2007 isn't even over yet, and the Loop's 2008 concert calender is already filling up! The Loop will be bringing Van Halen back to town by popular demand for a third show in the Chicagoland area, April 3rd at the Allstate Arena. If you missed the two previous shows... do NOT miss this one! Van Halen is firing on all eight cylinders and it is a must-see concert. Tickets can be had (while they last) through www.wlup.com/.

(See Van Halen perform "Runnin' With The Devil" live at the Allstate Arena here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Tvt6WSZcHf4

Not only is the Loop bringing Van Halen back to town , but we're also bringing Rush back for another show as well. Keep it locked on the Loop for the official announcement.

Are you ready for the Led Zeppelin reunion tomorrow night in London? Did you ever think we would see the day that Led Zeppelin got back together? JY Young of Styx will be there, and will be calling me on my show as soon as the concert is over for an exclusive review of the most anticipated reunion of them all. Don't miss it!

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra played two packed shows at the Allstate Arena today. After broadcasting my show live from the event and introducing the band on-stage for their two performances (3pm and 7pm), I had some time afterwards to spend with the the performers and brains behind the phenomenon, Paul O'Neill. Paul graciously donated a contribution to my "Byrd For Birds" food drive during our visit together. Thanks Paul!

(See Trans-Siberian Orchestra's video for "Christmas Eve Sarajevo" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=7iY4Tom6-wM)

It is with a heavy heart that I have learned that my friend Kevin DuBrow, lead singer of the band Quiet Riot was discovered dead in his home in Las Vegas this past week at the age of 52. There are no further details at this time, but I will be posting as soon as I know more.

(See Quiet Riot's video for "Cum On Feel The Noize" here:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KW2J_UZ8lQU)

The second annual "Byrd For Birds" food drive was another rousing success this year, thanks to your time and generosity. Many Loyal Loopers took the time to drop off donations, including Chris Kennedy (son of the late Robert F. Kennedy). I should have the totals from the drive in the next few weeks, and will be posting them here. In the meantime, many thanks again to my fellow Loop on-air personalities Johnny B., Erin, Pete, Jane and ABC-7 TV for helping me spread the word. Special thanks also go out to April (the 2007 Loop Rock Girl), Bill Klaproth, Tisa LaSorte, Karla Carey, Guy Bauer, Jimi Hendrix, AJ Cox, Tommy King, and the entire Loop promotions staff for assisting me with their time and encouragement yet again this year. Last but not least, thanks to all the wonderful Loyal Loopers... you guys and gals are the best!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a happy and tasty Thanksgiving. Gobble, gobble! Zzzzzzzzzzz...

My second annual "Byrd For Birds" food drive will take place tomorrow from 8am til 4pm in the south lobby of the Merchandise Mart. I will be collecting donations of frozen turkeys, non-perishable food items and (if you prefer) cash and will be donating them to the Greater Chicago Food Depository (www.chicagosfoodbank.org/site/PageServer) so that less fortunate families in the Chicago area will have a holiday meal, too. I look forward to seeing you and thank you in advance for your generosity.

Sebastian Bach (of Skid Row fame) was in town this past week. He has just released his first full-length solo album called "Angel Down" that features no less than three tracks with the reclusive Axl Rose of Guns n' Roses guesting. The CD is terrific, and I recommend it highly. After checking in with me on my show, we went to lunch the following day to catch up some more. As I have previously mentioned on this blog, Baz and I have been close friends for well over 20 years (egads!) now and it was really great to see him during some "down-time."

Anne Wilson of Heart also called me the other night to update me on her debut solo album entitled "Hope & Glory", which has just been released. Her killer cover of Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song" from the aforementioned CD has been playing regularly on the Loop for some time now. It's no surprise to long-time Heart fans, since Anne and her sister Nancy are huge Zeppelin fans, covering many of their songs in their formative years. In fact, Anne shared with me how excited she was to be going to London next month to take in the long-awaited Led Zeppelin reunion.

Christmas came early this year for Blackhawks fans. Before a packed house at the United Center tonight, the Hawks beat the best team in the league and hated arch-rivals, the Detroit Red Wings for a third straight time this season, 3-2. The Hawks have now administered 3 of the Red Wings only 4 losses this season. The game was the first televised home game in years, and the coming-out party couldn't have been better scripted.

