Several months ago, my buddy Rik Emmett called me on my show to officially break the news about the reformation of Triumph after some 20 years apart. Their first "warm-up" gig since reforming was at the Sweden Rock Festival a few weeks ago.

(See Triumph perform "Never Surrender" live in Sweden here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=bR3_R8ba0Tg)

Triumph will play Rocklahoma later this summer with a possible Chicago date as well. If the band doesn't make it here this summer, expect a full-scale world tour in 2009 which will definitely include a stop here. In the meantime, catch Rik Emmett doing a solo show November 8th at the Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin.

While we gained the return of a seminal hard rock outfit in Triumph this past month, we unfortunately lost an unparalleled catalyst in the world of comedy with the death of George Carlin. George guested on my show numerous times over the years and his innate ability to grasp the ridiculous facets of the human experience and mirror it back to us in a uniquely hysterical fashion was truly a gift of comedic genius that never failed to amaze and enthrall me.

(See George Carlin perform his "Baseball vs. Football" routine here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=YphEUa5LPjM)

After a nice week-long vacation, I'm back for more!

Just before my vacation, both Rush and Iron Maiden delivered truly inspired performances at their (both) sold-out concerts in town. Both bands fed off the contagious enthusiasm of the Loyal Loopers in attendance, resulting in some of the best shows I have ever seen from either band. Once again, many thanks to you... it was great to meet so many Loyal Loopers who came by to say hello to me during my broadcasts!

(See Alex Lifeson of Rush perform the guitar solo in "Freewill" live at the United Center here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=ovTE65mSnjM&feature=related)

(See Rush perform "YYZ" live at the United Center here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=hld7LVUV2b8)

(See Iron Maiden perform "The Trooper" live at the Allstate Arena here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=e2NxB3SxXH4)

(See Iron Maiden perform "Run To The Hills" live at the Allstate Arena here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=0yedK4MK2u8)

What a great week for concert goers! Rush Monday night at the United Center and Iron Maiden Wednesday at the Allstate Arena. Look for me both nights doing my show live from the respective venues. I'll have ticket upgrades, conversations with band members, live requests, post-concert Rock Blocks from both Rush and Iron Maiden and much more for you. Kelly the new Loop Rock Girl will even be riding shotgun. See you there!

Tom Keifer of Cinderella has damaged his vocal chords in band rehearsals and therefore will have to postpone the planned Cinderella/Warrant/Lynch Mob show next month at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre. Keep it locked on 97.9 the Loop for a possible future rescheduled date.

And finally, look for the Scorpions to officially announce their long-awaited return to Chicago August 10th at the Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island. Once again, keep it locked on the Loop for all the details.

(See the Scorpions perform "The Zoo" live here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=FEWPuo1hWr0)

(See the Scorpions perform "Dynamite" live here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=krXNDJBmlKg&feature=related)

After seeing Van Halen run through "I'll Wait" during their sound check Friday afternoon at the Allstate arena in preparation for that evening's concert, I was so impressed I commented on the air that they sounded even tighter than they did last fall during their stops in Chicago, and that the show would be a not-to-miss spectacle. The guys didn't disappoint. Van Halen was out for blood on this tour with something to prove. Namely, that in spite of all the personal and medical issues that have plagued the band during the last few decades, Van Halen is still one of the most entertaining live bands to ever grace a stage.

(See video of Van Halen performing "Jump" at the Allstate Arena here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=NFh5rAJaxyQ)

Many thanks to all the Loyal Loopers who came by to say hello and participate in the live broadcast of my show from the arena. As always, you made it a night to remember! Don't forget to post your photos from the Van Halen show at www.wlup.com. Next Monday (June 9th), I will be doing my show live from the Rush concert at the United Center, and next Wednesday (June 11th) from the Iron Maiden show at the Allstate. See you there!

On the topic of great shows, as I promised, the Eagles have indeed announced two upcoming Chicagoland dates at the United Center, September 24th and 25th. Keep it locked on 97.9 The Loop to win tickets. All this week on my show, win tickets to Cruefest 2008, Iron Maiden and the premiere of the new Mike Myers movie "The Love Guru."

A generation before Mike Myers, Chicago native Harvey Korman and his trusty partner Tim Conway were paving the way for the future antics of "Saturday Night Live" and the many comedians (like Mike Myers) who launched their careers from it's platform. Sadly, Harvey passed away at the age of 81 this week. As a youngster, I eagerly watched the "Carol Burnett Show" each week waiting for Tim and Harvey to appear and tear the place down with their preeminent improv skills. Week after week, year after year, they slayed the audience. Thanks for the laughs Mr. Korman. You will be missed.

