W♥M

2020-2021 Shows

There’s no doubt about it, 2020 sucked, no thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic that banned all social gathering. You can see that the lock down kicked in early March 2020. Shows started happening again in July 2021.

GRAND TOTAL: 69 Shows



DECEMBER 2021 (1 Show)

• 12/15 Lindsey Buckingham at Uptown Theater, Kansas City

Lindsey Buckingham at Uptown Theater, Kansas City (2021-12-15)

NOVEMBER 2021 (4 Shows)

• 11/02 Moon Kissed at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis • 11/13 Bloomington Comic Expo at VFW Post, Bloomington

• 11/15 Julien Baker at Granada Theater, Lawrence • 11/21 lovelytheband at The Truman, Kansas City

Moon Kissed at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (2021-11-02)

OCTOBER 2021 (18 Shows)

• 10/01 Indigo De Souza at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis • 10/03 Middle Kids at Fine Line Music Cafe, Minneapolis • 10/05 Nation of Language at Turf Club, St Paul • 10/07 Idles at Palace Theatre, St Paul • 10/08 Backseat Lovers at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis • 10/09 Japanese Breakfast at Liberty Hall, Lawrence • 10/11 Black Midi at Fine Line Music Cafe, Minneapolis • 10/15 Madison Cunningham at Turf Club, St Paul • 10/19 100 Gecs at First Avenue, Minneapolis

• 10/20 Kiefer at Fine Line Music Cafe, Minneapolis • 10/21 I Am Kawehi at Turf Club, St Paul • 10/23 Weezer at Hasbro Pulse Con • 10/24 Liily at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis • 10/26 Bleachers at Fillmore, Minneapolis • 10/27 Dayglow at First Avenue, Minneapolis • 10/27 Tokyo Police Club at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis • 10/28 Dar Williams at Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis • 10/29 Michael Franti Trioat 8th & Mass Lawrence

Idles at Palace Theatre, St Paul (2021-10-07)

SEPTEMBER 2021 (15 Shows)

• 09/06 Minnesota State Fair 2021 • 09/09 Kathleen Edwards at Fine Line Music Cafe, Minneapolis • 09/12 Big Thief at Liberty Hall, Lawrence • 09/14 Durand Jones & The Indications at Fine Line, Minneapolis • 09/16 Kelly Lee Owens at Fine Line, Minneapolis • 09/17 Torres at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis • 09/18 Mdou Moctar at Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis

• 09/19 Japanese Breakfast at First Avenue, Minneapolis • 09/20 Algiers at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis • 09/20 Rufus Wainwright at Uptown Theater, Kansas City • 09/21 Parker Millsap at Turf Club, St Paul • 09/22 Glass Animals at Azura Amphitheater, Bonner Springs • 09/22 Heartless Bastards at Fine Line Music Cafe, Minneapolis • 09/25 ford. at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis • 09/25 Bob Mould Band at First Avenue, Minneapolis

Japanese Breakfast at First Avenue, Minneapolis (2021-09-19)

AUGUST 2021 (10 Shows)

• 08/07 Small Black at the 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis • 08/14 Free Comic Book Day 2021 • 08/14 Citizen Cope at Live on Mass, Lawrence • 08/20 Planet ComiCon at Bartle Hall, Kansas City • 08/21 Planet ComiCon at Bartle Hall, Kansas City

• 08/21 Nelson Devereaux and The RT’s at Turf Club, St Paul • 08/22 Modest Mouse at Armory, Minneapolis • 08/22 Planet ComiCon at Bartle Hall, Kansas City • 08/23 The Boxmasters at Jayhawk Theatre, Topeka • 08/27 Valley Maker at the 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis

Modest Mouse at Armory, Minneapolis (2021-08-22)

JULY 2021 (3 Shows)

• 07/08 Horsegirl at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis • 07/24 Fountain City Mini-Con at Community Center, Lenexa

• 07/27 Black Pistol Fire at Fine Line Music Cafe, Minneapolis

Horsegirl at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (08 Jul 2021)

MAY 2021 (2 Shows)

• 05/02 MN Toy Posse at Eagles 34, Minneapolis

• 05/15 Spring Fling Comic Book Show at Mermaid Entertainment & Event Center, Mounds View

Spring Fling Comic Book Show at Mermaid Entertainment & Event Center, Mounds View (15 May 2021)

OCTOBER 2020 (1 Show)

• 10/25 MN Toy Posse Halloween Bash IV at Everett McClay VFW Post 1296, Bloomington

MN Toy Posse Halloween Bash IV at Everett McClay VFW Post 1296, Bloomington (25 Oct 2020)

AUGUST 2020 (2 Shows)

