Gorillaz confirm new album later this year

It’s been two years since we’ve gotten new Gorillaz music with the release of Cracker Island. We also got The Ballad Of Darren, the first Blur record in eight years. Now, Damon Albarn has confirmed that in 2025, we’ll have more Gorillaz music.

In an interview with French publication Les Inrockuptibles posted on March 25, he said, “I’m finishing a new Gorillaz album. One opera and one new Gorillaz album seems like enough for 2025! Unless someone accuses me of taking my foot off the gas!”

At this time, we have no release date for the new record.

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3.30.2025 History Of Alternative

Hour 1 – 8A

  • Sparks w/ Jane Wiedlin – Cool Places
  • Cage The Elephant – Mess Around
  • Foo Fighters – This Is A Call
  • Talking Heads – This Must Be The Place
  • Radiohead – Bodysnatchers
  • Juliana Hatfield – Universal Heart-Beat
  • The Cure – In Between Days
  • The White Stripes – I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself
  • U2 – Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me
  • Missing Persons – Words
  • The Offspring – Want You Bad
  • Dovetail Joint – Level On The Inside
  • The Smithereens – Only A Memory

Hour 2 – 9A

  • Screaming Trees – Nearly Lost You
  • O.M.D. – Dreaming
  • Green Day – 2,000 Light Years Away
  • Morrissey – Everyday Is Like Sunday
  • Tegan And Sara – Closer
  • Folk Implosion – Natural One
  • R.E.M. – Stand
  • Korn – Freak On A Leash
  • Beck – Girl
  • The Pretenders – Talk Of The Town
  • Foals – Mountain At My Gates
  • Live – Selling The Drama
  • The Cult – Fire Woman

Hour 3 – 10A

  • Superdrag – Sucked Out
  • Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Y Control
  • Alice In Chains – Again
  • World Party – Ship Of Fools
  • Social Distortion – King Of Fools
  • Siouxsie And The Banshees – The Passenger
  • Sublime – Badfish
  • Blur – Parklife
  • Linkin Park – Somewhere I Belong
  • Psychedelic Furs – The Ghost In You
  • The Strokes – 12:51
  • Throwing Muses – Dizzy
  • Violent Femmes – Gone Daddy Gone

Hour 4 – 11A

  • New Order – Blue Monday
  • Primus – Jerry Was A Race Car Driver
  • Garbage – Push It
  • Aztec Camera – Oblivious
  • The Killers – Spaceman
  • Urge Overkill – Sister Havana
  • Blondie – One Way Or Another
  • The Stone Roses – She Bangs The Drums
  • The White Stripes – The Hardest Button To Button
  • Echo And The Bunnymen – The Cutter
  • Local H – Eddie Vedder
  • DNA/Suzanne Vega – Tom’s Diner

Beach Bunny – The Lounge

Thank You, Beach Bunny & Our Amazing Guests!

A huge thank you to Beach Bunny for bringing their incredible energy and talent to The Lounge on February 26th, 2025! Your performance was nothing short of amazing, and we’re so grateful to have had you share your music in such an intimate setting.

To everyone who joined us for this special night—thank you! Your enthusiasm and love for live music made the experience even more unforgettable. We appreciate your support and can’t wait to bring you more incredible shows in the future.

Photos/ Alex Geshel and Zach Spangler

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Refused – 3.25.25 @ The Salt Shed

Massive thanks to Refused for an unforgettable night at The Salt Shed on their farewell tour—pure energy, pure rebellion, pure legends. And to everyone who came out to celebrate, scream, and sweat it out with us—YOU made it electric.

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Chevelle, Garbage, and Primus add to already loaded summer concert calendar

You thought there were enough shows taking place this summer? You thought wrong. Yesterday saw a slew of shows announced from a slate of alt-rock icons.

Chevelle storms the Aragon Ballroom on August 15 with Asking Alexandria and Dead Poet Society. Presale tickets go live today at 10:00am with presale code “FUNKY”. General on-sale begins on Friday at 10.

