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tKorn, Hell Yeah, Droid, And Five Finger Death Punch, Live At The Star Plaza
By Lars Van Heineken

"The Bitch We Have a Problem Tour" showed up at the 3,400 seat Star Plaza Theatre this week. A very aggressive show to be booked at this venue, thank goodness someone got some balls and booked a good metal show. No mosh pit on this night, all seats are bolted down. None the less security had their hands full. There is always one guy that's so loaded he doesn't see one song of the show he paid 65 bucks for. This rookie up front near me was passed out at 7 p.m. Repeated questions posed to him were unanswered. I asked him five times if I could buy him another beer. Getting that tore up before the show even starts, is completely unprofessional as a partier. Remember youngsters it's a marathon not a sprint.

First up from Los Angeles, Five Finger Death Punch. The band's highly anticipated debut album "The Way of the Fist" landed on the Billboard New Artist Chart and made the Billboard 200 as well in its first week of sales. Very impressive for a debut record, especially in the world of metal. The first single "The Bleeding" broke into the Top 40 on rock radio - recruiting more believers by the day to the fast growing FFDP camp. As well as heavy play on MTV's Headbanger's Ball where I first was heard them. "The Way Of The Fist" I highly recommend.

Up next Hell Yeah, the band I was there for. Consisting of members of Mudvayne, Pantera, Nothingface, and Damageplan. A modern Metal supergroup. Tunes such as "Hell Yeah", "Alcohaulin Ass", and "You Wouldn't Know", all crowd pleasers. As well as covering Queen's "Stone Cold Crazy". It was also a privilege to see Vinnie Paul back kicking ass behind his snakeskin, Master's Custom 7 piece drum kit. Anyone that has ever met Vinnie Paul couldn't say a negative thing about him, a great guy. Dime and Vinnie made the Black Tooth Grin, (2 shot's Crown Royal, splash of coke) famous. These days he doesn't drink dark booze, besides the occasional Jager. He also commands this Rock star presence, so recognizable. And still slams the double bass. A cool moment of the show, he pointed to the Heaven's and said Dime would be smiling down on us.

Finally the headliner's Korn. Touring in support of their self-titled disc. "Evolution", is in heavy rotation on rock radio. Davis, Shaffer, and Arvizu are the remains of the original line-up. But when you have touring help from Joey Jordison, (Slipnot), and Clint Lowery, (Sevendust), your not exactly compromising the sound live. Also Zac Baird is on the road on keyboards. Playing with no mosh pit is out of the norm for this band. All seats are bolted down at the Star Plaza Theatre. The crowd was worked into an aggressive frenzy without the pit. Song's such as "Twisted Transistor", "Coming Undone", and Freak on a Leash" saw the crowd sing word for word. The 90 minute set was accompanied by an intelligent light show that was just incredible. I was on mushrooms without being on mushrooms. One thing about the show I was curious about. Why did Davis have to have his own personal bodyguard on stage for the whole 90 minute set? He was sitting left-front of Jordinson's kit, with his best tough guy, intimidating look on his face. It didn't work for me, give the guy a tambourine or a cowbell, and make him useful.

I guess it was a fair turn out crowd wise, far from full. Where were all the Metal heads that should have sold this place out? Either Tuesday was too early in the week, their old lady's made them stay home and watch Dancing with the Star's. Or the 65 bucks was too much scratch. I hope the Star Plaza brings more shows like this. If they don't I see why, with Doushbags punching hole's in drywall for no reason. As always if your Band doesn't suck e-mail me at Larsvanheineken@sbcglobal.net. Hell, e-mail me if your band does suck. I'm out like the Cubs last night!!!

DouMichael Anthony rejoined for some Hagar VH. "Poundcake", "Why Can't This Be Love", "Good Enough". A highlight of the night was a slower unplugged version of "Dreams". Hagar telling the crowd how much more it means to him now, opposed to the 20 plus years ago when he wrote it. A few surprises here, no Montrose, no "Eagles Fly". But the Red Rocker and Mad Anthony never disappoint. Michael Anthony was feeling no pain after a night of Cabo Wabo, stumbling a bit during the curtain call. As well as being friendly with the Loop Girl April and the bikini clad babes on stage, he is my hero!!!