• 08/02 MN Toy Posse at Eagles 34, Minneapolis

• 08/30 MN Toy Posse at Eagles 34, Minneapolis

MN Toy Posse at Eagles 34, Minneapolis (30 Aug 2020)

JULY 2020 (1 Show)

• 07/12 Summer Swap at Eagles 34, Minneapolis

Summer Swap at Eagles 34, Minneapolis (12 Jul 2020)

MARCH 2020 (5 Shows)

• 03/02 The Lone Bellow at Knuckleheads, Kansas City • 03/03 Wire at Fine Line Music Cafe, Minneapolis • 03/04 Nektar at recordBar, Kansas City

• 03/06 Glass Animals at recordBar, Kansas City • 03/08 Zack Villere at The Roxy, Los Angeles

Wire at Fine Line Music Cafe, Minneapolis (03 Mar 2020)

FEBRUARY 2020 (5 Shows)

• 02/15 Dirty Honey at Riot Room, Kansas City • 02/17 Poppy at Liberty Hall, Lawrence • 02/21 We Were Promised Jetpacks at recordBar, Kansas

• 02/28 Destroyer at Granada Theater, Lawrence • 02/29 Durand Jones and the Indications at Bottleneck, Lawrence

We Were Promised Jetpacks at recordBar, Kansas City (21 Feb 2020)

JANUARY 2020 (2 Shows)

• 01/21 Your Smith at Fine Line Music Cafe

• 01/27 Midge Ure at RecordBar, Kansas City

Midge Ure at Record Bar, Kansas City (27 Jan 2020)

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Looking Back: April 2016

Read More Kid Koala This is a book, completely written and drawn (with accompanying soundtrack) by Kid Koala, called "Nufonia Must Fall". It's a love story between a lonely office girl and an out-of-work robot. … Prince Vu and Langen talked about legendary music icon Prince’s final days and post-death celebrations. Prince’s Final Time Line … Låpsley Liverpool born, London-based Låpsley is on a USA tour (after Coachella, of course) in support of her debut album Long Way Home, via XL Recordings. ..… Hælos Haelos (stylized as Hælos) will be stopping by the 7th Street Entry on Saturday, April 9th, in support of their debut album Full Circle (Matador Records). The London-based trio …

Here is the wrap-up for last month: April 2016.

March and April are really good months for shows in the Minneapolis/St Paul area. This month, we’re up 36 shows, compared to 24 in March.

So, looking back at our 36 shows we covered:

Rising Artist Award goes to London’s Låpsley at 7th Street Entry (04/30). Lapsley may grow as big as Adele.

Buzz Award goes to Haelos at 7th Street Entry (04/09). Like Lapsley, incredible buzz for this London-based band.

Most Entertaining Award goes to Behemoth at Mill City Nights (04/30)... for dressing up in Satantist dress and makeup.

Local Artist Award goes to Har Mar Superstar at First Ave (04/08).

Best Dressed Award goes to Prince Rama at 7th Street Entry (04/07). These two sisters are dressed like they are from the 80s.

Once in a Life Time Award goes to Prince Block Party at First Avenue Block (04/21). When news of Prince’s death reached the internet at midday... fans all gathered at First Avenue for an unexpected block party, some six hours later. We’ll never forget what happened, it was pretty awesome to see some 8,000 people in one place.

Rarely Seen Award goes to Peter Murphy at Mill City Nights (04/12). The Gothfather rarely tours... this was a very rare opportunity to see Murphy in person.

Self-Destructive Award goes to Fat White Family at 7th Street Entry (04/26). Best show ever, despite the smoking, the drinking, and their lateness.

Show of the Month Award goes to Kid Koala at Walker Art Center (04/02) as part of the unique Liquid Music series. Kid Koala and company managed to create a film live via live puppetry, live soundtrack, and special effects. Simply amazing.

APRIL 2016 (36 Shows)

• 04/02 Kid Koala at Walker Art Center • 04/02 Between Buried & Me at Skyway • 04/03 MuteMath at First Ave • 04/03 Rocket Summer at Triple Rock • 04/04 Scale the Summit at Skyway • 04/05 Contortionist at Cabooze • 04/05 Sunflower Bean at 7th St • 04/05 Joy Formidable at First Ave • 04/06 Underoath at Skyway • 04/06 Alex G at 7th St • 04/07 San Fermin at Cedar • 04/07 Ra Ra Riot at Triple Rock • 04/07 Prince Rama at 7th St • 04/08 Geographer at Triple Rock • 04/08 Har Mar Superstar at First Ave • 04/09 Pig Destroyer at Triple Rock • 04/09 Haelos at 7th Street • 04/10 Autolux at Triple Rock