Prior to the start of the game, I was one of the invited guests to a private, pre-game celebration at the UC by new Hawks chairman Rocky Wirtz. It was small and intimate affair held in a party suite at the arena. Kid Rock also attended wearing his Red Wings jersey (he's from Detroit), which I razzed him about immediately. We both had a good laugh and then proceeded to talk hockey and music for the remainder of the party.

This Friday, join me and "Sweet Baby" Jane as we broadcast live from Hero's West, 1530 Commerce Lane in Joliet from 3pm-7pm for another Coors Light Unwinder. Plenty of Coors specials, Loop prizes and a chance to win Bears tickets!

Led Zeppelin's long awaited reunion will have to wait... but only for a few weeks.

AHMET ERTEGUN TRIBUTE CONCERT POSTPONED UNTIL DECEMBER 10th

Led Zeppelin Guitarist Jimmy Page Fractures Finger The Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert, originally scheduled for Monday, November 26th and featuring Led Zeppelin, Bill Wyman and the Rhythm Kings, Paul Rogers, Paolo Nutini, and Foreigner has been postponed until December 10th due to Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page fracturing his finger.

The injury to Page's finger, which was sustained this past weekend, will not allow him to play guitar for 3 weeks. The specialist treating Mr. Page said, "I have examined the fracture to Mr.Page's finger, and it is my opinion that with proper rest and treatment, he will be ready to resume rehearsing in three weeks time, and thus able to perform on December 10."
Jimmy Page added, "I am disappointed that we are forced to postpone the concert by two weeks. However, Led Zeppelin have always set very high standards for ourselves, and we feel that this postponement will enable my injury to properly heal, and permit us to perform at the level that both the band and our fans have always been accustomed to."

TICKET HOLDERS PLEASE NOTE ALL Tickets for the November 26th show will be valid for the rescheduled date. Any customers who are unable to attend the rescheduled concert on the 10th December will be able to obtain a full refund of the ticket purchase up
until midday (UK time) on November 14th 2007. Any tickets made available as a result of refunds will be offered to ballot winners selected at random from original registrations after the 15th November 2007.

Please refer to www.ahmettribute.com <http://www.ahmettribute.com/> for information on how to obtain a refund and for further information.

"Byrd For Birds" will be held this year on Tuesday, November 20th from 8am-3pm at the Merchandise Mart. As I did last year, I will once again be collecting frozen turkeys and non-perishable food items to donate to the less fortunate this holiday season. Please stop by and make a donation.

Van Halen proved to the skeptics that 22 years apart did nothing to dim the chemistry between Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth. The two sold-out Loop shows this past week were some of the best shows I have ever seen. It was as if time had stood still. The deliriously happy and drained Loopers will be talking about these shows for years to come.

Despite the continuing medical challenges Aerosmith has faced lately, it once again did not deter them from delivering another stellar show at the Allstate Arena recently. Rescheduled due to an eye injury suffered by Steven Tyler, the guys hit the stage with vigor and rocked the house as they always do. Joan Jett was a terrific opening act who told me how excited she was to be back in Chicago.

Playboy threw a bash in Wrigleyville the other night which they asked me to MC. A fun-filled night was had by everyone. Many Playboy models past and present attended the soiree.

Many thanks to all the Loyal Loopers who packed my recent "Friday Night Live" broadcasts around the area. It was great fun and I will definitely be doing another series of them soon, perhaps in your neighborhood! Looking forward to seeing you then.

The most recent Heaven & Hell show at the Sears Center in Hoffman Estates with Queensryche and Alice Cooper in tow was one of the best values for the ticket price in quite some time. The sound and performances from all three acts were note-perfect renderings of their most popular works. Queensryche surprised the audience with an inspired version of Pink Floyd's "Welcome To The Machine" which will be included on their new CD entitled "Take Cover" hitting stores next month. The sound and amenities at the Sears Center are above average for an arena, and I highly recommend seeing a show there.

The next stop in the "Friday Night Live" series will be this Friday (October 5th) at Shark City (www.sharkcity.com), 2240 Bloomingdale Road in Glendale Heights. Join me as I perform my show live 7pm - 12midnight from there, and as always, I will be packing cool Loop prizes, concert tickets, etc. to giveaway. Drink specials courtesy of Bud Light (always worth it)... see you there!

