My buddy Dean DeLeo, guitarist and founding member of Stone Temple Pilots called me during my show this past week to update me about their reunion tour (their first tour in 7 years) with Scott Weiland back in the fold and to share a few laughs and stories. Dean and I talked about what lead to the reconciliation with Weiland, the current feeling amongst the members and what lies ahead for STP in the near and distant future. The Loop will be bringing them to the Charter One Pavilion May 22nd, tickets are on sale now and going fast through www.wlup.com.

(See highlights of the Stone Temple Pilots press conference announcing the tour here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=_0f_SDltiVo)

JY of Styx also checked in with me to chat about the Chicago blues benefit show they will be a part of tomorrow (Monday) night at the Vic Theatre. In a reversal of the "pay it forward" sentiment, JY and Styx, along with Koko Taylor and others will "pay it backward", raising money for the now aging bluesmen who laid the foundation for the rock movement, many of whom are now sadly destitute. A few tickets remain through www.wlup.com.

Alex Lifeson of Rush will be joining me this coming Tuesday night on the show at 9:30pm to talk about their new live CD and their upcoming concert at the United Center June 9th. Right afterwards I will play some of the yet to be released "Snakes & Arrows Live" disc. Also, this Friday night, I will be doing my show live (7pm-12midnight) from the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates for the Lynyrd Skynyrd show there. Come by and say hello! After the show, you will be able to upload your pictures and reviews of the show at www.wlup.com for the whole world to see.

(See Rush perform "In The Mood" live in 1976 here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Geus8-rbjr8)

(See Lynyrd Skynyrd perform "Simple Man" live here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=sHQ_aTjXObs)

Ever wonder what it's like behind the scenes at the Loop? We all had a little fun this week putting together a "sneak peek" for you.

(See the "Behind The Scenes At The Loop" video here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Lnrq6XylgDs)