Tag: featured
Photo Gallery: The Offspring, Sum 41, Simple Plan at Credit 1 Amphitheatre
The Offspring Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre Tinley Park, IL August 26, 2023 Words and photos by Curt Baran Perhaps it was the perfect convergence of a lingering, post-COVID thirst for live music and an absolutely beautiful summer evening. Of course, a triple bill of pop-punk featuring The Offspring, Sum 41, and Simple Plan might have […]
Photo Gallery: Arctic Monkeys, Fontaines D.C. at United Center ā¢ Chicago
Arctic Monkeys United Center Chicago, IL August 27, 2023 Recap and photos by Curt Baran Alex Turner was in full-on Elvis mode this Sunday at United Center. Fortunately, for all concerned parties, he was channeling the earliest version and not the bloated, coked-out, sequined model that would ultimately lead to the iconās demise. Itās unusual […]
Live Review and Photo Gallery: Bruce Springsteen at Wrigley Field ā¢ Chicago
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL Friday, August 11, 2023 Review by Jeff Elbel. Photos by Curt Baran. After packing Wrigley Field on Wednesday, Bruce Springsteen andĀ the E Street Band ushered in the weekend with a second sold-out performance on Friday night in the Cubsā outfield. At showtime, the members […]
Photo Gallery: Pantera at American Family Insurance Amphitheater ā¢ Milwaukee
Pantera American Family Insurance Amphitheater Milwaukee, WI July 31, 2023 Recap and photos by Curt Baran To say that Pantera has seen its fair share of tragedy is an understatement. Original guitarist āDimebagā Darrell was shockingly shot to death on stage by a deranged fan in December of 2004, and drummer Vinnie Paul, Darrellās brother, […]
Stage Buzz: Lollapalooza, Repentance, Voice of Baceprot, Mudvayne
Whether it’s his outrageous outfits or causing controversy, Boy George knows how to get attention. Though he has a prolific solo career, heās best known as the androgynous singer of Culture Club. In a sea of endless new romantic acts and lots of hairspray, the band stood out not just for their look but […]
Cover Story: Butcher Babies ā¢ Double Trouble
From just a quick glance at each other while on stage, Butcher Babiesās duo bombshell vocalistsāHeidi Shepherd and Carla Harveyāknow exactly what each other is thinkingā¦ and they canāt help but to crack up or give each other a sly smile.Ā As best friends performing in a band, Shepherd and Harvey have been slugging it […]
Spins: Pete Townshend ā¢ Empty Glass (Vinyl Remaster)
The Who’s acclaimed, Rock Hall-of-Fame guitarist’s heralded second album (including breakout AOR single “Rough Boys”) gets a vinyl remaster.
Plus: Pete Townshend and Ronnie Lane’s “Rough Mix”
Live Review: Cheap Trick at Metro ā¢ Chicago
Cheap Trick with Brokeback Sunday, July 16, 2023 Metro, Chicago, IL Review by Jeff Elbel The 40th-anniversary celebration at Chicagoās venerable Metro continued on Sunday by welcoming Rockfordās finest rock and roll export,Ā Cheap Trick, for a sold–out show. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers maintain a regular presence in the area, but Sundayās show […]
Photo Gallery: Le Tigre ā¢ July 15 ā¢ Chicago
Le Tigre The Salt Shed Chicago, IL July 15, 2023 Recap and photos by Curt Baran If the revolution isnāt going to be televised, at least Le Tigre has made certain its soundtrack will be danceable. Rising from the ashes of Bikini Kill, Kathleen Hanna left minimalist punk rock in her rearview mirror to find […]
Cover Story: Hozier ā¢ Beautiful Language
It might not have swept over him like some Hokusai-impressive wave. But Irish folk-rocker Andrew Hozier-Byrne ā who records and performs as simply Hozier ā has been caught in the subtle currents of spiritual change since he turned 33 this March. Itās the fabled Christ age, when your proper career trajectory is clearly revealed to […]
Stage Buzz: Heavy Chicago Festival at Avondale Hall ā¢ Chicago
Chicagoās Avondale Music Hall will be hosting a brand-new metal festival, Heavy Chicago, over two weekends this fall. Beginning on Saturday, October 28, Chicagoās beloved Trouble will be kicking things off with its first local show in five years. āIt has been far too long since our last Chicago show, but as we all know, […]
Live Review and Photo Gallery: American Music Festival – FitzGeraldās ā¢ Berwyn
American Music Festival FitzGeraldās June 30 – July 3 Berwyn, IL Reviewed by William Tokash Photos from Day One, Three, and Four by Curt Baran FitzGeraldās iconic American Music Festival in Berwyn, commenced on 4th of July weekend, celebrating its 40th year, making it one of the longest-running and storied music festivals in the country. […]
Hello My Name is Tommy Stinson
Some folks just attract trouble magnetically. Take ex-Replacements bassist Tommy Stinson, for example ā when the coronavirus hit him, post-lockdown, it smacked him upside the scruffy head and just kept knocking him senseless. āThat was horrible, and Iām still reeling from it,ā the rasp-throated rock rapscallion recalls from his rustic home in upstate New York. […]
Anniversary Albums: Tears for Fears ā¢ The Hurting
Tears for Fears The Hurting (40th anniversary Abbey Road remaster LP) (Mercury/UMC) For a band with its staying power and following, Tears for Fearsā catalog is brief. By all reports, it isnāt a lack of work ethic that suppressed productivity ā itās the internal quality control exercised by principals Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith. The […]
Media: July 2023 ā¢ Catching up with Mr. Wert
After more than four decades in the media business as a sales manager/general manager/vice president for places like WLS-TV, The Loop AM & FM radio stations, NBC-5 Chicago, and the Tribune Company, Larry Wert considers himself semi-retired. āBut Iām working way more than I should be, considering Iām semi-retired,ā he admits. āIām working on […]
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