Heavyweights Garbage also announced their return to Chicago for the first time since 2023. Tickets are on sale on April 4 starting at 10.

Finally, Primus returns to Chicago to play The Salt Shed for the first time in their illustrious career. They’ll be in town on July 11.

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The original ‘Family Guy’ pilot has been found after 30 years

Family Guy, barring a brief interruption in the early 2000’s in which it was cancelled by Fox, has been dominating the airwaves since 1999. In 2003, the first 7 minutes of the original, unaired pilot were released as a part of Family Guy Volume 2. However, the second-half of the pilot had been deemed “lost media” up until now.

On March 20, 2025, user GhostTheDeadGirl discovered that the full 16-minute pilot was on Robert Paulson’s personal website. Rob is credited in the pilot as both one of the ‘Digital Ink & Paint’ crew members, and under ‘Compositing.’”

You’ll notice Lois’ blonde hair, Stewie’s purple & green attire, and the pre-Seth Green voice behind Chris Griffin.

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Bishop Briggs – 3.22.25 @ Metro

A huge thank you to Bishop Briggs for an absolutely electrifying performance at The Metro on Saturday night! To everyone who came out and joined us—thank you for bringing the love, the energy, and the vibes that made the show so special. Live music is nothing without the fans, and you all made this an unforgettable experience.

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Thank You for Joining Q101’s Exclusive Mumford & Sons Listening Party!

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the exclusive Mumford & Sons listening party! We loved sharing this special night with you, experiencing brand-new music from the band together. Check out highlights, photos, and more from the event, only on Q101.com—Chicago’s home for exclusive music experiences.

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Mumford & Sons delivered an unforgettable night at the iconic Chicago Theatre, captivating fans with an intimate and powerful performance. Q101 was there to capture every special moment—check out exclusive photos from this incredible evening, showcasing the band’s unique energy up-close. Whether you missed the show or want to relive it, experience Mumford & Sons at their best right here on Q101.com.

Photos/ Ryan Bakerink

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3.23.2025 History Of Alternative

Hour 1 – 8A

  • Simple Minds – Don’t You (Forget About Me)
  • Vampire Weekend – Oxford Comma
  • Pearl Jam – Glorified G
  • INXS – Don’t Change
  • Letters to Cleo – Here And Now
  • Dashboard Confessional – Screaming Infidelities
  • New Order – Regret
  • Buck-O-Nine – My Town
  • Stone Temple Pilots – Big Bang Baby
  • Depeche Mode – People Are People
  • The Strokes – Reptilia
  • Tori Amos – God
  • Blink-182 – Bored To Death

Hour 2 – 9A

  • Talking Heads – Wild Wild Life
  • Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Phenomena
  • NIrvana – Plateau (MTV Unplugged)
  • Joy Division – Transmission
  • Death Cab For Cutie – You Are A Tourist
  • Lush – Ladykillers
  • The Smiths – Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before
  • Buffalo Tom – Taillights Fade
  • Queens Of The Stone Age – Little Sister
  • Alphaville – Forever Young
  • The Replacements – I’ll Be You
  • Shiny Toy Guns – Le Disko
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers – Aeroplane

Hour 3 – 10A

  • The Raconteurs – Salute Your Solution
  • Veruca Salt – Number One Blind
  • Jimmy Eat World – A Praise Chorus
  • Madness – Our House
  • They Might Be Giants – Don’t Let’s Start
  • Republica – Ready To Go
  • Green Day – Minority
  • Taking Back Sunday – You’re So Last Summer
  • Our Lady Peace – Starseed
  • Split Enz – Six Months In A Leaky Boat
  • Foster The People – Helena Beat
  • Hole – Miss World
  • Weezer – The Good Life

Hour 4 – 11A

  • R.E.M. – Orange Crush
  • Silverchair – Tomorrow
  • Beck – The New Pollution
  • XTC – Making Plans For Nigel
  • Garbage – Queer
  • The Gaslight Anthem – The ’59 Sound
  • The Clash – London Calling
  • PJ Harvey – Good Fortune
  • Social Distortion – Ball And Chain
  • The Pixies – Monkey Gone To Heaven
  • Paramore – crushcrushcrush
  • Marvelous 3 – Freak Of The Week

