W♥M

Slowdive at Palace Theatre, St Paul (04 Oct 2023)

10/04 slowdive with Drab Majesty at Palace Theatre Slowdive Setlist shanty Star Roving Catch the Breeze Souvlaki Space Station Crazy for You kisses Sugar for the Pill Slomo Alison When the Sun Hits Golden Hair (Syd Barrett cover) -- Encore -- prayer remembered the slab 40 Days Tour Dates Oct. 6 - Denver, CO @ Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom Oct. 7 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union Oct. 9 - Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom Oct. 10 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo Oct. 12 - San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield Oct. 14 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Bellwether Oct. 15 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Bellwether Oct. 16 - San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield Oct. 30 - Glasgow, UK @ QMU Oct. 31 - Manchester, UK @ Ritz Nov. 1 - Bristol, UK @ SWX Nov. 3 - London, UK @ Troxy Nov. 5 - Belfast, UK @ Mandela Hall Nov. 6 - Dublin, IR @ National Stadium Nov. 25 - Sun. Nov. 26 - Buenos Aires, AR Dec. 4 - Santiago, CL @ Teatro Coliseo Dec. 7 - Asunción, PY @ Primavera Sound Dec. 9 - Sun. Dec. 10 - Bogotá, CO Jan. 16, 2024 - Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso Jan. 17, 2024 - Paris, FR @ La Cigale Jan. 18, 2024 - Cologne, DE @ Live Music Hall Jan. 20, 2024 - Hamburg, DE @ Grosse Freiheit 36 Jan. 21, 2024 - Copenhagen, DK @ VEGA Jan. 22, 2024 - Oslo, NO @ Sentrum Scene Jan. 23, 2024 - Stockholm, SE @ Munchenbryggeriet Jan. 25, 2024 - Berlin, DE @ Columbiahalle Jan. 27, 2024 - Warsaw, PL @ Progresja Jan. 28, 2024 - Prague, CZ @ Divaldo Archa Jan. 29, 2024 - Munich, DE @ Muffathalle Feb. 16, 2024 - Brighton, UK @ Brighton Dome Feb. 17, 2024 - London, UK @ Eventim Apollo Feb. 18, 2024 - Birmingham, UK @ O2 Institute Birmingham Feb. 19, 2024 - Norwich, UK @ LCR UEA Feb. 21, 2024 - Liverpool, UK @ O2 Academy Liverpool Feb. 22, 2024 - Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK @ NX Feb. 23, 2024 - Glasgow, UK @ Barrowland Ballroom Feb. 24, 2024 - Edinburgh, UK @ Liquid Rooms Feb. 26, 2024 - Cardiff, UK @ Cardiff University Great Hall Feb. 27, 2024 - Manchester, UK @ Manchester Academy Read More Slowdive Shoegaze band Slowdive are currently on a reunion tour, stopping by Minneapolis' Fine Line Music Cafe, after being absent from the city in twenty-two years! .... Drab Majesty “Intergalactic duo” Drab Majesty is headlining the Fine Line Music Café on August 20. Their latest album Modern Mirror is out now. …

British shoegazing band Slowdive headlined the Palace Theatre in St Paul last night (Oct 4).

Riviera Theatre, Chicago (03 Oct 2023) Setlist (03 Oct 2023)

The day before, the band was in Chicago, Illinois, which shoegazing fan Jennifer Juniper happily attended. She sent in the setlist photo, and based on St Paul’s setlist, I believe Slowdive is playing the same set every night. This makes sense, because each song requires a specialized custom video (specially designed for each song), with timing and such, you don’t want to make drastic changes every night.

The fanbase for Slowdive seemed to have gotten younger, which is surprising and refreshing, as their original fans are aging out. Jennifer confirmed it as much, as I stood between a young fan in his twenties and a guy in his 40s, just to paint a picture of the generational makeup of the audience. This is great news, as Slowdive, once almost forgotten, have really made a nice comeback since reforming in 2014.

At the Chicago show, Jennifer mentioned that, “they messed up on The Slab and said they were going to start over but decided against it and went to the last one. Neil [Halstead] said it was a ‘new one’ as the excuse. So we really only got 30 seconds of that song.”

Apparently, the band had to make a fast break make that six plus hour drive to St Paul, so they must have left Chicago as soon as they could, which Jennifer adds, “There were a bunch of people hanging around after the show with aftershow stickers on, but the band must have left pretty early get to Minnesota.”

Based on Jennifer’s description, it sounded like there was little change from Chicago to St Paul. I would add that unlike the Chicago show, Slowdive played the entire “The Slab” song. All the old songs, such as “Alison” had very positive responses from the audience.

The new songs off of the new album Everything Is Alive, such as the “Shanty” song that kicked off their set, sounded good, and it’s something new from this late 80s/early 90s band.

Drab Majestic (Deb Demure and Andrew Clinco) was the support for all the entire 2023 USA tour. They were dressed in suits with wigs and metallic face paints. I thought they sounded really good, mixing in dance beats of Manchester baggy sound, but walking that galactic soundscape of shoegazing music.

Highlight of their set was featuring Rachel Goswell on their track, “Vanity”.

Drab Majestic’s latest mini album, An Object in Motion is out now on Dais Records.

Drab Majesty

Drab Majesty (with Rachel Goswell) Drab Majesty Drab Majesty

Slowdive

Slowdive Slowdive Slowdive

Slowdive at Palace Theatre, St Paul (04 Oct 2023)

vu ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

We♥KC! May 24-31, 2023, Upcoming concerts/shows (Kansas City / Lawrence KS)

shame 2023 Tour poster Read More Shame It’s a shame, but London’s Shame had to cancel their appearance. They were replaced by U.S. Girls, who said, “We’re the best replacement you'll ever get.” …

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City/ Lawrence / Topeka KS metro musical happenings from May 24th-31st. Have a good Memorial weekend!

WEDNESDAY MAY 24

THURSDAY MAY 25

The Mavericks, May 25-27, Knuckleheads. $49.50-$74.50

Bueno, Bueno! Widely respected as one of the most dynamic live music bands in the country, The Mavericks return with an added multi-cultural/bilingual energy added to their musical melting pot. The genre-bending band puts their unique spin on Latin American music classics as heard on their acclaimed Spanish language album "En Español,” as well as new originals, and many of their longtime fan favorite greatest hits in this multi-night area stand.

Cirque du Soleil- Corteo, May 25-28, T-Mobile Center, $87-$230

Returning to town with an in-the-round dazzling show that first premiered in Montreal in 2005. Corteo, means "cortege" in Italian, a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.

The clown pictures his own funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere, watched over by quietly caring angels. Juxtaposing the large with the small, the ridiculous with the tragic and the magic of perfection with the charm of imperfection, the show highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate the portion of humanity that is within each of us.

