What a summer concert season it's been! This past Tuesday night, the Loop brought the "Metal Masters" tour featuring metal/hard rock pioneers Judas Priest, Heaven & Hell, Motorhead and Testament to Chicagoland at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre. As expected the legendary bands all put in stellar sets that saw them mixing their classics with some of their new material. Heaven & Hell was the lone exception in the new music category. Tony Iommi told me when he checked in with me on my show the night prior that they are currently working on a new CD (which they hoped would be ready this fall) but would forgo playing them live until they had been released. Rob Halford of Judas Priest discussed with me their future plans to tour a theatrical version of their latest double disc rock opera/concept album entitled "Nostradamus" to theatres. Don't be surprised if Priest's next stop is in our theatre district with a show of metal power that is to date unprecedented in that world. If any band could make a "metal opera/musical" a primordial success, it would be Judas Priest. On the other end of the spectrum, Lemmy and Motorhead have always been satisfied to consistently churn out what we decided was simply a supercharged and amplified diet of "'50's greaser rock", reflecting his first true love. Lemmy and I spent the rest of our conversation chatting about his time as one of Jimi Hendrix's roadies when he was younger. As you can imagine, there are a few stories there. Keep listening to my show as I will be presenting the highlights of those conversations with Rob Halford and Lemmy soon. Many thanks to all the Loyal Loopers who came by to say hello during the live broadcast of my show from the FMBA. You guys (and gals) are the best!

(See Judas Priest perform "Painkiller" live at the FMBA here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq-IaZGGuhg)

Last Friday during the "Loop On-Stage" I played several tracks from Judas Priest's concert here in 1981.

(See Judas Priest live at the International Amphitheatre in 1981 here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLLyNDLvyDw)

Last night, the ever jocular George Thorogood rocked the house... the House of Blues, that is. Yet another light, tight and bright show from George for the capacity crowd. The moment I took the stage to greet the amassed Loyal Loopers, I knew we were all in for a good night. Amped up crowd + first rate entertainer + Chicago-style blues = P-A-R-T-Y!

(See George Thorogood perform Bo Diddley's classic "Who Do You Love" here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYmMhnM-y4Q&feature=related)

All this week on my show, win tickets to see Live... live at the House Of Blues September 21st!

In addition to the Scorpions playing in town last weekend, I also took in the Extreme/King's X/Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp show at the House of Blues last Saturday. The "opening act(s)" were numerous Loyal Loopers who signed up for the Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp and got to open up for Extreme and King's X. The "camp counselors" were a collection of very accomplished musicians (Gilby Clarke of Guns n' Roses, Elliot Easton of The Cars, Earl Slick of John Lennon and David Bowie, Dave Ellefson of Megadeth, Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple, Chris Slade of AC/DC and Jimmy Page, Mark Slaughter of Slaughter, and Kip Winger of Winger and Alice Cooper) who coached and then jammed with the lucky Loopers on stage. The Loopers and counselors alike had a great time and were beaming from ear to ear.

(For more information about the Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp click here: http://www.rocknrollfantasycamp.name/tour.htm)

King's X and then Extreme picked up where the Loopers and counselors had left off. It was difficult to fathom that Extreme has actually been an inactive outfit for some 13 years from the blazingly energetic reunion set they executed. The folks who came expecting to see a "ballads" band in Extreme were colossally shocked. Just as their name should indicate, Extreme was/are a blistering hard rock band featuring the awe-inspiring and endlessly inventive fretboard antics of one of the few guitarists in the same league as Eddie Van Halen... Nuno Bettencourt. Not only is Extreme back in fighting shape, they have just released a brand new CD named "Saudades de Rock" which is loose Portuguese (Nuno is Portugese) for "Nostalgic Yearning For Rock."

(See Extreme's video for "Decadence Dance" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykRxlPd6U4k)

(See Extreme's video for "Kid Ego" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDr2M94ejPQ)

After the show, all the bands and I gathered in the Foundation Room for an after show party that eventually saw the guys from Ratt (who were playing with the Scorpions the following night) join in.

This Tuesday night at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre is another huge Loop show featuring Judas Priest, Heaven & Hell (the Black Sabbath lineup with Ronnie James Dio on lead vocals), Motorhead and Testament dubbed the "Metal Masters Tour." I will be doing my show live from the FMBA that night, so stop by and say hello. To help get us prepared, Tony Iommi of Heaven & Hell/Black Sabbath will be checking in with me tomorrow night at 9:30 on my show.

