March 28, 2024

On the Radar: The Cure talk new music, Fleetwood Mac fires Lindsey Buckingham, Billie Joe Armstrong introduces The Longshot + More

Chicago Music

Too occupied with Coachella to keep up with music news? Catch up with the latest edition of On the Radar.

Fleetwood Mac fires Lindsey Buckingham

Looks like Lindsey Buckingham is out of Fleetwood Mac, again. Buckingham was fired from the band over a disagreement about their upcoming tour. News initially broke when former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Billy Burnette tweeted: “Breaking news: Lindsey Buckingham is out but I’m not in.” The band later confirmed the news and announced Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ Mike Campbell and Neil Finn of Crowded House as replacements.

They also released an official statement saying: “We are thrilled to welcome the musical talents of the caliber of Mike Campbell and Neil Finn into the Mac family. With Mike and Neil, we’ll be performing all the hits that the fans love, plus we’ll be surprising our audiences with some tracks from our historic catalogue of songs. Fleetwood Mac has always been a creative evolution. We look forward to honoring that spirit on this upcoming tour.”

Buckingham previously left the band in 1987 and later rejoined in 1996.

Robert Smith confirms The Cure are back in the studio and expands Meltdown Festival lineup

Last week, The Cure’s Robert Smith gave a rare interview with BBC 6 Music and he dropped a lot of exciting news. He confirmed The Cure are back in the studio and ready to work on new music. According to Smith, the chance to curate Meltdown and listening to new music has him in the writing mood.  “I’ve suddenly fallen in love with the idea of writing new songs” and even said he booked time in the studios “to do some demos next month.”

He also revealed possible touring plans to celebrate the band’s 40th anniversary next year. “I think we’ll end up going around the world next year,” he said during the interview. “I think we’ll be recognizing some anniversaries next Year too. Like our first album and Disintegration, maybe.”

As if that wasn’t enough, he revealed a deluxe remaster of their 1990 remix album, Mixed Up. The new three-disc edition features extra tracks and new mixes from Smith himself. It comes out June 15.

In addition, Smith added to the Meltdown Festival bill. New acts include Death Cab for Cutie, Low, Suzanne Vega, The Joy Formidable, and Frightened Rabbit to name a few. For the entire lineup and tickets, visit the Meltdown website. And check out Smith’s interview here.

Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong reveals new project The Longshot and releases debut EP

Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong has a new band and they’ve already released their debut EP. For weeks, Armstrong has been teasing fans on Instagram posting snippets of tracks from The Longshot. After releasing the first single “Love is for Losers,” they quietly released their self-titled EP last week. It features three songs: “Taxi Driver,” “Chasing a Ghost,” and the aforementioned “Love is For Losers.” Stream and pick up a copy of the EP here.

This release is a precursor to a full-length album, which according to the band’s Instagram page, will be “coming eventually sooner or later. Probably sooner.” Not much is known about the band aside from Armstrong’s involvement. Some speculated that Armstrong’s song Joey plays drums on the EP due to some cryptic teasing on an Instagram post. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait long for that full-length album.

Upcoming Shows

Alternative rapper Skizzy Mars plays Concord Music Hall with Oliver Tree on April 18. Pick up your tickets here.

Catch Chrome Sparks with Machinedrum and Ela Minus at the Bottom Lounge April 20. You still have a chance to get tickets here.

Industrial metal act 3TEETH hit up Reggie’s Rock Club with Ho99o9 and Worm on April 20. This one is going to be intense, so grab tickets here.

You don’t want to miss Love & Hip-Hop Ladies Night Out featuring Remy Ma, Safaee, Tink, and Trina. It all goes down at the Wintrust Arena April 21. Get tickets here.

Chicago Artist Spotlight: TALsounds

Vocalist and composer Natalie Chami is no stranger to music being one of the members of Good Willsmith. But wanting to explore the realms of drone, ambient electronic music, she started the project TALsounds in 2009. Over the years, she’s been quietly releasing TALsounds cassettes on Chicago label Hausu Mountain and on Moog’s physical imprint. Her latest EP, Love Sick, dropped last year on New York label Ba Da Bing! Records and continues her exploration of ambient soundscapes.

TALsounds’ music takes you to another place. It’s a blend of dreamy music with synth elements and gentle singing. At times, it sounds like it’s trying to lull you to sleep. Other times, it’s a hypnotizing experience you won’t soon forget. Stream and pick up a copy of Love Sick on TALsounds’ Bandcamp page. Also, visit her website and Facebook to learn more about TALsounds. You can catch TALsounds live at Café Mustache in Chicago on April 23. Get the details here.