FRIDAY MAY 26

Chicago, Starlight. $39.50-$129.50

The longtime band is still regularly on the road and also releases new records with last year’s Chicago XXXVIII: Born for This Moment being their latest. With its 38 studio albums and more than 100 million records sold, Chicago is one of the longest-running and best-selling music groups of all time.

This "rock and roll band with horns" found success with their original sound of pop and rock fusion, including hits "Make Me Smile," "Saturday In The Park," "25 or 6 to 4," "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?," and many more.

Les Claypool's Frog Brigade (performing Pink Floyd- Animals), GrindersKC, $45-$201.

After twenty years, Claypool recently resurrected his group the Fearless Flying Frog Brigade for a tour this spring and summer and much like Primus covering Rush during their recent shows, the band will be performing Pink Floyd's 1977 seminal album, Animals, each night on tour.

The band will feature Sean Lennon on guitar, Harry Waters on keys, and Paolo Baldi on drums, along with longtime cohorts Skerik on saxophone, and Mike Dillon on percussion. In 2020, Claypool reissued the 2001 album Live Frogs as Live Frogs: Set 1 & 2, which also includes a full performance of Animals recorded October 8–9 of 2000 shows in San Francisco.

SATURDAY MAY 27

shame w/ Been Stellar, Bottleneck- Lawrence, $20

The rising London post-punk band has returned with their third full-length, Food for Worms, which just came out at the end of last month. Three buzzing singles were released beforehand, doing exceptionally well on the other side of the pond, “Fingers of Steel", "Six-Pack" and "Adderall".

After they missed Rock the Garden in 2018, we finally caught the band live, last summer headlining in Minneapolis. They've been busy touring the UK and Europe, so are ready to hit our shores with a bang.

NYC indie five-piece Been Stellar will provide support, in support of last August's self-titled EP.)

SUNDAY MAY 28

Hammerfall, Granada. $25

The Swedish metallers return to these shores in support of 2022’s Hammer of Dawn, "We can't wait to be back and celebrate our new album with our fans in the U.S. and Canada!" said Helloween vocalist Andi Deris.

"Hammerfall will accompany Helloween on their North American tour next year!" added Hammerfall. "The highly successful 'United Forces' tour will continue across the ocean in May and June, serving as the perfect prelude to the summer. You asked for it so here we go!"

MONDAY MAY 29

TUESDAY MAY 30

The Bros Landreth, Knuckleheads, $20

Canadian sibling duo The Bros. Landreth welcome a new day with Come Morning, an album that marks both a rebirth and refinement of the JUNO-winning band's blend of North American roots music and harmony-heavy soul.

Brothers Joey and Dave lace their melody-driven songs with layers of atmospheric synth, organ, and textured guitar. Come Morning sketches a markedly different picture, showcasing the introspection and clarity that comes with a long period of rest.

Aladdin (musical), May 30-June 4, Music Hall, $35-$125

From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of Aladdin, a thrilling new production filled with beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s the theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.

Aladdin features all your favorite songs from the Disney film versions as well as new music written by Tony® and Academy Award® winner Alan Menken with lyrics penned by the legendary Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast), Tony Award winner Tim Rice (The Lion King, Aida), and book writer Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer).

Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Something Rotten!), this new musical boasts an incomparable design team, with sets, costumes and lighting from Tony Award winners Bob Crowley (Mary Poppins), Gregg Barnes (Kinky Boots), and Natasha Katz (An American in Paris).

The Wailers, Bottleneck. $23

The legendary reggae band is hitting the road on tour, continuing the magic of their timeless classics and incredible cuts from Bob Marley‘s vast repertoire under the guidance of Aston Barrett Jr. and featuring the addition of vocalist Mitchell Brunings.

The Wailers are also working on a new album, which is set to be released in the second half of 2023. Produced by Emilio Estefan, the album promises to be some fresh takes on the band’s classic sound.

In 2020, they made a comeback with album, “One World“, which earned a Grammy® nomination for Best Reggae Album.

WEDNESDAY MAY 31

Drain, Bottleneck. $25

One of the most buzzing bands in hardcore right now, known for high-intensity live shows, the Santa Cruz trio is headlining the 2023 edition of the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour, celebrating their anticipated sophomore album, Living Proof (out via Epitaph Records).

john c ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Zebra w/Donnie Vie at Arcada Theatre, St. Charles, IL (2023-04-08) live review

ZEBRA Poster ZEBRA SETLIST As I Said Before No Tellin' Lies When You Get There                                                                                                        ZEBRA album Tell Me What You Want One More Chance Slow Down (Larry Williams cover) As I Said Before Who's Behind the Door Take Your Fingers From My Hair Don't Walk Away The La La Song > Guy Gelso drum solo / “Happy Birthday” to Felix Riverside Lullaby Wait Until the Summer's Gone Arabian Nights Bears He's Makin' You the Fool Encore: About to Make the Time Light of My Love Zebra setlist DONNIE VIE SETLIST New Thing (Enuff Z’Nuff song) Plain Jane I Could Save the World Tender Lights Baby Loves You (Enuff Z’Nuff song) Fly I'll Surrender Whatever Back From the Blue Fly High Michelle (Enuff Z’Nuff song) Revolution (The Beatles cover) ZEBRA Tour Dates April 14 – The Landis Theater, Vineland NJ April 15 – The Space, Westbury NY May 17 – The Wildey Theater, Edwardsville IL May 19 – The Sanctuary, McKinney TX June 01 – The Van Buren, Phoenix AZ June 02 – Counts Vamp'd, Las Vegas NV June 03 – Whisky A Go Go, Hollywood CA June 17 – House of Blues, Houston TX Nov 18 – House of Blues, New Orleans LA Read More Zebra  In March 1983, rock trio ZEBRA (Randy Jackson, Felix Hanemann and Guy Gelso) released its acclaimed self-titled debut album on Atlantic Records,

Easter weekend in the Chicagoland western suburbs wasn’t highlighted by a bunny, but instead by a zebra--

Make that Zebra, as in the classic rock band returning to the area on its 40^th Anniversary Tour, to the familiar confines of the venerable Arcada Theatre in St Charles, IL for a rousing Saturday night show.

===

The evening got underway with an opening set of just less than an hour, from Donnie Vie, best-known as the voice of 80’s power pop rockers, Enuff Z’Nuff, in support of his latest full-length, 2019’s Beautiful Things, which he more recently reissued after buying back the rights to his own catalog.

The Grammy-nominated singer recently turned fifty-nine and seems to be rejuvenated by playing with a younger band (most half his age or more). His solo sound is similar to his former band’s melodic power pop with its Beatles influence and dash of vintage psychedelia, but he opened with an Enuff Z’Nuff classic, in case you weren’t sure who he was (and also despite any legal warnings he can’t perform those band songs anymore).