(See Harvey Korman and Tim Conway in the "Dentist" sketch here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=PYzuchDBvCs)

And finally... look who got up and jammed with Paul McCartney in Liverpool tonight... http://youtube.com/watch?v=5yiQCgIgzNQ.

All this week on my show (7pm-12midnight), win tickets to see Rush Monday June 9th at the United Center and qualify to win the grand prize... seats ON THE STAGE and backstage passes to meet Rush!

This coming Friday, I will be doing my show live from the Van Halen concert at the Allstate Arena. Some tickets are still available through our website at http://wlup.com/Concerts/Listings.aspx.

Hope you're enjoying the long Memorial Day weekend, and keeping the veterans who have given so much for our freedoms and way of life in mind.

The Kid Rock show at the Sears Centre on Friday night was a blast! Lots of cool Loyal Loopers stopped by to high-five me, voice their approval or simply to say hello during my broadcast from the venue. Much appreciated! Despite Kid Rock being a Detroit Red Wings fan, something I "kidded" him about backstage again (eliciting a hearty laugh from him), the show was an old-fashioned Chicago-style good time. Don't forget that you can post your photos from the show on the Loop's website www.wlup.com for all to see.

(See video of Kid Rock performing "Bawitaba" at the Sears Centre here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=JvFb7ODso24)

Stone Temple Pilots rocked the Charter 1 Pavilion Thursday night, all part of their ever-expanding reunion tour which also saw them play at "Carb Day" at the Indy 500. Tickets to both shows were given away in the days leading up to the concerts courtesy of the Loop. Dean DeLeo tells me they'll likely be going back into the studio right after the tour to resume working on new material. Months prior to the official announcement of their plans to the public, Dean called me from the studio to let me hear some of the new guitar tracks he was laying down. From what I heard, it should be a killer new album!

(See video of Stone Temple Pilots performing "Vasoline" at the Charter 1 Pavilion here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=A2BwMdQy_Tk)

(See Stone Temple Pilots' video for "Plush" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=y2xNyxc5VWs)

(See Stone Temple Pilots' video for "Sex Type Thing" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=-s3lmr09oVg&feature=related)

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

Speaking of the Indy 500, Danica Patrick didn't have a very good day. Well, there's always next year. None needed for the Chicago Wolves, who are now headed to the Calder Cup finals. Congrats, and "go Wolves!"

All this week on my show, a chance to win tickets to the upcoming Chicagoland Poison/Dokken and Sebastian Bach triple-bill. Don't miss out!

This Friday, I will be doing my show live from the Kid Rock concert at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates. The Loop has arranged a special "Recession Buster" ticket price of only $15 for Loop listeners only. Purchase tickets here: http://wlup.com/Concerts/Listings.aspx. See you there!

Also this Memorial Day weekend, it's the Indy 500 with area racing phenom Danica Patrick attempting to win her first checkered flag at the legendary oval. All weekend long, 97.9 The Loop celebrates with the "Loyal Looper 500", playing back your 500 favorite rock songs of all time, as voted by you. Vote for your top 3 here: http://wlup.com/check_it_out/loop_500.aspx.

(See Danica Patrick become the first woman in history to ever win an Indy car race here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=C-S6Gedq_mM&feature=related)

Saddened to hear about the unexpected death of John Rutsey, original drummer and founding member of Rush over the weekend. John played with Rush from 1968 - 1974. He was 55. Leaving the band over concerns long tours would have on his diabetic condition, he was eventually replaced by Neil Peart.

(Hear the very first original song ever recorded by Rush (with John Rutsey on drums) from 1973 here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=_mLP-PRxilw&feature=related)

All this week on my show, your chance to win tickets to see Iron Maiden at the Allstate arena June 11th and a copy of their 2 CD best-of compilation "Somewhere Back In Time." This week's Billboard magazine devotes some 40 pages to Iron Maiden and the upcoming tour. Up The Irons!

(See Iron Maiden's video for their newest song "Different World" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=n_KC8I0Vrbg)

(See Iron Maiden's video for "Aces High" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=4Sam5omG0v0)

(See Iron Maiden's video for "Run To The Hills" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=kdIHyreVg7w)

(See Iron Maiden's video for "The Trooper" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=WZCZvk6dIPY)

(See Iron Maiden's video for "Number Of The Beast" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=bQB0vH2gPoE)

(See Iron Maiden's video for "Flight Of Icarus" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=dBY9Q39C1bs)

(See Iron Maiden's video for "Can I Play With Madness" here:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=QLvBwPOjZWI)

(See Iron Maiden's video for "2 Minutes To Midnight" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=frMMeYTtHT4)

Things are looking and sounding good for a new Metallica CD and tour this fall. See/hear and keep track of their progress here: http://www.missionmetallica.com/.

