Rik Emmett of Triumph fame checked in with me on my show this past week to give us an update on the long-awaited Triumph reunion tour (it's still pending) before performing yet another stellar acoustic set for charity, this time for the Chicago "Kids At Risk Program" on Saturday night. Big talent, even bigger heart.

See Rik Emmett of Triumph perform "Lay It On The Line" live at the Stahl Family Theatre here:

Saturday night also saw the first ever Chicago show from the U.K.'s legendary Diamond Head, a band who profoundly influenced a young Metallica, covering several of their songs over the years.

See Diamond Head perform "Am I Evil" live at Tailgaters here:

This week on my show from 3pm-7pm on 97.9 The Loop in Chicago and worldwide via www.wlup.com: conversations with Lynyrd Skynyrd this Wednesday at 4:30pm, and Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon on Thursday at 5:30pm leading up to their Chicagoland concerts this weekend.

See Lynyrd Skynyrd perform "Sweet Home Alabama" live here:

See REO Speedwagon perform "Roll With The Changes" live here:

To kick off the long weekend in style with the Loop, make sure you request your favorite song so we can a) play it b) give you an iPad loaded with all 1,000 songs requested! Make your request here: http://www.wlup.com/LaborDayWeekend2011.aspx

Another busy week on the Chicago rock scene with numerous great shows.

Stone Temple Pilots returned to the area this past Friday night, this time at the Venue inside the Horseshoe Casino.

See Stone Temple Pilots perform "Plush" live at the Venue here:

Also Friday night, Mr. Big performed their first show in Chicago since reforming at the House Of Blues.

See Mr. Big perform "Addicted To That Rush" live at the House Of Blues here:

Uriah Heep made a rare stop in our area earlier in the week at Viper Alley in Lincolnshire.

See Uriah Heep perform "Stealin'" live at Viper Alley here:

Just announced this week, Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman of Yes fame are teaming up for a tour and will hit the Star Plaza Theatre on October 20. Jon stopped by my show last week with guitar in hand to share a few laughs.

See Jon Anderson "Live At The Loop" here:

Sad news this week as well. Jani Lane of Warrant fame passed away at the age of 47. When I last spoke to him just a few months ago, he was in good spirits and seemed to be in a good place in his life. Thanks for the music Jani and sleep peacefully my friend.

See Warrant's video for "Cherry Pie" here:

This week on my show from 3pm-7pm on 97.9 The Loop in Chicago and worldwide via www.wlup.com: win passes each day to attend a very special "Live At The Loop" performance from George Thorogood this Saturday as well as tickets to his show at the House Of Blues later that evening!

See George Thorogood's video for "Bad To The Bone" here:

This Thursday I will broadcast my show live for "Loop Sox Night # 3" at the new bar & grill at U.S. Cellular Field. Lots of cool Loop prizes, Tricia the 2011 Loop Rock Girl will be there, and much more. Hope to see you! http://www.wlup.com/SoxNites/20110818.aspx