(See Judas Priest's video for "Heading Out To The Highway" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoDbAd4fYBA)

(See Heaven & Hell/Black Sabbath's video for "Neon Knights" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhe1SuBGkiA)

(See Motorhead's video for "Ace Of Spades" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BstyQX-kQQ)

(See Testament's video for "Return To Serenity" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgdfHobqSjA)

Some tickets remain at http://wlup.com/Concerts/Listings.aspx. See you there!

The Loyal Loopers' love affair with the Scorpions continued unabated and unabashed last night at the Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island, 29 years to the day after their live debut here back in 1979 with the Loop at Navy Pier. The "Fountain Of Youth" is merely a myth, but you could swear the Scorps have found something akin to that in order to still be administering the same tight and exuberant style of show they became famous for three decades ago. This in spite of the fact that Scorpions lead guitarist Matthias Jabs nearly cut off the main fingers on his fretting hand in a kitchen accident only a few days prior. Maybe because this band has had to work at least twice as hard as anyone else to make it (having to first learn another language - english AND being from a part of the world that had previously never produced an internationally successful rock act), they still appreciate and cherish every opportunity to perform like no other act I know of. Especially when they are performing for the people who embraced them before any other... the Loyal Loopers of Chicago.

Shortly after an on-stage introduction from me, the Scorpions literally leapt to the stage and proceeded to deliver a mix of classic Scorpions rockers, plus a few surprises like "Make It Real," "Dynamite" and "I'm Leaving You" which were blended flawlessly with several new songs from their excellent recent disc "Humanity Hour 1" that kept the crowd on it's feet and roaring their approval all night. After the show, the band and myself adjourned to the Foundation Room at the House Of Blues for a post-show/end of tour celebration and surprise "birthday" party. After I mused on the air many months ago about the historical significance of the date on which they were to play Chicago again, word spread amongst the fans and management and we decided to surprise Klaus, Matthias and Rudolph with a "birthday" cake and a very warbley sung version of "Happy Birthday." Much laughter and good times were had by all. Particularly amusing were the remembrances we shared of one other very long Sunday night back in 1988 in a hotel suite at the Buffalo Hilton in Buffalo, NY. At the time, the band was part of the "Monsters Of Rock" bill that included Van Halen, Scorpions, Metallica, Dokken and Kingdom Come. That night, they had played before 80,000 people at the former Rich Stadium in Buffalo. One-by-one, Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen, Kirk Hammett of Metallica and Matthias Jabs and Rudolph Schenker (even Rudolph's family at one point) of the Scorpions as well as various other friends of mine piled into my room after the show. A kind of camping trip "around-the-campfire" type of atmosphere developed with singing, funny stories and general silliness that lasted well into the next day. By what seemed like noon the next day, I had hit the wall. Crawling into bed, I realized Matthias was still going strong and was urging me to stay up just a little bit longer with him. After managing to utter a weak "nein"... I was out. Rather appropriately, the Scorpions current album at the time was entitled "Savage Amusement" and the follow-up was titled "Crazy World." Indeed. Crazy times. Happy anniversary guys!

(See the Scorpions perform "Blackout" live at Charter One Pavilion here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw0F3l3bFnI&feature=related)

(See the Scorpions perform "No One Like You" live at Charter One Pavilion here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pX7wdFVTebw&feature=related)

(See the Scorpions perform "Rock You Like A Hurricane" live at Charter One Pavilion here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOdRl0072Zw)

Unfortunately, Billy Corgan didn't make it to the Scorpions show last night to reprise his duet of "The Cross" from "Humanity Hour 1" with Klaus Meine and the Scorps as we had hoped. Billy grew up a huge Scorpions fan and was quite thrilled to be asked to contribute to the Scorpions latest CD. The previous night (Saturday), Billy and the Smashing Pumpkins played their first Chicago area show since reforming at the Venue at the Hammond Casino . A sold-out affair, the gig showcased the superb acoustics of the brand new room (part of a $500 million expansion at the casino) nicely.

