Queen Explosion

 Jeff Fest Coming Down Hard On Chicago Like An Avalanche 

Okay music lovers, you might want to grab a cup of coffee and sit down for this article. The Jeff Fest has celebrated it's 20th anniversary this year with musical acts such as Northside Band, One Way Street and Queen Explosion. With that in mind, the park is  located on the corners of Lawrence & Milwaukee and is nestled in a tight niche community with angry bikers and cop lovers all around. Not only that, there is a small community stage in back, a "Kid's Zone"  with plenty of food and limited beer choices for the park goers. I was not impressed this year and when our friends at Blackened performed back in 2013 the Jeff Fest ran out of beer to sell. You can ask the band's manager, Rich Nestler if you want fact find this information if you'd like? Yes, let's live for the moment of truth and check out Mr. Fahrenheit traveling at the speed of light on this Saturday afternoon. 

There was going to be much drinking that night and only a fool would drink on an empty stomach. So, I went to a Harold's Chicken food truck and ordered some chicken tenders with fries. When I went to the beer tent there was Harold Thruburt, a Jefferson Park icon. Everyone in this community knows Harold because he is a triple Scorpio and he is more dangerous than Charles Manson. I wasn't happy with the beer selection this year and ordered a Goose Island IPA. And so much for that, eh?

In any case, I was too busy with meet and greets with old friends, I failed to take notes on Queen Explosion. However, once they started playing the 1970's classic "Stone Cold Crazy" it was time to get back to work. Other songs with a warm summer breeze included: "Radio Ga Ga" and "We Are The Champions" kicked off the night, and too bad for those Chicago Cubs and cleaning house, right? There are no more champions and most folks want to play hero with that Mask Shit. Not me, Mr. Jefferson! Just leave me the fuck alone!! 

The crowed was too laid-back as the day felt like a lazy Sunday afternoon and the last song performed by Queen Explosion was "Bohemian Rhapsody" and the crowd seemed pleased that night. There is no press on these guys and again I am not chasing down band managers for not listing their band members on the information superhighway system. The singer was fair and had great stage presence and I am sure that Roger Taylor and Brian May would be proud to see Queen Explosion with their performance. There would, of course, be not need covering Kashmir tonight because they are Super-Rock Stars with a super attitude, convinced that they are God's gift to Led Zeppelin. I am an Outlaw journalist and there is no need for ego in this crude ugly world of music. I suggest that you check out Queen Explosion before the Summer comes to end. There isn't much time left folks before we become victims of "Hammer To The Fall" only to endure another Polar vortex. 

 

The Sliver Bullet STL Band Live at Rosemont, IL.

                    
Yesterday Was History, And Tomorrow Is A Mystery

Silver Bullet STL

Most of us grew up listing to our blue-collar hero, Robert Clark Seger and during his 18th release back in 1995 titled: "It's a Mystery"  should come as no surprise why this subtitle heading was chosen for this article. Seger's over night success took nearly 10 years and today, a list of rock anthems have been listed for this Detroit-native and now most people want to get in on the act. Tributes bands have become very popular and one that stands Head & Shoulders above this rest is The Sliver Bullet STL Band from St. Louis, MO.  Steve Tinnon leads the stage with a dynamic performance and his inspirational significance had the folks at Rosemont, IL singing and dancing in the rain on this July evening with a killer fireworks show for the whole family to enjoy.

I was able to talk to the band's manager, Tom Swain and  he was super-cool with accommodating my needs to get the word out about The Silver Bullet STL and their 305 mile journey to the Parkway Bank Entertainment District near Chicago's O'hare airport. The first song they opened up with was "Rambiln Ganbiln' Man" a song about a childhood friend that was killed in Vietnam that offered a smooth rock-steady tempo and groovy keyboard action was a great way to kick off the night. Other classic hits included: "Fire Lake" and "Hollywood Nights"  was performed well that evening and with the rain coming down and with $5.00 beers, this was night to remember. Members of Silver Bullet STL include: Dave McKeage (guitarist), Ron Vitale (bassist), Mark Huth (saxophone), Harold Draper (keyboards),  John Lange (drummer) and two amazing back up vocalist, Gina Korte and Erin McCraven make up the rest of this eight piece ensemble. I wasn't the only that was enjoying Silver Bullet STL. In fact, local celebrities  Jim Irwin form TNT Chicago and Chuck McNulty from Rival joined in on the fun as well. My life-long friends, Stas Boz was there, and who can forget Patti & John Tribuzio?  They are the ones responsible for this assignment in the first place and it felt good to get out of Uptown again. Thanks Guys!! You rule!!

