This past week was another busy one. AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson, AC/DC bassist Cliff Williams and ex-Rainbow vocalist Joe Lynn Turner stopped by during my show. They were in town to play a charity event named "Classic Rock Cares" at the House Of Blues. Much hilarity and fun were the order of the day with Brian announcing that AC/DC should tentatively have new material ready to go next year, followed by a tour. After my show was over that night, the guys whisked me over to their hotel bar to continue the fun. Over a couple 'o' wobbly pops, Brian confided in me the dollar figures being offered to AC/DC to tour next year... to say the amount was mind-boggling would be an enormous understatement!

Poison and Ratt played the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre as a part of the Loop's 30th Anniversary Concert Series. Both Bret Michaels of Poison and original Ratt front man Steven Pearcy (now reunited with the band), checked in with me on the show to say hello and have a few laughs. Poison has a brand new CD out entitled "Poison'd" which contains well known classic rock tunes being given the "Poison treatment." Steven Pearcy and Ratt have not yet released any new material since their last reunion in 1999, but Steven indicated that this was part of their plan.

As each concert in our series of shows this summer gets completed, they are replaced by even more! The Red Rocker Sammy Hagar and the Wabos (once again featuring fellow ex-Van Halen alum Michael Anthony) will be back in Chicago for the first time since Loopfest 2006 November 10th at the Chicago Theatre to spread cheer (via tequila) and a rockin' good time for all devoted "Red-Heads." In addition, Sammy and Co. have a brand new DVD out called "Sammy and The Wabos - Livin' It Up! In St. Louis" and a brand new song "Open" which you can only hear on the Loop.

(See Sammy Hagar's video for "Sam I Am" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=iAYNVDEES6A&mode=related&search=)

Velvet Revolver and Alice In Chains hit the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre August 28th.

(See Velvet Revolver's video for "She Builds Quick Machines" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=LuzpeOZI6Fo&mode=related&search=)

Aerosmith and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts will light 'em up September 10th at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.

(See Aerosmith's video for "Baby Please Don't Go" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=dL_JdOCDkQA)

Heaven & Hell (Black Sabbath with Ronnie James Dio on lead vocals) will be swinging back through Chicagoland for another show September 22nd at the new Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates with Alice Cooper and Queensryche in tow. This will be undoubtedly be one triple-bill not to be missed!

Tickets for all these Loop shows (among others) can be had through www.wlup.com.