The Punk Vault

Riot Fest 2026 Day Three – 9/20/26 at Douglass Park

Thanks to an overnight flash flood rainstorm that lasted the entire night, and then the rain that continued the entirety of Sunday, it turned out to be the most challenging Riot Fest in history. It was challenging for everyone involved on numerous...

Riot Fest 2026 Day Two – 9/19/26 at Douglass Park

Saturday started off a little wet, but when the second day of Riot Fest opened the weather was humid but nice. Sadly that would change later in the day, but we’ll get to that in a bit. The second day of the 21st Riot Fest had a stellar lineup...

Riot Fest 2026 Day One – 9/18/26 at Douglass Park

Friday started the last and best weekend of the summer when the 21st Riot Fest kicked off. It was a beautiful day for the first day of the fest, but unfortunately it ended up being the only dry and nice day of the entire weekend. Like every year...

Cabaret Voltaire – 9/16/26 at Metro

Last night was the second and final night of Cabaret Voltaire at Metro. Just like the night before, they filled up the place nicely. I Speak Machine was up first and just like Tuesday, Tara put on am amazing performance well worthy of fighting...

Cabaret Voltaire – 9/15/26 at Metro

Tuesday night was a very special one as it saw the long awaited return of Cabaret Voltaire to the Metro. This was the first of a two night stand and the most beloved music venue in the city. It had been over 30 years since the band played here, and...

Silver Abuse – 9/3/26 at Reggie’s Music Joint

First generation Chicago punk band, Silver Abuse, made a rare appearance headlining a really good four band bill at Reggie’s Music Joint (the bar side of the venue). It was hot as hell outside, and not much cooler inside, but at least there...

Sludgeworth – 8/30/26 at Cobra Lounge

In what should become a regular thing, yesterday Cobra Lounge hosted a Sunday matinee show when Sludgeworth headlined the second of their two record release shows, the first being the night before. It only took more than three decades, but the band...

Quicksand – 8/26/26 at Bottom Lounge

Wednesday night, Quicksand and Bane made a stop here in Chicago on their current tour to play a show at Bottom Lounge. Soul Blind was the opening band. This New York band played an interesting mix of metal/post-hardcore, grunge, and a bit of...

Category - Show Reviews

Riot Fest 2017 Day One

September in Chicago is a special time of year because the last blast before saying goodbye to the Summer is Riot Fest, the best outdoor festival not only in the state but the country! Since moving to the great...

Wurst Music and Beer Fest 9/9/17

Those interested in the three B’s (Bands, Beers, and Bratwurst) here in Chicago must have felt like they hit the jackpot last weekend as the Wurst Music & Beer fest took place outside the big plumber’s...

The Undead 8/26/17 at Reggies

Saturday night was a very special night over at Reggies because it was the night that The Undead finally played in Chicago! It had been decades since Bobby Steele brought his band to the windy city and actually played...

Destroy Everything 8/5/17 at Elbo Room

Destroy Everything haven’t been playing many shows as of late so when they do it is pretty special. They came out of their seclusion on Saturday night to play the Elbo Room along with Anti-Trumpz and Bury the...

JFA, The Bollweevils, I Attack 6/2/17 at Reggies

Friday night was a special night over at Reggies in the South Loop as it was the night that JFA finally came back to Chicago for the first time in 24 years! The Dwarves may have been the headliner of the show but it was...

The Damned – 4/23/17 at House of Blues

It is both amazing and a bit scary when you realize that The Damned are now in their fourth decade as a band. It’s amazing because that’s one hell of a long time and few bands make it anywhere near that long...

Shiner, Milemarker, Fake Limbs 2/25/17 at Thalia Hall

Saturday night was a very special night at Thalia Hall as it hosted a show by two bands that were among the best bands around during their time, both of whom broke up and have reunited at least sporadically in recent...