This past week I was invited by Playboy magazine to drop by their offices on Lakeshore Drive to observe a photo shoot for an upcoming cover. I am constantly amazed and impressed at the professionalism of their operation and the respect and kindness which they extend to their models. Unlike some others in their field (who show little respect towards women), Playboy treats their models with the utmost in dignity and class. It amply explains why even 50 years later, they are still the benchmark by which all others are measured. They are an artful, class act which Chicagoans are justifiable proud of.

Had a chance to hang with legendary British theatre and movie actor/writer/producer Victor Spinetti this past week as well. Victor has appeared in over 30 films (including three Beatle movies "A Hard Day's Night" "Help" and "Magical Mystery Tour"), won a Tony award, directed "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Hair" and is a fixture on Broadway and London's West End. Victor is an uproariously funny and very down-to-earth man who regaled me with tales of working with the likes of Peter Sellers, Elizabeth Taylor and of course, the Beatles. In October, the Beatles classic action/adventure spoof movie "Help" (in which Victor played the mad scientist) will be re-released on DVD. Newly restored and now with plenty of extras, it's a very funny and influential movie (Mike Myers has cited it as an inspiration for his "Austin Powers" series) that is definitely worth picking up for your collection.

(See Victor Spinetti in "Help" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=1VTmllNMkZM&mode=related&search=)

(See Victor Spinetti in "Magical Mystery Tour" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=KaBDBpzuYjo&mode=related&search=)

As the Loop continues to celebrate it's 30th anniversary, our legendary sister rock station in St. Louis KSHE 95, is celebrating it's 40th anniversary. During the '90's, I was the morning show personality/anchor at KSHE. You will soon be able to hear/see/check out some of my past work there via the 40th anniversary museum on their website www.kshe95.com.

They vowed it would never happen, but Bloomington, IN native David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen have indeed finally patched up their relationship. DLR has officially rejoined Van Halen as their front man, confirming nearly a year of rumblings and persistent rumors that just such a move was in the works. Van Halen will be hitting not one, but two venues here in Chicagoland during the reunion tour. See them October 16th at the Allstate Arena and October 18th at the United Center as part of the Loop's 30th Anniversary Concert Series.

(See the Van Halen press conference here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=kxwjRJwAGQA)

In a related note, original Van Halen bassist (and Chicago native) Michael Anthony phoned me during my show to comment on the Van Halen tour and his upcoming Chicago gig with Sammy Hagar. While Michael expressed disappointment at not being asked to participate in the reunion, he stated emphatically that he would love to be a part of it if Eddie Van Halen invited him to, and that Sammy had encouraged him to accept if the call came. In the meantime, catch Michael and Sammy November 10th at the infamous Chicago Theatre.

Ozzfest 2007 was a smash success, bringing the annual "rock circus" to the area in two separate shows recently. As usual, Ozzy Osbourne rocked the house and displayed his hilarious non-PC sense of humor.

(See Ozzy's intro video here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=qDUpg3VQ7KA&mode=related&search=)

Look for Ozzy to return to our area December 16th at the Allstate Arena. Keep it locked on the Loop for more information and to win tickets.

Both Geoff Tate of Queensryche and Alice Cooper called in on my show this week to say hello and to catch up a bit. Even if Queensryche weren't such a highly regarded crowd-pleaser in Chicago, they would still find plenty of reasons to keep coming back here. Geoff's wife Susan is from here and so is guitarist Mike Stone. So with obvious delight, Geoff and the band will be part of a great triple bill featuring Heaven & Hell, Alice Cooper and Queensryche, September 22nd at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates. Since Ronnie James Dio will be fronting H&H, this will afford him the unique-to-this-bill opportunity to reprise his duet with Geoff from Queensryche's latest disc "Operation Mindcrime 2" and their new live DVD "Mindcrime At The Moore."