Also, all this week on the show, I will have coveted tickets to Van Halen and Velvet Revolver to give away. Don't miss out!

Aerosmith has rescheduled their concert at the Allstate Arena for this Monday night. Same time, same lineup, same venue, just a new day. Tickets for the previously scheduled show will be honored then. Some good seats were just released, so if you were hoping to go, now you can!Starting at 5pm, I will be reporting live from the scene and then doing my show live 7pm - 12midnight from there. We'll be playing plenty of Aerosmith tunes before AND after the concert to help get you in the mood and then get you home with the "Aerosmith Post-Concert Rock Block." If you are headed to the show, come by and say hello. If you can't make it, you'll feel like you were there.

This Friday will be the next "Friday Night Live" stop, this time at Q Billiards sports bar (www.qbilliard.com) at 8109 S. Cass (I-55 & S. Cass) in Darien. I'll be doing my show live from there 7pm - 12midnight, packing lots of cool Loop prizes, and of course, Bud Light (Always Worth It) specials. Hope to see you there!

The next "Friday Night Live!" stop will be this Friday night (September 21st) from 7pm - 12midnight at Tom Kelley's Chophouse and Pub (www.tomkellys.com) at 495 DeGroate Road in New Lenox. Join me as I broadcast my show live with lots of cool Loop prizes to give away, a preview demonstration of the killer new video game "Rock Band" (www.rockband.com), and of course Bud Light (Always Worth It) specials. Come join the party!

Led Zeppelin has indeed confirmed that they will be reuniting for an Ahmet Ertegun tribute show in November.

Led Zeppelin will reunite for a charity concert in honor of the late Atlantic Records founder and chairman Ahmet Etergun on November 26th at the O-2 Arena in London. Robert Plant tells the B-B-C they decided to reunite because of their love for Ertegun, who signed the band. "We wanted to pay tribute to the effect that he had on our careers. We said, 'Let's see if we can do it.'" Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones will be joined by Jason Bonham, son of late Zep drummer John Bonham. This will be Led Zep's first public performance since Atlantic Records' 40th anniversary party in 1988 and their first performance of any kind since they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. Ertegun died last year at the age of 83 after falling backstage at a Rolling Stones concert in New York.Promoter Harvey Goldsmith asked the band to do a 30- or 40-minute set, but they didn't make a final decision until rehearsing for a week. They were comfortable with the sound and came back to say they would play at least two hours.The show will also feature Pete Townshend, Bill Wyman and the Rhythm Kings, Foreigner (also with Jason Bonham on drums) and Paolo Nutini. Additional guests will be announced. Profits from the show will go to the Ahmet Ertegun Education Fund, which gives scholarships to universities in the U-K, U-S and Turkey.Tickets will be sold through a lottery system, but within minutes of the announcement, an estimated 20-million fans around the world rushed to register at AhmetTribute-dot-com, which crashed the site. According to service provider Pipex, around 80-thousand fans a minute have attempted to register at the site. All successful applicants will be entered into a random drawing for tickets.

And this update just in...

The deadline to register for tickets to Led Zeppelin's reunion concert on November 26th at the O-2 Arena in London has been extended to 7:00 a-m [ET] on Wednesday, September 19th. Upwards of 80-thousand people per minute (five-million per hour) have been attempting to register for tickets at www.AhmetTribute.com. In a 12-hour period yesterday (Thursday), there were 89-point-five million attempts to register at the site. The website has now been moved to its own server and is running smoothly. You should only register your name once, as the system is designed to pick out names at random and remove multiple entries. Successful applicants will be limited to a pair of tickets per household.

Beginning Friday (and for the next 3 successive Friday's after that), I will be bringing my show live out on the road to a neighborhood near you. Dubbed "Friday Night Live!" (get it?), my first stop will be this Friday (September 14th) at Cullinan's Stadium Club at 116th & S. Western (11610 S. Western) on the south side from 7pm - 12midnight. I will have Steve Vai concert tickets, Blackhawks tickets, premiere movie passes and lots of Loop gear to give away. The folks at Budweiser (who are sponsoring the tour) will have lots of drink specials, and you can of course then make your requests live from the bar! Come on out, bring your friends and join the party. Hope to see you there!

