Nanci Griffith: a folk singer committed to the genre as much as activism
The late singer-songwriter was dedicated to the fundamentals of folk music and her Grammy-winning music also found space for politics Mark Guarino Sat 14 Aug 2021 12.26 EDT In 1993, when the world was enthralled with the new sound of grunge rock emanating from the Pacific [...]
Jason Aldean: Country’s rising star caught up in America’s deadliest mass shooting
Aldean, part of a new breed of Nashville songwriters who have mixed traditional and contemporary styles, described shootings as ‘beyond horrific’ Mark Guarino Monday 2 October 2017 14.27 EDT With the shooting deaths of dozens of people at his concert late Sunday, country music star Jason Aldean joins a [...]
Glen Campbell: the guitar prodigy represented the best of pop and country
The man Dolly Parton called ‘one of the greatest musicians’, who played with Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, was also one of America’s most relatable stars Mark GuarinoWednesday 9 August 2017 02.25 EDT Glen Campbell may always be associated with hits such as Rhinestone Cowboy and Wichita Lineman and [...]
Black Sabbath farewell tour review – snarling rock and few words at The End
Ozzy Osbourne’s legendary band offers classics, rarities and even new material in Chicago as they wind down their 47-year career – or so they say Mark Guarino in Chicago Saturday 23 January 2016 12.41 EST A farewell tour by a veteran rock band is kind of like [...]
Bruce Springsteen review – a full immersion in The River
United Center, Chicago Playing his 1980 double album in full, and adding a tribute to Glenn Frey, Springsteen’s stamina, exuberance and ability to connect remain unrivaled Mark Guarino in ChicagoWednesday 20 January 2016 10.56 EST Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band take a full two hours [...]
Miley Cyrus review – new psychedelic direction is a bad trip
Riviera Theatre, Chicago Featuring dildos, drag queens and someone dressed as a set of teeth, Miley Cyrus takes her stadium show and crams it into a small theatre, with chaotic results MARK GUARINO Friday 20 November 2015 10.55 EST Maybe it was when Miley Cyrus appeared onstage [...]
The Arcs review – Dan Auerbach’s soul side charms windy city
Vic Theatre, Chicago The Black Keys’ frontman brought his new band to Chicago and showed that this late-night soul group is much more than a hobby-turned-side project MARK GUARINO Thursday 3 December 2015 11.11 EST When Dan Auerbach turns around in the Arcs he sees two drummers, [...]
How bands survive the loss of a singer: ‘It can’t just be slotting someone in’
The magnetism of Scott Weiland, who died on Thursday, was central to the appeal of Stone Temple Pilots before he left the band. The challenge of replacing such a key figure has dogged many successful acts MARK GUARINO Saturday 5 December 2015 09.32 EST The unexpected death [...]
Map of Motown: the sites that made the legendary Detroit label
Berry Gordy’s label reshaped pop forever, and this guide highlights the spots around the Motor City that were home to his biggest stars MARK GUARINO Sunday 13 December 2015 07.00 EST Launched in 1959, Motown Records would release some of music’s most unforgettable soul and pop records [...]
Farm Aid at 30: decades later, America’s farmers still hard-pressed
Organized by Neil Young, Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp and first staged in 1985, charity concert kicks off Saturday as ‘the fight goes on’ Mark Guarino in Chicago Saturday 19 September 2015 07.00 EDT Thirty years ago, Farm Aid was launched to respond to a farming crisis [...]