing their A-game to their stages. At Sideouts in Island Lake, the Bands in The Sand event has become one the highlights of the summer in the northern suburbs and commences on Friday, August 16 with Floridaâs pop-punk stalwarts New Found Glory one pop/punk’s most […]
Stage Buzz: Riot Fest Daily Festival Schedules Announced
Riot Fest did it early. They’ve unveiled their daily lineup for the 2019 festival, with a very special deal: single-day tickets will be priced at $49.98 for a very limited time. One-day and 2-day tickets are on sale now. Fridayâs headliners include Blink-182 (performing Enema of the State), The Flaming Lips (performing Yoshimi Battles the […]
Stage Buzz: Tribute Island Music Festival, Kenosha, WI
Tribute Island Music Festival July 19, 20, 21 Simmons Island Kenosha, WI In one of those âwhy didnât I think of that?â moments, Tribute Island brings together 58 tribute bands from across the Midwest to Simmons Island in Kenosha to perform in a themed setting that mirrors English and American festivals like Knebworth, Ozzfest, […]
Stage Buzz: Geddy Lee – Book Signing at Barnes & Noble, Chicago
Geddy Lee Feeding The Collectorâs Compulsion By Jeff Elbel Rush bassist and singer Geddy Lee is known among fans as a man with passions crossing the line into obsession. Whether itâs fine wine or baseball history, Lee doesnât dabble. He goes full immersion. Following the conclusion of Rushâs R40 tour in the summer of 2015 […]
Stage Buzz: The Living Deads, Cash O’Reily, The Amazing Mike BBQ Brunch at Stripes BBQ, Berwyn
Sunday, July 14 – Noon – 6 pm Cash O’Reily, The Amazing Mike, The Living Deads Stripes BBQ Berwyn, IL If youâre ready to beat the heat this weekend, Berwynâs Stripes BBQ is hosting an intriguing summer Sunday live music brunch featuring country/rockabilly/ punk rockers The Living Deads, and blues and Americana singer/songwriter Cash O’Reily, […]
Advertiser Message – Stage Buzz: Scott Stapp at 1175, Kansasville, WI
Creed singer Scott Stapp has indicated the band is finally in a good place personally after several years of a mini legal cold war, but that hasn’t slowed down his solo career. Stapp’s third solo album The Space Between the Shadows, mines heavy autobiographical territory, especially with his first single. âPurpose for Pain,â is Stapp’s […]
Live Review and Photo Gallery: The Who at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
The Who Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre Tinley Park, IL Tuesday, May 21, 2019 When the Who booked an outdoor show at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park as part of their Moving On! Tour, fans and band alike anticipated a great night of classic rock in fine spring weather. Ticketholders on the lawn encountered soggy seats, […]
Stage Buzz: Judas Priest at Rosemont Theatre
Judas Priest Saturday, May 25th Rosemont Theatre Rosemont, IL British metal pioneers Judas Priest have toured hard in support of their 2018 Firepower album, and their upcoming intimate performance Saturday at the Rosemont Theatre shows they’ve got a seemingly endless supply of fans to mine in the Chicago area. In last year’s cover story in […]










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