• 04/10 Smith Street Band at Nether • 04/10 Atlas Genius at Fine Line • 04/12 Wild Feathers at Varsity • 04/12 Peter Murphy at Mill City • 04/13 Sonny Knight at Lowertown • 04/16 Santigold at Mill City • 04/19 Matthew Logan Vasquez at 7th Street • 04/19 The Thermals at Turf Club • 04/21 Communion at 7th Street • 04/21 Prince Block Party • 04/23 The Subways at Triple Rock • 04/24 Napalm Death at First Ave • 04/25 Beach Slang at Triple Rock • 04/26 Fat White Family at 7th St • 04/26 Magic Man/Griswolds at Varsity • 04/27 Frightened Rabbit at Varsity • 04/30 Behemoth at Mill City Nights • 04/30 Låpsley at 7th Street

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

Looking Back: March 2016

Read More Meiko Just in time for Valentine's Day, Meiko's five-track EP Lovers & Fighters came out this week (February 10th). You can officially stream the EP over at meikomusic.com. … Marié Digby We previously announced The Hapa Tour (featuring co-headliners Meiko and Marié Digby) earlier in January 2016... and finally the tour will be making a stop at the Cedar Cultural Center this Monday, March 14th. … Lucius At their Rock the Garden show, Lucius previewed a new song (“Dusty Trails”), which just appeared on their latest album Good Grief. … Ty Segall Man, the last time I saw Ty Segall, we were on a boat and Redd Kross’ Steve Mcdonald was on bass! There was maybe about 100 people on the small boat, and it was pretty rad. You can read all about it here: NXNE 2011 (Saturday). …

Here is the wrap-up for last month: March 2016.

Officially, I’m out of winter hibernation ... and thanks to SXSW in Austin, Texas, we got a lot of bands booking Midwest tours. March and April are generally our favorite time of the year.

So, looking back at our 24 shows we covered:

Best Billing goes to the Meiko and Marie Digby at Cedar (03/14). Billed as “The Hapa Tour”, the concept behind this is that they are both Asian mixed.

Canadian Award goes to the Basia Bulat at Cedar Cultural Center (03/08). Like Basia Bulat’s previous appearance, she was quite happy and positively glowing.

Buzz Award goes to the Foxing at Triple Rock (03/04). Loads of young fans helped build up a massive Foxing fanbase in Minneapolis.

Most Entertaining Award goes to the Ty Segall at First Ave (03/09). Segall has been around for ages, but keeping it fresh, he re-invented himself as a giant man-baby. Very interesting...

Local Artist Award goes to Soul Asylum at Electric Fetus (03/25). The local band has been around for ages, but it’s always good to see them perform.

Best Dressed Award goes to Lucius at First Ave (03/23). They have capes!

Non Music Award goes to Daniel Clowes at Magers & Quinn (03/31).

MARCH 2016 (24 Shows)

• 03/01 Silverstein at Mill City • 03/03 Ringo Deathstarr at Turf Club • 03/04 Foxing at Triple Rock • 03/08 Great Good Fine OK at 7th • 03/08 Basia Bulat at Cedar • 03/09 B. Dolan at 7th St • 03/09 Ty Segall at First Ave • 03/09 Tortoise at Cedar • 03/10 Blanck Mass at 7th Street • 03/11 Radiation City at 7th St • 03/12 Protomartyr at 7th Street Entry • 03/14 Meiko/Marie Digby at the Cedar

• 03/15 Chelsea Grin at Amsterdam • 03/16 Freakwater at the Cedar • 03/18 Mest at Amsterdam Bar • 03/19 Brian Fallon at Varsity Theater • 03/19 Nuisance at Neisen's • 03/19 Bob Walkenhorst at Outtakes • 03/23 Lucius at First Ave • 03/23 Puscifer at Northrop • 03/25 Reflections at Fallout • 03/25 Soul Asylum at Electric Fetus • 03/26 Judah & The Lion at Varsity • 03/31 Daniel Clowes at Magers & Quinn

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

Looking Back: February 2016

Read More Poliça Minneapolis hometown favorites Poliça were just deemed “America’s Portishead” in Rolling Stone's review of the band’s sophomore album, Shulamith (Mom+Pop Records), but they’re so much more than that..… Banners Liverpool’s Banners, with Utah’s The Moth and the Flame, and California’s Pop Etc, will be on tour as part of the SiriusXM Presents Alt Nation Advanced Placement Tour. This is Banners’ very first USA tour, and it’s kicking .... Animal Collective Experimental band Animal Collective is back on tour; their latest Painting With is out this Friday on Domino Records. The extremely popular band has already sold out .…

Here is the wrap-up for last month: February 2016.

Again, the numbers aren’t that fantastic since I’m still on winter break... However, it’s been an uncommonly “warm” winter, that the snow actually washed away by February 26th, that is why we started covering shows again - particularly making it out for singer/songwriter Eleanor Friedberger at the end of February.

