Quite a summer season it's turning out to be for guitar virtuosos visiting our fair city. First it was Jeff Beck, then Eric Clapton and on Friday night at the House Of Blues, Robin Trower... with more to come.

Robin Trower and his band put in a note-perfect, mind-blowing show.

(See Robin Trower perform "Bridge Of Sighs" live at the House Of Blues here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqlNwAGwqdk)

(See Robin Trower perform "Too Rolling Stoned" live at the House Of Blues here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjXV3NCWnLI)

This Monday at the House Of Blues, the Loop presents another guitar legend, Michael Schenker. Schenker was a founding member of the Scorpions along with his brother Rudolph, former lead guitarist of seminal hard rockers UFO during their recorded-live-in-Chicago classic "Strangers In The Night" period and has led his own successful band since then.

(See the video for The Michael Schenker Band's song "Armed and Ready" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBsdYcZDglE&feature=PlayList&p=CC4FF8F941D91C3A&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=3)

(See Michael Schenker perform "Rock Bottom" with UFO live here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qP_OqOJ8ug)

While we're on the topic of guitar gods, the Joe Satriani fueled super group Chickenfoot will indeed be coming back to town for another Loop show, this time at the Chicago Theatre August 7th. Even Nigel Tufnel of Spinal Tap is excited.

(See Nigel Tufnel of Spinal Tap give props to Joe Satriani here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3_dPrt7vSw&feature=related)

Because of the downturn in the economy, many people are opting these days for "stay-cations" with extra value. This 4th of July weekend, the Loop presents a phenominal 2-day event for those on a budget. Dubbed the "Bridgeview Musicfest", it features a robust line-up that includes Billy Squier, Warrant, Lita Ford, L.A. Guns, Lynch Mob, Enuff Z'Nuff, Off Broadway, Starship, Adler's Appetite (featuring former Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler), Over The Rainbow (featuring former Rainbow vocalist Joe Lynn Turner) and many more this Friday and Saturday at Toyota Park all for only $5.00 per day with fireworks included on the 4th!

(Click here for more info on the "Bridgeview Musicfest": http://www.bridgeviewmusicfest.com/)

(Click here and use the codeword "Loop" to get $5.00 tickets to the "Bridgeview Musicfest": http://www.wlup.com/music/concertcalendar/Listings.aspx)

This week on my show from 10am-3pm win tickets, backstage passes and more for the Def Leppard/Poison/Cheap Trick show July 17th at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre. Rick Neilsen of Cheap Trick will be joining me this Thursday at 1:30pm to tell us a little more about the show and their new CD entitled "The Latest." This is also your last week to win $10,000 with "10 Grand In Your Hand" daily at 10:05am and 2:05pm. Don't miss out!

Happy Father's Day!

The iconic Eric "Slowhand" Clapton made another musical pilgrimage to his spiritual home of Chicago this past Wednesday night. Playing classics from his solo career, Derek & The Dominoes, Cream and even Blind Faith with his old band mate Steve Winwood in tow, it was another memorable show from Clapton. Although he is of British and Canadian descent, Eric has long made it clear that the inspiration for his sound was rooted in the Chicago blues scene. So central to him is Chicago that he was reportedly furious upon leaving the Yardbirds in1965 that his replacement Jeff Beck and the rest of the band had managed to play a live concert here before he could. Ironic that in 2009 Jeff Beck once more played Chicago before "Slowhand"... 2 months and 1 day, to be exact. Not to be outdone, Eric invited local blues legend Buddy Guy on-stage with him to jam, just as he did back in 2007 when he brought his Crossroads Guitar Festival to Bridgeview's Toyota Park.

(See Eric Clapton perform "After Midnight" live at the United Center here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXqvKY89DVs)

(See Eric Clapton perform "Crossroads" live at Toytota Park in 2007 here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yxWqsHX2mw)

(See Eric Clapton and Buddy Guy perform "Sweet Home Chicago" live at Toyota Park in 2007 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtmebR-vqNQ)

Eric Clapton's old pal George Harrison would be proud. George's son Dhani helped develop the forthcoming special edition "The Beatles: Rock Band" slated for release 09/09/09*, the same day the entire re-mastered Beatles catalogue gets it's release. "The Beatles: Rock Band" is a stunning achievement in gaming, raising the bar for all future releases of it's kind.

