Rob Halford of Judas Priest checked in with me on the show recently to give an update on the band's activities and share a few laughs. The guys are working on an ambitious follow up to their very successful reunion disc "Angel Of Retribution" and tour of 2005. Rob says it will be a concept disc about the life and predictions of 16th century French Renaissance prophet Nostradamus. Completion of the project is slated for the spring/summer of 2007 with another tour to follow. In the meantime, all of Halford's solo works have been re-mastered and re-released via his website www.robhalford.com, and a terrific 2 CD overview of Judas Priest's career called "The Essential Judas Priest" (also remastered and remixed) has hit store shelves as well.

My long-time friend Rik Emmett (of Triumph fame) played another inspired show at the House of Blues this past Saturday night. As usual, Rik demonstrated his guitar/vocal pyrotechnics and virtuosity for the rabid crowd. Rik and his crack solo band performed plenty of Triumph classics (including the gem "Allied Forces"), solo hits and several instrumental pieces that showed off his grasp of classical, jazz and spanish guitar styles. Rik has never really received his just due as a guitar god as Eddie Van Halen has, but those who have paid attention over the years easily put him in that class of players. Despite his musical prowess, Rik is still a humble and nice guy. It was a real pleasure to get together with him, and I was honored to have him ask me to introduce him on stage once again. By the way, the Chicago-based opening act The Last Vegas are a band to watch. Their enthusiastic super-charged set won over the crowd quickly. They are a five piece original band in the AC/DC, Motley Crue, Black Crowes, Faces vein. Good stuff.

Also attended Soxfest at the Palmer House Hilton this weekend. I was stopped by many very nice Loyal Loopers while I strolled around checking out the scene. Meet and greets with the players and Sox memorabilia galore make this a must-do for White Sox fans. Check it out next year if you can.

Duncan Keith and Patrick Sharp of the Blackhawks stopped in the other night on the show to chat and give away some tickets to the following night's game. Both Duncan and Patrick are rising stars on the Hawks squad and are die-hard rock fans. More of our conversation will be available in podcast form shortly on my page at www.wlup.com.

Lastly... GO BEARS!!!