The legacies of the Loop, the city of Chicago and it's legendary music scene converged in a historic celebration Friday night at the House Of Blues. As soon as I took the stage to greet the sold-out crowd of Loyal Loopers and introduce UFO on stage, I sensed that we were in for a special night. The electricity in the room was palpable. One of Chicago's favorite bands UFO were back in town and unbeknownst to the crowd, the members of Metallica had quietly snuck in to catch the performance as well. Long time UFO fanatics, they were just as excited to be there as the rest of the audience. Backstage just prior, UFO drummer Andy Parker emerged from the restroom beaming. He had on the classic black Loop t-shirt he had asked me for last year. He became increasingly animated as he told me how big a fan he was of the Loop ("I've got the Loop sticker on my truck and I wore my old Loop shirt till it was in TATTERS!") and how he couldn't wait to wear his new Loop shirt on stage that night. When the crowd caught sight of us approaching the stage, they erupted. Feeding off the frenzy, UFO then proceeded to tear the roof off the place. Another bombastic show befitting their iconic status.

(See UFO perform "Only You Can Rock Me" live at the House Of Blues here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMrn4w3mGLw)

(See UFO perform "Lights Out" live at the House Of Blues here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeovskSANMU&NR=1)

Backstage after the show, Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett was eagerly telling UFO singer Phil Mogg that he was one of his all-time favorite vocalists and how legendary the Loop was when he caught sight of me. Grinning, he bounded over and began reminiscing with me about the crazy times we had shared in the past.

It was truly a memorable night for all. Here's hoping UFO returns to their second home soon... special things seem to happen.

This week on show from 10am-3pm: chances to win KISS tickets at 10:05am and 2:05pm each day, as well as Trans Siberian Orchestra tickets. A conversation with Rik Emmett of Triumph on Tuesday at 12:30pm, JY of Styx on Wednesday at 11:30am and daily at 1:15pm, I will be giving you "Byrd's Word Of The Day." Keep track of all 5 and you stand a chance to win an autographed guitar from Tesla on Friday at 1:15pm. Singer Jeff Keith of Tesla will join me Friday at 1:30pm with your chance to win tickets to their show this Saturday night at the Star Plaza Theatre, too.

Don't miss out!

This week on show on my show from 10am-3pm: Chances to win Black Crowes tickets all week at 10:05am and 2:05pm as well as tickets to Queensryche each day and conversations with Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple/Rainbow fame Wednesday at 12:30pm and UFO this Friday at 2:30pm.