“Fly” featured some touching keyboard work from Alton Smith, and Vie dedicated the ballad to those that helped him conquer his addictions and put his life back on the right track. The set would end with a bang- first, the biggest song by his ex-band, the still trippy “Fly High Michelle” then a storming cover of The Beatles’ “Revolution”, a song Vie said he wished he wrote and that he said was even more poignant today.

===

After a brief set change, it was time for live set over forty years in the making- Louisiana/Long Island power-rock trio Zebra first released their Atlantic Records self-titled debut album in March of 1983, and have returned to the road to celebrate the 40^th Anniversary of that major label beginning.

They amazingly have kept fully intact with the same three original members ((Randy Jackson,- vocals, guitars; Felix Hanemann- bass, keys, vocals; and Guy Gelso- drums, vocals) and Jackson continues to defy age and all vocal logic (similar contemporaries and even his idol Robert Plant, have all adjusted their live songs down into a lower key range to accommodate, but not here).

Jackson still can hit high notes most half his years couldn’t attain, and the band still has more than enough collective stamina to put on an entertaining and musically impressive two-hour set.

A threesome since 1975, there was some obvious unspoken shorthand between the members as they decided what other songs would fill out the rough setlist (see pic) and the Chicagoland faithful still embraced them as loyally as they did when the band shared the bill with Sammy Hagar in that summer of 1983, playing Solider Field (no less!), as part of ChicagoFest.

From the opening notes of “As I Said Before” fans leapt from their seats, but were also a little confused, as that song is midway (or the start of Side 2 on vinyl) on their first album, and it was followed by a blistering “No Tellin’ Lies”, which is the title track of their second album.

“How many of you thought we were playing the first album in sequence”? Jackson quipped as everyone cheered, “...that was false advertising!” he exclaimed. “...We’re gonna do it now” Jackson gave in to rising cheers, as radio hit and album opener, “Tell Me What You Want” fired up.

After a driving “One More Chance” and chugging “Slow Down”, the album sequence called out for... “As I Said Before”. “...We haven’t done it in a while”, Jackson said, knowing they opened the night with it, “We did it in soundcheck too!”, Hanemann laughingly replied, so the band (ahem, as they said before...) turned up the volume for the song’s third play of the day, with the crowd in on the joke and enjoying it, even more than previous.

Jackson switched to a 12-string guitar and sat strumming for the band’s biggest hit and first single, “Who’s Behind the Door”, still an epic track that mimics the best Zeppelin songs that start acoustically then balloon into electric greatness.

With “When You Get There” already played, Jackson strapping on a dual-neck guitar signaled the arrival of “Take Your Fingers From my Hair”, highlighted by a shredding tour-de-force that just isn’t seen by the likes of any recent bands. A melodic “Don’t Walk Away” and the sing-along of “The La La Song” would wrap up playing the record live, book-ended by a skilled and noteworthy Gelso drum solo.

All three would harmonize on the 1984 shoulda-been-a-hit ballad, “Lullaby” and “Wait Until the Summer’s Gone:” from that same second album, found Jackson hitting maybe his highest notes of the set. “Arabian Nights” is the lead track from their return 4^th album, and after repeated shouts for “Bears” (it is Chicago, after all) the band gave in, with woos and cheers in return.

“He’s Makin’ You the Fool” from the third album would wrap the main set, and the trio returned with a two-song encore to please the loyal fans with the later-period deeper cuts, “About to Make the Time” and “Light of My Love”, the latter finding Jackson singing, “Don't try to tell me that you're leaving, don't try to tell me it's so hard “- something no doubt fans were thinking, sensing it was the end of the night.

Forty years can go by in the blink of an eye, with music as the soundtrack of one’s life, and for the diehard as well as the casual fan, we’re all highly fortunate that Zebra remains together- both musically bringing back memories of a simpler time and creating new memories along the way. Their 40^th Anniversary Tour resumes this weekend on the East Coast and shouldn’t be missed.

 (Click on any image to enlarge and see in full) Thanks to Dave Rothstein at Loaded Touring for the hospitality.

ZEBRA

RANDY JACKSON

FELIX HANEMANN

GUY GELSO

ZEBRA

FELIX HANEMANN

ZEBRA

RANDY JACKSON

DONNIE VIE

DONNIE VIE

DONNIE VIE

DONNIE VIE

john c ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

We♥Comics - Comic Conventions 2022

Planet Comicon Kansas City (April 22-24) Read More Planet ComiCon Crowds in the thousands flocked to Bartle Hall in downtown Kansas City over the weekend to attend the three-day Planet Comicon Kansas City, the region’s largest and longest-running comic and pop …

Like concerts, comic conventions are back in full force-

Many of the largest shows were forced to take the last two years off, or pivot to online and/or smaller-scale shows, but everything seems back to in-person and “normal” this year.

Here are a few of the major shows scheduled for 2022:

Planet Comicon Kansas City (April 22-24)

(tickets: Planet Comicon Kansas City 2022 :: GROWTix)

The season’s first big show is this weekend’s massive Midwest gathering at Bartle Hall in downtown Kansas City.  Celeb guests include Ralph Macchio, several of the Legends of Tomorrow cast, Mythbusters’ Adam Savage, and wrestlers Sgt. Slaughter, Booker T, and Jerry Lawler.

Comic creators attending include writers Garth Ennis, Matt Kindt, and KC’s Jason Aaron, Patrick Gleason, John Romita, Jr., Skottie Young, Howard Chaykin, and many more.

Additionally, the Liberty Bell 7, the capsule from a 1960 Mercury space mission will be a first of its kind display, on loan from the Kansas Cosmosphere. 

Megacon Orlando (May 22-24)

Megacon Orlando (May 22-24)

(tickets: Buy Tickets | MEGACON Orlando (fanexpohq.com))

Fan Expo runs this and many other shows around the country, including all the former WizardWorld conventions.  Because Orlando is a large tourist destination, flights and lodging are plentiful, there’s plenty else to do and see, and the show gets many guests you won’t see elsewhere. 

Celebs include Brendan Fraser, John Cleese, the casts of Cobra Kai, Lord of the Rings, Clerks, Trailer Park Boys, and The Mandalorian.

Comic creators include Frank Miller, Greg Capullo, Donny Cates, Marc Silvestri, Tom King and Humberto Ramos, as well as many revered cover artists, several from overseas making rare US appearances- Francesco Mattina, Artgerm, Inhyuk Lee, Marco Mastrazzo, David Nakayama, and dozens more.