Took in some more great Loop shows lately. Cheap Trick played Naperville's Last Fling celebration, and it was a blast. Some 10,000 Loop listeners packed the hill near the riverfront on a beautiful evening for an energetic headline set from Robin, Rick, Tom and Bun E. Somewhat miraculously, Robin Zander's voice has survived years of road work perfectly intact as he tackled their new songs as well as their classics with equal aplomb. After I brought them on stage and checked out the show, a cocktail party-like atmosphere ensued afterwards. Tom Petersson and I shared some laughs about dating the same girl (not at the same time, though!) and I had a chance to catch up with the rest of the guys as well in the casual atmosphere. Great fun, contagious show. Cheap Trick is still a rush.

(See Cheap Trick perform "Surrender" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=pD8ymBR2Ufo)

(See Cheap Trick perform "Ain't That A Shame" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=_E5L4MwMzzM)

Speaking of which, Rush stepped on stage after an introduction from me to a deafening roar from the 20,000 + Loop listeners at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre this past Saturday night. Another crown jewel in the Loop's 30th Anniversary Concert Series, Rush was welcomed in a near delirious fashion. The band played many rarely-heard-in-concert gems like "Circumstances" as well as a healthy dose of numbers from their latest effort "Snakes & Arrows", just as Geddy Lee had promised they would on my show the previous week. The guys were uber excited to be playing Chicago again, and it showed. Geddy filmed some shots of the audience from the stage with his personal camcorder "for the folks back home", and Alex Lifeson was bouncing around like a pogo-stick on caffeine. Even the usually all-business Neil Peart was pulling faces and grinning from ear-to-ear as he furiously pounded out the best licks heard on drums since John Bonham and Buddy Rich. As they have on recent tours, the visual gags were in ample evidence this time around too, with big-screen song introductions from SCTV's "Bob & Doug"and "South Park" and three chicken rotisserie's (complete with attending chef) where Geddy's bass amps usually would be. All-in-all, it was a brilliantly delivered "evening with Rush" (no opening act needed), with great sound AND fun sights. Give 'er! Beauty, eh!

(See Geddy Lee of Rush clown around here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=gwpGXfHmY-A)

(See a fan's terrific home-made video for Rush's latest "Far Cry" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=G-6SZZv91_w)

Led Zeppelin reunion rumors are heating up again with a press conference scheduled for Wednesday September 12th. Expect the surviving members of Led Zeppelin to announce a reunion gig in honor of the man who signed them to a record deal (Ahmet Ertegun) at London's new O2 arena on November 26th with Jason Bonham sitting in for his late father on drums. Whether this one-off gig will translate into a possible tour remains to be seen. Led Zeppelin has reunited only sporadically in the ensuing years since Bonzo's death. In 1985 they played at Live Aid, played together at their Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction in 1995, at the Atlantic Records 40th anniversary celebrations and jammed at Jason Bonham's wedding reception. Unfortunately, none of these resulted in a full-scale reunion or tour, so the pattern doesn't look good for anything more at this point. In the meantime, several "new" Led Zeppelin releases are planned for November. A new 24 track "best of" entitled "Mothership" November 13th, and the re-release (remastered with bonus tracks) of "The Song Remains The Same" concert on CD and DVD November 20th.

(See Led Zeppelin perform "Kashmir" with an introduction from Ahmet Ertegun here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=5pLEXy71Fxs)

Lead singer/bassist Geddy Lee of Rush checked in with me on the show this week. I've been friends with the band since their early days, so it was great to catch up and have a few laughs. Geddy told me the band is particularly looking forward to playing Chicago, because of the rabid following the band has in this area. He indicated to me that they would be playing more obscure tracks from their catalogue than in recent tours and several from the new disc "Snakes & Arrows." Rush fans are familiar with their very dry/silly, non-sequitor type of humor, which Geddy assured me would be on full display again this time around. I took Geddy by surprise when I asked him if they would perchance be performing the song "Liquor & Whores" (a comedy side-project they have recently been involved in back home in Canada) as an encore, sending him into fits of laughter. Upon containing himself, he replied that unfortunately they would not, but perhaps on a future tour. If you have not seen Rush before, do yourself a favor and take this opportunity to see a one-of-a-kind band.

