A coalition of musicians, including Chicago’s own punk rockers Rise Against, joined the National Campaign To Close Guantanamo in order to pressure officials to come clean about music used as torture. The group, which also includes Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Trent Reznor, R.E.M., The Roots, and more are demanding the declassification of government records related to the use of music as torture at the facility. In addition, the coalition of musicians hopes to raise awareness for the NCCG, a campaign lead by retired United States Generals, Veterans and former Congressmen. more ›

We swore My Chemical Romance just left town in a haze of mascara and Queenesque choruses, but the inclusion of MCR on so many year-end, best-of lists means there’s money to be made. So the black parade marches again with local heroes Rise Against who seem to be cast in the unfortunate role of second to bands for whom they’ve paved the way. Allstate Arena, March 1, 7:30 p.m., $30, all-ages. On sale tomorrow at... more ›

Last week had us blind with excitement, but this week’s slate – aside from some sure things - has us cautiously optimistic. After emptying out our wallet this weekend, we’re grateful for tonight’s free Mixel Pixel show at Empty Bottle. We’re still on the fence about the band’s album Music For Plants, which swirls industrial dance grooves around shoegazer-y vocals and Nintendo-inspired keyboards. But it’s the kind of music that gives white kids permission to... more ›

As you travel to far-flung corners of the country for Turkey Tour 2005, a few Chicagoans are returning home to visit for the weekend. We’ve had a bit of fun at The Lovehammers’ expense here and there but they’ve got the last laugh with a sold out show tonight at Metro, an appearance at Q101’s sold-out Twisted show in December and a series of sold-out dates with INXS in the coming year. Start collecting those... more ›

On everyone's list for great Chicago concerts of the summer is the Q101 Block Party (Day 1) featuring Queens of the Stone Age (9:15 pm), Interpol (7:45 pm), and Hot Hot Heat (6:30 pm). more ›

This week’s New City cover story “Music 45: Who Rocks Chicago” features 45 artists, talent bookers, and executives who rock Chicago. Though the awkward punctuation had us scratching our heads for a while, that was nothing compared with how we got our dander up over the list itself. Trust us: things get ugly when our dander is in the up position. more ›

For those punk fans who do not suffer from the curse of procrastination, this weekend will be just like heaven as Rise Against headlines a pair of sold-out shows at Metro. You could just as easily bill these shows as “Rise Against...and Friends” as The Methadones open the Saturday show and Break The Silence opens on Sunday. Rise Against seems poised to break wide as their profile has risen considerably in the last month with... more ›