The rain was not going away that night, and nether were the soaked spectators. However, Ron Vitale is no "Thunderfingers" on stage but is a satisfactory performer and matched Chris Campbell playing note for note as Silver Bullet STL rocked as large rain drops splashed inside my plastic cup of beer.  But what do I know? I haven't picked up a bass guitar in over 20 years and this fool might smoke me should we have a Bass-off. Unfortunately, Sliver Bullet STL lives a million miles from Monday and I'll need to talk to Mr. Swain about updating their Facebook page. Despite my rude rhetoric, this Bob Seger tribute band is one of the best acts to check out this summer. The last song of the night was titled: "Beautiful Looser" that was recorded in 1975 when Warner Bros. dropped Bob Seger and was signed by Capitol Records that following year. With that in mind, I suggest that you go see Sliver Bullet STL when they come back to the Windy City and invest in you happiness. Life is too short to just be sitting around, and remember folks, Rock-n-Roll Never Forgets!   

Middle Raged: West of Tomorrow Beyond the Cannibal Islands

 

Crestwood. Shit. The assignment was in Crestwood, Illinois and each of my show reviews have gotten worst and some of my friends have said that I have turned into a Yuppie fuck checking out those weak ass bands at The Dock near Montrose Beach. In truth, I am never where I would like to be and have become softer living in Uptown. Every minute I stay on Facebook I get weaker, and every time Karen squats with her bush to take a piss, she becomes stronger. A good example, are the Iron Maidens, an all female Iron Maiden tribute band from California. They too came to the Chicagoland area this weekend to mark their spot in musical history. I say, "Good for them!" Keep fanning your pussy on stage and pretend that you are a Mocking bird."  The window is very short for The Iron Maidens and once they hit Steve Harris's age, we'll see if  they can withstand the test of time and I wish them well on a success journey. 

My journey was about to take me into the most dangerous place in the world and with the Chicago's gun violence and according to ABC News, last year there were 3,261 shooting and 769 murdered in cold blood. And its no accident that the subtitle Beyond the Cannibal Island is my "Stand Head" for this article. Some of these people are fucking savages and I need to avoid them at all cost. Rock Island, Blue Island and Stony Island was not my ideal for a vacation near the Islands and that seemed to be the safer route back home once the show was over. 

The light rain felt good on my wet skin as the filthy sins seemed to be washed away. Once I arrived in the town of Crestwood, I was pulled over by the cops and they told me to drive on the sidewalk. I complied with their orders and made it safely to The Public House to see the Middle Raged and Nola. The first band was outstanding with songs such as "Pillars of Eternity" and "Stone the Crow" had this standing room only live audience hungry for more metal. You can tell that these guys have been practicing and Nola's tight stage presents showed that evening. Another song titled: "The Seed " was a killer tune  and let's not forget "Hail to the Leaf" or "Hail Leaf" for short.  In truth, Nola was the better band this evening and I am looking forward seeing them again and burn one with these maniacs of metal. 