(See Rush perform their classic "Finding My Way" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=D0DfWlgLByg)

Mattias Jabs, lead guitarist of the Scorpions also made an appearance on my show this past week. We chatted about their phenomenal new album "Humanity Hour 1" and the anticipation they also feel at getting to play in Chicago again. Mattias said to expect a fall or early next year stop here in town. Keep it locked on the Loop for the latest info and a chance to win tickets when the show date is officially announced.

(See the Scorpions new video for "Humanity" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=1w9AukcojEc)

This past week I was invited by Playboy magazine to drop by their offices on Lakeshore Drive to observe a photo shoot for an upcoming cover. I am constantly amazed and impressed at the professionalism of their operation and the respect and kindness which they extend to their models. Unlike some others in their field (who show little respect towards women), Playboy treats their models with the utmost in dignity and class. It amply explains why even 50 years later, they are still the benchmark by which all others are measured. They are an artful, class act which Chicagoans are justifiable proud of.

Had a chance to hang with legendary British theatre and movie actor/writer/producer Victor Spinetti this past week as well. Victor has appeared in over 30 films (including three Beatle movies "A Hard Day's Night" "Help" and "Magical Mystery Tour"), won a Tony award, directed "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Hair" and is a fixture on Broadway and London's West End. Victor is an uproariously funny and very down-to-earth man who regaled me with tales of working with the likes of Peter Sellers, Elizabeth Taylor and of course, the Beatles. In October, the Beatles classic action/adventure spoof movie "Help" (in which Victor played the mad scientist) will be re-released on DVD. Newly restored and now with plenty of extras, it's a very funny and influential movie (Mike Myers has cited it as an inspiration for his "Austin Powers" series) that is definitely worth picking up for your collection.

(See Victor Spinetti in "Help" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=1VTmllNMkZM&mode=related&search=)

(See Victor Spinetti in "Magical Mystery Tour" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=KaBDBpzuYjo&mode=related&search=)

As the Loop continues to celebrate it's 30th anniversary, our legendary sister rock station in St. Louis KSHE 95, is celebrating it's 40th anniversary. During the '90's, I was the morning show personality/anchor at KSHE. You will soon be able to hear/see/check out some of my past work there via the 40th anniversary museum on their website www.kshe95.com.

They vowed it would never happen, but Bloomington, IN native David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen have indeed finally patched up their relationship. DLR has officially rejoined Van Halen as their front man, confirming nearly a year of rumblings and persistent rumors that just such a move was in the works. Van Halen will be hitting not one, but two venues here in Chicagoland during the reunion tour. See them October 16th at the Allstate Arena and October 18th at the United Center as part of the Loop's 30th Anniversary Concert Series.

(See the Van Halen press conference here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=kxwjRJwAGQA)

In a related note, original Van Halen bassist (and Chicago native) Michael Anthony phoned me during my show to comment on the Van Halen tour and his upcoming Chicago gig with Sammy Hagar. While Michael expressed disappointment at not being asked to participate in the reunion, he stated emphatically that he would love to be a part of it if Eddie Van Halen invited him to, and that Sammy had encouraged him to accept if the call came. In the meantime, catch Michael and Sammy November 10th at the infamous Chicago Theatre.

Ozzfest 2007 was a smash success, bringing the annual "rock circus" to the area in two separate shows recently. As usual, Ozzy Osbourne rocked the house and displayed his hilarious non-PC sense of humor.

(See Ozzy's intro video here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=qDUpg3VQ7KA&mode=related&search=)

Look for Ozzy to return to our area December 16th at the Allstate Arena. Keep it locked on the Loop for more information and to win tickets.

Both Geoff Tate of Queensryche and Alice Cooper called in on my show this week to say hello and to catch up a bit. Even if Queensryche weren't such a highly regarded crowd-pleaser in Chicago, they would still find plenty of reasons to keep coming back here. Geoff's wife Susan is from here and so is guitarist Mike Stone. So with obvious delight, Geoff and the band will be part of a great triple bill featuring Heaven & Hell, Alice Cooper and Queensryche, September 22nd at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates. Since Ronnie James Dio will be fronting H&H, this will afford him the unique-to-this-bill opportunity to reprise his duet with Geoff from Queensryche's latest disc "Operation Mindcrime 2" and their new live DVD "Mindcrime At The Moore."

