Illinois Entertainer December 2017 | Page 4

Photo: Alison Dyer December 2017 • Volume 44, Number 02 • www.illinoisentertainer.com COVER STORY: WOLF ALICE One of the best sets at Lollapalooza 2016 was performed by a little known band from the U.K. named Wolf Alice. 146 tour dates later (in 2017), the band has made themselves into one of the most acclaimed acts of the year, lead by firebrand vocal- ist Ellie Rowsell. Tom Lanham talked to Rowsell about a new documentary, their grueling tour schedule, and winding down when the tour's over, and more. 6 HELLO MY NAME IS TODD As one of the most prolific and forward-thinking artists/producers of the last 50 years, it’s no surprise that Todd Rundgren would rather keep exploring than nestle into a com- fort zone. In fact, that fierce commitment to his current artistic muse over commercialism and a regularly shifting set list is exactly what keeps the faithful coming back for more, espe- cially when the man who’s logged time with Nazz, Utopia, The New Cars and Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band spends a cou- ple of nights at the intimate Park West. In a conversation with Andy Argyrakis, Rundgren also reveals why he’s refused to slow down (even at 69) and what’s next in the pipeline of con- tinuous projects. Page 22 - WOLF ALICE File Nick's Bar comes to FitzGerald's SideBar and more. Cinemascopes Return of the Last Jedi. 20 26 THE JESUS LIZARD Media Well, I’m just glad people are still interested in us,” jokes Mac McNeilly. The Jesus Lizard drummer is responding to the fact that their upcoming, albeit brief, six date tour is moving tickets at a rapid pace (including a December 9th performance at Chicago’s Metro which sold out in an eyeblink). “It’s surprising,” he con- tinues, “considering that there is no new material.” Since the quartet hasn't played together since 2009, McNeilly wasn’t really sure if anyone would actually show up. They did. Curt Baran has the story. In remembrance. Sweet Home 18 Morrissey, Bowie, Chris Barron and more . Spins 28 Calendar 30 Ruthie's got the blues. Over 1300 shows at the best shows at the best venues. Caught In A Mosh 25 YEARS OF WIIL ROCK Terrestrial radio's 95 WIIL Rock is somewhat rare by today’s radio station standards, as it's considered to be a full-blown active rock station. It’s a musical format that most stations in the area aren’t doing at the moment. Amidst the rotation of modern rock acts such as Papa Roach, Theory Of A Deadman and Hollywood Undead, WIIL also spins classic tracks by The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Cheap Trick, Foo Fighters and Pearl Jam. Plus, you’ll also hear ’90s alt/Nü metal regulars such as Limp Bizkit, Korn and System of a Down. Every day, WIIL rocks north Chicago and its suburbs, as well as southern Wisconsin. One of the station’s catch- phrases is, “If it rocks, we play it.” Kelley Simms talked to Program Director John Perry about their 25th birthday and two big shows their hosting in December Can't stop GWAR. Classifieds You dumped your boyfriend's bassist, now you're looking for another. Studiophile Million Yen mixing Local H live tracks. Gear Advertising Sales Contributors: John Vernon Scott Assmann Mike Engel Andy Argyrakis, Guy Arnston, Penelope Biver, Patrick Conlan, Deena Dasein, Jaime de'Medici, Jeff Elbel Terrence Flamm, Steve Forstneger Michael Gallucci, Michael C. Harris, Max Herman, Tom Lanham, Carter Moss, Michael Obrecki, Greg Olma Arsenio Orteza, Rodney Pawlak, Bruce Pilato, Matthew Pollock, Jason Scales, Kelley Simms, Ed Spinelli, Tim Shockley, James Turano Curt Baran Mike Meyer Tom Lanham Lori Vernon Advertising Director Design Team Notion Pool Notion Pool Dragon Design Vision Design Senior Columnists Classified Advertising David Gedge Founder John Vernon Website Direction Rosalind Cummings-Yeates - Sweet Home Rick Kaempfer - Media Kenneth L. Voss Kelley Simms - Caught In A Mosh Publisher Emeritis David C. Eldredge - East Coast David Roberts 4 illinoisentertainer.com december 2017 34 50 53 54 Radiohead's Ed has a new Fender guitar. Publisher Contributing Editors 6 14 16 SUBSCRIPTIONS: $35 per year (first class). Material for insertion must reach our office by the First Of The Month preceding publication. We cannot assume responsibility for unsolicit- ed manuscripts or photographs. Follow us online at: facebook.com illinoisentertainer.tumblr.com twitter.com/ie_entertainer Address All Correspondence to: Illinois Entertainer 4223 W. Lake St., Suite 490 Chicago, IL 60624 [phone] - Chicago/North Sub [phone] - West/South Suburbs [phone] - Fax email us at: Editorial: [email protected] Advertising: [email protected] The ILLINOIS ENTERTAINER is published monthly by Roberts Publishing, Inc, All materials copyright 2017 by Roberts Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from Roberts Publishing, Inc. Current and back issues of the IE are $10.00 postpaid.