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