New music featuring AJR, Cannons, The Front Bottoms, and more!

AJR: The Dumb Song

Viral sensations and 21st century pop sensations AJR are back with a new single, their first since November. The band will join Imagine Dragons in Milwaukee this summer as a part of SummerFest. Tickets can be purchased here.

Cannons: Loving You

DVT’s song of the week is the newest installment from Cannons and it is an absolute vibe. The band is bigger than ever off the heels of last year’s show-stopping PIQNIQ performance and this year’s packed Pop-Up Performance at The Cubby Bear. The new track, “Loving You”, might be their best one yet.

Florence + the Machine: Mermaids

London-based Florence + the Machine reentered our lives last year with 2022’s “Dance Fever”. We’re lucky enough to get even more new music with the release of their latest single, “Mermaids”.

The Front Bottoms: Outlook

The boys are back. PIQNIQ alumni The Front Bottoms (and Case the Producer’s all-time favorite band) have announced a new album, “You Are Who You Hang Out With”, which will come out on August 4. The first single off the new record is ‘Outlook’, a four-minute banger that has all the wit, quirk, and charm that you would expect from The Front Bottoms.

LURK: Honey Hive

LURK is perhaps Chicago’s most exciting up-and-coming band and they’ve added to their already stellar discography with their release this week, Honey Hive. A band that once described themselves as a mix between DEVO and Ramones are certainly living up to that claim with buzzing, hooky tracks like this. If you are going to dive into any local artist this year, we highly suggest it be LURK.

Militarie Gun: Very High

This is your warning: don’t be late to the Militarie Gun. Originally just a hardcore outfit for your agitated stepson to enjoy, they’ve become a band with much buzz about them in recent months. After three stellar EP’s and numerous jaw-dropping live sets (including many in Chicago), the band finally announced that they’ll be releasing their first full-length album, “Life Under the Gun”, which is set to drop on June 23. “Very High” is the latest release from a band with a prolific output. They simply do not miss.

MUNA: One That Got Away

MUNA has an upcoming show at The Salt Shed that sold out very quickly. They have a date opening for Taylor Swift at the end of April. They’re doing a lot right, right now, and one of those things that they’re doing right is putting out songs like “One That Got Away”, a jaunty, electronic banger that is the perfect summer revenge track.

Staind: Lowest In Me

Staind is back with their first single in 12 years. In the best way possible, it’s exactly what you’d expect from Staind. The guitars are abrasive, the drums sound like shotgun blasts, and Aaron Lewis’ vocals cut through in a way that many could only dream about. They are back in Tinley Park on August 10.

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The Weekend Q101

Chicago Latino Film Festival (Thursday-Sunday): The Chicago Latino Film Fest returns for its 39th year, showing films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal and the United States via screenings at Landmark Century Centre Cinema and AMC River East. More information on the event can be found here.

Placebo at The Salt Shed (Friday): English alt-rock icons, Placebo, make their way to The Salt Shed on Friday for their first show in Chicago since 2014. The band was originally booked for last year’s Riot Fest, but had to pull out of the festival because of visa issues. They’ve found themselves back stateside and limited tickets available here.

Rat Tally at Golden Dagger (Friday): Rat Tally is one of Chicago’s best up-and-coming artist and she’ll be at the intimate Golden Dagger on Friday. Tally shakes listeners to the core with soft-spoken, albeit powerful lyrics over crashing guitars and enchanting percussion. As she says, “writing sad music for sad people. Or happy people. Or whoever.” Grab a ticket to her show here.

Lizzy McAlpine at The Riv (Friday): Folk singer-songwriter has exploded in popularity over the last year. In the fall, she sold out the Metro. A few months later, she’s now packed The Riv and will play to a sold out crowd on Friday.

Bikini Kill at The Salt Shed (Saturday): Riot Grrrl icons are back for their first proper Chicago date in nearly 30 years. The only other time they’ve come to town this century was during their much-anticipated reunion at Riot Fest 2019. This time, they take over The Salt Shed for what should be an incredibly cathartic show. Tickets can be purchased here.

The Office Reunion Convention at Navy Pier (Saturday-Sunday): The Reunion™ 2023 is the Biggest Collection of Office Cast Members since our first convention Dunder Con! This weekend at Navy Pier, come meet some of your favorite characters, enjoy interactive activities made just for fans & experience The Office like never before! Get tickets here.

Rainn Wilson at Francis W. Parker School (Saturday): To go along with The Office convention that is in town, Rainn Wilson, of Office fame, will sit down with Second City vice president Kelly Leonard to talk about spiritual thinking and profound healing. Photo opportunities will be available to those who purchase pre-signed copies of Wilson’s novel Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution. Information can be found here.

Pixar Putt (Saturday-September 10): Pixar Putt returns to Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier for the 2023 season. The mini golf pop-up presents 18 holes of fun inspired by some of Pixar’s most beloved films, including Toy Story, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, Wall-E and more. Get tickets here.