From the standpoint of being an Outlaw Journalist  I was able to speak with former vocalist of Motley II John Yeager and asked why he left his cover band. I discovered that their drummer, Tommy Salzburg had passed away. I was shocked to hear the bad news and Yeager stated, "Once our drummer died so did the vibe." Wow! that was pretty harsh news to hear that night before Middle Rage went on stage. Anyway, opening up with a Slayer classic, lead vocalist Bill Swanson still has what it takes after his departure with Maiden Chicago. Other members of Middle Raged include: Dan Galeher (guitarist) Kosta Kostadinov (lead guitarist) Keith Eichten (bassist) and drummer Greg Peterlin make up the rest of this five piece foundation as 40 people were online for that live Facebook footage. My phone sucks, and I got nothing for you guys. And that's it folks, my mission was over. I suggested that you check out more local talent like these bands and not some out of town flash-in-the-pan performers getting rich off someone else and their labor. No sir, Always support your local artist!  

  

The American Empire & 224 Years of Freedom

 

I am a rabid fan of fire works and know that at one time China used bamboo stacks and tossed them into a pit of fire and the hollow air pockets inside the stalks would expand, causing a loud bang to ward off evil spirits. Lucky for me, I am not affected by the Delta variant or any other sickness made by man or beast. And knock on wood for my good fortune. "Knock on wood for that,? you say. Fuck yeah! But soon all of our luck runs our eventually. 

At one time European rulers would dazzle their subject using fireworks to light up the night sky. Only the elite and wealthy were allowed to be enchanted at these events and no peasants were allowed to attend. Chicago as a new emperor and if you studied maps that way I do, Roam is on the same latitude parallels. That Empire collapsed for the same reason our beautiful city is about to fall into ruin. The suicidal collapse and the final year of the America has arrived. Big deal, right?  Greed plagued many nations and we are in the final years of American freedom.

With that in mind, I went to Navy Pier without Lord Lightfoot consent and embarked on 75 minute fireworks adventure on the "Windy Tall Ship" of Chicago. Once on board I ordered an adult beverage know as "Shipwreck" filled with pirate rum and pineapple juice. Cursing at 5.4 knots on the lake, I spotted the first round of Fireworks and the Old Comiskey  baseball park. GO WHITE SOX!! Anyway, you can see more bombs bursting in air and for moment I thought about Francis Scott Key and what a beautiful song that he wrote. A small tear swelled up in my eye duck and I knew our freedom is danger now then ever before. 

The grand finale took place at Northerly Island. The smell of gunpowder filled the summer sky as more explosives illuminated the Chicago skyline. Upon my arrival back on land, I light up a joint and hide behind a giant anchor sipping on my Blue Moon and toking without care in the world. The fuzz was friendly that night, and I thanked each one for working such longs hours this summer. These are good men, with good families and our Mayor sucks as a human being and she's already taken our Law enforcement freedom away, and yours is next you liberal scum.  

Operation: Great America 2021

Okay folks, hopefully this article will be quick and painless because the cramps in my legs are killing me due to the terrible excitement that I was chasing at Great America. Yes, living for the moment as a thrill seeker did not come easy traveling several bike paths and going the distance with an 80 mile round trip adventure. The Skokie Valley Bike Path, North Shore Trail and Robert McClory where used and after reaching Green Bay Road and Grand Av. I spotted a red roller coaster that stood like a Chicago skyscraper beyond the hilly horizon. 

After my unfortunate encounter battling the blazing Sun and the wind in my face, the time had come to pick up credentials at guest services. I recall going there with my friends John Ciganek and Dave Bavido to scam exit passes to skip the long lines. These old tricks will not work anymore and for that reason I needed to get a Flash Pass to cover this story in a timely manner. On Monday, Great America enforced reservations for all Flash Pass users. If you have no reservations, you will be shit outta luck and the Flash Pass will not be issued for any reason. Oh, you might want to bring an extra $70.00  as a deposit for that cheep orange wrist watch. There are no mask mandates at the park. However, I noticed an obese woman wearing flowery blouse and a fucking mask concerned for her safety and well being. Let's move on, okay?    

On other fronts there are rides such as Wizard (Wizzad), X-Flight and the Bat Man roller coaster . But today was more than just feeding my adrenaline and eating lousy food. This was a mental health day and being on a Corona virus lock down weighed heavy and this was my only escape. After examining the Wizard, it felt like riding a Vincent Black Shadow motorcycle. Sitting by myself was uncomfortable and I missed my female companions that I once took on this ride so many years ago. 

