Queensryche once again descended on Chicago for two sold-out shows at the House Of Blues this past weekend. A mix of time-tested favorites, as well as their impressive version of Pink Floyd's classic "Welcome To The Machine" from their latest CD "Take Cover" were dished out for the rabid crowd. On Saturday night, the three finalists from the Loop's "Sing With Queensryche" contest joined me on stage to belt out their best. The winner (determined by audience response) got to sing lead vocals with Queensryche during the first encore. What a thrill for the young lady who won, and an impressive performance to boot! When Queensryche singer Geoff Tate checked in with me earlier this week, he was amped up to be playing Chicago again and looking forward to the contest. Unfortunately for Geoff, he became very ill Saturday night and was not able to manage their usual second encore. All in all though, another stellar swing through town for the band, and one thrilled Loyal Looper!

(See Queensryche perform "Welcome To The Machine" live here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=NYwBtIimi5E)

And what about the Superbowl? What a spectacular finish! Whichever team you were rooting for, the final few minutes were riveting to watch.

(See the GoDaddy.com ad with Danica Patrick that didn't make the censors cut here: http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/media/play.asp?mediaID=exposure&ci=11526&tab=sb)

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers may well have pulled off the best half-time performance in the post nipple-gate paranoia era. Nicely done. By the way, The Loop is bringing Tom Petty and the band back to Chicagoland for a show July 2nd at the United Center. If you didn't win tickets to the show this past weekend from us, tickets are going fast at www.wlup.com. Don't wait!