(See a preview of "The Beatles: Rock Band" here: http://www.thebeatlesrockband.com/)

All this week on my show from 10am-3pm, more chances to win $10,000 with "10 Grand In Your Hand" at 10:05am and 2:05pm each day as well as chances to win tickets to Cruefest 2 starring Motley Crue, Godsmack, Theory Of A Deadman, Drowning Pool and Charm City Devils July 22nd at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre. This Tuesday at 12:30pm, Tommy Lee of Motley Crue will be checking in with me to fill us in on what to expect. Don't miss out!


*John Lennon was very fascinated by the number 9 (he was born on the 9th of October in Liverpool, his son Sean also on October 9th) and titled numerous of his Beatles and solo songs employing the number 9, so convinced was he of it's significance in his life. Tragically, his murder would occur on the 9th of December, Liverpool time.

Just as they promised when they stopped by my 10am-3pm show to say hello and have a few laughs, Chickenfoot have indeed announced a return to Chicagoland with a Loop show at the Chicago Theater August 7th. Hope you had a chance to win free tickets from the Loop this weekend!

(See Chickenfoot visiting my show here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3MpmwcPQ1A)

(See Chickenfoot's video for their new song "Oh Yeah!" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKkxxLEBwBo)

Also stopping by the Loop studios this past Friday, Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry filled us in on their Loop show at Alpine Valley for Saturday night. Joe was very excited to tell us about the killer new sound and lighting system that they will be bringing out on this tour and that in addition to playing the "Toys In The Attic" album in it's entirety, they would be also be playing several rarely heard live songs this time around, including "Combination."

(See Aerosmith perform "Train Kept A-Rollin'" live at Alpine Valley here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aNxprwiZcY)

(See Aerosmith perform "Sweet Emotion" live at Alpine Valley here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY5cIsE5Yz4)

(See Aerosmith perform "No More No More" live at Alpine Valley here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGfPIYxZxZ0)

You'll have another opportunity to catch this one-of-a-kind Aerosmith show August 28th at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre with ZZ Top. Tickets can be had through www.wlup.com.

All this week on my show from 10am-3pm, chances to win tickets to see Ratt and Extreme at the House Of Blues July 24th and Queensryche November 1st at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet... and of course, $10,000! Don't miss out!

Guitar Hero: Van Halen won't officially be out until August 4th, but I've got a sneak preview for you.

(See a preview of Guitar Hero: Van Halen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA-S6m4vGBk)

Speaking of sneaks, any self-respecting rock star (or rock star wannabee) must dress the part. Converse has issued several limited edition rock-themed Chuck Taylor sneakers including Van Halen, Metallica, AC/DC, Pink Floyd, The Who, Ozzy Osbourne, The Doors, and Black Sabbath to aid you in your endeavor.

(See the rock-themed Chuck Taylor's here: http://www.classicsportshoes.com/converse-music-shoes.html#top)

Several years ago, I blogged to you that I had just caught a local Chicago band live who I thought were quite good and a band to watch. Fast forward a couple of years and my prediction came true. Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue agreed with me and subsequently signed the guys in The Last Vegas to his record label as well as having them open up for Motley Crue's winter tour. This past week, the guys dropped by my show once again to catch up and play their new song live before their gig at the Metro. Rave reviews from Billboard magazine, Spin magazine and inclusion in Guitar Hero II have made this a whirlwind 12 months for the band.

(See the video for The Last Vegas' new song "I'm Bad" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_F4_DG_5O8&feature=related)

Keep it locked on the Loop for word on more upcoming Chicago shows from Chickenfoot, Queensryche, Motorhead and more.

It was supposed to be an honor for Poison to play the Tony Awards, but it ended up breaking Bret Michaels' nose. D'oh!

(See Poison on the Tony Awards here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dA-AL90_RE)

Coming up all this week on my show from 10am-3pm, your chance to win tickets to the Loop's triple bill July 17th at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre featuring Def Leppard/Poison/Cheap Trick. Don't miss out!

