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50 years ago, college radio was thriving. Every major college or university had a college radio station, and most universities had a radio/TV department. Those college radio stations were the breeding ground for the hugely popular radio industry, spawning radio stars, up-and-coming musical artists, and a whole generation of hitmakers. Sadly, across the country, college […]| illinoisentertainer.com
50 years ago, college radio was thriving. Every major college or university had a college radio station, and most universities had a radio/TV department. Those college radio stations were the breeding ground for the hugely popular radio industry, spawning radio stars, up-and-coming musical artists, and a whole generation of hitmakers. Sadly, across the country, college […]| illinoisentertainer.com
50 years ago, college radio was thriving. Every major college or university had a college radio station, and most universities had a radio/TV department. Those college radio stations were the breeding ground for the hugely popular radio industry, spawning radio stars, up-and-coming musical artists, and a whole generation of hitmakers. Sadly, across the country, college […]| illinoisentertainer.com
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Riot Fest 2025 Douglass Park Chicago, IL September 19, 2025 Recap by Jeff Elbel, Gallery by Curt Baran Chicago’s best music festival for fans of rock and punk roared to life on Friday for the first of three days in Douglass Park. The day belonged to “Weird Al” Yankovic, with a quirky lineup on one […]| Illinois Entertainer
Riot Fest 2025 Douglass Park Chicago, IL September 19, 2025 Recap by Jeff Elbel, Gallery by Curt Baran Chicago’s best music festival for fans of rock and punk roared to life on Friday for the first of three days in Douglass Park. The day belonged to “Weird Al” Yankovic, with a quirky lineup on one […]| Illinois Entertainer
Riot Fest 2025 Douglass Park Chicago, IL September 20, 2025 Recap by Jeff Elbel, Gallery by Curt Baran (Buzzcocks and The Damned by Jeff Elbel) Saturday at Riot Fest was another day filled with highlights and memorable performances, although many were a bit soggier than Friday’s fare. Agent Orange offered the first full-album performance of […]| Illinois Entertainer
Riot Fest 2025 Douglass Park Chicago, IL September 20, 2025 Recap by Jeff Elbel, Gallery by Curt Baran Saturday at Riot Fest was another day filled with highlights and memorable performances, although many were a bit soggier than Friday’s fare. Agent Orange offered the first full-album performance of the day, playing all of 1981’s Living […]| Illinois Entertainer
Riot Fest 2025 Douglass Park Chicago, IL September 21, 2025 Recap by Jeff Elbel, Gallery by Curt Baran Riot Fest 2025 careened to an explosive and communal finish on Sunday with its third day in Douglass Park. The schedule offered more full-album sets (eight in total) than the prior two days, beginning with The Effigies’ […]| Illinois Entertainer
Riot Fest 2025 Douglass Park Chicago, IL September 21, 2025 Recap by Jeff Elbel, Gallery by Curt Baran Riot Fest 2025 careened to an explosive and communal finish on Sunday with its third day in Douglass Park. The schedule offered more full-album sets (eight in total) than the prior two days, beginning with The […]| Illinois Entertainer
Fans have been patiently waiting for Deltron 3030’s follow-up to 2013’s Event 2. While fans keep waiting for the album, the hip-hop trio is back to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their self-titled debut album. Dan the Automater, DJ Kid Koala, and Del the Funky Homosapien will perform the entire album during their two-night stint […]| Illinois Entertainer
Viagra Boys with Die Spitz Salt Shed Chicago September 18, 2025 Recap and Photo Gallery by Curt Baran Stockholm, Sweden’s Viagra Boys, seemingly picked the right day to return to Chicago, as our First Amendment was under attack. This left-leaning six-piece truly resides in life’s darker spaces, and sadly, is one of the few bands […]| Illinois Entertainer
The Pixies and Spoon Salt Shed Chicago, IL September 15, 2025 Recap and Gallery by Curt Baran Even by ’90s alt-rock standards, Pixies were weird. They sang songs about Surrealism, existential dread, drug dealers, art films, and fringe artists. For their trouble, they were met with critical acclaim and some minor commercial success. By 1993, […]| Illinois Entertainer
Rilo Kelly Frederik Meijer Gardens Grand Rapids, MI September 14, 2025 Recap and photo by Curt Baran “I think it’s going to be a special night. We’re playing in the Garden of Eden!” It turns out that Jenny Lewis is a pretty good prognosticator. The Frederik Meijer Garden Amphitheater is a 2000-capacity music shell dropped […]| Illinois Entertainer
Cancel your dinner plans for Thursday night, the Forge in Joliet will be serving a smorgasbord of Heavy Metal. Headliners are Italian symphonic power metal stalwarts Rhapsody of Fire, who are touring in support of 2024’s Challenge the Wind, as well as celebrating the 25th anniversary of their classic Dawn of Victory album. LA’s Witherfall also […]| Illinois Entertainer
