Stage Buzz
Stage Buzz: AFI, MĂĄneskin. Lorna Shore
Though they’ve been around for 30 years, punk rock icons AFI know how to keep things fresh. Not ones to shy away from reinvention, their sound spans multiple genres from gothic punk to dance electronic and, of course, good ol punk rock. After previously postponing the tour due to COVID, AFI is finally bringing […]
Stage Buzz: Jake Scott, Loathe, Big Suit, Blackpink, Paramore
After a five-year hiatus, iconic alt-rock stalwarts Paramore are back with a vengeance. The band has embarked on their first tour since 2018 in preparation for their upcoming 6th studio album, This is Why. The album’s September released title track suggests a defiant clap-back thematically reminiscent of their pop-punk roots with a modern groove. […]
Stage Buzz: ANTIfest, Tegan & Sara, Joe Bonamassa
Anti-Flag has never been shy to speak up and speak out. Since their formation in 1988, they’ve created punk rock anthems that don’t shy away from political issues, such as animal rights, anti-fracking, climate change, and their anti-war stance. Before they release their next album LIES THEY TELL OUR CHILDREN, next year, […]
Stage Buzz: Judas Priest, Panic! at the Disco, Kevin Morby, Smithereens
You can’t think of heavy metal without thinking of the icons Judas Priest. The band has been “Breaking the Law” since the 1970s and has become one of the most successful metal acts in years since thanks to hits like “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming,” “Living After Midnight,” and “Painkiller.” Now, these titans of metal […]
Stage Buzz: EXTC at Reggies, Chicago and SPACE, Evanston
EXTC Reggies, Chicago October 26, 2022 SPACE, Evanston October 28, 2022 Preview and live photos by Phil Solomonson Last spring, a reboot of English punk/new wave era pop masters XTC toured the states to a positive response from fans. This version, renamed “EXTC,” features original drummer Terry Chambers with a new ensemble of Steve […]
Stage Buzz: Narcotic Wasteland at Arcada Theatre • St. Charles
Narcotic Wasteland Arcada Theatre October 14 St. Charles, IL Preview by Kelley Simms After forming Narcotic Wasteland in 2011 while also serving as a member in the Egyptian-themed death metal band Nile, Dallas Toler-Wade gladly returned to the band full-time after his departure from Nile. “On leaving Nile… it was just time; I love […]
Stage Buzz: Raven at Reggie’s • October 11 • Chicago
Raven Tuesday, October 11 Reggies Chicago, IL by Kelley Simms Three-piece heavy metal stalwarts, Raven, has been slugging it out in the music business for almost five decades. Formed in 1974 in Newcastle, England by the Gallagher brothers – bassist/vocalist John and guitarist Mark — Raven was part of the burgeoning New Wave Of […]
Stage Buzz: Palaye Royal, Harry Styles, B-52s, Michael Schenker
Take a dash of The Rolling Stones, add a pinch of David Bowie, mix in a dash of Small Faces and a hint of My Chemical Romance and you’ve got Palaye Royale. They fuse their love of brit-pop, glam rock, and art rock to create a style they dub as “fashion-art rock.” Their infectious […]
Stage Buzz: Heaven 17, Prognosis, Ivy Ford Band, Damaged Justice
Some of the best “new” blues players in the city are now women. You can add Ivy Ford and her band near the top of that list. Her soulful voice matches her abilities on the guitar. Raised in Waukegan, Ford’s self-released albums  (Harvesting My Roots is an in-office favorite) show she’s become one of […]
Stage Buzz: The Riot Fest 2022 Undercard Preview
Riot Fest returns for its 18th year to historic Douglas Park at Chicago at Ogden & Ashland. From its humble beginnings in small clubs to its current incarnation as a classic punk and hip-hop celebration each Fall, Riot Fest has a connection to Chicago like no other festival. Here are some of our must-see […]
Stage Buzz: North Coast Fest, Rammstein, Deacon Blues, Nas and Wu-Tang Clan
Two titans of hip hop Nas and Wu-Tang Clan, are bringing their NY State of Mind Tour with special guest Busta Rhymes to Tinley Park’s Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre this weekend. Both acts changed hip hop forever with their unique styles, skilled lyricism, and groundbreaking music that continues to inspire the genre to this day. […]
Stage Buzz: Sacred Rose, Alice in Chains, Framing Hanley, Blondie, Soft Cell
Often touted as one of “The Big Four” of grunge rock, Alice in Chains stood out from their peers with the distinct vocal stylings of Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell and for their incorporation of heavy metal in their music. The band, fortunately, continued on with acclaimed vocalist William DuVal, who’s been continuing their […]
Stage Buzz: Traveler, Midnight Dice, Peter Hook & The Light, Franz Ferdinand, Kendrick Lamar, Korn, Demetria Taylor
Red Hot Chili Peppers bring their funk-rap-rock stylings to Solider Field this Friday, August 19, with support from The Strokes and Thundercat. Starting back in 1983, they are the most successful alternative rock band with 14 number-one hits, 25 top-ten songs, and over 100 million records sold worldwide. And they keep the hits coming with […]
Live Review: Riot Fest Night with the White Sox – Guaranteed Rate Field • Chicago
The Chicago White Sox and My Chemical Romance clinched wins at Guaranteed Rate Field on Tuesday night. The ballpark’s Riot Fest Night event reminded Southside baseball fans that the city’s premiere punk rock festival will launch its 2022 event in one month. The game was a match-up between the surging White Sox and 2021 playoff […]
Live Review: Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets • Old Town School of Folk Music • Chicago
Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, IL Thursday, August 4, 2022 Review by Jeff Elbel Photo: Nick Lowe at Riot Fest 2019 (by Curt Baran) Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets kicked off a lengthy touring jaunt of opening dates for Elvis Costello by warming up with a […]
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