Heroes Con Charlotte (June 24-26)

Heroes Con Charlotte (June 24-26)

(tickets: HEROESCON 2022 :: 3-DAY ADVANCE PASS Tickets, Fri, Jun 24, 2022 at 10:30 AM | Eventbrite)

This show has a rich forty year history and is considered one of the most comic-centric and fan-friendly shows in the country.  Most creators love to attend this one, and we had great fun being there, just over ten years ago. 

Celeb guests: none! This is a real old-school comic convention!

Creators attending include Jim Starlin, Jim Steranko, Charles Vess, Lee Weeks, Roy Thomas, Klaus Janson, Tony Harris, Chris Claremont, and numerous others.

Comic Con International: San Diego (July 21-24)

Comic Con International: San Diego (July 21-24)

(tickets: Badge Info | Comic-Con International: San Diego)

The 800lb gorilla! The Big One!  This is the show that everyone talks about, though it’s become more of an entertainment and pop culture outlet, than pure comic book-related show.  World premiere screenings, A-list surprise appearances, and large scale studio booths are just some of what’s in store. 

Tickets require a badge registration and sometimes complicated process to acquire, hotels can often be sold out a year+ in advance, and an official guest list has yet to be announced, not that it really matters much. 

C2E2 Chicago (August 5-7)

C2E2 Chicago (August 5-7)

(tickets: Tickets (c2e2.com)

Held at McCormick Place, this Reed Pop-run show immediately became a “must-go” on the convention scene.  As it’s still over three months away, expect the guest list to firm up closer-to, and being off downtown Chicago, entertainment, lodging, and restaurant options are plentiful.  There’s also a Prince immersive exhibit coming to Michigan Avenue, that seems worth a look, if in town. 

Creators scheduled to attend include Jonathan Hickman, Donny Cates, Tony Daniel, Ryan Stegman, Ryan Ottley, and Kyle Higgins.

Emerald City Comic Con – Seattle (August 18-21)

Emerald City Comic Con – Seattle (August 18-21)

(tickets: Tickets for Emerald City Comic Con 2022 in Seattle from ShowClix)

Since its humble beginnings in 2003, this downtown Seattle show has grown by leaps and bounds in the last two decades, having been acquired by Reed Pop in 2015.  As so many comic creators have located to the Pacific Northwest area, it’s a chance to see them here in-person, as well as explore the many sights and sounds this metro has to offer. 

Creators scheduled to appear include Chris Claremont, Steve Orlando, Mike Del Mundo, and Jonathan Hickman, with dozens more yet to announce.

Celebs will include popular ex-Dr Who actor David Tennant. 

New York Comic Con (October 6-9)

New York Comic Con (October 6-9)

( tickets: Tickets (newyorkcomiccon.com))

Another huge convention held at the sprawling Javits Center on Manhattan’s West Side, this is another well-run Reed Pop show that often features many older classic comic creators as well as newer ones and entertainment guests.  Because most comic studios were NYC-based back in the glory years, many of those creators still live in the area and make appearances. 

Guest lists have yet to be revealed, but expect plenty of A-List names in all categories. 

Lucca Comics and Games – Lucca, IT (October 28-November 1)

Lucca Comics and Games – Lucca, IT (October 28-November 1)

(tickets: Lucca Comics & Games - Molto più di un festival (luccacomicsandgames.com))

Europe’s biggest show and second largest in the world (after Tokyo’s Comiket), this show has been held since 1966 and is known for their international awards of distinction (Yellow Kid Award, Gran Guinigi, etc) as well as the convention itself, which should draw some 300,000 attendees. 

Creators usually include a wide selection of international artists as well as some familiar North American faces, and the games portion of the convention is strong as well.  Plus, it’s Italy!

 

john ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Scummer Slam 2017 at Chicago, Illinois (26 August 2017)

Read More Monica LaPlante Local musician Monica LaPlante opened up the show, fifteen minutes fashionably late. The band was in the Halloween spirit, dressing up as a reverse Robert Palmer and his voluptuous band. . ....

Jimi went to the Scummer Slam 2017 show in Chicago, Illinois.

The free (donation) show created by Bric A Brac Records and East Room, and brings together 9 bands from all over the USA (Monica LaPlante represented Minneapolis) ... and one South African band (Make-Overs). Unfortunately, due to Visa issues, KO could not make it to the show.

Food trucks and vendors included Altos Tequila, Corona, Modelo, Red Bull, Topo Chico, and Jameson.

Shortly after the Make-Overs’ set, the weather forced the remainder of the show to move indoors.

Lineup:

Gentleman John Battles DJ 12:00

Spodee Boy 1:15

Geezers Senior 2:00

DRAG 2:45

Monica LaPlante 3:30

Erik Nervous 4:15

DANA 5:00

No Men 5:45

Make-Overs 6:30

Aquarian Blood 7:15

Okmoniks 8:00

Note: Gentleman John Battles DJ played songs between bands

Monica LaPlante

Drag

No Men

Okmoniks

Make-Overs at Scummer Slam 2017, Chicago, Illinois (26 August 2017)

jimi ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Lush at Vic Theatre, Chicago (18 Sep 2016) (Updated)

Lush Setlist     intro music: Undertow (Spooky Remix) De-Luxe Breeze Kiss Chase Hypocrite Lovelife Thoughtforms Light From a Dead Star Desire Line Lit Up Scarlet Etheriel Undertow For Love Out of Control Ladykillers Downer Sweetness and Light -- Encore -- Lost Boy Nothing Natural Leaves Me Cold -- Encore 2 -- Monochrome Tamaryn Setlist I Won't Be Found Hands All Over Me Sugar Fix Cranekiss Softcore Fade Away Slow Intruder (Waking You Up) Tour Dates 11/03/16 Iceland Airwaves Festival 2016 11/05/16 Rolling Stone Weekender Festival 2016 11/25/16 Manchester @ Academy Read More Lush I have mentioned this at various time, I was more of the Britpop-sounding Lush vs their early shoegazing beginning. That doesn't mean I don't occasional enjoy listening to Gala or Spooky … Tamaryn Tamaryn (born in New Zealand, currently based out of San Francisco) has a single and video is called "Heavenly Bodies." The track is taken from her new album, Tender New Signs ...

Lush at Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles (25 Sep 2016) photo: Mark

Shoegazing band Lush just played the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles last night. Mark sent in the photo and noted that their setlist was the same as their appearance at the Vic Theatre (aka the Victoria Theatre) in Chicago, Illinois.

Today, Lush will be playing their first US radio session in 20 years at KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic which will be streamed live at kcrw.com, so tune in.

Now that all the current news about Lush is out of the way, let us reflect back at their Chicago appearance last week.