Supergrass The Riviera Theatre Chicago, IL September 9, 2025 Review and photos by Jeff Elbel. Supergrass may not have scaled the same heights in North America as Britpop frontrunners, including the Verve, Blur, or touring hosts Radiohead during the ’90s and early ’00s, but the band from Oxford, England, made an indelible mark and […]| Illinois Entertainer
The Who United Center Chicago, IL September 7, 2025 Review by Jeff Elbel When the Who undertook their first farewell “Schlitz” tour in 1982, fans took them at their word and packed arenas. The British rockers even released a successful live album called Who’s Last in 1984. The following year, the band was strong-armed by […]| Illinois Entertainer
Stage Buzz: Mudvayne, Lady Gaga, YUNGBLUD| Illinois Entertainer
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System of a Down with Avenged Sevenfold August 31, 2025 Soldier Field Chicago, IL Recap and photos by Edward Spinelli; additional photo by Clemente Ruiz After three sold-out shows at the historic lakefront venue (Oasis, My Chemical Romance, The Lumineers), System of a Down arrived at Soldier Field (with Avenged Sevenfold) for their penultimate debut […]| Illinois Entertainer
Finn Wolfhard is best known for playing Mike Wheeler on Netflix’s hit Stranger Things, but in recent years, he’s set his sights on his other passion: music. After spending time in bands Calpurnia and The Aubreys, Wolfhard released his debut solo album, Happy Birthday, this past June. Hear Wolfhard’s jangly, indie pop sound when he […]| Illinois Entertainer
At first glance, the Barbarians of California seemingly appeared out of nowhere. For Aaron Bruno and Eric Stenman, this has been decades in the making. The hardcore scene is one of Bruno’s first loves. He discovered the music during a pivotal time in his life as a 14-year-old punk skater. He was not only […]| Illinois Entertainer
You may not realize it, but you have either read or watched the work of John Owens if you lived in Chicago any time over the past 35 years. He wrote for The Chicago Reader (including a front page piece at the young age of 21) and the Chicago Tribune (for 28 years). But […]| Illinois Entertainer
The Boxmasters — featuring musician/actor Billy Bob Thornton and guitarist J.D. Andrew – plays an amalgam of twangy country music, jangling rockabilly, and infectious pop, with large doses of Americana and British Invasion influences. Although most people are primarily familiar with Thornton as an actor, music was his first love. Thornton initially started out as […]| Illinois Entertainer
The Lumineers August 30, 2025 Soldier Field Chicago, IL Recap and photos by Curt Baran The Lumineers perform music that wouldn’t feel out of place being performed on a dilapidated front porch adjacent to a gravel road. Yet there they were on a perfect Chicago summer evening, taking the stage inside a massive football stadium. […]| Illinois Entertainer
Oasis August 28, 2025 Soldier Field Chicago, IL Review by Jessi Roti For some people, the thought of being confined to a space amongst 70,000 people singing “Wonderwall” is their worst nightmare. Then there are Oasis fans. Some of whom have waited nearly 20 years to do it. Because you HAVE to sing along […]| Illinois Entertainer
My Chemical Romance Soldier Field Chicago, IL August 28, 2025 Recap and photos by Curt Baran Is Classic Rock getting younger? Over the past week or so, the city has welcomed visits from rock radio staples such as Oasis and Nine Inch Nails. But unlike those Gen X-leaning acts, My Chemical Romance has not so […]| Illinois Entertainer
Oasis shocked everyone when they reunited earlier this year. The Gallagher brothers achieved legendary status thanks to iconic songs like “Wonderwall” and their constant bickering. With their deadpan style, poignant lyrics, and retro-tinged sound, they became the Kings of Britpop – a title they retain to this day. Oasis brings their highly anticipated reunion tour […]| Illinois Entertainer
Nine Inch Nails August 19, 2025 United Center Chicago, IL Reviewed by Ashley Perez-Hollingsworth When Trent Reznor appeared on stage at the United Center on Tuesday night (August 19), he was greeted by ear-shattering screams that quickly turned into silence. The crowd hushed as he sat at his piano. The opening notes of “A Minute […]| Illinois Entertainer
Photo Gallery: Volbeat with Halestorm at • Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre • Tinley Park| Illinois Entertainer
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Stage Buzz: Nine Inch Nails, Coheed and Cambria, Simple Plan| Illinois Entertainer
Mother Nature was determined to spoil the evening. The Flaming Lips said, “Hold my beer!” Severe storms rolled through Chicago’s near West Side this past Saturday night, threatening to shut down a sold-out show at The Salt Shed. Ma Nature did indeed successfully pinch off a set from openers (co-Headliners?) Modest Mouse, limiting them to a handful of tunes, before shelter-in-place instructions were implemented.| Illinois Entertainer
Photo Gallery: Billy Idol at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre • Tinley Park| Illinois Entertainer
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Photo Gallery: Lollapalooza 2025 – Day One (Part One)| Illinois Entertainer