The Blackhawks season came to a close this past week, but it was an exhilarating, nail-biting ride. A full five games (three against Detroit alone) in the post-season forced overtime to decide a winner. The Hawks final game was no exception. Trailing 3 games to 1 in the series, the Hawks needed a win to stay alive. In what may have been the most exciting final 30 seconds I have ever witnessed in a hockey game, the Detroit Red Wings mounted a desperate frenzy as they attempted to put the game winner past Blackhawks France-born backup goaltender Cristobal Huet before regulation time ran out. With less than 30 seconds left, Huet made the stop of his career to send it in to overtime. Was it skill? Was it luck? I don't know, but it was one hell of a "fantastique french foot flip!"

(See Blackhawks goaltender Cristobal Huet's last second save here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtfXK6JoRys)

Ultimately, the Wings scored in overtime to end the game and our season, but what a season! Here is a team that didn't even make the playoffs last year (actually they hadn't made the playoffs for the better part of a decade, but that's another story for another time) dispatching the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks to advance to round 3 against the defending champion, one round away from the Stanley Cup finals! In the last 18 months, the Blackhawks have made what Forbes magazine termed “... arguably the most remarkable turnaround in the history of sports in the United States.” How far have they come?

(See a video montage of the resurgence of the Blackhawks here: http://blackhawks.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=690&id=40168)

Even cities we eliminated on our rise were cheering for us. I was interviewed last week by the flagship radio station for the Calgary Flames, "960 AM The Fan." Expecting a cool reception at best, I was surprised to find the hosts were as excited for us as we were. They breathlessly wanted to know what the atmosphere was like in town, and how fans and non-fans alike were reacting to the spectacular turnaround of our Original Six, heritage team. I simply told them..."The Roar Is Back... at The New Madhouse On Madison, baby!!!"

The similarities between the current Blackhawks team and the team that brought us our last Stanley Cup championship in 1961 are quite startling and somewhat eerie. Back then, we had a couple of youngsters (one fair-haired, the other dark maned) named Hull and Mikita who were the new "face" of the franchise. Young, fast and exceptionally talented, they were the jet-fuel the team needed to re-invigorate the fan base and excite the city, just as Kane and Toews are doing now. Anchored by veteran goaltending from Glenn Hall (Nikolai Khabibulin now) and a stunning upset of an aging arch-nemesis Detroit Red Wings by an upstart Blackhawks, and the picture is complete. Well... not quite yet. It took several tries before the 1961 team finally hit the jackpot, but hit it they did. That core group were a dominant force in the NHL for the next 10 years. I believe we may very well be witnessing history repeating itself.

(See the Blackhawks win the 1961 Stanley Cup in Detroit here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB-csuX0GBk)

This past Thursday, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS joined me on my show from 10am-3pm to update me on the progress on their new album and summer tour plans. In the finishing stages of recording an "old-skool" KISS album, the guys were amped about releasing it and getting on the road. In an interesting concept, where the band will play this time around will be determined by fan demand. Would you like to see KISS in Chicago this summer? If so, cast your vote through www.wlup.com today!

KISS are legendary for their over-the-top shows. This weekend the actors/comedians behind the always competing, but seemingly always falling flat "other" band Spinal Tap presented some of their most infamous send-ups at the Chicago Theatre. Beyond hysterical, "This Is Spinal Tap" is a brilliant and viciously biting satire of the rock music business. Appropriately, their live performance was presented without a drummer. Perhaps they know better by now?

(See the movie trailer for "This Is Spinal Tap" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBllPEwjEJ4)

(See the infamous Spinal Tap scene "Goes to 11" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7IZZXQ89Oc&feature=related

(See Spinal Tap's creators perform live at the Chicago Theatre here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvxbLGTcZ7I)

This Friday during the lunch hour, local rock phenoms The Last Vegas will be stopping by my show to play live and give away copies of their new CD and tickets to their show that night at the Metro.

All this week from 10am-3pm on my show, chances to win tickets to the Judas Priest/Whitesnake show July 19th at Charter One Pavilion, and $10,000 with "10 Grand In Your Hand"at 10:05am and 2:05pm every day! Don't miss out!