We’re hoping to cover about 30+ shows in March 2016 (thanks to SXSW), but for now, looking back at the 13 shows we covered:

Favorite Show of the Month Award goes to the Lowertown Line for putting together a free show for local favorites Polica, at Lowertown Line, St Paul (02/04). Upcoming free shows: Mar 10: The Cactus Blossoms, Apr 14: Sonny Knight & The Lakers, and May 12: Davina and the Vagabonds. Get free tickets via lowertownline.org.

Buzz Award goes to the SiriusXM Advance Placement Tour, featuring Banners, at Triple Rock Social Club (02/29). While these ‘emerging’ bands aren’t popular now, they’ll be big soon.

New Music goes to the Go 96.3 for promoting new music with their showcase, featuring Family of the Year, at Triple Rock Social Club (02/18).

Legendary Award goes to Animal Collective at First Ave (02/28). The experimental band is incredibly popular with the college kids, and one listen and you can see why.

FEBRUARY 2016 (13 Shows)

• 02/04 Polica at Lowertown • 02/06 Lizzo at First Ave • 02/06 Wet at 7th Street • 02/11 Godspeed You! at First Ave • 02/12 Prof at House of Rock • 02/17 Bullet For My Valentine at Myth

• 02/18 Go 96.3 at Skyway • 02/18 Communion at 7th St • 02/19 Sumerian 10 Year at Skyway • 02/26 Eleanor Friedberger at Turf Club • 02/28 Animal Collective at First Ave • 02/29 Advance Placement at Triple • 02/29 Blessthefall at Mill City

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

Looking Back: January 2016

Read More Babes in Toyland Since I love all-things Riot Grrrls, naturally I wanted to check out Babes in Toyland live. A little trivia, but the legendary Minneapolis band actually fired bassist Courtney Love in 1987. She, of course … Bully Opening up the show was Nashville's Bully, lead by singer Alicia Bognanno .... who revealed to us that she's actually from Minnesota. Although the band has been in Minneapolis a few times .... Morris Day From the current incarnation of Morris Day and the Time as well as rising songstress and Grammy winner Judith Hill, who had her debut album, last year’s Back in Time …

Here is the wrap-up for last month: January 2016.

I know it’s late, but let’s be honest, there really weren’t many shows we covered for the month of January. In fact, December to February (our current month) is pretty dead on account of my personal hibernation, but also bands aren’t really touring Minneapolis in the winter months (a smart move on their part).

I’ll never forget watching Ben Folds talk about his very first national tour and he made the mistake of booking Minneapolis in the Winter. What happened was there was a blizzard and they had to push Folds’ piano from the venue to their van... and ended up leaving it in the middle of the street. The band was so naïve about Minneapolis and snow that none of them wore heavy coats, and Folds described it as the harshest lesson he’s learned and since then, the band has never, ever come to Minneapolis in the Winter.

Trust me when I tell you that I’ve seen a lot of bands and for many who has never been to Minneapolis in the Winter (especially if they’re from a warmer area), they all say the same thing: Minneapolis is pretty darn cold. It’s also probably because many of these touring bands aren’t properly dressed.

Anyway, with that said, here are some highlights from January:

Buzz Award goes to the Bully at Fine Line (01/18). The Current loves her... and so does everyone else!

Come Back Award goes to Morris Day at Paisley Park (01/29). The last time The Time played was in 2001 - a 15 year absent!

First Time Award goes to Venom Inc at Turf Club (01/12). The band’s very first St Paul appearance, even though they’ve been around for at least 35 years.

Legendary Award goes to “local” Babes in Toyland at First Ave (01/30). Officially their first non-festival Minneapolis appearance... and it brought out all the local musicians and riot fans.

JANUARY 2016 (11 Shows)

• 01/10 Royal'z at Skyway • 01/12 Venom Inc at Turf Club • 01/18 Bully at Fine Line • 01/20 1349 at Triple Rock • 01/23 Lower Dens at 7th Street

• 01/27 Bayonne at 7th Street • 01/27 Josh Ritter at Pantages • 01/29 Morris Day at Paisley Park • 01/29 Decapitated at Skyway Theatre • 01/30 Babes in Toyland at First Ave • 01/30 Blue Felix at Cabooze

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

Looking Back: December 2015

Read More Go 96.3 We were really impressed with Go 96.3 FM's first Go Show #1 (featuring New Politics and Banks at Aria on Mar 2015). We were wondering how they can top that debut show … Alice Cooper A classic Vincent Price introduction led to the curtain fall and a canvas backdrop of a close-up of Alice Cooper’s eyes as the shock rocker and band launched into the opening ‘Black Widow’ of its too-short 50 minute set. … Johnnyswim Acclaimed husband-and-wife team Johnnyswim will be heading out on their second annual "A Johnnyswim Christmas Tour" this December, stopping by the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis on Tuesday … The 1975 Matt Healy, lead singer for Manchester UK band, The 1975, is a marked man. And this past weekend, he returned to the city where it all happened. …

Here is the wrap-up for last month: December 2015.