Photo Gallery: Lollapalooza 2025 – Day One (Part Two)| Illinois Entertainer
Photo Gallery: Lollapalooza 2025 – Day Two (Part One)| Illinois Entertainer
Lolla’s second day in the park continued to treat attendees with what was arguably the best weather the festival has ever experienced. Highs in the upper 70s and not a raindrop in sight were the backdrop for a day filled with performances from Alemeda, Jane Remover, Isabel Larosa, Zinadelphia, Caroline Kingsbury, T-Pain, The Dare, Djo, Wallows, and an absolute coup in the booking of pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo.| Illinois Entertainer
Photo Gallery: Lollapalooza 2025 – Day Three (Part One)| Illinois Entertainer
Photo Gallery: Lollapalooza 2025 – Day Three (Part Two)| Illinois Entertainer
Photo Gallery: Lollapalooza 2025 – Day Four (Part One)| Illinois Entertainer
Photo Gallery: Lollapalooza 2025 – Day Four (Part Two)| Illinois Entertainer
Live Review: Cage The Elephant at Salt Shed • Chicago| Illinois Entertainer
Feature: The Des Plaines Theatre celebrates 100 Years| Illinois Entertainer
Media: August 2025 • 670 The Score’s David Haugh| Illinois Entertainer
Stage Buzz: Lollapalooza 2025 Undercard: Ratboys, julie, Orla Gartland, Winnetka Bowling League, Wasia Project, Wunderhorse| Illinois Entertainer
Live Review: Brokeback at Epiphany for the Arts Center • Chicago| Illinois Entertainer
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Cover Story: Natalie Bergman • Redefining Legacy| Illinois Entertainer
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Stage Buzz: Nas, Tripping Daisy, Wu-Tang Clan| Illinois Entertainer
Cover Story: Push Puppets • Risk Takers| Illinois Entertainer
Photo Gallery: Pierce The Veil with Sleeping With Sirens at Credit Union One Amphitheatre| Illinois Entertainer
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Media: June 2025 • Swany Leaves 101.9FM The Mix| Illinois Entertainer
Stage Buzz: Push Puppets, Do Division Fest, The Weekend| Illinois Entertainer
Live Review and Photo Gallery: AC/DC with The Pretty Reckless at Soldier Field • Chicago| Illinois Entertainer
Live Review: Paul Simon at Symphony Center • Chicago| Illinois Entertainer
Stage Buzz: AC/DC, Post Malone, Youth Code| Illinois Entertainer
Live Review: Benmont Tench at Garcia’s • Chicago| Illinois Entertainer
Live Review: Ministry at the Riviera Theatre • Chicago| Illinois Entertainer
Stage Buzz: Mayday Parade, Ice Nine Kills, Beyoncé,| Illinois Entertainer
Photo Gallery: Amyl and the Sniffers in Chicago| Illinois Entertainer
Stage Buzz: Ministry, Cradle of Filth, Brigette Calls Me Baby,| Illinois Entertainer
It’s been 35 years since we were introduced to the Twinkie-wiener sandwich, and fans everywhere were encouraged to grab life by the lips and yank. Shout! Factory invites us once again to “turn up the volume, and yank of the knob.” All of that yanking points directly to the gently warped and borderline surreal comedy of “Weird Al” Yankovic’s multimedia ode UHF. The 1989 film expanded upon Yankovic’s acumen for pop song parodies, including “Eat It” and “Amish Paradise,” to...| Illinois Entertainer
Live Review: Trivium with Bullet For My Valentine • Aragon Ballroom • Chicago| Illinois Entertainer
band of unlikely local heroes works as entertainment but stands ready to inspire anyone to overcome self-inflicted roadblocks in pursuit of whatever form their own art may take, at any stage of life. Among other things, this a musical fable about what makes America truly special. It may open your eyes to see beauty in unexpected places and family in unexpected people. It may stir embers of faith. Various vignettes will resonate with musicians and live music fans alike. At a neighborhood happe...| Illinois Entertainer
Media: May 2025 • Triton College Radio Celebrates 50 Years| Illinois Entertainer
Stage Buzz: Wednesday 13, Machine Head, Unto Others, Vintage Blonde| Illinois Entertainer
Stage Buzz: Jon Anderson, Bullet For My Valentine, Spiritbox, L.S. Dunes| Illinois Entertainer
Stage Buzz: Mogwai, Peter Frampton, 2025 Millennium Tour| Illinois Entertainer
Stage Buzz: While She Sleeps, Jack White, The Linda Lindas| Illinois Entertainer
Live Review: Daniel Lanois • Epiphany Center for the Arts • Chicago| Illinois Entertainer
Cover Story: Peter Murphy • Return of the Lion| Illinois Entertainer
Media: April 2025 • Road to Rock Class of ’24 and ’25| Illinois Entertainer
CinemaScopes: April 2025 • 20 Years of The Revenge of the Sith| Illinois Entertainer
Record Store Day was conceived in 2007 at a gathering of independent record store owners and employees as a way to celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture surrounding nearly 1400 independently owned record stores in the US and thousands of similar stores internationally. The first Record Store Day took place on April 19, 2008. Today, Record Store Day is celebrated at independently owned brick-and-mortar record stores around the world.| Illinois Entertainer
Stage Buzz: Franz Ferdinand, Ultra Q, The Used| Illinois Entertainer
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Stage Buzz: Kraftwerk, Deftones, Baths, Refused| Illinois Entertainer
Live Review: Elvis Costello and Steve Nieve • Park West • Chicago| Illinois Entertainer