Hope you had a terrific long weekend! It was certainly one full of activity. Newly formed super group Chickenfoot (Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony and Chad Smith) stopped by during my show Friday afternoon to have a few laughs and to talk about their formation, what to expect later that evening at their sold-out Loop show at the Park West and to play another new track from their debut CD set for release next week. Mike Anthony was in particular excited to be back in his hometown and it showed that night on stage. A ferocious performance from the band served ample notice that these "warm-up" gigs (before launching a larger tour later this year) were just the beginning of a new musical legend for these veteran players. Visibly re-energized, they gleefully cranked out nearly their entire repertoire of killer new songs along with a few crowd favorites as an encore. Mixing the crunchy power of early Montrose, the party-hearty fun of vintage Van Halen and more hooks than a bait & tackle shop, the new CD will undoubtedly delight Loyal Loopers.

(See Chickenfoot perform their new song "Sexy Little Thing" live here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmfF8Zgos7M&feature=related)

(See Chickenfoot perform their new song "Soap On A Rope" live at the Park West here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9NcBQOHvE4)

(See Chickenfoot perform the Montrose classic "Bad Motor Scooter" live at the Park West here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUF19cfkOJ8)

(See Chickenfoot perform the Deep Purple classic "Highway Star" live at the Park West here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX1thdpt0is&feature=related)

Speaking of legends (as I hinted at during my show) AC/DC have indeed announced a return to Chicago August 14th at the United Center. Tickets for this Loop show go on sale next Saturday June 6th at 10am through www.wlup.com. Grab yours before they sell out!

(See AC/DC's video for their latest song "Anything Goes" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58t_ID_s9X8)

It was a roller coaster ride of emotions for Blackhawks fans this weekend as the youngest (and quite possibly the most talented and exciting) team in the NHL scored a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory at the United Center over the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Detroit Red Wings Friday night. This was swiftly followed, however, with a 6-1 drubbing at home on Sunday. The Hawks are now in a tight spot, trailing 3 games to 1 in the best-of-seven conference final series. Next game is Wednesday in Detroit. Go Hawks!

Coming up this week on my show from 10am-3pm, your chance to grab free Cruefest 2 tickets, a conversation with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS Thursday at 1:30pm and of course, your chance to win $10,000 just for listening with "10 Grand In Your Hand" each weekday at 10:05am and 2:05pm. If you haven't already entered your name to be called on the air to win the $10,000, do so today at www.listenerrewards.com/wlup!

In what has become Chicago's miracle on ice, the upstart Chicago Blackhawks have advanced to what amounts to the "final 4" against the defending Stanley Cup champions (and our 83 year long rival) the Detroit Red Wings in this years playoffs after dispatching the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks in rounds 1 & 2. In game 1 the Red Wings looked every bit the reining champs while the Hawks looked, well... a bit rusty and tentative after having to wait nearly a week to find out who they would face in round 3. Hawks goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin was stellar in the nets once again and kept us in the game until the 3rd period when the more experienced Wings methodically dissected our boys and won 5-2. Fortunately this is a best-of-7 round, so we have time to gather ourselves and make a push for our first championship since 1961. Game 2 is this Tuesday night in Detroit. Go Hawks!

While the Hawks had some time off between series', several players took in Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at the United Center this past Tuesday night.

(See Bruce Springsteen perform "Born To Run" live at the United Center here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_3_x9SPQyY)

Earlier in the day, Springsteen's guitarist (and Chicago native) Nils Lofgren checked in with me during my show to chat about that evenings show and to reminisce about his early days living in Chicago. Very excited to be back in his hometown, Nils promised another marathon Springsteen extravaganza, complete with a set list customized especially for Chicago.

All this week on my show from 10am - 3pm, your chance to win Styx/REO Speedwagon/.38 Special tickets for their July 10th concert at Charter One Pavilion.

This Wednesday during the lunch hour (12noon - 1pm) on my show, your last chance to win tickets to see the sold-out Chickenfoot show at the Park West this Friday night and meet n' greet passes to meet the band! Chickenfoot is a brand new "super group" featuring Sammy Hagar on vocals, Joe Satriani on guitar, Michael Anthony (also a Chicago native) of Van Halen on bass and Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers on drums. And during my show on Friday, don't be surprised if the guys "pop by" to have a few laughs and jam on a few tunes. Don't miss out!

(See Chickenfoot perform their new song "Oh Yeah!" live here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRzb-iSOIOI)

To get you ramped up for the long weekend, join me at Arlington Racetrack this Friday from 5pm-7pm for an '80's themed party with your chance to win Def Leppard/Poison/Cheap Trick or Cruefest 2 tickets if you "dress the part" and live music from U2 tribute act Elevation. See you there!