(See Queensryche and Dio perform together here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=HmfN7Fu2d6A)

(See Queensryche perform "Jet City Woman" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=fHZlfTPJdKw&mode=related&search=)

Geoff told me his first concert experience was seeing Alice Cooper when he was younger and that it had a very profound effect on him. He went on to explain that the theatrical nature of Alice's performances set the template in his head that he would later explore with his own band. Needless to say, Geoff is thrilled about this upcoming Chicago show!

Alice Cooper has been on a creative tear the last few years, churning out two magnificent new albums, "The Eyes Of Alice Cooper" and "Dirty Diamonds." Alice told me there is yet another one on the way soon and that he too is looking forward to coming back to the Chicago area, since he lived here at Lake Point Towers for some time. Alice and I shared a few stories and laughs about Alice's former producer Bob Ezrin who also produced KISS and the legendary Pink Floyd double-disc "The Wall." A few years ago, Bob was producing an album by a friend of mine and asked me to sing on the chorus of a song they were currently working on. I tried in vain to explain to Bob that I didn't think I had a very good singing voice, but he was having none of it. He was so intent on having "those balls!" (in reference to my baritone voice) on the record that he literally shoved me into the recording booth with the other members of the band to give it a go. About ten minutes and ten takes later... he had to agree with me. I was out, although I still got a credit on the album. Alice gave much credit to Bob for finding and crystallizing "our sound" as he put it, so don't be surprised if Alice works with Bob again in some capacity on the next album.

(See Alice Cooper perform "School's Out" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ib84GZVz2g4&mode=related&search=)

(See Alice Cooper perform "Man Of The Year" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=4z288_yi9Ig)

In addition to the bill with Heaven & Hell and Queensryche, you can catch Alice at the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville on August 24th.

Tickets for all Loop shows can of course be had through www.wlup.com.

Chicago really ought to be re-named "The City That ROCKS!" Lollapalooza 2007 was even bigger and better attended and organized than previous years were, becoming the modern day successor of Woodstock in the process. After a warm-up gig at The Vic on Friday where they played such gems as KISS' "Black Diamond", Pearl Jam took the stage at 8:10pm at Grant Park launching into a 2 hour plus set with "Why Go" from their debut album. Eddie Vedder was particularly happy to be back home, commenting on the Chicago skyline, reminiscing about riding the "L" and taking BP Amoco to task over their dumping toxins into Lake Michigan. Mixing their classics with lesser known gems, serendipity kicked in when the museum campus fireworks coincided with Matt Cameron's fiery drum solo. Pearl Jam capped off the 3-day event with a rousing, guest-laden encore cover of Neil Young's "Rockin' In The Free World."

(See Pearl Jam perform "Daughter" at Lollapalooza here: http://www.pearljam.com/news/index.php?what=News#195)

(See Pearl Jam's video for "World Wide Suicide" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=XLJ7C6-bYKg)

After Lollapalooza concluded, I attended a special, by invite only post-party at The House Of Blues "Back Porch" (the restaurant/bar on the main floor), where Lollapalooza founder and Jane's Addiction front man Perry Farrell thanked the organizers and the city with a buoyant set that included Jane's Addiction classics "Stop!" and "Been Caught Stealin'."

Once again, a phenomenal 3-day destination event that made Chicago look great to the music world. Lollapalooza 2007... bravissimo!

Ted Nugent swept through town with a trio of shows in the area in the last week or so, and he once again found some down-time to check in with me during my show. During his formative years, Ted lived in Arlington Heights, so coming back to Chicago is like "coming home." Ted was in an unusually sentimental mood this time, since a statue of his late mother (affectionately known as "Ma Nuge" in the Chicago area) was being dedicated on the grounds of Durty Nellie's nightclub in Palatine. Ted fondly remembered his mother's loving career/life advice (how many of the rest of us can say we were wise enough to listen to the advice we were given?) with which he credits his enduring success. Look for Ted's first studio album in five years, "Love Grenade" to hit stores September 4th.