A recent quote by Sammy, "There's so much I want to do," Hagar tells Billboard.com, "and there's nothing I feel holding me back -- nothing with my age or my physical health or my strength or my enthusiasm, my talent. I'm having more fun that I've ever had, I gotta tell ya." Hagar, who's currently on the road with former Van Halen bandmate Michael Anthony as his special guest, has a number of projects in the works. First among them is a new album, the follow-up to last year's "Livin' It Up." Hagar says he's about "halfway through" with it and plans to finish recording in December and January for an expected second quarter of 2008 release.

"It's quirky music," Hagar says. "It's a little bit more worldbeat and kinda harder rock, more like going back to (1981's) 'Standing Hampton' or (1984's) 'VOA' or something. Those records were very '80s, with a little bit of influence of Peter Gabriel and people like that. Now I think it's more Peter Gabriel-influenced with a hard rock edge on it."
Hagar will support the album with a summer festival tour, for which he plans an "anthology" tour that will feature the original Montrose lineup, his original Sammy Hagar Band, his current group, the Wabos, and a "superstar guitarist" that will join him and Anthony to play Van Halen material.

Another fun night, in the world of www.illianamusic.com, for Lars Van Heineken. We here at illianamusic.com will continue to bring you coverage of regional bands as well as cool national shows that come through town. Before I forget, I saw ABC 7 weekend anchor Karen Jordan, I hope the stunningly beautiful woman forgives me for leading a group of homeless dudes in a chant of "Karen Karen Karen", while she was getting ready for her late Saturday night newscast. I got a smile from her; I think she approved of the newly formed Karen Jordan fan club. As always if you think your band doesn't suck e-mail Lars at illianamusic@sbcglobal.net . Hell e-mail me even if your band does suck!! I'm out like Drew Peterson's Law enforcement career. LARS VAN HEINEKEN

tSinging Great At 60, Sammy Hagar Live At The Chicago Theatre
By Lars Van Heineken

The trek downtown started off fine. The new Dan Ryan is outstanding on the way to the city. I don't know if there was a Bulls game or what, but a complete cluster F approaching Congress Parkway. Needless to say I missed my reservation at the Italian Village. Oh well I guess its Tequila on an empty stomach at the Chicago Theatre. So I make the long trek north on Dearborn to the theatre district. Pull in the self park at Dearborn and Lake and on to the show. Outside the Chicago Theatre a party atmosphere, The Red Rocker was in town, it's a given.

So I enter the theatre, get me a drink, and who do I run into, The 2007 Loop Rock Girl April. I will say I have met previous Rock Girl's, Erica and Crystal (both blondes). But the 2007 choice was outstanding. A gorgeous brunette, a fabulous personality, and a killer body. I have to say after hanging out with a drop dead beautiful woman like April before the show - thank god for baggy pants from Old Navy! It could have been embarassing for LVH during conversation and drinks. Most dogs that are men would run up to the 2nd floor bathroom and rub one out, not me I'm a gentleman.

On to the music, it's 8:05 it's time to rock. First up, Mad Anthony Xpress. Michael Anthony, Vic Johnson, and John Douglas. The power trio played old school VH with Mad Anthony old vocals. All the great old tunes here, "Runnin with the Devil", "Somebody Get Me a Doctor", "Hear about It Later", "DOA", "Little Dreamer", "Bottom's Up". A Rocked up "Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers", Vic on vocals, a real treat. Vic Johnson is a tremendous talent. After playing with Sammy for over 10 years, I'm not sure if anyone plays Eddie better than him. Anthony was quoted recently, "I'm just happy to still be out there playing. I'm having a great time doing it. It's not like we need the money; we can just go out there and party with the fans and we have a great time doing it."

