Stage Buzz
Recap & Photo Gallery: Pearl Jam at Wrigley Field
When Pearl Jam last played Wrigley Field in the summer of 2016, something was missing. In fact, that something had an absence that was entering its second century. But when Eddie Vedder, the Seattle quintetâs lead singer, brought Tom Ricketts out midway through their Saturday night performance at the historic ballpark, the Chicago Cubs owner […]
Live Review & Photo Gallery: Jeff Lynne’s ELO at Allstate Arena
Jeff Lynneâs ELO Allstate Arena, Rosemont, IL Wednesday, August 15, 2018 The famous Electric Light Orchestra jukebox spaceship descended upon the Chicago area for the first time in 37 years on Wednesday, when Jeff Lynne brought his innovative fusion of rock, pop and classical elements to Rosemont. Generations of fans packed Allstate Arena to capacity, […]
Recap & Photo Gallery: The Smashing Pumpkins at United Center
Earlier this year, rumors began to swirl that Billy Corgan was “getting the band back together” to borrow a phrase from The Blues Brothers. Although the Smashing Pumpkins frontman had always continued to tour and record with different musical configurations under the same moniker, this loose talk concerned the four original members: Billy, drummer Jimmy […]
Stage Buzz : The Dead Daisies at The Forge
Blasting off like a screaming rocket in 2013, The Dead Daisies (TDD) have watched its fan base explode into a worldwide phenomenon. In just five short years, TDD has released four studio albums, two EPs, and a double live record. The band, featuring guitarist/co-founder David Lowy (Red Phoenix, Mink), John Corabi (ex-MĂśtley CrĂźe, The Scream), […]
Photo Gallery and Recap: Radiohead at United Center
Earlier this year, Radiohead fans became ecstatic when seemingly without warning, the Oxfordshire six-piece announced a North American tour in support of their 2016 release, A Moon Shaped Pool. As arguably one of the finest live acts currently performing, the band has mostly relegated themselves to festival appearances in the hopes of minimizing the number […]
Live Review: Ry Cooder at Thalia Hall
Ry Cooderâs lengthy resume includes a pile of highlights. Among them are six Grammy awards, evocative soundtrack albums for films including Paris, Texas, collaboration with previously-hidden musical treasures of Cuba with Buena Vista Social Club, and profoundly influencing the signature sound of the Rolling Stones. Cooder also has a stack of great albums to his […]
Stage Buzz: Kraut Fest; Gabriel Sanchez presents The Prince Experience
Krautfest June 8-10: 3250 Nicholson Rd; Franksville, WI 53126 If you trek north over the border, Krautfest kicks off Wisconsin’s summer festival season, drawing from the Tri-State area to feature everything you’d expect from a classic Wisconsin festival: Beer, brats, fireworks and some amazing bands, including Hoobastank and Saving Abel. Throw in a sauerkraut […]
Stage Buzz: Riot Fest 2018 – Sept 14-16 Douglas Park, Chicago: First Wave
Riot Fest continues its tradition of solid, left of center bookings for the 2018 version of the hometown festival that returns to Douglas Park September 14-16. This year’s fest brings a bevy of artists across dozens of genres on five stages including “First Wave” headliners including Blink-182 and Beck (with a third to be revealed […]
Photo Gallery: Courtney Barnett at Preston Bradley Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center
âPut me on a pedestal and Iâll only disappoint you.â Nothing could have been further from the truth when Courtney Barnett sang that line from her song âPedestrian at Best.â The native Australian just released her second long player Tell Me How You Really Feel and is celebrating the occasion with a brief tour in […]
Stage Buzz Q&A: Utopia at Chicago Theatre May 22
The 32-year wait to coax Todd Rundgrenâs Utopia back into touring America may have felt like forever, but itâs finally over and on its way to visiting the iconic Chicago Theatre. Not only will faithful score two comprehensive sets classified by cerebral progressive rock selections and straight-up power pop, but this particular stop will also […]
Stage Buzz: Record Store Day 2018
Record Store Day “goes to 11” in 2018 (eleven years and counting)! Though it has had its share of critics over the years – mainly because of overpriced “limited editions” for some titles, and “vinyl touts” flipping the good stuff online soon after the event is over – it’s hard to argue with the […]
Stage Buzz: Rhye at Thalia Hall
Rhye Thalia Hall Thursday, March 8 Mike Milosh, who records under the moniker Rhye (along with a revolving door of collaborators), seems to be hopelessly in love with his sadness. The music on his debut Woman was so delicate and hushed, it sounded as if it would get crushed under the weight of emotional nakedness and […]
Stage Buzz – Liquid Soul at 210 Live
Highwood’s 210 Live sits on the former Minstrel’s Alley concert space that featured groundbreaking bands including Cheap Trick, Styx and the Ramones in their early years, so they already have a historic vibe in their bones. The venue has already built a good reputation with a variety of acts featuring top-tier jazz, blues, and rock […]
Stage Buzz: Zaius at Reggies Chicago
Modern prog/post-metal instrumental music has never been stronger, especially in Chicago where bands such as Pelican, Electric Hawk, Russian Circles and Zaius all share a bit of the spotlight. With plenty of venues in the city that welcome acts who play original material, itâs a blessing for a band like Zaius. âThere is really […]
Stage Buzz: Todd Rundgren at Park West
As one of the most prolific and forward-thinking artists/producers of the last 50 years, itâs no surprise that Todd Rundgren would rather keep exploring than nestle into a comfort zone. In fact, that fierce commitment to his current artistic muse over commercialism and a regularly shifting set list is exactly what keeps the faithful coming […]
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