When I finished college downstate and moved to the Windy City in 1995, the Chicago no-wave scene was breaking apart. While still in school, I’d often driven three hours to catch gigs here, and after my move I caught the last shows by local no-wave stars the Scissor Girls and Lake of Dracula. The original […]
Tag: Silver Abuse
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Chicago punk was born queer
How three gay bars—La Mere Vipere, O’Banion’s, and Oz—became the cradle of the city’s punk scene
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What turns kids punk?
The new musical Verböten uses the story of Jason Narducy’s forgotten early-80s band to talk about the power of subculture.
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Metro hosts a memorial for musician and mensch Rob Warmowski
Metro hosts a memorial for musician and mensch Rob Warmowski, Jeremiah Meece of The-Drum teases an imminent album of spooky electro, and more.
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Sacha Mullin of Cheer-Accident celebrates a new album of avant-garde pop
Sacha Mullin of Cheer-Accident celebrates a new album of avant-garde pop, Featherproof and Moniker publish a memoir by outsider punk J.T. IV, and more.
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First-wave Chicago punk weirdos Silver Abuse released their second reunion album this year
In the late 70s and early 80s, Silver Abuse shared members with Naked Raygun—and their eclectic, discordant music was in some ways even more confrontational.
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Queer-friendly occult-themed monthly party Switches of Eastwick launches at the Whistler
Queer-friendly monthly party Switches of Eastwick launches at the Whistler, first-generation Chicago punks Silver Abuse celebrate a new album, and more.
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Photo Pit: Record Store Day, April 16
Customers flip through records at Dusty Groove AmericaCredit: Robert Loerzel Candy Golde at Laurie’s Planet of SoundCredit: Robert Loerzel Silver Abuse at Permanent RecordsCredit: Robert Loerzel Cairo Gang at Reckless RecordsCredit: Robert Loerzel Customers shop at Numero Group’s pop-up store in Wicker ParkCredit: Robert Loerzel Phil CohranCredit: Robert Loerzel
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Sharp Darts: Local Release Roundup
White Mystery whips the sophomore jinx, Void Pedal bumps with no MC, the Numero Group does Chicago salsa, and more.
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Record Store Day
Falling as usual on the third Saturday in April (4/16), the vinyl nerd’s favorite made-up holiday is celebrating its fifth year of celebrating independently owned record stores. This year’s Record Store Day attempts a coup d’etat against what the organizers call “online retailers or corporate behemoths” with the help of more than 700 stores in […]
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Gossip Wolf: Return to Oz
Permanent reissues a classic Chicago punk comp. Plus: Claychella’s last dance, the Hood Internet’s threesome, and more
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An Almost Perfect Naked Raygun Reunion
A planned reunion of the original Naked Raygun lineup takes a hit from a biking accident, but three-fourths of that group (and the band’s current drummer) play tomorrow at Double Door on the opening night of Riot Fest.
Posted inBlogs
You Weren’t There (and Neither Was I)
“You Weren’t There: A History of Chicago Punk 1977-84” celebrates its release on DVD with a Saturday screening at the Portage Theater, followed by a show at the Empty Bottle.
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Chicago Punk, Vol. 1
Miss out on the birth of the local scene? There’s a new documentary full of baby pictures.