Metallica was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame last night. Besides putting pressure on the Hall to finally induct Deep Purple, Thin Lizzy, Rush, KISS, Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Motorhead and getting to play some of their classics in front of the star-studded crowd, Metallica then pulled some of the luminaries on stage with them for an all-star grand finale jam. Joining them were former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted, Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones, Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jeff Beck. Heady day for the guys!

(See Metallica and friends perform "Train Kept A-Rollin'" live at the 2009 RRHOF here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2vnrIcEVvg)

(See Metallica perform "Master Of Puppets" live at the 2009 RRHOF here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8B2Zj7X-ex4)

(See Metallica perform "Enter Sandman" live at the 2009 RRHOF here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-ApMjaHk-k)

In case you missed Metallica's amazing two night stand recently here in Chicago, don't forget that you can download them through www.livemetallica.com.

Chicago is the greatest city in the world... and we now have even more believers. Chicago got some serious love from the website askmen.com this week, ranking it the best city in the world in which to live. I couldn't agree more! Click to see their findings here:

http://www.askmen.com/specials/2009_top_29/chicago.html

http://www.askmen.com/fine_living/destination/chicago.html

All this week on my show from 10am-3pm, your chance to win tickets to see Chris Cornell (former vocalist for Soundgarden and Audioslave) April 19th at the Riv.

Baseball is back! I will have more hard-to-find White Sox memorabilia to give away to commemorate their home opener Tuesday (rescheduled from Monday) during my show, and I will be doing my show live from the Red Ivy in Wrigleyville (www.redivychicago.com) next Monday April 13th to celebrate the Cubs home opener. See you there!

All 65,000 tickets for U2's concert September 12th at Soldier Field sold out in record time today, so a second show was added for the following day September 13th. Tickets go on sale next Monday April 6th at 10am through www.wlup.com.

(See U2 perform "Sunday Bloody Sunday" live at the United Center in 2005 here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_-Ft5iBFZQ)

(See U2 perform "Bullet The Blue Sky" live at the United Center in 2005 here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6nzA5gtBUY&feature=related)

Caught the Cheech & Chong reunion tour at the Genesee Theatre last night. Nearly 25 years apart did nothing to dull their killer comedic chops. Mixing classic and new routines, they were absolutely hilarious.

Yesterday also saw the release of the much-anticipated "Guitar Hero - Metallica." Set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame this coming weekend, Metallica are on a monumental roll. Not too much to have a little fun, however.

(See Metallica's commercial for "Guitar Hero - Metallica" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0TPodgomLs)

(See my recent backstage conversation with Lars Ulrich of Metallica here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4XI78zONo0)

ZZ Top will be taping an episode of "VH1 Storytellers" at the Congress Theatre this Wednesday night. Keep listening for your chance to win these exclusive tickets from the Loop!

Playoff tickets for the Blackhawks go on sale tomorrow. With the team leading the league in attendance season (selling out every home game this season) and making the playoffs for the first time in 7 years, you can bet these tickets will go fast.

All this week on my show from 10am-3pm, your chance to win tickets to see a great triple bill with Styx/REO Speedwagon/.38 Special at Charter One July 10th. Good luck!

Metal is for muthas... and their kids, too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_Y9zWjCzuM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdOfUcEyWqk&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Xx-_MG3i6E&feature=related

All this week on my show from 10am-3pm, a chance to win tickets to Cruefest2 and copies of the special reissue of Pearl Jam's massive selling debut album "10."

This Friday night from 8pm-10pm at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, come join Guy Bauer and myself as we face off with you (and each other) in a Rock Band tournament. Go to www.harrahs.com/rockband to enter yourself. It's going to be a blast!

Others shows this week include the Eagles Thursday night at the Sears Centre, Black Label Society and Sevendust Saturday night at the Congress as well as Bret Michaels at Joe's and Cheech & Chong Sunday night at the Genesee. Footnote: Robin Williams' show at the Rosemont on Friday has been cancelled due to his heart surgery.