As expected, with "the great Winter Hibernation", our show coverages have gone drastically down in December (and possibly equally worst in January and February). That's not new, if you look over our year-end summary, this is typical.

December is the worst, because basically the last week are holidays (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, etc.)...

December Awards:

Largest Show Award goes to the Rhymesayers 20 at Target Center (12/04). Featuring a million Rhymesayers acts, this was an unbelievable show for all ages.

New Tradition Award goes to Go96's Snow Show! Featuring Silversun Pickups, Metric, The Wombats and Melanie Martinez for the first night and Death Cab for Cutie, Best Coast and Panic is Perfect for the second night. We love it look forward to again next December. Read about Night #1: Go96's Snow Show Night 1 (12/03).

Legendary Award goes shock rocker Alice Cooper at State Theatre (12/06). The way he dances and sings, you'd never know he's nearly 68 years old!

Christmas Award goes Johnnyswim at Varsity Theater (12/08). Christmas only comes around once a year, and this couple absolutely love the holiday spirit.

Most Memorable Show goes to The 1975 at at First Ave (12/10). We've see the band at least five times, but this was probably our favorite. They're on the very cusp of arena shows, and a good indication was when we got out of the venue - there were bootleg T-Shirt sellers! That's unheard of for a "club" size band.

Below are links to all 11 shows we covered for the month of December 2015.

• 12/03 Go96's Snow Show Night 1 • 12/04 Rhymesayers 20 at Target • 12/05 August Burns Red at Skyway • 12/06 Alice Cooper at State Theatre • 12/08 Johnnyswim at Varsity

• 12/08 Jack Ladder at 7th Street • 12/09 J Fernandez at 7th Street • 12/10 The 1975 at First Ave • 12/11 P.O.S. at First Ave • 12/12 By the Thousands at Vaudeville Mews • 12/19 All Them Witches at Turf

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

Looking Back: November 2015

Read More Squeeze "The New Lennon and McCartney", Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook (billed under their popular band name Squeeze) will be playing an acoustic set across America this November. The exciting news is that ...

Here is the wrap-up for last month: November 2015.

Despite Vu's absent from show coverages (the great Winter Hibernation), we still covered 33 shows for November. Most of these shows were spillage from Rocktober 2015... but eventually slowed down due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Forecast for December shows will likely take a dive with only about 10 to 15 shows.

November Awards:

Unique Award goes to Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at the Orpheum (11/25). It's just like watching a movie, but completely live. Truly, a magical two hour jukebox of your favorite 50s/60s music biography comes to life on the stage.

Reunion Award goes to The Bird And The Bee at Cedar Cultural Center (11/02). The band's been away for a long time (their last appearance was at the Varsity Theater in 2008), and it was worth it to see them, despite Greg Kurstin's absent from the group.

Best Lineup goes to Suzanne Vega and Duncan Sheik at the Cedar Cultural Center (11/15). These two artists are absolutely perfect together on one bill.

Most Entertaining Show goes to Gogol Bordello at First Ave (11/14). The gypsypunk band played every song from their Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike album.

Legendary Award goes Squeeze at the Cedar Cultural Center (11/25) and also Glen Hansard at the State Theatre (11/20).

Below are links to all 33 shows we covered for the month of November 2015.

• 11/01 Front Bottoms at Varsity • 11/01 Here We Go Magic at 7th St • 11/02 Circa Survive at Mill City • 11/02 Bird And The Bee at Cedar • 11/03 Albert Hammond Jr at Turf • 11/04 Shakey Graves at First Ave • 11/04 Small Black at 7th Street • 11/07 City and Colour at First Ave • 11/08 Parkway Drive at Cabooze • 11/09 Contortionist at Cabooze • 11/10 Matt Pond PA at Turf Club • 11/11 Big Freedia at Varsity • 11/11 Gestures at Electric Fetus • 11/12 WWPJ at Varsity • 11/13 Roger Clyne at Turf • 11/14 Gogol Bordello at First Ave

• 11/14 Hey Rosetta at Triple • 11/15 Suzanne Vega at Cedar • 11/17 Copeland at Varsity • 11/18 Bottle Rockets at Turf • 11/19 Mitski at 7th St • 11/20 Glen Hansard at State • 11/21 Little Fevers at Amsterdam • 11/21 Dandy Warhols at Fine Line • 11/22 Royal Concept at Nether • 11/23 BTB&M at Varsity • 11/24 Odesza at First Ave • 11/25 Beautiful at Orpheum • 11/25 Squeeze at Cedar • 11/27 Tori Kelly at MOA • 11/28 Lights at Varsity Theater • 11/29 Slow Magic at Varsity • 11/29 Together Pangea at 7th Street

