Catch up on the music news everyone’s talking about with this week’s On the Radar.
RIP George Young, Scott Putesky, and Fats Domino
Last week, we lost three musicians who made huge contributions to music. First, Scott Putesky aka Daisy Berkowitz, died at 49 after a four year battle with colon cancer. Putesky is the co-founder and original guitarist for Marilyn Manson. His work can be heard on the band’s debut LP, Portrait of an American Family and Smells Like Children. He later left the group in 1996 during Antichrist Superstar recording sessions citing creative differences. Marilyn Manson posted a touching statement on Instagram.
We also lost George Young, brother of AC/DC’s Angus and Malcolm Young. He was 70 years old. Young produced the first five AC/DC albums and also played in his own band, The Easybeats. He also wrote for pop and rock artists over the years.
“It is with pain in our heart that we have to announce the passing of our beloved brother and mentor George Young. Without his help and guidance there would not have been an AC/DC,” said the Young family in a statement. Read the full statement here.
Last week also saw the loss of rock and roll pioneer Fats Domino. Domino died on Tuesday (Oct. 24) at 89. The musician is known for hits, such as “Ain’t that a Shame,” “Blueberry Hill,” and “I’m Walkin’.” He’s among one of the first artists to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame.
Our thoughts are with the Young, Domino, and the Putesky family during this difficult time.
Franz Ferdinand announce new album and 2018 tour dates
After a five year break, Franz Ferdinand is back with new music. The band announced their fifth album, Always Ascending, which drops February 9, 2018. They gave us a taste of what to expect with their new single, “Always Ascending.” The band offered a sneak peak of the rest of the song with a live-streamed event from Paris last Wednesday (Oct. 25).
Wasting no time, they also announced a massive world tour. Shows kick off December 4 in Seattle, WA and wrap up May 17 in Oakland, CA. So far, they have no shows booked in Chicago. Does this mean we can expect to see them on a festival lineup? We’ll just have to wait to find out. In the meantime, check out the new song above.
Confirmed: Justin Timberlake will perform at the 2018 Super Bowl halftime show
Turns out the rumors were true. Last weekend, it was revealed that Justin Timberlake will indeed perform at the Super Bowl halftime show. Timberlake confirmed the news on Twitter saying “I DO have the time. Half the time…” The singer returns to the event 14 years after the infamous “Nipplegate” incident with Janet Jackson.
While some people seem pleased with the choice, others are crying unfair. Many believe Timberlake still owes Jackson an apology. She seemed to be blamed for the entire event, while Timberlake walked away relatively unscathed. Many are wondering if Timberlake or the NFL will extend an invitation to Jackson. When asked about reuniting with Timberlake, Jackson said she’s all for it.
Hopefully, Timberlake will make things right and have Jackson join him on stage during the event.
Upcoming Shows
Get your Halloween pre-game on with Arcade Fire with special guests The Breeders at the United Center October 30. Tickets are still available.
Catch Kid Cudi at the Aragon Ballroom as part of his Passion, Pain, & Demon Slayin’ Tour November 4. Get tickets here.
Kehlani plays the Riviera Theatre as part of Red Bull’s Sound Select Presents 30 Days in Chicago November 3. You can also catch Kodie Shane and Blaise Moore, but only if you get tickets.
Prog-metal master Dream Theater hit up the Chicago Theatre on their Images, Word, & Beyond Tour November 3. Grab tickets here.
Chicago Artist Spotlight: Sleep On It
Sleep On It is one of the best local pop-punk bands you’re not listening to. Forming in 2012, the band started with TJ Horansky (guitar), Jacob Marquis (guitar), AJ Khah (bass), Luka FIschman (drums), and John Cass (vocals). They released their debut EP Everything, All At Once in 2014, but started growing a bigger fanbase with 2015’s Safe Again. In the same year, Cass left the band, but this didn’t slow them down. They hired Zech Pluister as the vocalist and moved forward for the new EP Lost Along the Way.
After years of working hard making a name for themselves, they’re finally releasing their debut album Overexposed on November 3. To celebrate, they’ll be playing an in-store performance at Reckless Records in Wicker Park. After that, they’ll head out on their winter tour, which kicks off November 6 in Dallas, TX and wraps up November 11 in Sacramento, CA.