Might last night's show from the Police at the Allstate arena be the last we see in Chicago... perhaps for good? Tensions seem to be on the rise once again within the group. Drummer Stuart Copeland has been spouting off to various newspapers on the tour with increasing regularity. He and Sting have had a infamously tenuous relationship dating back to the early days of the band. Sting for his part, has been silent. Until the other night here in Chicago, that is.

(See video of Sting of the Police getting in a dig at Stuart here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=faZ5bq1FDTI)

(See more video of the Police at the Allstate Arena here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=3xmvSvMsxgQ)

If you were lucky enough to have won tickets from the Loop and attended the concert, you most likely witnessed history. You can share your photos with the world on the Loop's website here: http://wlup.com/showyourpics/browse.aspx.

Whitesnake has released their first new CD in 11 years (20 since the last one released in the U.S.) called "Good To Be Bad" and it is absolutely fantastic. Not a bad track on it, it will surely go down as one of their best. I recommend it highly!

(See the video for Whitesnake's new song "Lay Down Your Love" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=qp_uV83bwuQ)

After several months of open casting calls and voting by Loyal Loopers, a brand new Loop Rock Girl was crowned this past Saturday evening. Beginning with my live broadcast from the venue, it was a non-stop day of fun. Vince Neil of Motley Crue stopped by to say hello during my show and fill me in on the recording of the upcoming Crue CD "Saints Of Los Angeles." Vince told me it would be a sort of audio accompaniment to the now legendary Crue tell-all book "The Dirt." After having a few laughs, we gave away some tickets to this summer's Cruefest and a guitar autographed by Vince to some very happy Loopers in attendance for the broadcast. Lastly, Vince revealed his criteria for his role as a judge in the Rock Girl finals that evening. His answer? "A good personality!" A nervous laugh from Vince, followed by Vince blushing. In all the years I've known him, I've never seen him blush. Vince later jumped up on-stage with the band to belt out a great version of Journey's "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" as well as Crue's "Girls, Girls, Girls." Speaking of which... after deliberating carefully over our sensational field of contestants, the judges ultimately crowned Kelly of Lombard the 2008 Loop Rock Girl. Congratulations, Kelly!

(See photos of the event here: http://wlup.com/photo_gallery/2008_finals.aspx, and here: http://www.austinsaloon.com/loopgirl08.html)

(See video of the event here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=kiiFp4C1voY)

Jimi Hendrix did a home porn tape? You be the judge (WARNING: contains ADULT content)...

http://vc1.hendrixsextape.com/?x=8db4ee25ae82a406e4bf9ebd624cf7ae

The Loop Rock Girl 2008 grand finale is this coming Saturday at Austin's Saloon in Libertyville beginning with a live broadcast with me starting at 3pm and culminating with the crowning of the new 2008 Loop Rock Girl. Vince Neil of Motley Crue will serve as one of our guest judges, and if you join me during my broadcast, you'll have a chance to win an autographed guitar signed by Vince, tickets to see Motley Crue this summer at Cruefest, Cubs/Cards tickets and plenty of food and drink specials as well. Come join me and cheer on your favorite girl. It promises to be a blast! All the details here: www.wlup.com/rockgirlshowcase2008/browse.aspx.

(See Motley Crue's video for "Girls, Girls, Girls" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=OJrSyFpK3iQ)

All day this coming Tuesday, 97.9 The Loop will be spinning tracks from the new, yet to be released CD from Def Leppard entitled "Songs From The Sparkle Lounge" and giving you a chance to win a copy each time we play a new track. Having had a chance to preview the disc, I can tell you it's terrific!

(See Def Leppard's video for their new song "Nine Lives" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Op_8ek4OAZY)

If you're a regular listener to my show and reader of this blog, you knew Judas Priest were about to announce a summer concert date here in Chicagoland, and that they were working on their (first ever) concept album about Nostradamus. Tuesday night, I played the new Priest song "Nostradamus" during the 10 O'Clock News and it was every bit as good as Rob Halford had promised it would be a few months ago when he called me on my show to inform me about the progress of the new CD. All this week between 7pm - 12midnight, your chance to grab a pair of tickets to the Judas Priest, Heaven & Hell, Motorhead and Testament show August 19th at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre and the Kid Rock concert May 23rd at the Sears Centre from me. Don't miss out!