Record Store Day (Saturday): It’s the most wonderful day of the year for people still clinging to physical music (like the person writing this post). Hot items this year include The 1975: Live with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Black Keys: Live at Beachland Tavern 2002, Blur: Blur Presents the Special Collectors Edition, Macho Man Randy Savage: Be A Man, Pearl Jam: Give Way, and Taylor Swift: Folklore – The Long Pond Studio Sessions. A full list of available titles can be found here. Participating record stores include Reckless Records, Shuga Records, Bric-a-Brac, and more.

NASCAR Watch Party at Heroes West Sports Grill in Joliet (Sunday): Rev your engines, racing fans! join Q101 to watch The GEICO 500 and cheer on your favorite drivers at our official watch party! Join us at Heroes West Sports Grill located at 1530 Commerce Ln, in Joliet on Sunday, April 23rd from 2pm – 6pm for a watch party filled with high-speed thrills, delicious food, and unbeatable company. Get ready for the green flag with a cold drink in hand and a group of friends by your side.

Check out our table to win cool prizes, make sure to enter to win a pair of GA tickets to NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend on July 1 & 2nd 2023. We’ll also be giving away a pair of tickets to 3 Doors Down at Hollywood Casino Amphiteatre and Dead & Company – The Final Tour at Wrigley Field. Get there early and secure your spot to the finish line!

Click HERE to buy Tickets to the NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend.

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Pearl Jam announce tour dates with all-in ticket pricing

Pearl Jam will play the United Center on Tuesday, September 5th & Thursday September 7th. Tickets will feature all-in pricing, meaning the price listed is the actual cost inclusive of transaction fees.

A special ticket presale began today for all eligible Ten Club members. General public tickets will be sold through Ticketmaster Verified Fan, which requires advance registration in order to participate. Registration begins now and closes on April 25 at 5pm PT.

Primus + Tool + QOTSA = good

Members of Tool and Queens Of The Stone Age joined Primus onstage at a benefit concert for renowned director, animator and writer Jimmy Hayward (Finding Nemo, Toy Story), who is receiving treatment for a very rare and life threatening skin Cancer (squamous cel carcinoma) that grew tumors into the bones of his skull. (You can find his gofundme HERE.)

The show’s setlist comprised of six Primus songs and four covers, on which the band were joined by Tool’s Danny Carey and Justin Chancellor, as well as Queens Of The Stone Age’s Troy Van Leeuwen and comedian Dean Delray.

“As we move through life, every now and again, something comes along and kicks us in the testicles. And sometimes it kicks someone we care about in the testicles. And that has happened to our good friend Jimmy Hayward. And so tonight, this show is for Jimmy Hayward” proclaims Les Claypool before diving back into Those Damn Blue-Collar Tweekers. Enjoy! <3 Lauren

And the DRUM SOLOS Danny Carey vs. Tim Alexander and Danny Carey with Tim Alexander.

And comedian Dean Delray covering AC/DC’s Whole Lots Rosie (warning naughty words)

Oasis is back with a new album…thanks to AI

One of Manchester’s greatest exports, Oasis, have been broken up since 2009. Despite pleas from their millions of adoring fans and Matty Healy, Liam and Noel Gallagher have shown no signs of making up and showing one another brotherly love. Fans have been left wondering for years now what a follow-up to 2008’s “Dig Out Your Soul”, would sound like, and we now have an answer.

When asked about the record on Twitter, Liam Gallagher responded,

The music industry is currently up in arms over a Drake x The Weeknd collaboration that was made by AI.

Whether artists like it or not, it would appear that AI bands are here to stay.

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McDonald’s to make Big Mac Sauce available for a limited time only

They said it couldn’t be done. They said it wouldn’t be done. They said it should’t be done. They said a lot of things, and yet, it’s happening. McDonald’s, who has under gone some extensive changes lately, is making headlines yet again as they’ve announced that starting on April 27, participating restaurants across the U.S. will offer Big Mac sauce dip cups, available only when ordering through the McDonald’s app.

That’s right, you can finally get a little bit more of that good good.

We’ll see you at your local McDonald’s on April 27.

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If you are walking alone in Chicago, you need to be aware of this

Ken Waks, an investigator and content creator in Chicago, has a message for people that have been walking alone, late at night in Chicago.

@ken

CHICAGO FRIENDS, DO NOT ACCEPT A RIDE FROM A STRANGER!!! This has happened to me 2x in the last 6 weeks. People have been going missing all yesr after leaving a bar or party at night and are never heard from again. Stay safe, please. Make sure your friends have a ride home. We need to look out for each other. #chicago #psa #staysafe #missingperson #strangerdanger #chicagotiktok #freeride

♬ Creepy and simple horror background music(1070744) – howlingindicator

The buddy system should remain as prominent now as it did when you were in preschool. Stay safe, Chicago.

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Here’s a list of great Chicagoland deals to celebrate 4/20

It’s 4/20, and it’s time to celebrate. Our friends at Block Club Chicago have helped us gather the information on the best deals going around the city.

