Next to Gossip Wolf, Ratso is the most famous media mammal in town. The rat puppet is a cohost of beloved cable-access dance party Chic-a-Go-Go and a featured character in Roctober magazine. Turns out Ratso also has musical ambitions; last week he formed a band with garage-rock scenster and underwear model Nobunny called Ratso & the Rabbits. Also in the lineup is Milwaukee enigma the Rhythm Chicken, a dude who drags a drum kit to places drum kits don’t usually belong—weddings, Brewers games, small boats on the lakes of Door County—wearing a crusty full-head rabbit mask, then bashes away till the cops come. Rounding out the band is guitarist Buh Zombie, the “quiet” member of the Goblins. They plan to record soon. Ratso also emcees the release party for Roctober‘s 48th issue at the Empty Bottle on Wed 6/15.
A reliable source tells Gossip Wolf that R. Kelly has a favored spot for after the afterparty: Rock ‘n’ Roll McDonald’s. Word is that Kelly hangs out there about once a month, and has almost been tossed out for being dee-runk. A few weeks ago he appeared with his security and entourage, but the Kelly Klub just stood around for ten minutes, then made a hasty exit.
Logan Square record store Saki will celebrate its first anniversary next weekend with a three-day blowout featuring bands, DJs, and cake. Highlights on Sat 6/18 include Magical Beautiful, Architecture, and Astronomer; on Sun 6/19 there’s Heavy Times, the Great Society Mind Destroyers, and DJ sets from Drag City‘s Rian Murphy and HoZac‘s Todd Novak. See Saki’s blog for more.
Gossip Wolf congratulates Population keyboardist Jessica Skolnik for her work organizing last weekend’s Slutwalk; the march against rape culture and victim blaming drew hundreds of supporters. Population celebrate a new seven-inch with a show June 22 at Water Works with Milk Music, Dastard, and Birth; e-mail fliffcity@gmail.com for details. —Jessica Hopper and J.R. Nelson
Got a tip? Tweet it: @Gossip_Wolf