Many people think punk rock is popular bands you can see on MTV or buy their t-shirts and CD's at the mall at shops like Hot Topic or Spenser's. Other people think punk rock is something that happened a long time ago with bands like Black Flag, Dead Kennedys and The Sex Pistols. What many people don't know is that most big cities have a vibrant, active punk community with exciting live concerts many nights of the week. Chicago is of these cities and I will tell you all about it.
Let me take a moment to describe the benefits of becoming an active member of the punk community on the local level. When you hear a band perform live and loud they will sound just as good as mainstream bands. You can have just as much fun at a small show as you can at an arena show for a fraction of the ticket price. The average admission for a hometown show is five dollars or under. After the band performs their set you can thank them and shake their hand, maybe even buy them a beer. Independent bands need your support and will be happy to have you as a new fan. How cool would it be to have real rock stars as friends? If you really want to get involved you could take it a step further and become a working member of your punk scene. There is always a need for people to hang posters, hand out flyers, make zines, videotape shows, make merchandise and promote. Creative and energetic people can thrive in the punk world.
In Chicago there are many great places to see punk shows. Among the best are Town Hall, Ultra Lounge, Cobra Lounge, Bottom Lounge, The Mutiny, Double Door, Subterranean, Live Wire, and Liar's Club. A great all ages club is Reggie's. It's a perfect place for young people to go to have a fun and safe time. When you go to these clubs take a look on the walls. You will see posters for upcoming concerts and can plan accordingly.
In my opinion, the best punk bands to see in Chicago are The Baby Magic, Eske, Tras De Nada, I Hate People, The Bumpus Hounds, Sex Bunker and Modern Day Rippers. They all put on great shows that will get your blood pumping and make you want to mosh. My personal favorite is Adam Rebelius, Chicago's one man punk rock band. Even though there is only one member, his songs sound full and he has a great voice. Adam Rebelius should be your first priority to see live as you explore the Chicago scene. Here's is what has to say about his band:
"I get up on stage w/my guitar and play with myself. I'd form a band if I could find the right people, but nobody is worthy enough to be in a band with me. My standards are HIGH, and I demand nothing less than perfection, and Chicago is holding out on me!
Most people who see me live, their first reaction is "Dude! You gotta get a band together!" but NOBODY wants to take being in a band SERIOUSLY! I WANT to be a RICH AND FAMOUS ROCK AND ROLL STAR, and all the other so called "Musicians" in this town just want to "Jam out, m-a-a-a-n!" (whatever that means) If people aren't ready to be so rich and famous that GREEN DAY is opening for them, then they need not apply! (YES! I'M SERIOUS AS A HEART ATTACK!)".
Now you know all about the Chicago punk scene. Go out and make wonderful new friends and have the time of your life. While you're at it, when you see a band you like pick up a CD or t-shirt. Be sure and get them autographed because who knows, it could be a collectors item some day!
Let me take a moment to describe the benefits of becoming an active member of the punk community on the local level. When you hear a band perform live and loud they will sound just as good as mainstream bands. You can have just as much fun at a small show as you can at an arena show for a fraction of the ticket price. The average admission for a hometown show is five dollars or under. After the band performs their set you can thank them and shake their hand, maybe even buy them a beer. Independent bands need your support and will be happy to have you as a new fan. How cool would it be to have real rock stars as friends? If you really want to get involved you could take it a step further and become a working member of your punk scene. There is always a need for people to hang posters, hand out flyers, make zines, videotape shows, make merchandise and promote. Creative and energetic people can thrive in the punk world.
In Chicago there are many great places to see punk shows. Among the best are Town Hall, Ultra Lounge, Cobra Lounge, Bottom Lounge, The Mutiny, Double Door, Subterranean, Live Wire, and Liar's Club. A great all ages club is Reggie's. It's a perfect place for young people to go to have a fun and safe time. When you go to these clubs take a look on the walls. You will see posters for upcoming concerts and can plan accordingly.
In my opinion, the best punk bands to see in Chicago are The Baby Magic, Eske, Tras De Nada, I Hate People, The Bumpus Hounds, Sex Bunker and Modern Day Rippers. They all put on great shows that will get your blood pumping and make you want to mosh. My personal favorite is Adam Rebelius, Chicago's one man punk rock band. Even though there is only one member, his songs sound full and he has a great voice. Adam Rebelius should be your first priority to see live as you explore the Chicago scene. Here's is what has to say about his band:
"I get up on stage w/my guitar and play with myself. I'd form a band if I could find the right people, but nobody is worthy enough to be in a band with me. My standards are HIGH, and I demand nothing less than perfection, and Chicago is holding out on me!
Most people who see me live, their first reaction is "Dude! You gotta get a band together!" but NOBODY wants to take being in a band SERIOUSLY! I WANT to be a RICH AND FAMOUS ROCK AND ROLL STAR, and all the other so called "Musicians" in this town just want to "Jam out, m-a-a-a-n!" (whatever that means) If people aren't ready to be so rich and famous that GREEN DAY is opening for them, then they need not apply! (YES! I'M SERIOUS AS A HEART ATTACK!)".
Now you know all about the Chicago punk scene. Go out and make wonderful new friends and have the time of your life. While you're at it, when you see a band you like pick up a CD or t-shirt. Be sure and get them autographed because who knows, it could be a collectors item some day!
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