Scott Weiland and Velvet Revolver just passed through town for another great Loop show, amid talk that the original lineup of Stone Temple Pilots will be reuniting for a show later this summer. Will STP do a full-fledged tour that might see them appear here in Chicago as well? What then will be the fate of Velvet Revolver? Could this set the stage for a Guns n' Roses reunion? In the next two weeks, STP lead guitarist and founding member Dean DeLeo will be joining me on my show to address these questions and more. Don't miss it!

(See Velvet Revolver's Video for "The Last Fight" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=JvFnBdNhQ1E)

(See Stone Temple Pilots' video for "Interstate Love Song" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=8BDQ6mQzOKQ&feature=related)

This summer, the Blackhawks will hold their inaugural "Blackhawks Convention" July 18th -20th at the Hilton Chicago. This will be a first for the Hawks and for any team in the NHL. Legendary players like Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita and Tony Esposito will be appearing as well as current stars Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith and Patrick Sharp, among others.

(See a Bobby Hull highlight montage here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=uoCONk_jKl4, and another here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=loa3wsY_wdc&feature=related)

(See a Stan Mikita highlight montage here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=_USp_Bv8Ho8)

(See a Tony Esposito highlight montage here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=WZ7qqs5mYQs)

Keep up with all things hockey via my podcast "Byrd's Puck Podcast" available through my page at www.wlup.com.

The 100th annual Chicago Auto Show just wrapped up at McCormick Place this weekend. Far and away the biggest hit this year was Dodge's re-introduction of the famed "Challenger." What a car!

(See and read more about the 2008 Dodge "Challenger" here: http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/vehicles/detail.asp?type_id=2&make_id=9&vehicle_id=600)

Also garnering many ooh's and aah's were Chevrolet's Camaro "BumbleBee" concept car, and the 2009 Corvette ZR1.

(See and read more about the Camaro "BumbleBee" concept car here: http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/vehicles/detail.asp?type_id=1&make_id=20&vehicle_id=45)

(See and read more about the Corvette "ZR1" here: http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/vehicles/detail.asp?make_id=20)

A ton of new Loop concerts have recently been announced such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Police, R.E.M., Megadeth, Styx, Tom Petty, Van Halen, Dream Theatre, U.F.O, Rush, etc. with more being added every week. Keep it locked on the Loop for the latest. In upcoming weeks, look for Robert Plant, The Eagles, Triumph, Iron Maiden and more to potentially announce Chicago dates. Tickets and the most up-to-date list can be had on the "Concert Calender" page at www.wlup.com.

And last but not least... the 2008 Loop Rock Girl search is coming... details very soon on 97.9 The Loop!

Rik Emmett of Triumph fame checked in with me this week on my show to give me the scoop on the reunion of Triumph after 22 years apart. A number of factors have warmed relations between Rick, Mike Levine and Gil Moore over the last few years. Induction into the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame, the untimely death of Rick's younger brother (and subsequent emotional support from his former band mates), and a growing realization of their enduring popularity all contributed to a re-examination of the current status of the band. Triumph will play their first gig together this summer at a rock music festival in Sweden with scattered shows planned Stateside as well. Don't be surprised if Chicago is one of those stops. Rick said a full scale, worldwide tour is planned for the summer of 2009.

The Loop and the House Of Blues brought the 20th anniversary edition of the Laser Floyd show back to town yesterday. Both shows were packed to the brim with Loyal Loopers. After a quick hello and introduction from me, we all settled in for yet another amazing production. The show is different and dare I say it, better than previous years. If you haven't taken in the show, or haven't attended in a few years, you owe it to yourself to do so the next time it's in town. The show really does live up to its billing as the Laser Floyd "Spectacular." In the meantime, get your weekly Floyd fix on my show during "Thinks Pink" every Monday night at 10pm, exclusively on the Loop.

Queensryche once again descended on Chicago for two sold-out shows at the House Of Blues this past weekend. A mix of time-tested favorites, as well as their impressive version of Pink Floyd's classic "Welcome To The Machine" from their latest CD "Take Cover" were dished out for the rabid crowd. On Saturday night, the three finalists from the Loop's "Sing With Queensryche" contest joined me on stage to belt out their best. The winner (determined by audience response) got to sing lead vocals with Queensryche during the first encore. What a thrill for the young lady who won, and an impressive performance to boot! When Queensryche singer Geoff Tate checked in with me earlier this week, he was amped up to be playing Chicago again and looking forward to the contest. Unfortunately for Geoff, he became very ill Saturday night and was not able to manage their usual second encore. All in all though, another stellar swing through town for the band, and one thrilled Loyal Looper!