Just to give you a little background, I got into Lush before the Internet existed, early 90s with the video for ‘De-Luxe’. By the time I saw the ‘For Love’ music video on 120 Minutes, I had rushed out to the (now-defunct) Wherehouse Music Store to buy Spooky. The band was a bit of a mystery to me (remember, this was before the internet), and we learned what I could through Melody Maker, Select, and NME.

By 1994, Lush seemed to have moved away from their shoegazing/dreampop sound to a poppier-sound, fitting in quite well with the Britpop scene. It was around this time that I caught the band at Fillmore in San Francisco in 1994 (with a new band called Weezer as opener).

In two short years, we would find out that their drummer, Chris Acland had committed suicide... and the band was no more.

In the 20+ years that followed, I’ve had a private relationship with Lush on headphones and listening to their album. I’ve made playlists, I’ve tried to collect all the b-sides, etc. I knew almost all of their recorded material, so hearing that the band recorded new music for 2016... it was both exciting and scary. Spoiler alert, the new songs are just as good, so you don’t have to worry too much.

With a limited touring schedule (the band has work and duties and could only tour when they all use up their vacation time at the same time), I knew I had to take off some days to make the long drive to Chicago to see the band again.

We’ve never been to the Vic before, so we showed up early. Even at 30 minutes before the venue open, there was already a long line that wrapped around the side of the building. With everyone getting the pat down treatment, it did take longer than usual to get inside. Apparently, men outnumbered the women at this show, as there were no waiting for the women’s line... and at the end of the Lush show, all their men’s shirts sold out.

Once inside, we found a good spot. The way the Vic is setup, it seemed like there used to be seats on the standing dance floor. As you move back there were raised platforms, so viewing the stage from the back was just as good as being in the front.

Tamaryn

Opening up the sold-out show was New York's Tamaryn. We previously the band 2012 and noted just how shoegazing the band sounded.... And it made sense to have them open up for Lush on most of their U.S. tour dates. Clearly, based on their music, Tamaryn's main influence was early Lush songs.

The band, named after its singer's name Tamaryn, played a 35-min set without ever speaking between songs. Compared to the last time I saw Tamaryn, their performance was pretty much how I remembered them: “Singer Tamaryn spent most of the time with hair in her face, introspective-like... but once in a while, she does break out some dance moves!”

Tamaryn came on stage dressed in a Ellesse sweatshirt, but it did come off during ‘Cranekiss’, because of her passionate dance routine. They won over some of the audience, but because they never introduced themselves, everyone was asking who was that band?

I was surprised just how great Lush sounded after all these years. Sure, I have complained a little when they sped up many of their songs for their live shows, but I understand that they have to keep it fresh.

Again, while I privately enjoyed Lush’s music in the last 20 years by myself... it certainly felt weird to share the same love as all the other 1,400 fans at the show.

I thought their setlist was good, choosing to showcase the two music style of Miki & Emma. To me, the Emma songs were the melodic shoegazing ones (examples ‘Sweetness and Light’ and ‘Thoughtforms’), while Miki’s songs were always upbeat (examples ‘Hypocrite’ and fan-favorite ‘Ladykillers’).

After switching to a pre-tuned guitar for ‘Hypocrite’, Miki asked the audience to mind the person behind them when they film them on their phone. She explained that she once spent a whole gig behind someone who held up their phone the whole time.

All of the singles got the biggest cheers - including ‘For Love’ and ‘Ladykillers’. The latter, Miki announced, “You guys might like this one...” Of course we did.

Elastica’s drummer Justin Welch fit in really well with the band. He was generally really good, songs like ‘Undertow’ and ‘Sweetness and Light’ got new life with the way Welch played on the songs.

We’re really happy to see Lush is back together. Hopefully, next time they’ll play somewhere closer to us.

Tamaryn

Lush Setlist

Lush Autographs

Phil King

Miki Berenyi

Lush at Vic Theatre, Chicago (18 September 2016)

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ podcast.weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Wizard World Chicago Comic Con - Sunday re-cap (24 Aug 2014)

Photo Gallery Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan Stan Lee Stan Lee (2) Stan Lee (3) Remaining Wizard World 2014 Schedule September 12-14 – Wizard World Richmond September 26-28 – Wizard World Nashville October 2-4 – Wizard World Austin October 31-November 2 – Wizard World Ohio November 7-9 – Wizard World Tulsa November 21-23 – Wizard World Reno Read More Wizard World Comic book, movie, sci-fi, horror, and pop culture fans will again converge in the Midwest as next weekend’s Wizard World Chicago Comic Con takes over the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in suburban Rosemont, IL. …

Sunday at a major city comic convention is usually a “crowd hangover day”, with things usually moving a little slower after the busy Saturday and that was also the case at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, held at the Donald J. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, just outside Chicago, over the weekend.

Crowd numbers are usually higher than Thurs/Fri, but less than Saturday’s numbers, dealers are more apt to negotiate pricing (as it’s the last day of the show), and there are usually some interesting panels and activities to attend.

Wizard World has also traditionally made Sunday a Kids’ Day, with free admission to youngsters accompanying a paying adult, and more kid-centric activities, to appeal to the younger set.

Panels of the day included:

• One-On-One with Stan Lee
• On the Battlefield with Marvel’s Falcon And Winter Soldier (w/ Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Falcon) and Sebastian Stan (Bucky/The Winter Soldier)
• One-On-One With Elvira (aka Cassandra Peterson)
• Marvel Portfolio Review
• How to Write Comics with Marv Wolfman, Dan Mishkin, and Danny Fingeroth
• Inside X-Men: Days Of Future Past with Evan (Quicksilver) Peters, Shawn (Iceman) Ashmore and Booboo (Warpath) Stewart
• Mystery Science Theater w/ Joel Hodgson
• How to Color Comics
• Leonard Nimoy Panel (Via Skype)

John Barrowman's panel was re-scheduled for this day and there were also two off-site, additional admission events:

• Meet The Doctor: Matt Smith & Karen Gillan
• Star Trek: The Next Generation Reunion Event

Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Falcon) and Sebastian Stan (Bucky/The Winter Soldier) spoke to a filled upstairs ballroom, reciting tales from their movie sets, showing off their comic book knowledge, and answering fans’ questions.  Mackie was hilarious and charismatic, like a young Will Smith, and Stan was gracious with all fans’ requests and comments.

Mackie was asked when he knew he was a star of the Marvel Universe and mentioned his first day on the set, when Falcon’s stunt double was 250 ft. in the air and asked to perform aerial acrobatics, thankful that it wasn’t him strapped up there.  Noting that in the comics, both characters have (or about to) assume the Captain America identity, Mackie was aware of Sam Wilson’s upcoming storyline, hilariously referring to him as “Brotha Cap”.

Stan was asked about his favorite scene from the movie and mentioned the classic battle on the highway, where the Winter Soldier catches Captain America’s shield.  He also answered questions on his previous roles in “Once Upon a Time” and “Kings” for the fans.