Welcome to the year of Metallica. Due to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in April, the subject of the latest installment of "Guitar Hero" in March, and with a brilliant new CD "Death Magnetic" already racking up rave reviews and double platinum sales in the US alone, 2009 will be the year Metallica re-establishes their dominance in the world of metal. Consider this; only Aerosmith, AC/DC and Led Zeppelin have outsold Metallica in the hard rock field and all three have been in existence a significantly longer time. Metallica has now sold more records here at home than (in descending order) Van Halen, Guns N' Roses, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Queen, The Doors, Boston, Pearl Jam, Tom Petty, Ozzy, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rush, Nirvana, ZZ Top, Motley Crue, The Police, Jimi Hendrix, among others. Wow!

The best part? They'll be here tomorrow and Tuesday night at the Allstate Arena. Don't forget I'll be doing my show live from both concerts, bringing you the sights, sounds and bombast that is a Metallica performance. See you there!

(See Metallica's video for their new song "All Nightmare Long" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1GsZPLqA6M)

Geoff Tate of Queensryche checked in with me this past Thursday night to update me about their forthcoming CD "American Soldier" and their upcoming tour. Geoff said the band would be performing extended sets of music from their "Rage For Order", "Empire" and "American Soldier" discs. All this week on my show, your chance to win tickets to see the return of Queensryche May 7th and 8th at the House Of Blues.

As promised, here are the totals from the 3rd annual "Byrd For Birds" food drive. This year more than 10 tons of food and more than $15,000 in cash donations were donated by Loyal Loopers... enough to provide meals for some 70,000 Chicagoans in need! As you might imagine in these times of economic challenges, the Greater Chicago Food Depository is being called upon to provide meals for significantly more people than in past years. If you were unable to get by the Merchandise Mart with a donation, but would still like to contribute a frozen turkey, non-perishable food item or simply to donate some money to have these items purchased in your name, you can contact the Greater Chicago Food Depository directly at 773-247-FOOD or log onto www.chicagosfoodbank.org.

Once again, my heartfelt thanks to the Loyal Loopers who took the time to share with others and my fellow Loop staffers who helped make it all possible again this year. You guys and gals are the best!

All this week on my show, your last chance to win tickets to see the Loop present Metallica next Monday and Tuesday nights at the Allstate Arena. Don't miss out! In addition to tickets every night this week between 7pm-12midnight, I will be broadcasting my show live from the concerts next Monday and Tuesday nights. If you are attending one (or both) of the shows, please stop by and say hello!

(See Metallica perform "Cyanide" live on TV here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8hTU9fLVgM)

(See Metallica's video for "All Nightmare Long" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bh_KF_ugRE)

(See Metallica's video for "The Day That Never Comes" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yErdJpg1ECg)

Coming up this week on the show, a conversation with Slash Thursday night at 9:30pm, the chance to win tickets to see Bret Michaels upcoming local stop on the "Rock Of Love Bus Tour" and Jimi Hendrix CD/DVD prize packs each night.

Welcome to 2009!

The brains behind the massively successful annual Trans Siberian Orchestra tours and multi-platinum discs, Paul O'Neill informed me during our on-air conversation several weeks ago that they had doubled the lights and pyro effects this year to up the ante... and he wasn't kidding. Seeing is believing.

(See Trans Siberian Orchestra perform "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo" live at the Allstate Arena here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9jXfA8BhCw)

(See more of Trans Siberian Orchestra live at the Allstate Arena here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpKitAGUDGg)

The attention to detail with the "Winter Classic" between the Blackhawks and Red Wings was also a sight to behold. Even though we ended up on the losing side in the actual game, the event was a runaway success for Chicago and the Hawks. The national TV audience was the biggest to date and amply demonstrated to the world (along with the Obama Grant Park celebration) that we sure know how to throw a spectacular party here. Let's hope those folks from the International Olympic Committee were paying attention.

This week on the show, win tickets to 3 Doors Down/Seether February 21st at the Venue and a conversation with Pat Travers Wednesday night at 9:30pm.

This coming Saturday, I will be doing my show live from the Allstate Arena from 3pm-8pm for the annual Trans Siberian Orchestra holiday shows. There will two TSO performances, one at 3pm and the second at 8pm. Never seen them? Think KISS meets Pink Floyd meets Phantom Of The Opera. Safe for all ages, it will simply blow your mind. Once you experience them, you will instantly understand why they have audiences lining up to see them wherever they go and some of the biggest names in rock eagerly jumping on-stage with them.

