Guitar Hero: Van Halen won't officially be out until August 4th, but I've got a sneak preview for you.

(See a preview of Guitar Hero: Van Halen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA-S6m4vGBk)

Speaking of sneaks, any self-respecting rock star (or rock star wannabee) must dress the part. Converse has issued several limited edition rock-themed Chuck Taylor sneakers including Van Halen, Metallica, AC/DC, Pink Floyd, The Who, Ozzy Osbourne, The Doors, and Black Sabbath to aid you in your endeavor.

(See the rock-themed Chuck Taylor's here: http://www.classicsportshoes.com/converse-music-shoes.html#top)

Several years ago, I blogged to you that I had just caught a local Chicago band live who I thought were quite good and a band to watch. Fast forward a couple of years and my prediction came true. Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue agreed with me and subsequently signed the guys in The Last Vegas to his record label as well as having them open up for Motley Crue's winter tour. This past week, the guys dropped by my show once again to catch up and play their new song live before their gig at the Metro. Rave reviews from Billboard magazine, Spin magazine and inclusion in Guitar Hero II have made this a whirlwind 12 months for the band.

(See the video for The Last Vegas' new song "I'm Bad" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_F4_DG_5O8&feature=related)

Keep it locked on the Loop for word on more upcoming Chicago shows from Chickenfoot, Queensryche, Motorhead and more.

It was supposed to be an honor for Poison to play the Tony Awards, but it ended up breaking Bret Michaels' nose. D'oh!

(See Poison on the Tony Awards here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dA-AL90_RE)

Coming up all this week on my show from 10am-3pm, your chance to win tickets to the Loop's triple bill July 17th at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre featuring Def Leppard/Poison/Cheap Trick. Don't miss out!