Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
Sarah McLachlan knew it was time to start a music festival that celebrated female artists when she discussed the possibility of having Paula Cole open for her and a promoter told her that two women on the same bill would be too . . . well, you know . . . female.
Golf tees may seem like a strange souvenir to hawk at a rock ‘n’ roll club. But when the nigthclub is nestled in the heart of Myrtle Beach, S.C., it makes sense.
If you have MTV, try to catch the exclusive airing of Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android” video. The fully animated clip was drawn by Magnus Carlson, whose animated “Robin” series is a favorite in Great Britain. The band is briefly depicted in a bar at the end of the 6-1/2-minute video, but the music and the stark images are the stars.
Rhett Miller’s doing all right for someone who got kicked out of piano lessons as a kid. He fronts Old 97’s – a country-influenced rock group with tinges of punk elements. And the band has just snagged a primo spot in this year’s Lollapalooza lineup.
Though U2 has been making records for almost two decades, the musicians opted to concentrate on the new rather than indulge in nostalgia. But that’s not to say that they didn’t have fun with a few oldies. While their set list included nine cuts from their current “Pop” album, one of the evening’s highlights was the Edge’s campy solo turn at singing “Sweet Caroline,” karaoke style. The guitarist appeared to be having a great time, punching his fist in the air and encouraging fans to sing louder.
After a spectacular concert Friday night at Soldier Field for more than 40,000 fans, U2 hosted an intimate after-show party in the Bears’ locker room. The party celebrated the kickoff of a three-night stand in Chicago, one of the band’s most popular markets.
The question after Soul Asylum’s gig Wednesday night at Metro wasn’t, “How were they?” but rather, “Why did they play there?” Longtime fans were treated to a solid, if unspectacular, 95-minute set from the formidable Minneapolis-based rock group. But it wasn’t that long ago that the band seemed destined for a brighter future and was sharing headlining status at outdoor festival shows.
As U2 comes to Chicago this weekend, the band finds itself in an unusual position: insisting that a tour that has sold 2 million tickets isn’t a failure.
For the first time Saturday night, James Iha and D’Arcy weren’t the center of attention. The Smashing Pumpkins musicians, acting as emcees, stood together at the mike, preparing to welcome the evening’s headliner at Metro. Before they could finish their introduction, however, the Frogs walked onstage, dressed in their typically flamboyant costumes.
The Smashing Pumpkins will head to Europe on Wednesday for a two-week tour of festival shows. But before they pack their bags, bassist D’Arcy and guitarist James Iha – half of the Chicago-based group – will co-host a Saturday night showcase for Scratchie Records, the label they helped create.