The Punk Vault

The Flowers Of Romance Revisited – 4/11/26 at Reggie’s

Saturday night at Reggie’s was a very special night as Martin Atkins and Chris Connelly put together a really talented band to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Public Image Ltd. album, The Flowers Of Romance. How 45 years has already...

The Flowers Of Romance Revisited dress rehearsal – 4/10/26 at The Museum of Post Punk and Industrial Music

If you are a fan of Public Image, Ltd., you may be aware that my personal favorite album of theirs, The Flowers Of Romance, just turned 45 years old this month! How 45 years went by so fast is an alarming mystery, but suffice it to say that album...

Descendents, Frank Turner And The Sleeping Souls – 3/15/26 at The Salt Shed

Sunday night was a magical night for music when Descendents and Frank Turner And The Sleeping Souls played the final night of their tour together at The Salt Shed, one of the nicest venues in Chicago history! Even a rainstorm didn’t keep...

Motion City Soundtrack, Say Anything, Sincere Engineer – 2/13/26 at Riviera

Friday night was a triple bill of both emo and pop/punk bands at the Riviera that featured Motion City Soundtrack, Say Anything, and Sincere Engineer. The place was absolutely packed, even before the first band went on! First up was Sincere Engineer...

Smoking Popes – 11/28/25 at Bottom Lounge

Those not interested in getting in fights over flatscreen TVs on Black Friday had a much more entertaining option when Smoking Popes headlined a show at Bottom Lounge. They were on a three band bill and it was a really solid lineup so it was well...

The Saints ’73-’78 – 11/11/25 at Metro

Last tuesday the Metro hosted some Australian punk legends when The Saints ’73-’78 headlined a show there. They were part of a two band bill. First up, also hailing from Australia, was Chimers. This duo made a sound as big as a five...

My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult – 10/31/25 at Concord Music Hall

If you live in Chicago and were ever part of or into the industrial/Wax Trax scene then can you think of a better way to spend Halloween than seeing My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult headline a show at a really good venue? The answer is no, you...

Swans – 9/30/25 at Metro

Tuesday night was a big night if you are a Swans fan as the band made their return once again to the beloved Metro here in Chicago. They headlined a two band bill and when Swans play, it’s always an event. First up was Little Annie & Paul...

Category - Show Reviews

Riot Fest 2014 day two

The second day of Riot Fest saw a major improvement in weather as it was both warmer and drier than the day before. It was a beautiful day for an outdoor festival and the only negative about the entire day was how the...

Riot Fest 2014 day one

Last weekend marked the tenth anniversary of Riot Fest. The now decade old fest was celebrated in style by being the largest fest yet. The fest spanned a majority of  Chicago’s Humboldt Park and included more...

Billy Corgan 8/30 at Ravinia

Billy Corgan has played a lot of the major venues both big and small over his lengthy and successful career. Whether it was in the Smashing Pumpkins, Zwan, or just playing solo, the man has done nearly all of it, except...

Lydia Lunch Retro Virus 6/26/14 at Reggies

Thursday night the legendary, Lydia Lunch, graced Chicago with her presence when she put on a musical performance billed as Lydia Lunch Retro Virus. This special event took place at Reggies, which is one of the finest...

D.I. 6/19/14 at Reggie’s

Thursday night while it was pouring rain outside, D.I. performed alongside a few other bands for those who braved the elements and wanted to stay up late on a weeknight. D.I. has been around for over 30 years now and...

Gary Numan 3/29/14 at Metro

The Metro was nearly at capacity Saturday night as electronic music fans turned out in droves for a somewhat rare chance to see Gary Numan perform. Numan doesn’t tour that often so when he does it is a real treat...

Skinny Puppy 2/21/14 at The Vic

Time sure flies and it’s scary to think that Skinny Puppy recently passed their 30th birthday. Granted for close to ten of those 30 years the band had been broken up but it is still one hell of an impressive...