Marvel Comics Chairman Emeritus and Generalissimo, Stan Lee, held court earlier in the same room, to an enraptured audience of all ages, who stepped up to right and left microphones, to ask any question they wanted.  Though the 91-year old has a little less pep in his step and sone trouble with hearing, he was no less entertaining, nor less self-aggrandizing  or less funny, as he answered questions.

Lee was asked about Spider-Man’s religion and said he never thought it was his place to have that or politics, in the Marvel books.  Asked about his “Marvel style” writing, he would first send the artist a plot, then receive back the penciled pages, to insert caption copy and dialogue, writing a comic a day.

Lee confirmed an Inhumans movie was in development...

Lee confirmed an Inhumans movie was in development, and asked which of all his creations his favorite character was, he mentioned he loved them all and had no regrets, though Spider-Man was the most special to him.

Lee was also given a proclamation by the governor’s office on stage, declaring it “Stan Lee Weekend” throughout the state, which he was very pleased to receive.

Lee, like Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan, was challenged to do the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge on stage, and Wizard CEO John Macaluso, appeared with a clear bucket of ice water, but at the last second, turned to pour the water instead, on a tiny action figure of Lee.  Keeping with tradition, Lee nominated three others to do the challenge- Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong-Il.

With that, some discounted merchandise, and a fistful of comics in hand, another Wizard World Comic Con had come to an end in Chicago, but fear not; they have remaining shows elsewhere in the country still this year, and plan to be back in Chicago next August.

Stan Lee at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con (24 Aug 2014)

john ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com

Wizard World Chicago Comic Con - Saturday re-cap (23 Aug 2014)

Photo Gallery Cosplay: SHIELD Agent and Spider-Man Cosplay: Ninjas Cosplay: Wonder Woman and Doomsday Cosplay: Transformers Cosplay: Starcraft Cosplay: Halo Batman Tumbler Makeup Gotham Panel Artist Panel Kevn Conroy Panel Remaining Wizard World 2014 Schedule September 12-14 – Wizard World Richmond September 26-28 – Wizard World Nashville October 2-4 – Wizard World Austin October 31-November 2 – Wizard World Ohio November 7-9 – Wizard World Tulsa November 21-23 – Wizard World Reno Read More Wizard World Comic book, movie, sci-fi, horror, and pop culture fans will again converge in the Midwest as next weekend’s Wizard World Chicago Comic Con takes over the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in suburban Rosemont, IL. …

Saturday is typically the busiest day for a major city weekend comic convention, and that was no exception this Saturday at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, held at the Donald J. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, just outside Chicago.

Crowds were filling the aisles, ballrooms, and show floor most of the day, as a rumbling thunderstorm could be heard outside.  Dealers seemed busy, the major panel discussion rooms were full, and many of the celebrities that were appearing for only one of the days, were there on this day.

Panels of the day included:

• One-On-One With Erica Durance (Lois Lane On Smallville)
• No “Bones” About It: Karl Urban  (Star Trek, Star Trek- Into The Darkness, Dredd)
• 100 Years Of Super! Celebrating The 100th Birthdays Of Batman Co-Creator Bill Finger And Superman Creators Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster
• Gotham- First Episode Advance Screening
• Scorpion: Pilot Screening
• Superstar Artists: Leinil Yu, Kevin West, Mikey Babinski & Adelso Corona
• Under The Hood: Exploring Arrow With Katie Cassidy And Michael Jai White
• Meeting Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy
• Film:Con Presents Special Guest Kevin Conroy (Voice Artist For The Animated Batman)
• Bruce Campbell Versus The Audience

Karl Urban spun tales in his panel discussion about making a small film that Peter (Lord of the Rings) Jackson viewed and was cast from there, being blessed to be part of the Star Trek franchise, and pranks played on the movie sets.

Gotham is an upcoming Fox TV series (due out Sept 22) about the beginnings of Batman, his villains, a young Jim Gordon and the city that hosts them, and the first hour-long episode was stylish, smartly scripted, and introduced all the major characters. Following the screening, stars Camren Bicondova (Catwoman), Cory Michael Smith (Riddler), and Erin Richards (Gordon’s wife Barbara) appeared to great applause.

Scorpion, also due Sept 22, is a CBS TV series based on real-life IT genius hacker Walter O'Brien, who recruits other geniuses to help solve complex problems of the world.

The artists’ panel had slideshows and comments of selected works, some Q+A, then ended with fans shouting out answers, that the artists would live-draw on stage.

The Guardians of the Galaxy panel was expectedly packed beyond capacity and was one of the funniest of the weekend.  Michael (Yondu) Rooker and Dave (Drax) Bautista took to the stage to answer reated questions including how long it took to get into makeup (up to 4hrs), Rooker’s eating twiglets, Bautista’s workout plan to gain 20lbs of muscle, and the highlight was Rooker standing inside a large bucket, flailing his arms behind Bautista, as the two hilariously re-created the “dancing Groot” scene from the movie.

Kevin Conroy’s panel included discussion, Q+A, and a screening of the first Batman animated feature, Mask of the Phantasm (1993), with a focused discussion following.

Lines in the Media area were expectedly long, with the longest lines we witnessed being for Captain America: The Winter Soldier stars, Anthony (Falcon) Mackie and Sebastian (Bucky, Winter Soldier) Stan.

Look for Sunday coverage of the final day soon!

Wizard World Chicago Comic Con - Saturday Crowd (23 Aug 2014)

john ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com

Upcoming: Wizard World Chicago Comic Con (August 21-24)

Wizard World Chicago Comic Con show hours Thursday, August 21, 3-8 p.m. Friday, August 22, noon-7 p.m. Saturday, August 23, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, August 24, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Remaining Wizard World 2014 Schedule August 21-24 – Wizard World Chicago September 12-14 – Wizard World Richmond September 26-28 – Wizard World Nashville October 2-4 – Wizard World Austin October 31-November 2 – Wizard World Ohio November 7-9 – Wizard World Tulsa November 21-23 – Wizard World Reno Read More Wizard World Wizard World Minneapolis Comic Con Day Two was probably the best-attended show of the three day event (now, having seen the action on Sunday). Unfortunately, this Saturday fell right …

Comic book, movie, sci-fi, horror, and pop culture fans will again converge in the Midwest as next weekend’s Wizard World Chicago Comic Con takes over the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in suburban Rosemont, IL.