(See Steven Tyler of Aerosmith perform "Sweet Emotion" and "Dream On" with Trans Siberian Orchestra live here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azJZ6NIfKzc)

(See a fan's amazing home-made video for Trans Siberian Orchestra's song "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoaBHpdTNR0)

Happy New Year! I'll see you on the 3rd at TSO!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and all of your loved ones a very happy holiday!

I will be taking some time off to spent with my family and will return to the air Saturday, January the 3rd.

This past Tuesday night at the Allstate Arena, Neil Young paid a moving tribute to the late John Lennon (who was gunned down 28 years ago this week) during his encore.

(See Neil Young perform the Beatles classic "A Day In The Life" live at the Allstate Arena here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkK2-vWQOZM)

All this week on my show, a chance to win Trans Siberian Orchestra tickets for their January 3rd show at the Allstate Arena, and a focus on some of the best of the newly released rockin' holiday themed CD's during the "10 O'Clock News" Tuesday night.

While checking in with me Thursday night on my show, Aaron Lewis of Staind promised a few surprises when his band Staind played with Seether and Papa Roach last night at the Venue in Hammond. Aaron indeed made good on his threat.

(See Aaon Lewis' birthday "gift" to Seether front man Shaun Morgan here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqM80tnpzto)

Coming up this week on the show, a tribute to John Lennon and Dimebag Darrell tomorrow (Monday) night and chances to win Laser Floyd show tickets each night.

After several years of relentless writing, recording and touring the world, the world's hardest working band Rush is up for a well deserved rest. In a jovial mood, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush sat down with me this week to chat about what's next for Rush and their latest DVD release "Snakes & Arrows - Live." Shot with 21 high definition cameras and presented in 5.1 surround sound, the technical quality is nothing short of breathtaking. Add in yet another spellbinding live performance from the band, hilarious comedy sketches, and the boys have upped the bar again on what a concert film can be.

(See Rush perform "The Spirit Of Radio" from their "Snakes & Arrows - Live" DVD here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuL_euRslTc&feature=related)

(See Rush perform "Far Cry" from their "Snakes & Arrows - Live" DVD here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OlU0JbOALU)

This week on the show, win tickets to catch the red hot Blackhawks take on the Ottawa Senators next Wednesday at the United Center.

This Thursday night at 9:30pm, lead vocalist of Staind, Aaron Lewis will be checking in with me to talk about their upcoming show this Saturday night with Seether and Papa Roach at the Venue inside the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond.

Also this weekend, due to popular demand, the Smashing Pumpkins have added a show at the Aragon Ballroom Sunday night to their schedule. The re-scheduled (due to illness) Auditorium Theatre show will take place next Monday.

(See the Smashing Pumpkins perform "Today" live at the first Auditorium Theatre show here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0DUfrU7mRo)

And last but not least, a heartfelt thank you to all of the Loyal Loopers who came out to support the 3rd annual "Byrd For Birds" food drive! I will be posting the totals as soon as the information becomes available.

This Tuesday is the 3rd annual "Byrd For Birds" food drive from 8am - 6pm at the Merchandise Mart, south entrance. As previously, I will be personally accepting frozen turkey's, non-perishable food items and cash donations that will be donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository so that less-privileged families will have a holiday meal, too. In these tough economic times, your donation is even more important than in previous years. Everyone who donates will be eligible to win a $500 leather jacket from the Loop and will receive "thank-you" freebies from Potbelly Sandwiches, Eli's Cheesecakes and Argo Tea. Kelly the 2008 Loop Rock Girl will be joining me as well during the lunch hours. Hope to see you and I thank you in advance for your thoughtful generosity. Happy Thanksgiving! Click here for more info: http://www.wlup.com/check_it_out/byrdSharingItDay.aspx

Monday night on my show, I will be playing more brand new Guns N' Roses tracks from the long-awaited, much anticipated "Chinese Democracy" CD.

(See a fan-made video for Guns N' Roses new song "Chinese Democracy" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ocbYLNdJT4

Tuesday night at 9:30pm on my show, Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee of Rush will be joining me to discuss their excellent new concert DVD "Snakes & Arrows - Live!" as well as giving you the chance to win a copy. Don't miss it!