(See Judas Priest's video for "Breaking The Law" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=OYn5hxeFt10&feature=related)

(See Judas Priest's video for "You've Got Another Thing Coming" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=sr-rBAAfjjo&feature=related)

(See Judas Priest's video for "Living After Midnight" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=LcAwJ8tq9p4&feature=related)

(See Kid Rock's video for "So Hott" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=fLfwdl7rWTU)

(See Kid Rock's video for "Amen" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=HMMLqmLaBNY&feature=user)

Busy week on the show! Alex Lifeson of Rush, Rickey Medlocke of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Vinnie Moore of UFO, and Carl Palmer of Asia all checked in with me to say hello, have a few laughs and chat about their latest doings. Alex Lifeson told me about his modest hopes for Rush in the early days (he hoped they would last 5 years) and about the new Rush concert CD "Snakes & Arrows - Live." Rikey Medlocke informed me that Lynyrd Skynyrd plan on recording a new album soon, and how much they were looking forward to Friday's show in Chicagoland. Vinnie Moore talked about the return of original UFO drummer Andy Parker to the band and how pumped they were as well to be returning to Chicago to play. Carl Palmer discussed the reunion of Asia after 25 years and their set list for Sunday which would also include songs from each member's illustrious past, such as E.L.P., Uriah Heep, King Crimson and Yes.

In addition to the above, I did my show live from the Sears Center Friday night for the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert, took in/MC'ed both UFO and Asia at the House Of Blues over the weekend, hung out with the guys, and got a chance to meet some more great Loyal Loopers, to boot! Phew. I think I need a nap! All three shows were tremendous.

(See UFO's video for "Only You Can Rock Me" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=HZzZUyD00Fg)

(See UFO perform "Love To Love" with Vinnie Moore and Jason Bonham live in the studio here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=VNM9YHoG1YU)

(See Asia's video for "Heat Of The Moment" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Yk5tOion6F8)

As I indicated on an earlier blog, Motley Crue indeed announced their summer tour this week, which the Loop will bring to Chicagoland July 16th at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre. Special guests include Buckcherry and Sixx A.M., among others.

(See Motley Crue's video for their new song "Saints Of Los Angeles" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=4sWpS8iSDIY)

Also announced this week, the Loop presents Poison/Dokken/Sebastian Bach August 3rd at the FMBA.

(See Poison recording "We're An American Band" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=X0bLKR5-G1g)

(See Dokken's video for "It's Not Love" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=R5bweZNXvzY)

(See Sebastian Bach's video for his new song "(Love Is) A Bitchslap" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpUTwDP42Oo)

My buddy Dean DeLeo, guitarist and founding member of Stone Temple Pilots called me during my show this past week to update me about their reunion tour (their first tour in 7 years) with Scott Weiland back in the fold and to share a few laughs and stories. Dean and I talked about what lead to the reconciliation with Weiland, the current feeling amongst the members and what lies ahead for STP in the near and distant future. The Loop will be bringing them to the Charter One Pavilion May 22nd, tickets are on sale now and going fast through www.wlup.com.

(See highlights of the Stone Temple Pilots press conference announcing the tour here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=_0f_SDltiVo)

JY of Styx also checked in with me to chat about the Chicago blues benefit show they will be a part of tomorrow (Monday) night at the Vic Theatre. In a reversal of the "pay it forward" sentiment, JY and Styx, along with Koko Taylor and others will "pay it backward", raising money for the now aging bluesmen who laid the foundation for the rock movement, many of whom are now sadly destitute. A few tickets remain through www.wlup.com.

Alex Lifeson of Rush will be joining me this coming Tuesday night on the show at 9:30pm to talk about their new live CD and their upcoming concert at the United Center June 9th. Right afterwards I will play some of the yet to be released "Snakes & Arrows Live" disc. Also, this Friday night, I will be doing my show live (7pm-12midnight) from the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates for the Lynyrd Skynyrd show there. Come by and say hello! After the show, you will be able to upload your pictures and reviews of the show at www.wlup.com for the whole world to see.

(See Rush perform "In The Mood" live in 1976 here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Geus8-rbjr8)

(See Lynyrd Skynyrd perform "Simple Man" live here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=sHQ_aTjXObs)

Ever wonder what it's like behind the scenes at the Loop? We all had a little fun this week putting together a "sneak peek" for you.

(See the "Behind The Scenes At The Loop" video here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Lnrq6XylgDs)

The search for the Loop Rock Girl 2008 is in full swing. Narrowed down to the final 64 ladies, voting is currently underway. Vote for your favorite and come join us at the crowning party! All the details at www.wlup.com.

Many new Chicagoland concerts are being unveiled almost every day on the Loop. Recent announcements have included the re-united Stone Temple Pilots, Lollapalooza, Alterbridge and many more. Upcoming information on shows from Motley Crue, Triumph and a Poison/Dokken/Sebastian Bach triple bill are forthcoming. Keep it locked on the Loop for the breaking news and buy tickets via www.wlup.com.

