March 18, 2024

On the Radar: Major Tour Announcements, Record Store Day 2018, Meltdown Festival + More

Check out which music stories have us talking with the latest edition of On the Radar.

Record Store Day reveals 2018 releases

RSD

Hope you still have some of your tax refund because Record Store Day is a little over a month away. The annual event celebrating independent record stores returns this year on April 21. Last week, this year’s special releases were revealed and it includes exclusive from notable artists. One that’s got us really excited is The Cure’s 1990 remix album Mixed Up on picture disc along with Torn Down. This is a new compilation featuring new remixes of tracks like “Never Enough” and “Just One Kiss.”

Other can’t miss releases include Arcade Fire’s self-titled debut EP, Rage Against the Machine’s live recording of their 2000 performance at the Democratic National Convention, a remastered version of Pink Floyd’s The Piper At the Gates of Dawn, three releases from David Bowie, and a new 7-inch from Run the Jewels to name a few. To start making your wish list, find all the 2018 exclusives here. Also, check out which local stores will participate in RSD.

Tour announcements from Childish Gambino, Rob Zombie, and more

Some major tours were announced last week. First, Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino revealed 2018 dates with Rae Sremmurd. Shows kick off September 6 in Atlanta, GA and wrap up September 30 in Vancouver, BC. He’ll play Chicago’s United Center September 8. Tickets are currently on sale. Check out all the announced dates here.

Next, we have Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie teaming up again for the co-headlining Twins of Evil: The Second Coming tour. Shows start July 11 in Detroit, MI and finishes off August 29 in Irvine, CA. The two will hit up the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, IL on July 15. Tickets go on sale March 24. Let’s just hope these two can play nice this time around. Things didn’t go so well on their first outing.

Eric B & Rakim have reunited and are heading out on a spring tour, making it their first in two decades. The 18-date tour starts April 8 in Boston, MA and wraps up May 3 in San Francisco, CA. Sadly, there are no dates in Chicago, but hopefully, the two will be back for another leg later in the year.

Finally, Slayer’s highly anticipated farewell tour gets a second North American leg. The band revealed a new batch of dates that start July 26 in Gilford, NH and wrap up August 26 in San Jose, CA. Lamb of God, Testament, Anthrax, and Napalm Death will join them on all dates. Tickets are on sale now.

Robert Smith reveals Meltdown Festival lineup

Last month, news broke that The Cure frontman Robert Smith had been picked to curate this year’s Meltdown Festival. Recently, Smith shared the lineup and it’s a good one. The preliminary lineup includes Deftones, My Bloody Valentine, Nine Inch Nails, Placebo, Manic Street Preachers, Mogwai, The Libertines, The Psychedelic Furs, The Church, Kristin Hersh, The Notwist, and Mono.

“As each invitee confirms, as each shimmering piece falls into place, I pinch myself – this is really happening,” Smith said in a statement, “and the complete picture will undoubtedly be out of this world!”

Meltdown Festival 2018 takes place at London’s Southbank Centre from June 15 – 24. Tickets go on sale March 15. Click here for more information.

Upcoming Shows

Join Vic Mensa at Lincoln Hall for his Savemoneysavelife foundation launch and concert March 16. The event features Jamila Woods and other special guests. There are different types of tickets for this show, so find all the details here.

The Eagles featuring Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmitt with Vince Gill and Deacon Frey swing by the United Center March 14. Find tickets here.

Spend an evening with Nada Surf to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their album Let Go. You still have a chance to get tickets here.

Godspeed You! Black Emperor will play two nights at the Metro with KGD on March 18 and 19. Grab tickets while you still can.

Chicago artist spotlight: Varsity

Meet your new favorite indie pop band, Varsity. Forming in 2013, the band features Stephanie Smith, Dylan Weschler, Patrick Stanton, Jake and Paul Stolz. They released their debut EP, Thanks for Nothing, the following year building up a loyal fanbase. Their self-titled debut album came in 2015 earning them more praise from critics and fans alike for their catchy songs and relatable angsty lyrics. Now, they’re preparing to release their new record next month.

They recently released the video for their latest single “Krissy,” an ode to a friend who’s always there no matter how far away they are. Share the video with your bestie and try to stop the warm fuzzy feelings from developing. Speaking with Consequence of Sound about the song, Smith says “The song Krissy was inspired by my friend Krissy. She essentially forced me to be her friend at a time when I wasn’t very open to new people…She’s the rare kind of person who actually calls you when they say they’re going to and sends birthday presents in the mail and remembers to follow up about important life events.”

The song comes from Varsity’s upcoming album Parallel Person, out April 27 via Babe City Records. Pre-order your copy here.