Next up was X- Flight, and this 3,000 foot long piece of machinery made of steel and twisted metal will have anyone feel like a "Top Gun" pilot.   The black and red colors of this structure has a vertical incline of 120 feet and nose dives like an F/A Super Hornet aircraft built by the US Navy. After a sharp left turn and reaching a top speed of 55 MPH my engineering equation looks some like this: d = 120 + 3,000 = 1:45 of travel time. And who said you'll never use math? Trust no one.    

Located at Yankee Harbor is the Bat Man roller coaster that can reach speed up to 50 MPH that will flip you, dip you and turn your world upside down. This ride is pretty wicked as you reach the top of a 105 foot upgrade with 2,693 feet of track, this ride will make you feel as if you the Dark Knight himself.  In total, this ride is only 1:40 of heart pounding excitement on each turn around ever corner. This is a great roller coaster for those crime fighters and the only crime I see are those outrageous prices for $25.00 parking and $70.00 Flash Pass. Those rotten Motherfuckers!

Greed runs deep in this park and paying seven dollars for a soft drink and $15.00 for some Chicken Tenders is just plan extortion if you as me. You can do the math on this equation and you'll find out that you'll a small bank loan should bring the whole family. If you enjoy long lines like the DMV and bratty kids running around like wild animals with no self control, then this is the place for you. I suggest to get their early and to bring plenty of money because these owners of Great America are savages trying to pick pocket the American Dream. 
 

The Stingers: Bombs Away at the Beach!

Mike Faure' (Saxophone) 

Last Sunday was a monster for bike riding along Chicago's beautiful shoreline which definitely needed the action after a fifteenth month shutdown. Grinding gears up hill, stopping and going. Turning and diving quickly to avoid a high speed impact and shouting words like, "ON YER LEFT"! is just good cycling etiquette, zooming past folks as if they were standing still on this congested thoroughfare. Yes sir,! The Too Much Club is open for business and the Lincoln Park Zoo had much to offer with the monkeys, lions and a lonely Polar Bear that was wishing for winter on this hot summer afternoon. Not much to report at the free zoo. So I flip-flopped back north toward Foster Beach.

Becoming thirsty, I noticed The Dock at Montrose beach, walked on deck and ordered a cold brew and some fish tacos. The outdoor seating was perfect as gentle breeze blew off Lake Michigan where I was maybe forty feet from the small wooden stage. I recall my friends at TNT Chicago playing here a few summers ago before the invisible war and the many suicidal casualties  lost on the front lines. However, the wonderful world of music will always been plagued with rock stars with lost hopes and dreams of becoming rich and famous. And today was no different.

Since 2011, The Stingers have been preforming live shows all over Chicago, Rockford and Blue Island. But that's all a big fat lie. Their docket stated that The Stingers have played in the surrounding area and that could suggest places like Niles, Jefferson Park and The Penny Road Pub. I may have Facebook fact check this and have my attorney review my article before it's published. Fuck all that nonsense!  There's no time for all that and we need to get moving on this show review. 

Opening up the show with an Amy Winehouse classic titled: "Rehab" with a nice steady tempo as the spectators sway to the snappy beat. Watching the bright orange wedge drip from a Blue Moon beer on the hot wooden table, my friend Mark Rainman shows up. "Dude, What's up?" he shouts with glee. "Take a seat Rainman," I said. This band sounds pretty good, but the chick on stage doesn't look like the girl I have on file." I was referring to the lovely female vocalist, Yvette Lee. Again, my sources are full of Miss Information and that can get a man killed during war time. 