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

Looking Back: October 2015

Read More Blur After the release of The Magic Whip (first album since Think Tank was released in 2003), this world tour sees Blur play Australia (including the Splendour in the Grass festival in Byron Bay) … Ringo Starr You know I love the Beatles (who doesn't?), as I've previously mentioned. Today (October 17th), Ringo Starr announced that his All Starr Band will tour the Pacific Rim ... Slash Legendary Guns N Roses guitarist Slash is headlining Mill City Nights next Wednesday, October 7th. The show has long sold out. ... Madonna Our favorite Material Girl has done things the old-fashioned way to get attention, but is showing some movement in the digital direction. First, she posed provocatively in the Art Issue of the Dec/Jan .… FFS FFS - the unique collaboration between Franz Ferdinand and Sparks - have announced their first ever North American live dates. This once-in-a-lifetime tour .…

Here is the wrap-up for last month: October 2015.

It's official, this is the most shows we've ever covered for the month of October, aka Rocktober. We typically only cover about 35 to 40 shows, but this year, we broke the record with 62 shows.

Awards:

Busiest Day goes to October 28th for four shows: Leon Bridges at First Ave , Nathaniel Rateliff at Turf Club , Shannon And The Clams at 7th Street, and Mal Blum at Nether Bar . Technically October 14 also featured four shows, but one of the show was The Struts in Los Angeles...

Unique Award goes to FFS at First Avenue (9 Oct 2015). Look, we have previously covered Sparks and Franz Ferdinand, but having the two band teamed up as its own entity is pretty unique. The collaboration was a success, but I have a feeling that we probably won't see FFS again... at least any time soon.

Most Entertaining Show goes to Peaches at First Ave (10/15). For just a one-woman show, Peaches is just a delight to watch. Sure, her shows are NSFW, but that's why we love her.

Most Diverse Booking goes to The Varsity Theater for booking these shows in a row: Singer/songwriter Rachael Yamagata on 10/17, hard rock The Darkness on 10/18, goth rock IAMX on 10/19, and Americana The Lone Bellow on 10/20.

Reunion Award goes to Blur at Hollywood Bowl (10/20) & Madison Square Garden (10/23). Blur, with all the original band members, will probably never play the USA again, and that motivated some diehard fans to fly into Los Angeles and New York to see them for, perhaps, the final time.

Legendary Award goes Ringo Starr at State Theatre (10/16), Slash at Mill City Nights (10/07) and Madonna at Xcel Energy (10/08).

These artists need no introduction, but perhaps I should explain why these shows are so important. There's also no denying that as one of two living Beatles member, Ringo Starr is just a legend. Same goes for Slash, formerly of Guns N Roses... and most importantly, Madonna is back on tour and it is perhaps her last tour before retirement. People often ask if she's relevant at a time when the music industry is packed with younger girls like Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Lorde, and many others. Of course, the Material Girl shows us how it's done.

Below are links to all 62 shows we covered for the month of October 2015.

• 10/01 Of Monsters and Men at Roy Wilkins • 10/02 Four Letter Lie at First Ave • 10/02 American Scarecrows at Turf • 10/02 Oh Land at Triple Rock • 10/03 Doomtree Zoo • 10/03 Battles at First Ave • 10/04 Blitzen Trapper at First Ave • 10/04 Districts at Triple Rock • 10/05 Mew at Triple Rock • 10/05 Wolf Alice at First Ave • 10/06 Russian Circles at Triple Rock • 10/06 Marian Hill at 7th St • 10/06 Kodaline at First Avenue • 10/07 Frank Turner at Varsity Theater • 10/07 Slash at Mill City Nights • 10/08 Madonna at Xcel • 10/09 FFS at First Avenue • 10/09 Joy Formidable at Turf Club • 10/10 Chvrches at Myth Live • 10/10 Tove Lo at First Avenue • 10/11 Fraser A. Gorman at 7th St • 10/12 Bully at 7th Street • 10/13 Disclosure at Roy Wilkin • 10/13 Mikky Ekko at Triple Rock • 10/14 DIIV at Turf Club • 10/14 Bring Me The Horizon at Myth • 10/14 Hiatus Kaiyote at Fine Line • 10/14 Struts at Troubadour (CA) • 10/15 Peaches at First Ave • 10/15 MS MR at Varsity • 10/16 Ringo Starr at State Theatre