On plans after the tour, "After this tour I'm gonna check into doing some different things, doing some writing with different people. I've got a lot of friends I've made in this business. I've thought about doing something where I'd use some different people, put some original stuff or some covers stuff together and put my own twist on it. We'll see."
As for Van Halen, Anthony says he's not going out of his way to keep tabs on the group's tour but that "people tell me things, and I heard the tour's been fine." He admits he was "bummed out for a little bit" after being booted from the band -- and especially after he was temporarily replaced from album cover images on the group's Web site -- but that he's largely over it.
"I'm totally fine with it now 'cause it is what it is," Anthony explains. "There's no use dwelling on it or whining about it. The fans know the band. They know what we've done, and I'm really proud of the history of the band. But I'm focusing on having fun and doing what Sam and I are out doing right now. As long as I keep that perspective on it, that's good."

9 p.m. It's time for Sammy Hagar and The Wabo's. Opening with "Sam I Am" off last year's "Livin It Up". All the classic Red Rocker tunage here. "One Way To Rock", "I'll Fall In Love Again", "Three Lock Box", "Serious Ju Ju", "I Can't Drive 55", (with a feeling no pain Michael Schumacher, Champion Drag Racer, helping on vocals). I always love "Heavy Metal" live, as Sammy trades lead vocals with Mona and Vic. If anyone has seen a post VH Sammy show you are aware of what goes down. The Beers and the tequila flow, The Red Rocker attracts a party crowd, and the talent pool of women is outstanding. Can't beat cleavage in November, in Chicago. Sammy has no room on stage as he has it cloned to look like the Cabo Waba Cantina, with a 100 or so lucky Redhead's (Sammy Fans) on stage for the whole show. As well as Sammy signing autographs to anyone he can reach during the 90 minute performance, I have always praised that as a class move.

Enuff Z'nuff Live At Tailgaiters 4-2009
Review By JC

Really, really great show! Words cannot even do justice to how awesome it was to see these guys on top of their game with the two brothers back on stage and with Randi and Tory: 2 solid, awesome in their own right additions, rounding out a fantastic show. I hail you all!

The opening Band, The Dogs Divine....they were not really anyone's "cup of tea". In their own words they were the anti-enuff znuff. They were a band that while seemingly talented, were out of place at this show. Their style was more akin to a GodSmack or something along those lines.

Next Band, Brandon's Crossing. These guys are produced by Chip, according to their frontman. I liked them and in particular the last song (and not just because it meant Znuff were on next!). I think this band would be well liked by any Znuff fans.

The SHOW:
Chip was pretty stoic through out the show. He was himself, but even when Donnie made a few comments in his direction Chip just went on with the show. He was amazingly cool, as usual, after the show, hanging out signing autographs and just being Chip!
Donnie came out in shades, and jacket and as the show wore on, was down to a T-shirts jeans and a cowboy hat at the end. I have to say that even with Moncao in the House Donnie came out and lit it up. He was professional and yet still kept you wondering what he might do or what might happen next. I give credit to Johnny for what he did but there is an extra level of anticipation, adrenaline, excitment and a curiousity when Donnie is in the band. Other than the fact that he IS Donnie Vie...he also has the extra...whatever it was it was killer. My girlfriend had seen them 2 or 3 times with Johnny and really likes him, but she said that Donnie is on a whole other level. I will say that I sensed a little bit of friction between the two "brothers"...more on that later.
Tory and Randi Kicked ASS! Although I told Tory after the show that he played amazingly, he was way too humble saying that he thought he made a couple of mistakes. BS! It was a great show and you guys made it happen!

The set list:
Rock-n-World
Heaven or Hell
We're all alright (Donnie told the crowd that Randi and Tory were 'allright' but that Chip wasn't...??? lol?)
Baby Loves You
There Goes My Heart (announced as on a soundtrack)
Dissonance (announced as off the new album)
Lazy Dazy (Donnie Gave a shout out to Lisa!!!, also mentioning the "bitch he married ruined his music and then divorced)
High (another one of the new album)
Stoned (great, great version!!!)
Acoustic set:
Right By Your side
Blue island (Donnie mentioned he hadn't been there in 7 years but was going on Sunday for Easter)
Time to let you go
With the whole band back:
In the Groove
Fly High Michelle
New Thing (with the crown invited on stage)
Come Together (The best verison of this song ever!!!!)