10% Off Weed at Dispensary 33

This dispensary, which has two locations at at 5001 N. Clark St. and 1152 W. Randolph St., is knocking off 10% for all weed through Saturday. It is also offering buy three bulk deals. More information can be found here.

Sunnyside is Offering Free One-Hitters

Sunnyside, which has two locations on Clark St., is offering free one-hitters for anyone who purchases more than 7 grams of the good stuff. Learn more about the fun being offered here.

20% Off Weed in South Shore

Mission Illinois at 8554 S. Commercial Ave. is offering a wide array of discounts on their products on 4/20. Get the low down on getting high here.

$5 Off At Nature’s Care Company

Nature’s Care will take $5 off items across its menu in April to celebrate 4/20. It is at 810 W. Randolph St. Click here to learn more.

A full list of celebrations and discounts can be found here.

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The Foo Fighters are back with a stunning new tune, “Rescued”

For the first time since the untimely death of Taylor Hawkins, Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters are back with a new song. Grohl, in the past year, not only lost his drummer, but also his mother, whom he was extremely close to. This song is incredibly emotional.

The next Foo Fighters album will be released on June 2. It is called “But Here We Are”.

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How you can be a part of the $725 million Facebook settlement

Facebook owes us money, again. A multi-million dollar settlement was approved by a judge last month that will force Meta, Facebook’s parent company, to once again line the pockets of Chicagoland citizens. The lawsuit claims Facebook allowed users’ personal data to be shared with third parties, the most famous being Cambridge Analytica, a consulting firm that supported Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. The firm harvested the data of as many as 87 million Facebook users, the Associated Press reported.

You can check to see if you’re eligible at this link right here.

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Bojangles is coming to Chicago!

As if your friend chicken options weren’t already challenging enough between the northern expansion of Raising Canes and the continued dominance of Chick-fil-A, it was announced yesterday that Bojangles, a southern fried chicken chain, is coming to Chicago.

The 46-year-old company said in a press release that it had signed a multi-unit franchise development agreement that will introduce the brand to Chicago. The company will be bringing three new restaurants to Chicago suburbs over the next three years, joining three other locations in Illinois that operate to the south of the city.

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This Anthony Bass tweet is taking over the Internet: is he acting like a Karen?

The Internet has been buzzing for a few days now about Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass and a tweet that he sent out into the ether.

Per the tweet, the flight attendant on this flight “made” his pregnant wife get on her hands and knees to pick up the spilled popcorn.

Now, the Q101 Zooming In Team has acquired a zoomed in image of the popcorn on the ground, and to us, that’s a decent amount of corn.

Does it warrant a pregnant woman cleaning it up? You decide. The conversation lives on Facebook!

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Billy Idol performs first-ever concert at the Hoover Dam

Billy Idol performed the first-ever show at the Hoover Dam (on the Colorado River & Nevada/Arizona border) for an upcoming concert film set to be released later this year.

The once in a lifetime concert, featuring special guests Alison Mosshart (The Kills, The Dead Weather), Steve Jones (Sex Pistols) and Tony Kanal (No Doubt), was filmed on April 8th for a concert film scheduled for theatrical release later this year.

New Foo?!

Are you thinking what I’m thinking? This is happening now. Two clips of a new Foo Fighters song, hoping we get the whole thing soon! Who do you think will be on drums in this new foo era? <3 Lauren

Keanu Reeves kisses with his eyes open

A-lister Keanu Reeves has made headlines yet again, although this time we’re a little taken aback by why. The actor and his girlfriend were photographed smooching on the red carpet, and Reeves, as it turns out, kisses with his eyes open.

This is one of the most uncomfortable photos we’ve ever seen.

Do you kiss with your eyes open? The conversation lives on Facebook!

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Netflix lost $2 billion in value because of this one thing

Netflix’s ‘Love Is Blind’ reunion show is now on Netflix, but that comes after a long day of delays and disappointment. The Season 4 cast of the smash-hit were set to get together for a live reunion show on Sunday afternoon, but Netflix failed to get the broadcast up and running. “To everyone who stayed up late, woke up early, gave up their Sunday afternoon… we are incredibly sorry that the Love is Blind Live Reunion did not turn out as we had planned,” Netflix tweeted. “We’re filming it now and we’ll have it on Netflix as soon as humanly possible. Again, thank you and sorry.”

The company took a massive stock hit because of this issue. Per DailyMail, “The streaming giant was down as much as 2.4% to $330.57 at 3:25 p.m. in New York. The stock crept back up to close at $332.72, but was still down 1.75%. The company’s market cap fell from $150.81 billion to $148.18 billion.”

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Big changes are coming to your Big Mac: McDonald’s to make changes to menu items

McDonald’s has said it’s been tweaking the menu. The changes are subtle, but McDonald’s said Monday they’ve resulted in the company’s “best burgers ever”, which include new buns, added Big Mac sauce to Big Macs, and caramelized onions to patties while they’re on the grill.

The changes are being applied to the preparation of the signature Big Mac, the McDouble, and the classic cheeseburgers and hamburgers.

These changes have already happened on the West Coast and are moving across the country.

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