• 10/16 Neighbourhood at First Ave • 10/16 Flux Pavillion at Skyway • 10/17 Rachael Yamagata at Triple Rock • 10/18 The Darkness at Varsity • 10/18 He Is Legend at Studio B • 10/19 IAMX at Varsity Theater • 10/19 Carnifex at Amsterdam • 10/20 The Lone Bellow at Varsity • 10/20 Neon Indian at First Avenue • 10/20 Blur at Hollywood Bowl (CA) • 10/21 Lucero at First Ave • 10/22 Salad Boys at Hexagon • 10/22 John Grant at Cedar • 10/22 Grace Potter at State Theatre • 10/23 Blur at Madison Sq Garden (NY) • 10/23 Run The Jewels at First Ave • 10/23 Sheepdogs at 7th St Entry • 10/24 Matisyahu at Pantages • 10/25 A Silent Film at 7th St • 10/25 Motion City Soundtrack at First Ave • 10/26 New Politics at First Ave • 10/27 Misterwives at First Ave • 10/27 Little May at 7th Street • 10/28 Leon Bridges at First Ave • 10/28 Nathaniel Rateliff at Turf Club • 10/28 Shannon And The Clams at 7th St • 10/28 Mal Blum at Nether Bar • 10/29 Dave Rawlings Machine at Fitzgerald • 10/30 All That Remains at Skyway • 10/30 Fruit Bats at Turf Club • 10/30 Ben Sollee at Cedar

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

Looking Back: September 2015

Read More Ride Legendary shoegazing band Ride will be headlining Mill City Nights next Tuesday, September 29th. After the British band broke up in 1996, founding band member Andy Bell went on to … These Animal Men Two of the most popular New Wave of New Wave punk bands These Animal Men and S*M*A*S*H recently played at Heaven in London on September 11th. This is TAM's first show in twenty years! … Jenny Hval Norwegian singer, and performance artist, Jenny Hval recently brought her Apocalypse, girl show to Minneapolis' 7th Street Entry on Tuesday, September 1st. … The Maine I've seen The Maine many times before. Last time I went to their show, I wrote about how maybe a concert is just an excuse for the feeling of nostalgia. I was back on the hunt … The Adicts Closing out the show was UK's The Adicts (aka ADX). This was an odd pairing, as there were little crossover fans of rockabilly and punk music. Still, it was pretty exciting to see the band's first ...

Here is the wrap-up for last month: September 2015.

It's a record-breaking September! We covered a whopping 45 shows for the month, with the last day of the month being one of busiest!

Awards:

Busiest Day goes to September 12th for five shows: Damian Marley at Cabooze, The Coathangers at Triple Rock, Low at Electric Fetus (a full set!), Tommy Stinson (The Replacements) at Turf Club, and Vintage Trouble at Mill City.

Best Music Festival in the area has to go to Trampled by Turtle's Festival Palomino (09/19). Technically, we only covered one Music Festival this month, but of all the festivals we went to this year, Festival Palomino is one of our favorites. It's incredibly well-organized and we like the audience they bring in. See our complete coverage (including setlists, photos, recaps, etc.) here.

Once-In-A-Lifetime Award goes to Ride at Mill City Nights (09/29). The last time the shoegazing band was in town was in 1992. If you miss them this time, we doubt they will come back to Minneapolis... well, maybe we'll catch them again in 23 years. Also, These Animal Men and S*M*A*S*H reunite for a special one-show deal at Heaven in London (09/11). If we could afford it, you know we'd catch that flight to London to see these NWONW legends.

Strangest Show goes to Jenny Hval for her performance art/music show at the 7th Street Entry (09/01). Simply unforgettable. Hval reinvented her show from a simple singer/songwriter to a weird commentary on the American exercise and sex culture. Also enjoy some rare vu-art for this show.

Best Value goes to The Maine at Mill City Nights (09/03). The Maine did a wonderful thing and basically said: This show is on us. The show was completely free, which is pretty amazing if you think about equipment rentals, hotel rooms, gasoline, booking the venue, etc. The only thing the band asked was to bring as many people (including non-fans) to see their show.

Most Entertaining Show(s) goes to The Adicts (with Reverend Horton Heat) for their first-rate all confetti show at First Avenue (09/24) and Big Star's Third show at First Ave (09/30) for their amazing all-star casts.

Below are links to all 45 shows we covered for the month of September 2015.