The Weekend Q101

Poppy at House of Blues (Friday): Head to House of Blues this Friday to catch artist Poppy for the They’re All Around Us Tour. The show kicks off at 7pm. Tickets are available here

Black Creativity Night at the Museum of Science and Industry (Friday): Head to Museum Campus this Friday for an after-hours gallery walk showcasing at from the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition. Enjoy food and drinks, a lively dance floor and a collection of incredible art. The event kicks off at 6pm and runs until 10pm. Tickets are available here

The 19th Annual Chi-Town Blues Festival (Saturday): The Blues is Alright Tour hits the Aerie Crown Theater this Saturday at 7pm. For more information click here

Bishop Briggs at Metro (Saturday): Bishop Briggs hits Metro this Saturday for the Tell My Therapist I’m Fine Tour. The show kicks off at 8pm and opening for Bishop Briggs is Ellise. Tickets are available here

Mumford and Sons at the Chicago Theater (Saturday): Mumford and Sons hit The Chicago Theater for a special performance this Saturday. The show kicks off at 9pm.

Movements at Aragon Ballroom (Saturday): Hardcore band Movements hit the Aragon Ballroom this Saturday. They’re joined by special guests Citizen. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are available here.

Shamrock Shuffle (Sunday): Kick off the Spring running season downtown with the Shamrock Shuffle sponsored by Bank of America. Sign up for the 8K or 2-mile walk, plus enjoy live music and drinks at the post-race party. Information is available here.

Chicago Stars vs. Houston (Sunday): Cheer on your Chicago Stars FC as they take on the Houston Dash at SeatGeek Stadium. For tickets, click here


Chicago Blackhawks vs. Philadelphia Flyers (Sunday): Cheer on your Chicago Blackhawks as they take on the Philadelphia Flyers this Sunday at United Center. Gates open at 12:30pm and the game kicks off at 2pm.

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Brian & Kenzie’s ‘Get To The Point’

Brian & Kenzie want to hook teachers up with pencils. After a discussion earlier this week about how kids still use pencils (which was news to Brian & Case), we’re getting to the point and collecting pencils for teachers around the Chicagoland area.

If you are a teacher in the Chicagoland area who wishes to sign up to receive a portion of the supplies donated, SIGN UP HERE.

This form will close on Sunday March 23, 2025 at 11:59 PM CST. After materials are collected on April 3, 2025 following the Coheed & Cambria Pop-Up at The Cubby Bear and Brian & Kenzie’s Cubs Home Opener broadcast at Almost Home Tavern & Grill on Apirl 4, they will be distributed amongst those who sign up.

If you are looking to donate to Brian & Kenzie’s ‘Get To The Point’ virtually, CLICK HERE.

Brian & Kenzie’s Amazon Registry will be live through April 4. This is the best way to help out if you would like to donate virtually.

We thank you so much for your generosity. Together, we can change lives in Chicagoland.

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White Sox unveil new food lineup for 2025 season

The White Sox unveiled their new food lineup in front of a slew of influencers and personalities (not me, I wasn’t invited…) yesterday. Just like last year, the new food will undoubtedly be the high point of the White Sox season. The biggest addition to an already-stacked food lineup is the Lucky’s in Section 154. Lucky’s includes the following:

  • All American Korean Dog: Vienna Beef hot dog coated with corn flakes, and a drizzle of ketchup and mustard
  • El Diablo: A mozzarella Korean Dog covered with Flaming Hot Cheetos, sambal mayo, and Fu Sauce. 
  • Papas Freedom: Vienna Beef hot dog coated with hash browns and a drizzle of barbecue sauce
  • Stadium Nacho: Vienna Beef hot dog coated with Tostito’s tortilla chips drizzled with stadium nacho cheese and pickled jalapenos
  • Unicorn: A deep-fried marshmallow coated with Fruity Pebbles and sweet condensed milk
  • Changeup Bubble Waffle: Filled with vanilla ice cream, black sugar boba, ginger, mocha syrup and Pirouline cookie
  • Gojujang Bubble Waffle: Crispy chicken tossed in a Gojujang sauce with toasted sesame seeds
  • Heater Bubble Waffle: Filled with vanilla ice cream, miso chili, caramel, peanuts, and crushed Oreos
  • Sweet Chili Bubble Waffle: Crispy chicken tossed in a sweet chili sauce and peanuts
  • Chili Crunch Noodles: Knife-cut noodles with green onions, cilantro, and peanuts
  • Chili Crunch Noodles: Knife-cut noodles with green onions, cilantro, and peanuts

David Chang, one of the best chefs in the country, has a new section in 110 that has revamped chicken offerings.

Of course, the Sox also have a new milkshake to offer to the South Side faithful. The Celebration Cake Shake is birthday cake ice cream blended with confetti cake and paired with a cookie that looks like one of the famous pinwheels in the center field.

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7 Lollapalooza Bands You Need to Hear Right Now

It happens to all of us. At some point in time, you stare at a festival poster and go “I don’t know who these bands are”. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s harder and harder to cut through all of the noise and various outlets to find out who is actually worth listening to. Luckily, I’m here. If you’re looking at the Lollapalooza lineup and you’re lost, these are 7 bands you need to know.

ALEXSUCKS

Q101 Twisted XMAS alumni ALEXSUCKS are back in town, hot off the heels of their excellent new single “Worm In The Sun”. Initially a band that drew comparisons to The Strokes, the Southern California quartet has proven to be far more than just a cheap imitation of a legacy act. Operating as an energetic, snotty band, ALEXSUCKS have slowly been winning over the alt-rock faithful over the course of the last few years.

hey, nothing

hey, nothing, are a two-piece alt-folk act that hails from the artistic safe haven that is Athens, Georgia. This band is undeniably charming. If you’ve ever heard Modern Baseball’s earliest work or were smitten with earnest folk punk bands like Sledding With Tigers, you’ll find a similar connection to hey, nothing.

julie

julie are, in theory, what Perry Ferrell set out to highlight when he launched Lollapalooza in 1991. Simply put: they are weird. Beautifully weird, yes, but unquestionably weird. They would’ve made sense sandwiched between Siouxsie and the Banshees and Nine Inch Nails on the festival’s inaugural tour. As shoegaze has come back into fashion, julie have stood out from the pack as arguably the best contemporary group of that genre. julie are completely left-of-center, a stark contrast to the pop acts that will dominate the main stages, but a band that is entirely deserving of their slot on this festival.

Ratboys

It wouldn’t be Lollapalooza without tried and true Chicago bands thriving over the course of the weekend. For over a decade now, alt-country heavyweights Ratboys have been leading the charge of the Chicago scene. With five records under the belt including 2023’s stellar The Window, there’s no shortage of tracks that Ratboys could bring to Grant Park. It’s thrilling to see a band who has been this good for this long get the recognition they deserve on a Lollapalooza stage. If you find yourself yearning for a simpler time when this city was pumping out acts like Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt, Ratboys can act as your modern medicine.

Sierra Ferrell

Sierra Ferrell is hitting the road this summer with Post Malone and my mortal enemy Jelly Roll. The eclectic trio make a stop at Wrigley Field on May 22. Luckily for us, Ferrell will return this summer and will be coming back with no Jelly Roll in sight. Whereas the aforementioned Ratboys fit the dictionary definition of “alt-country”, Ferrell is nothing but country. The West Virginia-born frontwoman harkens back to the time of Lynn Anderson or more recently, Lucinda Williams. Ferrell’s set will act as a soothing break from the general craziness that invades Grant Park for four days every summer, and as a result, she could end up stealing the entire weekend.