Make sure you also dial in to my show from 7pm - 12midnight in the coming weeks to hear conversations with Alex Lifeson of Rush, JY of Styx, Dean DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots, and David Coverdale of Whitesnake to name just a few.

Sad news in the Led Zeppelin family recently. The vocalist for Jason Bonham's one time band Bonham, Daniel McMaster suddenly passed away from a blood infection at the tender age of 39.

(See Bonham's video for "Wait For You" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=74KheeagcLM)

Dave Foley of "News Radio" and founding member of the brilliantly funny sketch comedy troupe Kids In The Hall checked in with me on the show the other night to chat about their reunion tour that will see them make stops at the Star Plaza Theatre April 4th, and at the Chicago Theatre May 29th. Dave's dry, twisted sense of humor was in full evidence during the laugh-filled conversation.

(See a clip from the Kids In The Hall TV show here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=toFwUGusdK0&feature=related)

Anyone who says "they just don't make good music anymore" hasn't been paying attention, nor listening to the Loop. Here are four new "baby bands" who are betraying that sentiment.

(See the band The Answer here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=JL3gIO624X8)

(See the band Airbourne here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=CgAgG68TRKE&feature=related)

(See the band Black Tide here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=M0E6nsE6_e4)

(See the band Dragonforce here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=0jgrCKhxE1s)

It's official... "Guitar Hero" has become a full-fledged, bonafide cultural phenomenon! Topping 15 million units sold, the video game has generated some $1 billion in sales, and shows no signs of slowing. Competitions at bars have become widespread, and new versions featuring the music of Aerosmith and perhaps even Rush are on the way. For more info www.guitarhero.com.

New on the scene is the even more amazing "Rock Band" video game. Played with not just a single guitar-shaped controller but with guitar, bass, drums and vocals, this game is a cross between Guitar Hero and karaoke. In essence, you and your friends can all jam together! The company recently brought a demo version to one of my "Friday Night Live" broadcasts. To say it was a huge hit was an understatement. Check it out www.rockband.com.

Here comes summer! How can you tell? The concert calendar is starting to fill up! Upcoming announcements will include shows from Journey/Heart/Cheap Trick, ZZ Top, Kid Rock, King Crimson, R.E.M., George Thorogood, Boston, The Black Crowes, Peter Frampton, Seether, Pat Benatar, Lollapalooza, Yes, with many more to come! Keep it locked on the Loop for all the breaking concert news, and don't forget you can grab tickets through www.wlup.com.

Local playwright/director/thespian (and fan of my show as it turns out) Tony Fiorentino recently invited me down to see his latest theatre production "My Dinner With Amy." Sharp, funny and very entertaining, I enjoyed it a great deal. Tony has been on a roll lately, with an Off-Broadway opening in New York and rave reviews of his works. Congratulations, Tony!

After 30 odd years of estrangement and a type of "cold war", legendary Blackhawk players Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita were fianlly welcomed back as the heroes they are at Friday night's sold-out Hawks game against San Jose at the United Center. Chatting with the guys before the ceremony, they could not have been happier. Like the two kids they were when they first came to town to play for the Hawks, much giggling and ribbing of each other ensued. Both Hawks new owner Rocky Wirtz and new president John McDonough have made swift work of mending fences with Chicago fans and past players alike. Bravo!

(See the tribute video shown that night here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=AgI7lZc7rUE)

(See Bobby Hull's speech here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=NGkjKPnpqU0)

We lost a very gifted musician and kind man this past week. Jeff Healey finally succumbed to the cancer that took his eye sight at the age of 1. He was only 42 years old. During his all-too-short life, Jeff touched everyone he came in contact with with his razor sharp wit and his extraordinary musical talents. I count myself one of lucky ones that got to know Jeff over his brief life. As it turns out, Jeff was a regular listener to my show and a fan. I in turn, became of fan of his. Fortunately for us, Jeff had successfully completed recording his first rock record in nearly eight years "Mess Of Blues" which will be released in the next month or so. Rest in peace my friend. Thanks for the laughs and your great music. It was truly a pleasure to know you.

(See Jeff Healey perform live with the late Stevie Ray Vaughn here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=XqU9RZqvFKY)

(See Jeff Healey's video for "Angel Eyes" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=QYz_LHKrgDY)

(See Jeff Healey's video for "Confidence Man" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=6MevNeiO4Zk)

Speaking of great guitarists with a knack for catchy tunes, Steve Miller is set to play the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre July 5th.