Among the numerous media celebrities slated to attend are David Boreanaz (“Bones,” “Angel”), Norman Reedus (“The Walking Dead,” Boondock Saints), Matt Smith and Karen Gillan (“Doctor Who,”), Katie Cassidy (“Arrow,” “Gossip Girl”), Patrick Stewart (X-Men, “Star Trek: TNG”) William Shatner (“Star Trek,” “T.J. Hooker”), Sebastian Stan (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, “Once Upon a Time”), Anthony Mackie (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Million Dollar Baby), Bruce Campbell (Army of Darkness, Evil Dead), and James Marsters (“Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” “Torchwood”). 

Comic book fans can look forward to a lineup headed by industry legend and generalissmo Stan Lee, Neal Adams (“Batman,” “Green Lantern”), Leinil Yu (“Hulk,” “Wolverine”), Rafael Albuquerque (“Superboy,” “American Vampire”), Salvador Larroca (“Avengers vs. X-Men,” “Captain America”), Jim Cheung (“Iron Man,” “Fantastic Four”), Mike Zeck (“Spider-Man,” “Punisher”), Marv Wolfman (“DCU Online,” “Crisis on Infinite Earths”) among many others both in industry booths and within Artist Alley.

Wrestling fans can look forward to WWE® Superstars John Cena®, Batista™ and Bray Wyatt™, WWE® Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino™ and WWE® Diva Paige™.

Music fans will be happy at the chance to meet legendary Kiss drummer, Peter Criss.

Shopping, panel discussions, cosplayers, collectibles of all kinds, and much more await the several thousands of fans expected to attend during the weekend.

Wizard World Chicago Comic Con programming highlights include the following:

• “Star Trek: The Next Generation” Reunion Event, hosted by William Shatner and featuring Sir Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Levar Burton, Michael Dorn, Marina Sirtis, Brent Spiner and Gates McFadden (“Dr. Beverly Crusher”) (Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N River Rd., Sunday, 5 p.m. requires additional ticket) • “Arrow” stars Katie Cassidy and Michael Jai White in a discussion of all things Starling City (Sat., 5 p.m.); and “How to Survive a Killer TV Show” with Sarah Wayne Callies and Scott Wilson (Sun., noon) • FILM:CON Presents Special Guest Kevin Conroy, the animated voice of Batman, includes screening of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and discussion (Saturday, 6 p.m.) • Individual Q&A's with Josh Peck (Fri., 3 p.m.), J. August Richards (Fri., 4:30 p.m.), Erica Durance (Sat., noon), Jason David Frank (Sat., 3:30 p.m.), Nicole Behaire (“Sat., 4 p.m.), Peter Criss (Fri., 5 pm.), “Elvira” Cassandra Peterson (Sun., 1 p.m) and others. • Informative discussions with noted comics creators Marv Wolfman, Tom Richmond, Jason Yungbluth, Danny Fingeroth, Dan Mishkin, Alan J. Porter, Gillian Porter, Michael Golden, Jenn Blake, Leinil Yu, Kevin West and more • Screening of The Crow (Saturday, 7 p.m., preceded by 6:30 p.m. “Creating the Crow with James O'Barr”) as well as exclusive viewing of the pilot of “Scorpion” (Sat., 3 p.m.)

• Evening Events including “Wizard World Game Night” (Thurs., 8:30 p.m., Five Roses Pub, 5509 Park Place) (21+ only); “Creator Pro Am: Drink & Draw, (Fri., 8:30 p.m., Five Roses Pub) (21+ only); Wizard World After Party (Sat., 8:30 p.m., Hyatt Regency O’Hare, 9300 Bryn Mawr) (21+ only) • “Con Radio Live” with host Mo Lightning and Aaron Sagers, with special guest Joel Hodgson of Mystery Science Theater 3000 (Saturday, 4:30 p.m.) • Costume contests for adults (Saturday, 7:15 p.m.) and kids (Sunday, 2:30 p.m.), plus cosplay-themed sessions with featured cosplayer Eric “The Smoke” Moran and others • Wizard World Comic Con Film Festival, featuring selected shorts and music videos (Thurs., 3-8 p.m., Fri. noon-5 p.m., Sat., 10-11:30 a.m., Sun., 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) • Sci-Fi Speed Dating (Thurs., 5 p.m.; Fri., 2 p.m., 5 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m..; Sun., 11 a.m., 2 p.m.), 90-minute sessions • Kids Day (Sunday), with an array of kids and family activities, highlighted by the Half-Hour Of Power With The Green Power Ranger (1:45 p.m.)

W♥M will have "feet-on-the-ground" and provide you a daily re-cap of all the pop culture goings-on, at the show.

john ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com

Tegan and Sara at the Vic Theatre, Chicago (17-18 June 2014)

Set List – June 17 Goodbye, Goodbye I Couldn’t Be Your Friend I’m Not Your Hero I Was A Fool Now I’m All Messed Up Back In Your Head The Con Walking with a Ghost Monday Monday Monday On Directing I Know I Know I Know Sentimental Tune Alligator Where Does the Good Go? Living Room Shock To Your System How Come You Don’t Want Me Now? Drive Me Wild Closer -- Encore -- Love They Say Call It Off Let My Love Open The Door (Pete Townshend cover) Set List – June 18 Goodbye, Goodbye I Couldn’t Be Your Friend Back In Your Head The Con Walking with a Ghost Monday Monday Monday On Directing I Know I Know I Know I’m Not Your Hero I Was A Fool Now I’m All Messed Up Sentimental Tune Alligator Living Room Shock To Your System How Come You Don’t Want Me Now? Drive Me Wild Closer -- Encore -- Call It Off Let My Love Open The Door (Pete Townshend cover) Tour Dates 06/24 Hammerstein Ballroom - New York, NY 06/26 SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival 06/28 Meijer Gardens Amphitheater 07/03 RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest 07/06 Sasquatch - Quincy, WA 09/09 Rogers Arena - Vancouver, BC 09/10 Rogers Area - Vancouver, BC 09/12 Moda Center - Portland, OR 09/13 Tacoma Dome - Tacoma, WA 09/16 Honda Center - Anaheim, CA 09/17 Honda Center - Anaheim, CA 09/19 STAPLES Center - Los Angeles, CA 09/20 STAPLES Center - Los Angeles, CA 09/22 SAP Center - San Jose, CA 09/23 SAP Center - San Jose, CA 09/25 Jobing.com Arena - Glendale, AZ 09/26 MGM Grand Garden Arena - Las Vegas, NV 09/29 EnergySolutions Arena - Salt lake City, UT 09/30 Pepsi Center - Denver, CO 10/02 American Airlines Center - Dallas, TX 10/03 American Airlines Center - Dallas, TX 10/05 FedEx Forum - Memphis, TN 10/06 BOK Center - Tulsa, OK 10/08 New Orleans Arena - New Orleans, LA Read More Tegan & Sara Tegan and Sara are back with their "Let's Make Things Physical Tour." The last time we saw the Quin sisters at First Avenue last year, they played practically every song from their latest album Heartthrobs. …

