Everyone (And Their Mothers) Are Reuniting This Summer

Guess what? In case you haven't noticed, there are an awful lot of bands reuniting for a tour this summer, and no, I'm not talking about Fleetwood Mac. Many of the reunions are quite surprising considering the way these bands disintegrated in the first place...but somehow, either for the love of music, the love of money, or the love of both these groups have managed to overcome their differences.

Here is a list of the most noteworthy:
The aforementioned Blink-182 will be back (with new music) thanks in a large part perhaps to Travis Barker's near-death experience.
Jane's Addiction will be touring with Nine Inch Nails with the original lineup, not seen since 1991.
Faith No More are making an "epic" comeback, despite frontman Mike Patton's earlier statements saying it would never happen.
British rockers Blur have announced a few local shows, and speaking of England-
Gavin Rossdale has stated that british rockers Bush will be reuniting, but nothing is official yet.
However, Gavin's wife, Gwen Stefani, WILL be back with No Doubt (causing this blogger to jump for joy) They will be making a stop at both Summerfest and the First Midwest Bank Ampitheater. Although the band had never "officially: broken up, an 8 year absense is a little hard to justify. That's why I can't wait to see what they've got in store for us.

Upcoming at Chicago's House of Blues...An Interesting (And Diverse) List

In March and April, Chicago's House of Blues venue will be hosting an impressive array of artists, ranging from some great Alternative acts to pure Pop and Rap artists. The full list of upcoming artists can be found here. The most noteworthy include:

On March 1 is Escape the Fate, a screamo act presented by Hot Topic. March 5 is Busta Rhymes. Kottonmouth Kings (rap-rockers that have a niche fanbase due to their, um, certain lifestyle) are in town the 11th. On the 17th, Q101 sponsors Hollywood Undead and Senses Fail.

Although you would never find me at a Kottonmouth Kings or a Hollywood Undead show (no offense) you will find me at the House of Blues on March 20 when I'll be rocking out with Mindless Self Indulgence. These punk rockers blend electronic beats, rap influences, and over the top antics to deliver an awesome live show. I can hardly wait!

In the following week, the House of Blues will also host Less Than Jake, Lady GaGa, and Katy Perry. In April also comes The Devil Wears Prada, 3oh!3, Forever the Sickest Kids, We the Kings, and Static-X. Tickets for the House of Blues normally cost between $20 and $30. Be advised that some shows are only 17+ and 21+, and the venue is standing room only. However, with such an impressive list, who can resist?

My First Of (Probably Several) Nine Inch Nails Rants...

Thanks to my obsession with Nine Inch Nails I have come across some amazing news. Although Trent Reznor and Company announced last year that they would be coming back on tour, a recent post on nin.com confirms that they will indeed be coming back this spring, with none other than Jane's Addiction in tow. Tour dates will be announced soon.

This spring/summer is shaping up to be an absolutely amazing concert season, and this is the cherry on top. NIN usually has long breaks between tours, but when they do come out, one can be sure that they will rock our faces off. Last year's Lights in the Sky tour (including a stop at Lollapalooza that was attended by yours truly) was no exception. It featured an incredible multimedia light show, and the setlist ranged from the classics ("Head Like A Hole" "Closer") to the new stuff ("Discipline" "Ghosts").

When Nails comes back to Chicago, I guarantee you that I WILL be there. Ok, that's all I have to say...for now...

Blink Is Back!

As your faithful alternative blogger, I must draw your attention to something that you probably already know. At the Grammy's a few weeks ago Blink-182 made the announcement that they were officially back together. Our favorite skater punks will be back on tour this summer, and, even better, are in the process of recording a new album.................................whoops, sorry, I just fainted mid-blog.

All this info can be found on their website, along with a personal message to the fans. The web has been buzzing with reactions to the news. Some very diverse opinions can be found at associated content, and aversion.com. Personally, I can't wait to finally see them live, but be forewarned, ticket prices will most likely be high for this tour, and will probably sell out incredibly quickly. I'll try to update as soon as possible after ticket info becomes available.

With all this blink hoopla I find myself becoming very nostalgic. It almost makes me wonder, "What's my age again?"

Why Chris Cornell, Why?

Chris Cornell is making me scream, and not in a good way...
One of the most successful and well-known frontmen in alternative rock and, personally, one of my favorite singers is releasing a new solo album, Scream on March 10, 2009. Cornell, (who has been rocking out for three decades through projects such as Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave, and solo work including the theme for the Bond film, Casino Royale) has decided to reinvent himself musically by turning toward a R&B sound, even collaborating with Timbaland as his producer. Yes, I'm afraid this is not a prank or a joke, the man who made "Black Hole Sun" has made an album with the man who made "Sexyback."

Now I'm not saying that I don't like Timbaland. He crafts some great songs, and he seems to have the Midas touch with other artists, generating massive hits for JT, Madonna, and Nelly Furtado. Heck, I even appreciated Timbaland before he became massively popular (Anyone remember "Try Again" with Aaliyah? That was my jam) But, I am afraid that it DOESN'T work with Chris Cornell. You can listen for yourself as "Scream" and other singles are available at chriscornell.com. I understand the need to try out new creative directions, but I don't believe Cornell should betray his fans by leaving the genre he largely helped to define. His new soulful ballads are pretty mediocre, and the fact that an alternative legend is the one singing them doesn't help.

Well, this whole topic has made me depressed so I'm going to listen to some classic Soundgarden and try to forget this ever happened

Deftones Carry On Without Bassist

According to q101.com, alternative metal band the Deftones have decided to play at the Bamboozle Left festival on April 5. They are playing despite the fact that bassist and founding member, Chi Cheng, is still in a coma following a car accident back in November.

As a Deftones fan, I have mixed emotions about the news. Although it is nice to see such a talented group continue to play, Cheng is such an integral part of the Deftones style the band may not be the same without him. According to a Myspace post by the band, however, Cheng would have wanted the band to carry on, and accordingly, the band is making this festival stop.

The band is still working on their upcoming album, set for release later this year. At this point it seems that we will just have to wait and see what develops.

The Lineup for Bonnaroo 2009 Is Amazing...The Ticket Price Is Not

The lineup for the 2009 Bonnaroo Music Festival was posted recently, and forgive my use of slang here, but the list is freakin awesome. Nine Inch Nails, The Beastie Boys, Coheed & Cambria, The Mars Volta, Tv on the Radio, Girl Talk, Animal Collective, and even Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band will all be making an appearance over the course of the four-day festival. (A reunited Phish will be there as well. I'm not a fan personally, but for those of you who enjoy 90's bands/60's throwbacks this will be pure nirvana...)

The festival takes place June 11-14 outside the small town of Manchester, TN. Apart from a few stages the grounds include campsites, parking, and several other art exhibitions and sponsor tents. Bonnaroo has garnered quite the reputation, and Rolling Stone Magazine even named it the Best Festival back in 2007.

The downside? Tickets cost almost $250 dollars, and that's just to get in. That is a whole lot of dinero. So much, in fact, that the festival website includes a payment plan to break ticket prices down into smaller installments. The situation is a little ridiculous, it feels more like I'm financing a new home rather than paying for concert tickets. I'm sure Bonnaroo would be a blast, but I don't think my wallet can take a hit like that.