• 09/01 Jenny Hval at 7th Street • 09/02 Lou Gramm at MN State Fair • 09/03 The Maine at Mill City Nights • 09/03 Colleen Green at Turf Club • 09/04 Four Years Strong at Triple • 09/06 D'Angelo at First Ave • 09/08 Radkey at 7th Street • 09/09 Craft Spells at Echo • 09/10 Brandon Flowers at First Ave • 09/10 Mikal Cronin at Turf Club • 09/10 Bayside at Varsity Theater • 09/11 These Animal Men at Heaven • 09/12 Damian Marley at Cabooze • 09/12 Coathangers at Triple Rock • 09/12 Low at Electric Fetus • 09/12 Tommy Stinson at Turf Club • 09/12 Vintage Trouble at Mill City • 09/13 Dear Hunter at Triple Rock • 09/14 Fidlar at Varsity Theater • 09/15 The Cribs at Turf Club • 09/16 Eluveitie at Mill City Nights • 09/17 The Struts at First Ave

• 09/18 Mynabirds at 7th Street • 09/19 Festival Palomino 2015 • 09/19 Astronautalis at Turf Club • 09/20 Uncle Acid at Mill City • 09/21 Noah Gunderson at Fine Line • 09/22 Ibeyi at Mill City • 09/22 D.R.I. at Triple Rock • 09/22 Man Man at Turf Club • 09/23 Lizz Wright at Dakota Jazz • 09/23 Sub Criminals at Skyway • 09/23 Years & Years at Varsity • 09/24 The Adicts at First Ave • 09/24 By the Thousands at Amsterdam • 09/24 Ben Rector at Northrop • 09/25 The Fratellis at Varsity • 09/26 Holly Miranda at 7th Street • 09/26 ZZ Ward at First Ave • 09/27 Breaking Benjamin at Myth • 09/27 John Hodgman at Cedar • 09/29 Ride at Mill City • 09/30 HardDrive Live at Mill City • 09/30 Big Star's Third at First Ave • 09/30 Ash at Nether Bar

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

Looking Back: August 2015

Read More Go 96.3 We were really impressed with Go 96.3 FM's first Go Show #1 (featuring New Politics and Banks at Aria on Mar 2015). We were wondering how they can top that debut show …

Here is the wrap-up for last month: August 2015.

Not counting our Winter Hibernation period - August was our weakest month in 2015. Between August and July, these have traditionally been our slowest months. The reasons? People are on vacation or summer break. Shows will pick up when the school season starts again, which usually starts after Labor Day and the shows will continue strong into November.

Anyway, looking over our measly 27 shows, the big "festival" type shows stood out: Go Fest '15, Cultivate, and the two-week big Minnesota State Fair. Between the three major shows, we had an excellent time at Go Fest, sponsored by radio station Go 96.3. Plus many of the bands appearing on Go Fest will be back in Minneapolis at a later date (Big Data and MS MR), so playing this high profile festival proved to be good promotions for them.

The Chipotle's Cultivate Festival would have been really good too - if it wasn't for the fact that the rain caused headliner Walk the Moon to cancel their appearance.

The first part of the month had some great shows: Screaming Females returning to the Triple Rock, Django Django returning to First Ave, Woody Allen playing New Orleans jazz (and not promoting his latest hit movie?), The Kills made a rare non-music festival at at First Avenue, and the "new One Direction" band The Vamps made an impact with their young girl fans at First Avenue.

Of course, we like our old bands... and August had their fair share of these important guys and girls: Mötley Crüe's last tour ever at Xcel Center, Social Distortion at First Ave, KMFDM at Mill City Nights, Gwar at Wooly's (Des Moines), and X at Mill City Nights.

Despite breaking my camera, what a way to close out August than with goth/drone Chelsea Wolfe at Triple Rock.

Below are links to all 27 shows we covered in August 2015.

• 08/01 Screaming Females at Triple • 08/01 Rise Against at Cabooze • 08/02 Django Django at First Ave • 08/02 Woody Allen at State Theatre • 08/03 The Kills at First Avenue • 08/04 Bleachers at Cabooze • 08/05 The Vamps at First Avenue • 08/05 Mötley Crüe at Xcel Center • 08/07 Go Fest '15 at Target Field • 08/07 Social Distortion at First Ave • 08/08 Pizza Lucé Block Party • 08/08 Jack Garratt at 7th Street • 08/15 KMFDM at Mill City Nights • 08/17 Rachel Platten at MOA

• 08/17 Delta Saints at 7th Street • 08/19 Summer Cannibals at 7th St • 08/21 Tim Heidecker at the Cedar • 08/22 Cultivate 2015 at Loring Park • 08/22 Blue Öyster Cult at Mystic Lake • 08/23 Supernatural Convention • 08/26 Mekaal Hasan Band at Cedar • 08/27 Gwar at Wooly's, Des Moines • 08/27 Minnesota State Fair 2015 • 08/29 X at Mill City Nights • 08/29 Tallest Man on Earth at 1st Ave • 08/30 Slightly Stoopid at Cabooze • 08/31 Chelsea Wolfe at Triple Rock

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