Social Distortion at The Congress Theater-Riot Fest 2011

Despite some poor audio and lighting choices that made for a subpar show, Social Distortion got the crowd going.   We were hoping for some harder hitting set choices, rather than the "frat boy" punk we were served up, but thanks to Groupon and half price tickets, there was a capacity crowd at The Congress, and the energy was palpable.   

We're hoping tonight that the lighting is fixed and no longer blasts the center of the floor audience with a blinding white spotlight for long periods of time.    That kind of harsh light is annoying in short pans and completely inhumane for the bulk of a show.    The guy next to me had his sunglasses on the whole night, and I'm seriously considering doing the same.   

You'd think they'd get a clue when a wide swath down the whole center of the audience has their hands over their eyes and can't even see the show for being blinded.  Miserable!  The audio was poorly mixed and left a lot to be desired as well.  We'll be back for more the next 3 nights, so hopefully Riot Fest can pull it together with the technical difficulties and do the remaining bands justice.   

Otherwise, we may just head straight over to the alternate venues like Bottom Lounge, Cobra Lounge, Double Door & AAA.   They get it right with the sound, and the light shows, if not spectacular, are at least aimed at the bands and not the crowd, so you can see and hear who you came for.

X LIVE at Bottom Lounge 10-5-11

It was a rare pleasure to see X in a relatively small venue.    We've seen them at Double Door and Metro in recent years, and they always impress.   Bottom Lounge hosted an avid and enthusiastic crowd for the sold out show, which kicked off the first night of Riot Fest 2011.

First , the crowd was treated to a Film Screening of “X:The Unheard Music”.   Then around 9:45, the real band took the stage to perform their album, “Los Angeles” in its entirety.

Then they continued the show with many more of their timeless hits.    Here's the set list:

Pig Champion & War Brides Open for D.R.I.-10-2-11

Pig Champion & War Brides open for D.R.I. at Reggie's Rock Club 10-2-11

D.R.I LIVE at Reggies-10-2-11

Jane's Addiction One For The Books at The Metro 9-25-11

Energy and emotions ran high last night, and in a strange deja vu, Jane's Addiction at The Metro is once again one for the books. It was pure, visceral pleasure to see the boys back together again (with the addition of Chris Chaney on bass) playing the best of their old favorites and amazing new material. The thirteen song set ended all too soon, and left fans hungry for more. But it was quality over quantity. And Jane's Addiction's still got it.    

They opened strong with Whores and gave the crowd a little tease with dancers.   Then they went into a tight Just Because, Ain't No Right, and Then She Did.   The crowd was right there with them on Stealing, Lies, and Ocean. Then the haunting 3 Days took things up a level.   

So many times new material takes a while to seep into the collective unconscious, and fans endure it while waiting for more well loved favorites they have a history with. That is just not the case with Irresistible Force, which is quickly living up to it's name. The energy stayed up and the crowd loved it. Idiots, had the audience screaming and dancing. Mountain was poignant and amazing. Stop had the whole floor of Metro teeming, writhing and crushing against the stage. Jane Says rounded out the strong set and capped off an entirely memorable show.    

There's such a different vibe when a well loved band plays an intimate venue versus an arena show, and Perry Farrell and Dave Navarro in particular, made the most of the space and interacted liberally with the audience. Many male and female admirers took the opportunity to get hands on with the boys in the band. It's impressive to me that Perry's over 50 and can still pull off that frenetic energy and crackling sexuality he had over 20 years ago in the 80's. Of course, the gorgeous, soft-core bondage dancers didn't hurt any either, for stirring up the crowd.   

Jane's Addiction still exudes that androgynous, sensual alt rock miasma that makes the darkest lyrics sexy, and has captivated audiences for decades. This show truly came across as a thank you to the fans. Amid the rock star posturing and showmanship, a good dose of genuine gratitude, and affection for the fans came through. As Perry shared red wine and chocolates with fans and Dave crouched at the edge of the stage and serenaded individuals in the front row, the audience/ band rapport was elevated from one night stand to long term romance. And with a 20+ year history, even an off again on again history, maybe that's just what it is.

Local Chicago band, Apteka, and Boys from Denver opened. Boys claimed their hard won spot as openers by nailing a national OurStage.com unsigned bands competition.

Nashville Pussy Live at The Bottom Lounge 8-20-2011

Nashville Pussy owned The Bottom Lounge in Chicago Saturday night, opening for The Dwarves. 

The Dwarves LIVE at The Bottom Lounge, Chicago 8-20-2011

The Dwarves rocked The Bottom Lounge in Chicago Saturday night, headlining an excellent show with Nashville Pussy.    It was a bit of a challenge to shoot, since bodies and beers were flying front and center.    Despite the signage saying No stage diving, crowd surfing....blah, blah, blah, there were a good number of people breakin' the rules.