March 29, 2024

On the Radar: RIP Mikio Fujioka, Rare Nirvana Recordings and Chicago Concerts

The White Stripes

Too busy fighting the winter chill to keep up with music news? Catch up with the latest edition of On the Radar.

Babymetal guitarist, Mikio “Ko-Gami” Fujioka has died

Mikio “Ko-Gami” Fujioka, guitarist for Babymetal, died at 36 years old last week. Reports surfaced online that the guitarist fell from an observation deck on December 30. After that, he condition worsened until he died on January 5.

The band broke the news on Facebook last week saying:

The “Little” Guitar Kami of #BABYMETAL ‘s #Kamiband has passed away in the METAL GALAXIES. We hope that he is now with…

Posted by BABYMETAL on Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Fujioka was Babymetal’s lead guitarist, who first performed with the band in 2013. He continued playing with them as their popularity skyrocketed.

Chicago Music sends their thoughts out to Fujioka’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Rare Nirvana recordings posted on Youtube by Cobain’s old friend

Last week, old Nirvana demos appeared online thanks to one of Cobain’s former friends. John Purkey, who runs the Youtube channel The Observer, posted four videos featuring audio from Nirvana cassette demos. He claims Cobain gave him the tapes back in the late 80s.

The material features songs that would later go on the band’s debut album Bleach. There’s also early Nevermind material featuring drummer Chad Channing. Purkey offers his own commentary for each tape.

Purkey’s channel is full of rare Nirvana goodies, such as demos and letters he apparently got from Cobain. If you’re a major Nirvana fan, make sure to check it out.

Jack White announces new LP and unleashes two new songs

Jack White is back with new music! Last week, the rocker released two new songs from his upcoming LP, Boarding House Reach, out March 23. First, there’s the powerful and uplifting “Connected By Love,” which also received a music video directed by Pasqual Gutierrez. This is followed by the mostly instrumental “Respect Commander,” which shows off White’s stunning guitar skills.

After premiering these two songs, White revealed the rest of the album details, including tracklisting and album artwork. Third Man Records will offer a special limited edition of the album as part of their Vault subscription series.

This edition features a black and blue swirl vinyl with alternate artwork and a two-song seven-inch demo with “embryonic” version of “Connected by Love” and “Why Walk a Dog?” Fans will also receive exclusive photographs, original poetry by White, and more.

Upcoming Shows

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TxSK-76Npk

The Killers return to Chicago to play the United Center January 16 with special guest Alex Cameron. You still have a chance to grab tickets here.

You don’t want to miss Passion Pit with special guest slenderbodies at the Riviera Theatre on January 17. Buy tickets here.

Hinds hit up Lincoln Hall for the Tomorrow Never Knows Festival. Catch them January 21 with Slotface and Peel. Tickets are only $15, so there’s no excuse not to go.

See Destructo on the Let’s Be Friends Tour at The Mid this Saturday, January 20. You can grab tickets here.

Chicago Artist Spotlight: Sundown Club

Sundown Club is a new local band that’s getting some major attention from local publications, like Consequence of Sound. The band features The Holy Motors’ Brandon Reed (guitar/vocals), Miles Malin from The Evening Attractions (guitar), Nick Tuminello (drums), Ryan Fields (guitar), and Colleen Fazio (bass).

Recently, the band posted their debut single “Sweet Rose” on SoundCloud, which shows off their unique brand of rock music. It’s a bit psychedelic mixed with a good dose of folk rock that leaves a lasting impression. This is definitely a band to keep your eye, so expect more from them in 2018.

The Sundown Club makes their live debut at The Empty Bottle on January 16. They’ll be playing with Nude Party, Rookie, and Lucille Furs DJ. If you want to see a promising band before everyone else gets their hands on them, then you should get tickets.