Sunami

Sunami is one of the many post-COVID hardcore standouts that have reached previously unfathomable heights. Following recent Lollapalooza alumni Knocked Loose and Militarie Gun, Sunami will bring a level of fury to Grant Park that no other band (not even Korn) will be able to match. Their 2019 EP Demonstration laid the groundwork for a string of releases unmatched in intensity and aggression. “Weak Die First” is as much a standout single as it is a mission statement. Their recent single, “Fence Walker” which dropped on a split EP with Pain of Truth, saw a continuation of the band’s consistency.

Wunderhorse

UK’s Wunderhorse are on the cusp of becoming huge. The next time this band plays a festival in Chicago, their name is going to be in a much larger font. Their performance at the start of February in Chicago at the Metro was a loud, brash explosion that stunned a sold-out audience to the point that a genuine “encore” chant erupted from the Wrigleyville faithful. Per the band’s philosophy, though, there was no encore. The band that was touted as “a band that could become generational” by Rolling Stone UK played at 110% for 55 minutes and then walked off stage, never to be seen again. If you are excited by punchy, yet lyrically gorgeous rock music, Wunderhorse are the band for you.

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Yeah Yeah Yeahs Announce Intimate Tour, Dates at The Chicago Theater

Iconic New York City-based rockers Yeah Yeah Yeahs are headed back to Chicago for a pair of intimate shows as a part of their announced the Hidden in Pieces Tour. The group will perform “reimagined versions” of its most popular songs and deep cuts, with additional accompaniment on strings and piano.

These shows are in celebration of 25 years of the band.

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs will be at the Chicago Theater on July 22 and July 23.

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3.16.2025 History Of Alternative

Hour 1 – 8A

  • Stiff Little Fingers – Alternative Ulster
  • Empire Of The Sun – Walking On A Dream
  • Alice In Chains – Heaven Beside You
  • Edie Brickell & New Bohemians – What I Am
  • Portugal. The Man – Live In The Moment
  • Sponge – Molly
  • The Pretenders – Don’t Get Me Wrong
  • Flogging Molly – Drunken Lullabies
  • Radiohead – Just
  • Blondie – Hanging On The Telephone
  • Nirvana – Sliver
  • Two Door Cinema Club – What You Know
  • R.E.M. – Crush With Eyeliner
  • Grouplove – Tongue Tied

Hour 2 – 9A

  • The Pogues – If I Should Fall From Grace With God
  • Silversun Pickups – The Pit
  • Garbage – Vow
  • Echo And The Bunnymen – Seven Seas
  • Muse – Knights Of Cydonia
  • G. Love & Special Sauce – Cold Beverage
  • The Cure – High
  • Hole – Celebrity Skin
  • Modest Mouse – Dashboard
  • The Smithereens – Blood And Roses
  • The Interrupters – She’s Kerosene
  • Collective Soul – Gel
  • Audioslave – I Am The Highway

Hour 3 – 10A

  • The Undertones – Teenage Kicks
  • Angels And Airwaves – The Adventure
  • Green Day – Hitchin’ A Ride
  • Romeo Void – Never Say Never
  • Beastie Boys – Body Movin’
  • Tracy Bonham – Mother Mother
  • U2 – In God’s Country
  • Flogging Molly – Requiem For A Dying Song
  • Pearl Jam – Rearviewmirror
  • Siouxsie And The Banshees – Cities In Dust
  • Snow Patrol – Hands Open
  • The Flaming Lips – She Don’t Use Jelly
  • Coheed And Cambria – Blood Red Summer

Hour 4 – 11A

  • Chumbawamba – Tubthumping
  • Tracy Chapman – Fast Car
  • Foo Fighters – Darling Nikki
  • The Waterboys – The Whole Of The Moon
  • Incubus – Anna Molly
  • Psychedelic Furs – Pretty In Pink
  • Morrissey – Irish Blood, English Heart
  • The Cranberries – Salvation
  • Depeche Mode – Policy Of Truth
  • Sinead O’Connor – The Emperor’s New Clothes
  • Dropkick Murphys – The Boys Are Back
  • Dropkick Murphys – I’m Shipping Up To Boston