(See the Smashing Pumpkins perform "Tonight, Tonight" live at The Venue here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNLb25l8yrU)

If nuthin' but a good time was what you were craving... Poison, Dokken and Sebastian Bach brought the party in abundance to a First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre packed with Loyal Loopers this past Sunday night. Between bringing the bands on stage, I alternately took in the show with Bret Michaels, Sebastian Bach and Don Dokken from the side of the stage. The camaraderie and enthusiasm the guys displayed for each others sets was downright contagious. After all the pyro, lights and killer performances were over, a completely satiated group of Loopers and tattooed minstrels went their separate ways, but only until the next convening of the youth gone wild.

(See Poison perform "Unskinny Bop" live at the FMBA here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eje4mJgejPA)

(See Poison perform "Talk Dirty To Me" live at the FMBA here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNNeYBk5Ck0&feature=related)

Also this past weekend, the the 4th staging of Lollapalooza in Chicago rolled through town. It proved to be the the most successful one yet, with a sell-out crowd of 225,000 taking in 130+ bands spread over three days. Easily the most anticipated act of the whole weekend (75,000 came just to see them alone) was the reunited Rage Against The Machine featuring Libertyville native Tom Morello. The years spent apart have done nothing to diminish their skills or their power to excite a crowd. Look for a new RATM recording to be released in the near future.

CAUTION... THE FOLLOWING VIDEO CONTAINS EXPLICIT LANGUAGE!
(See RATM perform "Killing In The Name Of" at Grant Park here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWbzvGZfuOI&feature=related)

(See the RATM crowd from on-stage here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q7YLFcdIgg)

No time to come up for air! This coming Sunday, the Loop brings the Scorpions and Ratt to the Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island. I will be broadcasting my show live from the event, so make sure you stop by to say hello. Fittingly, it will be 29 years to the day since the Loop brought the Scorpions to Chicago for their very first appearance on August 10th, 1979 at the former Chicagofest at Navy Pier. This Thursday at 9:30pm, Matthias Jabs of the Scorpions will be checking in with me on my show to discuss the anniversary (and upcoming concert) and then on Friday at 10:00pm during the "Loop On-Stage", I will play a recording of that 1979 Scorpions Chicagofest show!

Only months ago, a guy in his 40's by the name of Tommy DeCarlo was stocking shelves at a Home Depot in North Carolina. A big fan of the band Boston, he was devastated by the news that Boston's lead singer Brad Delp had taken his own life. After some urging from his daughter, Tommy (who had never even been in a band in his life he told me during his chat with me on the air) posted a tribute to Brad on MySpace. The wife of Tom Scholz of Boston stumbled across it and excitedly summoned her husband. Tom had to be convinced that it was not some fan posting bootleg recordings of Brad Delp online. Once convinced by his wife, he immediately contacted Tommy and invited him to be a part of the tribute show Tom was planning for Brad. After seeing Tommy sing live at the tribute, Tom Scholz was so impressed he asked Tommy to join the band on lead vocals, sitting in for his hero Brad Delp for the upcoming tour! Fast forward several months and the Boston/Tommy DeCarlo cinderella story pulled into the Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island in a double-bill with Styx this past week. The place was packed and Tommy (along with some help from Michael Sweet of Stryper) proceeded to blow away the now slack-jawed audience with his eery ability to replicate Brad Delp's vocals, just as he had done with Tom Scholz previously. Tommy doesn't have the self-confident swagger of a rock star quite yet, but his gleeful "can you believe this?!?" delivery was exceptionally charming and endearing. Who couldn't imagine themselves in his place thinking and feeling exactly the same way? What a story!

(Check out Tommy DeCarlo's MySpace page for yourself here: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=150718048)

(See Tommy DeCarlo perform "More Than A Feeling" with Boston live at Charter One Pavilion here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF4y30hhsSQ)

As for Styx? What can you say, other than there's a very good reason why they are Chicago's best (and best selling) rock export ever. Never anything short of stellar, this show easily lived up to their legend.

(See Styx perform "Lorelei" live at Charter One pavilion here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcBgKhNDGgs)

(See Styx perform "Suite Madame Blue" live at Charter One Pavilion here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uh6NOwzIatE)

Special thanks to all the Loyal Loopers who attended and once again came by to say hello and participate in the live broadcast of my show from the venue. Don't forget to share your pictures from the Boston/Styx show at www.wlup.com for all to see.

