Tag: featured
Cover Story: Cheap Trick ⢠Won’t Slow Down
Itâs not a cautionary tale exactly, nor is it an Abandon-All-Hope-Ye-Who-Enter-Here warning. But for any bright-eyed, optimistic young artists out there currently considering a career in music, Cheap Trick bassist Tom Petersson has a few wise words to offer that might, at the very least, give you pause. Or, at worst, stagger you as senseless […]
Media: December 2025 ⢠The Museum of Broadcast Communications Pop-up Exhibit
Many of us worried it might never return after shuttering its previous location, but in October, the Museum of Broadcast Communications made a triumphant comeback in a new location, with an assortment of new exhibits. The date wasnât chosen randomly. It was the 100th anniversary of Johnny Carsonâs birth, and Johnny Carson is the big […]
Live Review & Photo Gallery: Paul McCartney at United Center ⢠Chicago
Paul McCartney United Center Chicago, IL November 25, 2025 Review by Jeff Elbel. Photos by Ed Spinelli. Can it really have been eight years since the last time Sir Paul McCartney performed in Chicago? The still-fab former Beatle was a relatively regular presence during the 2010s in the town he first visited with his old […]
Stage Buzz: Smoking Popes, Billy Corgan, Better Lovers, Atreyu, Mickey Dolenz
This is the last week to experience the Smashing Pumpkinsâ iconic album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness in a new way. Billy Corgan closes out his âA Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadnessâ anniversary shows with the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus (James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlin are also contributing . Hear the […]
Live Review: Pixel Grip at Metro ⢠Chicago
Pixel Grip Metro Chicago, IL November 14, 2025 Review by Ashley Perez-Hollingsworth Itâs been a big year for Chicago industrial-pop trio Pixel Grip. Releasing a successful new album. Fighting with Travis Scott over uncredited samples. Hanging out with Trent Reznor. Opening for Peaches on her highly anticipated 2026 tour. To cap off the year, their […]
Photo Gallery: Wednesday at the Riviera Theatre ⢠Chicago
Wednesday Riviera Theatre November 17, 2025 Chicago, IL Recap and photos by Curt Baran Not unlike its predecessor (2023âs Rat Saw God), donât be surprised to see Wednesdayâs Bleeds on numerous 2025 year-end, best-of lists. Itâs a massive step forward in both songwriting and musicianship. The tour supporting it touched down at The Riviera Theatre […]
Stage Buzz: Mario, Smashing Pumpkins, Luke Spiller, Paul McCartney
R&B singer Mario is bringing his electrifying stage show to intimate theaters for a rare, up-close-and-personal experience. The singer will serenade fans with hits like âLet Me Love You,â âJust a Friend,â and âCrying Out for Meâ during his show at Concord Music Hall this Friday, November 21st. Find tickets here. Smashing Pumpkinsâ Mellon Collie […]
Live Review: The Saints â73 -â78 at Metro ⢠Chicago
The Saints â73-â78 Metro Chicago, IL November 11, 2025 Review and Live Photos by Jeff Elbel Fans of classic punk rock arrived at the Metro on Tuesday night for a rare opportunity to see originators of the form when founding guitarist Ed Kuepper and original drummer Ivor Hay brought The Saints â73-â78 from Australia […]
IE Record Store Day – Black Friday Guide
Record Store Day Black Friday takes place on Friday, November 28. Our guide includes complete RSD listings, release previews, album reviews, and local RSD locations, plus advertisements and RSD info from your favorite local stores: Rolling Stones Records, Laurieâs Planet of Sound, Blue Village Vinyl, Bobâs Blues & Jazz Mart, Scratched Vinyl, Hoarders Records […]
Cover Story: John 5 and Richie Kotzen ⢠Dual Shredders
The exceptional guitar artistry of one John William Lowery, professionally known as John 5, is internationally celebrated. The guitaristâs musical resume includes a wide range of diverse artists, such as k.d. Lang, Rod Stewart, Dolly Parton, and Meat Loaf, while also contributing to projects with rockers like David Lee Roth, Rob Halford, Lita Ford, Lynyrd […]
Spins: Frank Zappa ⢠Halloween ’78: Live at the Palladium, NY Super Deluxe
Frank Zappa Halloween ’78: Live at the Palladium, NY Super Deluxe (UMe/Zappa) Spooky! Scary! I am, of course, referring to the compositional skill and dazzling technical chops on display by Frank Zappa and his top-flight band on the Halloween night of 1978 in New York City. This is the fourth Super Deluxe costume box […]
Live Review & Gallery: David Byrne at Auditorium Theatre ⢠Chicago
David Byrne Auditorium Theatre October 28, 2025 Chicago, IL Live review by Jeff Elbel, Live photos by  Curt Baran. Tuesday’s concert by David Byrne began with a recorded welcome from the artist, informing patrons that the Auditorium Theatre management had agreed to allow dancing if the aisles were kept clear. “In the event of a […]
Rock of Pages/Spins: The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Mick Rock Rocky Horror: A Behind the Scenes Look at the Cult Classic (HarperPop) Original Cast The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Ode) Let’s do the Time Warp again! These two complementary projects arrive in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the grandaddy of all B-movie cult films. Famed rock photographer […]
Live Review: Tommy Emmanuel at Cahn Auditorium ⢠Evanston
Tommy Emmanuel Cahn Auditorium Evanston, IL Â October 15, 2025 Review by Steven Kikoen On a gray, rain-spattered day in mid-October, the campus of Northwestern University still seemed to maintain its quiet collegiate grandeur. Inside the 85-year-old Cahn Auditoriumâa favorite among Northwestern students and the Evanston communityâthere are more than a thousand seats which would soon […]
Stage Buzz: Elvis Costello, Doechii, Brandy and Monica
If thereâs one artist who’s taken over the hip-hop world within the last year, itâs Doechii. Representing the Florida rap scene, her quirky style and lyrical flow made tracks like âDenial Is a Riverâ and âAnxietyâ explode in popularity. See Doecii in action when she brings her âLive from the Swamp Tourâ to Aragon Ballroom this Tuesday, […]
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