(See Queensryche perform "Welcome To The Machine" live here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=NYwBtIimi5E)

And what about the Superbowl? What a spectacular finish! Whichever team you were rooting for, the final few minutes were riveting to watch.

(See the GoDaddy.com ad with Danica Patrick that didn't make the censors cut here: http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/media/play.asp?mediaID=exposure&ci=11526&tab=sb)

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers may well have pulled off the best half-time performance in the post nipple-gate paranoia era. Nicely done. By the way, The Loop is bringing Tom Petty and the band back to Chicagoland for a show July 2nd at the United Center. If you didn't win tickets to the show this past weekend from us, tickets are going fast at www.wlup.com. Don't wait!

Now that the holiday season has passed and your finances are finally starting to show some signs of life, here are some items I recommend you treat yourself to... in the event that Santa forgot to leave them for you.

Led Zeppelin's re-release of "The Song Remains The Same" on DVD. The sound and picture quality have been vastly improved, with previously unreleased material included for the first time. There are numerous versions available. A special 2-disc version, a collector's edition as well as HD-DVD and Blu-Ray editions.

AC/DC's "Plug Me In" DVD. A terrific collection of live concert footage that is quite extensive and excellent in its scope. I recommend the 3-disc limited edition.

Pink Floyd's "Oh, By The Way" CD boxset. All of their 16 studio albums re-mastered with faithful reproductions of the original artwork and dust-sleeves of the vinyl releases, all housed in an eye-catching box.

And finally... Nokia's line of cell phones with FM receivers in them. Some 20+ models to choose from, many with MP3 players and camera/video as well. Quite the devices!

After over 20 years apart, the original members of Triumph (Rik Emmett, Mike Levine and Gil Moore) have announced they will be re-uniting to play a Swedish Rock Festival this summer. Also possible is an appearance at the second annual "Rocklahoma" fest, with a full-scale tour in 2009 being discussed. My long-time friend Rik Emmett will be checking in with me on my show on Thursday, February 7th at 9:30pm to give me the exclusive on the latest developments, including his upcoming solo charity show in Crystal Lake next month. Don't miss it!

(See Triumph's video for "Lay It On The Line" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=oJi0liWsst4&feature=related)

(See Triumph perform "Magic Power" live at the US Festival here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=rRDS9AwDF6g)

(See Triumph perform "Never Surrender" live at the US festival here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=bYde7a8V2-8&feature=related)

The tally for the second annual "Byrd For Birds" food drive to aid the Greater Chicago Food Depository has just come in... this year over 80,000 lbs. (over 40 tons) of food was donated during the drive! Wow! Many thanks again to all the Loyal Loopers who contributed. Needless to say, a great many less-fortunate families were able to enjoy a holiday meal, that otherwise would not.

With the start of a new year, numerous great Loop concert announcements have been made, including upcoming shows from Queensryche, Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, UFO, and return visits by Rush and Van Halen, among others. For the complete list and info, visit the Loop's Concert Calender at wlup.com/Concerts/Listings.aspx.

Welcome to 2008!

The Loop's New Years Eve Rock 'n' Roll Ball at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare to usher out 2007 was even bigger than last year and a smash hit. This time, we took over a whole hotel with entertainment in every corner and on every level. The hotel sold out of rooms, and the complex was packed with some 5,000 + Loop revelers having the time of their lives. For those who didn't get a chance to partake in the party first hand, ABC-7 TV covered the event, including my countdown to midnight from the ballroom stage. If you didn't go this year, make sure you go next year. It was one hell of a party!

Last week, I was interviewed and my show featured by the fine folks at "Chicago Radio Spotlight." You can check it out here: http://chicagoradiospotlight.blogspot.com/2007/12/byrd.html

And finally this bit of information to look forward to in 2008... Led Zeppelin are indeed considering a full-scale reunion tour! Their show at the O2 arena in London was phenomenal. The audience was delirious, and the band was very pleased and encouraged by the response and their personal performance. Needless to say... the Loop is the place to be as this story unfolds, as tickets will be gone in a flash!

(See Led Zeppelin perform "Kashmir" live at the O2 Arena in London here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=QZxukPZ0pjA&feature=related)

Happy Holidays to you and all your loved ones. I hope Santa is good to you (even if you haven't been)!

Ozzy Osbourne rocked the Allstate Arena last weekend in his first arena tour in more than six years in support of his latest CD "Black Rain." I broadcast my show live from the venue and the roar I got when I stepped on-stage instantly told me how pumped up Loyal Loopers were to be at the concert. Ozzy was in excellent form, dishing out all his classics as well as several songs from the new album. Ozzy's band was tight and the opening act, Rob Zombie won over many new fans as well.

(See Ozzy Osbourne perform "Crazy Train" live at the Allstate Arena here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=qrTMWODeD_Q)

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.