(See Queensryche and Dio perform together here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=HmfN7Fu2d6A)

(See Queensryche perform "Jet City Woman" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=fHZlfTPJdKw&mode=related&search=)

Geoff told me his first concert experience was seeing Alice Cooper when he was younger and that it had a very profound effect on him. He went on to explain that the theatrical nature of Alice's performances set the template in his head that he would later explore with his own band. Needless to say, Geoff is thrilled about this upcoming Chicago show!

Alice Cooper has been on a creative tear the last few years, churning out two magnificent new albums, "The Eyes Of Alice Cooper" and "Dirty Diamonds." Alice told me there is yet another one on the way soon and that he too is looking forward to coming back to the Chicago area, since he lived here at Lake Point Towers for some time. Alice and I shared a few stories and laughs about Alice's former producer Bob Ezrin who also produced KISS and the legendary Pink Floyd double-disc "The Wall." A few years ago, Bob was producing an album by a friend of mine and asked me to sing on the chorus of a song they were currently working on. I tried in vain to explain to Bob that I didn't think I had a very good singing voice, but he was having none of it. He was so intent on having "those balls!" (in reference to my baritone voice) on the record that he literally shoved me into the recording booth with the other members of the band to give it a go. About ten minutes and ten takes later... he had to agree with me. I was out, although I still got a credit on the album. Alice gave much credit to Bob for finding and crystallizing "our sound" as he put it, so don't be surprised if Alice works with Bob again in some capacity on the next album.

(See Alice Cooper perform "School's Out" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ib84GZVz2g4&mode=related&search=)

(See Alice Cooper perform "Man Of The Year" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=4z288_yi9Ig)

In addition to the bill with Heaven & Hell and Queensryche, you can catch Alice at the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville on August 24th.

Tickets for all Loop shows can of course be had through www.wlup.com.

Chicago really ought to be re-named "The City That ROCKS!" Lollapalooza 2007 was even bigger and better attended and organized than previous years were, becoming the modern day successor of Woodstock in the process. After a warm-up gig at The Vic on Friday where they played such gems as KISS' "Black Diamond", Pearl Jam took the stage at 8:10pm at Grant Park launching into a 2 hour plus set with "Why Go" from their debut album. Eddie Vedder was particularly happy to be back home, commenting on the Chicago skyline, reminiscing about riding the "L" and taking BP Amoco to task over their dumping toxins into Lake Michigan. Mixing their classics with lesser known gems, serendipity kicked in when the museum campus fireworks coincided with Matt Cameron's fiery drum solo. Pearl Jam capped off the 3-day event with a rousing, guest-laden encore cover of Neil Young's "Rockin' In The Free World."

(See Pearl Jam perform "Daughter" at Lollapalooza here: http://www.pearljam.com/news/index.php?what=News#195)

(See Pearl Jam's video for "World Wide Suicide" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=XLJ7C6-bYKg)

After Lollapalooza concluded, I attended a special, by invite only post-party at The House Of Blues "Back Porch" (the restaurant/bar on the main floor), where Lollapalooza founder and Jane's Addiction front man Perry Farrell thanked the organizers and the city with a buoyant set that included Jane's Addiction classics "Stop!" and "Been Caught Stealin'."

Once again, a phenomenal 3-day destination event that made Chicago look great to the music world. Lollapalooza 2007... bravissimo!

Ted Nugent swept through town with a trio of shows in the area in the last week or so, and he once again found some down-time to check in with me during my show. During his formative years, Ted lived in Arlington Heights, so coming back to Chicago is like "coming home." Ted was in an unusually sentimental mood this time, since a statue of his late mother (affectionately known as "Ma Nuge" in the Chicago area) was being dedicated on the grounds of Durty Nellie's nightclub in Palatine. Ted fondly remembered his mother's loving career/life advice (how many of the rest of us can say we were wise enough to listen to the advice we were given?) with which he credits his enduring success. Look for Ted's first studio album in five years, "Love Grenade" to hit stores September 4th.