ENUFF Z'NUFF BACK WITH DONNIE VIE AND IN THE GROOVE By Anita Maree Landee

Chicago's own Enuff Z'Nuff is back in the groove with the return of their fanatical lead singer Donnie Vie. Enuff Z'Nuff is finally back on the road, headstrong and smashing out a few new songs from their upcoming CD 'Dissonance' and bringing back the oldies but goodies.

As the band took the stage a feverish excitement came over the crowd. Finally, Donnie was back in action with his long-time partner in crime - bassist, song-writing partner and singer Chip Z'Nuff. Donnie sprung on stage and led off the night with their new song "Dissonance" which is in the classic Enuff Z'Nuff pop-metal style. The band then rolled along, rocking with the crowd to songs such as "Rock-N-World", "Heaven Or Hell", "There Goes My Heart", "We're All Alright" and "Baby Loves You". The band introduced a few other new songs including "High" and crowd pleaser "Lazy Dazy" which has their signature Beatles-pop punch sound. They then backed up the night with classic hits like "New Thing", "Fly High Michelle" and "In The Groove". The group was rounded out with the talented Tory Stoffregen on lead guitar and hard-hitting Randi Scott on drums.

Enuff Z'Nuff is definitely still one of the best bands around with solid pop-metal songs, extreme energy and excitement during their live shows. With the return of the raspy vocals of Donnie Vie, you will unbelievably want to oh...oh...oh...get in the groove!

Von Iva- Hot Stuff Power Rock! Live @ Schubas
Review and Photos: Anita Maree Lande

The San Francisco female trio known as Von Iva pulled out their best power dance music to entertain their Chicago fans. Their high-energy live performance did not miss a beat and they showcased many songs off their latest CD – Girls on Film. Power-house lead vocalist Jillian Iva was right on as she strutted the stage opening the show with their crowd favorite Guise. The band also consists of keyboardist Bex Kupersmith and hard hitting Kelly Harris (Lay Lay) on drums. Other songs performed included the haunting Emerald Eyes, the dance sensation Not Hot to Trot, and the snearing LaLa. They ended the night with the Donna Summer classic Hot Stuff. Step on up and check out Von Iva! A definite must see live act so since they are on tour check them out soon! Check them out @ voniva.com and myspace.comvoniva E-mail Anita @ BlondeeVIP@aol.com

John Fogerty Live At The Venue
By Lars Van Heineken

I want to preface this by saying I love John Forgerty’s music, he is a legend in my book. From the opening of ‘Traveling Band’, to the closing of ‘Proud Mary’, the band played like a fierce, possessed, rock-n-roll machine. I loved the Fogerty comment “I don’t talk, I rock”, and he did, 2 hours exactly. Longtime guitar player Billy Burnett is always good to see on tour, he owns the coolest western shirts in rock-n-roll. And as always behind the 6 piece Tama drum kit, Kenny Aronoff. The engineer had his kick drum perfect; you could feel it in your chest, like thunder. Kenny is amazing to watch, and has been great to ILLIANAMUSIC.com, unlike an unkind review taking shots at Aronoff a year or so ago, I won’t say their name (Variety). I will go out on a limb, and say Fogerty knows what he’s doing when he hires drummers.
I also thought it was cool when John played “When I’m 64” referring to his Birthday earlier in the week. He said “I didn’t write that, the other guy did”. The younger band members with the veterans were solid & strong, might be as good as the band on ‘Premonition’. One thing I didn’t care for was how hard the band had to work to win the crowd. Fogerty sounded amazing for 2 hours, the band was on fire, but most of the main floor couldn’t get off their dead asses until the last half hour. It’s insulting to this Rock-N-Roll Hall of Famer. I went up to the balcony where the real Fogerty & CCR fans were, they knew they were at a rock and roll show.
I have to take exception to the way security treated everyone with a camera, as if the camera were a gun and John Wilkes Booth was in the theatre. Very lame, I had to get my shots from the balcony. I will say The Venue is a fantastic place to see a great band. The security detail changes from act to act, probably in the artist rider. Thanks to John for a great show, & letting a young underage Lars and Bobby Hamilton hang at his table at the old Spirits Lounge in 1985. Damn that LVH is a name dropper.