Cruefest 2008 was a rousing success this past week. A packed house at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre got their money's worth with 6 hours of killer performances from 5 bands, topped off by amazing sets from Buckcherry and Motley Crue. Crue in particular pulled out all the stops with a huge new light and pyro show, crushing sound system... and then proceeded to deliver the finest single show I have ever witnessed from them. Vince, Mick, Nikki and Tommy were simply stunning Wednesday night. All of the bands were giddy with excitement backstage as were the Loyal Loopers in attendance. Everyone (including myself) went home completely drained. What a day!

(See Motley Crue perform "Wild Side" live at the FMBA here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=H0Wus5hgpkg)

(See Motley Crue perform "Saints Of Los Angeles" live at the FMBA here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=914xM0m_5lA)

(See Motley Crue's grand finale live at the FMBA here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=6_z4rHkpV1U)

CAUTION... THE FOLLOWING VIDEO CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT! (See the video for Buckcherry's new song "Too Drunk..." here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=qplBVqPhbBY)

If you're a regular listener to my show, you have heard what a great sense of humor the guys in Rush have. Rush made their first appearance on U.S. television since 1975 this past week... and it was hilarious.

(See Rush on the "Colbert Report" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1y2SV7fn9k&fmt=18)

All this week on my show, win tickets to see Alice Cooper at "The Venue" inside the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond August 19th. This Wednesday night I will be doing my show live from the Styx/Boston show at Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island. See you there!

(See Styx perform "Blue Collar Man" live here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=JlVaC1DWrOs)

(See Styx perform "Renegade" live here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=YVS3zgTHOsw)

(See Boston's video for "More Than A Feeling" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=uZUcVFPrml0)

(See Boston's video for "Don't Look Back" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=KiOqHLVxZvA&feature=related)

Caught Ringo Starr's show at the Charter One Pavilion this evening. The weather was perfect and the band was tight and note perfect all night. Ringo brought another great cast of supporting artists ("The All-Starr Band") this time around. Highlights included Billy Squier performing "Lonely Is the Night", "In The Dark" and "The Stroke"; Edgar Winter busting out "Free Ride" and "Frankenstein"; Gary Wright doing "Dream Weaver" and "Love Is Alive" and Colin Hay from Men At Work delivering "Land Down Under" and "Who Can It Be Now?" Ringo was in great shape and spirits, providing the cheerfully solid back beat for the above numbers and then taking the lead vocal spot on his solo and Beatles classics including "Yellow Submarine", "I Wanna Be Your Man", "With A Little Help From My Friends" and many more. Two and 1/2 hours of huge hits, performed by the original singers (with the expert instrumental accompaniment of the others) and a fun, cool, laid-back vibe make these shows a blast and a great value for the money.

(See Ringo Starr and The All-Starr Band perform "Yellow Submarine" live at Charter One Pavilion here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=27BKHBe7wI8)

Hope you caught Klaus Meine of the Scorpions on my show this past week. Suffice to say he and the guys are pumped be coming back to Chicago to play at Charter One August 10th.

This coming week on my show, win tickets to see Puddle Of Mudd/Saving Abel/Rev Theory next Monday at the House Of Blues. Wednesday night, I will be doing my show live from the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre for Crue fest 2008, starring Motley Crue/Buckcherry/SIXX:A.M./Papa Roach/Trapt. Tickets are going fast at http://wlup.com/Concerts/Listings.aspx.

See 'ya there!

This Thursday at 9:30pm on my show, Scorpions front man Klaus Meine will be joining me to chat about their upcoming Loop show with Ratt August 10th at the Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island. Don't miss it!

(See the Scorpions video for "I'm Leaving You" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=tRZC9bC-b9o)

(See the Scorpions perform "Coming Home" live here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=VIjmCbL8KqI)

Also this week on my show, score 4-packs of tickets for this Sunday's 3 Doors Down/Staind/Hinder triple bill at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre and tickets to see Rik Emmett of Triumph's upcoming Chicagoland solo gig from me.

(See the 3 Doors Down video for their latest song "It's Not My Time" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=18pelixcmvQ )

(See a fan's video for Hinder's new song "Use Me" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXjGE4-lW24&feature=related)

(See Triumph's video for "American Girls" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=2izRbTf9Hgk)

This Thursday from noon - 2pm I will be out in Frankfort handing out Loop goodies and a chance to win tickets to the "Richard Petty Driving Experience." All the details here:
http://wlup.com/Events/Listings.aspx.

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)