A lot has changed in the world of Tegan and Sara Quin since they last played a headlining show in Chicago back in March, 2010.  At that time they were an indie band with a loyal cult following touring in support of the Chris Walla-produced Sainthood.  After Sainthood’s lackluster sales and tepid critical reception, it became apparent that the Quins were in danger of falling into a musical rut.  The way out, they realized, was through exploiting the pop sensibilities which were vividly apparent on Sainthood’s “Alligator”.  Working closely with Warner Bros. inventive marketing department, the Quins went back to the studio with pop producer Greg Kurstin and opened 2013 with the release of the polished radio-friendly Heartthrob and its either unbelievably catchy or unbelievably annoying first single “Closer” (I fall in the latter category).  With Warner determined to sell the girls as hip, lesbian older sisters to Taylor Swift and Katy Perry, Tegan and Sara were soon everywhere: performing on Ellen, having a version of “Closer” performed on Glee, appearing onstage with Taylor Swift, even recording an Oreo commercial.  They spent most of 2013 as a support act for The Killers and fun. and will end 2014 with a support slot on Katy Perry’s Prismatic tour.   They nearly swept the Canadian Juno Awards this year, winning the pop album, single, and group of the year awards.  By all accounts, it’s a triumphant time for the Quins.

Tegan

However, not everyone has been happy with this new direction.  In embracing the mainstream and courting a new audience, Tegan and Sara have risked alienating the core group of fans that sustained them over the course of the previous decade.  And sure enough a forum for “Recovering Tegan and Sara Fans” who have been heartbroken by what they see as a betrayal of the indie spirit has popped up on a lesbian chat board.    As someone who was initially dismayed by the pop sound of Heartthrob and finds the concept of my beloved Quins touring with the likes of Katy Perry disappointing, I get it.  After my dislike of “Closer,” I was braced to hate Heartthrob too.  However, my girlfriend knocked some sense into me when I expressed dismay about the new pop direction: “Yes, because they were so avant-garde before.”  Sure enough, a few listens to Heartthrob  and I realized that whether the backing track has a synth or an acoustic guitar, Tegan and Sara have always been about writing catchy pop songs.  Only now they’re getting a lot more radio play from them.

Sara

So as Tegan and Sara rode into Chicago for two headlining nights at The Vic I was curious to see how this dichotomy between the old-school T&S fans and the newer radio listeners would play out.  During the course of both shows, it was clear that the Quins were trying to please both their old and new fanbase, drawing songs equally from Heartthrob and their earlier releases.  In fact, they made sure to emphasize they were playing a string of “oldies” in the middle of the set for their core fanbase.  Several comments throughout the shows expressed appreciation for their fans regardless of whether “you just heard us recently or if you’ve been listening to us since If It Was You [2002]”.   In other words, Tegan and Sara know.  They know their new direction worries their old fans.  They know they’ve lost some fans over it.  And they want you to know that they know.  Change is hard, but really, this isn’t Bob Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival.  And as I viewed the audience reaction, I realized that the fans I’d pre-judged as ‘old skool’ were jumping around to ‘Closer’ and the fans I’d pre-judged as newbies were belting out the chorus to ‘Back in Your Head’ – and it was delightful to see such a unified, enthusiastic response.

“Enthusiastic” is almost an understatement.  My girlfriend remarked that she had never seen a show where the audience all sang along loudly with every word of every song.  In fact, during the crowd favorite ‘Call It Off’ (from 2007’s The Con), Tegan stood back and let the crowd handle the first verse without her help, a broad smile on her face.  Moments like this abounded, as the fans shouted along with “Now I’m All Messed Up” (“Go!  Go!!  Go if you want, I can stop you!!!”),  “The Con”  (“Encircle me, I need to be taken down!”), “Back in Your Head” (you know the chorus) or , perhaps most touchingly, ‘Shock To Your System’:  “What you are is lonely!”  I felt that catharsis that comes from communal moments like this:  the feeling that you’re sharing a very special moment with a group of strangers.  The only other act I’ve seen that I can compare to this level of audience connection is Morrissey.  The enthusiasm was so contagious that I even caught myself singing along and dancing to the hated “Closer”.  Damn those catchy Quins!

Sara on the keyboard

The strength of the songs is only one key to the appeal Tegan and Sara; their open, honest, and engaging personalities are perhaps an even bigger factor.  Tegan and Sara have long been known for their amusing onstage banters – and a brief search through You Tube will reveal a slew of adorable moments recorded by fans over the years.  Unfortunately, these two shows were light on banter (perhaps due to the 10:50 p.m. venue curfew), but during the first show Sara managed to fit in an amusing anecdote about an appearance during the So Jealous era (2004) where people were blowing up condoms and tossing them her way.  As a lesbian, Sara said, it was “like my first sexual experience” before she suggested to us that if we want to blow-up condoms and bat them at her, we should put a $20 bill in the condom first, because “I only appreciate condom balloons if there’s something in it for me, besides semen”.     Other endearingly human moments came when Sara flubbed a lyric and laughed it off and when Tegan interrupted the beginning of “Where Does the Good Go?” to confirm with Sara that she was playing the right chords.   Sara also confessed that listening to the amazing voice of Angelica Allen (of opener My Midnight Heart*) makes them consider whether they should really be vocalists.   These moments of frailty just make us love them all the more.

Tegan

Of course, there are minor complaints I can make about the setlist or the band member contributions, or even the less-than-compelling cover of Pete Townshend’s “Let My Love Open The Door” that capped the appearances, but to complain about such things seems ridiculously petty when considering the celebratory nature of the shows.  Sara talked about how during their early supporting gigs, they would often go back to their motel room and cry and fight when shows didn’t go well.  She had started applying for college, thinking that Tegan was a ridiculous dreamer for thinking they had a future in the music industry.   The fact that it is 2014 and the two girls from Calgary continue to produce great pop songs and perform them in front of an enthusiastic crowd that sings along with their every word – that’s something worth cheering about!

* And speaking of the openers, The Courtneys (whose drummer, Jen Payne, is Tegan and Sara’s cousin) started the shows with their fun garage punk-pop to an enthusiastic reception, before Angelica Allen of My Midnight Heart held us all in-thrall with her astounding stage presence and voice, though the rest of the band and the songs themselves don’t live up to her potential.  (“The rhythm section should enjoy the two weeks they have left with her,” said my girlfriend, implying that Angelica will be enjoying the fruits of a major label solo career soon.)

Tegan and Sara at the Vic Theatre, Chicago (17 June 2014)

angela ♥ weheartmusic.com

All photos were taken by Angela at the Vic Theatre, Chicago (17 June 2014)