The Stingers came out strong on stage, yet their audience was weak with that feel-good energy that most musicians crave. Mark Rainman came back with two double shot Margaritas for us as the band played songs such as "Walking on Sunshine" and "I Love Rock-n-Roll."  Mark was having buyers remorse paying $50.00 for only two drinks and the lead vocalist/ guitarist Rick Ricchiuto was taking request for The Stingers next set on stage.  I wrote out a request list with song such as "Fuck Like a Beast" (WASP) "Balls to the Wall" (Accept) and "Angel Fuck" (Misfits) gave the list to Mark to give to the band and management almost tossed him out again.  

Perhaps these song were too complex for these Frank Zappa fans and simpler chord progression would be in order for this family friendly concert event at The Dock. The most impressive band members are Mike Faure' (saxophone) and bassist Mitch Ferris. These two musicains created a dynamic force that Sunday evening and with that in mind, The Stingers get a satisfactory performance as they closed the their set with the blues hit titled: "Messing With The Kid" written by Junior Wells. You gotta love that smooth bass line and saxophone complementing each other under the blue and purple stage lights. I suggest coming down to The Dock for more summer fun before The Too Much Fun Club gets shuts down by the Mayor of Chicago. 
      

 

The Northside Band Beach Party Review.

Northside

Summer is right around the corner folks and dancing to the Latin beat, getting sunburn in the crazy heat, and all those memories shared, as children play and eat is just part of the American Dream. For myself, it's live music and cold beers and last week had been very busy. I spent most of my time on Lake Shore Drive bike riding to the Museum Campus and back to Uptown in Chicago. 

On Saturday, the traffic along the beach exits was pure madness and everyone driving like fuckers to get "There" first, where ever that may be located is just rude. Using my bike to breeze pass the Fuzz and right inside The Too Much Fun Club I noticed the place was packed so I booked a reservation for an hour later. I locked my bike smoked a blunt and could hear the music from the live band at approximately 50 yards away north as I sat under the shade of a small tree listing to "Hey Jude" written by the Beatles. 

The Dock at Montorse Beach was jammed packed and everyone here wanted to see The Northside Band. But let's not confuse them with the English alternative rock band from Manchester that was banned by the BBC. "Let's Take A Trip" had been released in 1998 with government restrictions with no airtime due to the song's suggestive drug content, still hit the top 50 Billboard Charts 

That's the problem here as I sit in the plush green grass and this heavy police presents harasses small families violating their Fifth Amendment Right. Next, a
team of firetrucks scream loud down the beach to rescue a drowned victim. As Air Mobile flies above, I checked out The Chicago Northside Band's docket and discovered each member live in Chicago,IL. Band members include, Rebecca Bolluyt (lead vocalist/keyboards) Louie Kritikos (lead guitar) George Skoubis (rhythm guitar) Bob Spoils (bass) and drummer, Chris Stamos make up this five piece ensemble of Rock-n-Roll Thunder! 

Arriving for Northside's second set, they opened with "Highway Tune"  and the blunt I smoked earlier kicked in with the Blue Moon once "White Rabbit" was preformed. The Dock was spinning, my brain happy swimming in dangerous chemicals. "Remember what the doctor" said, belted out Bolluyt, and I did as she order and feeding my head full of booze that whole night.  The food from the galley wisp with thick juicy aromas in the night summer sky outside. Other song included: "Boot Are Made For Walking" and "Proud Marry" had the crowd wanting more. I ran into an old friend that wanted to dance naked on the stage. He was so wasted and told me he was king around these parts. I should have let him dance up there in his birthday suit but said, "Don't fuck with those people. They're at work and they may not like that Mark. "Not a good idea," I explained.  

Northside Band closed out their set with classic tune by the Beastie Boys titled: "Sabotage" and mixed it up with a montage of "Rolling on the River" and smooth bass line by Spilios. Some rotten chicks at the table next to me left a dollar upside down in cup full of water on the table as a tip. "Look how shitty that is, I said to myself. It's time go home, People Suck! 

Northside Band did not suck. In fact, they rocked the night away and fill the Dock with good vibes and positive energy that Saturday night. Rumors are brewing about them playing Blarney Island next weekend. I suggest you set sail with some Capt. Morgan and check these groovy cats out before summer is gone this year.