The Punk Vault

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...

Nitzer Ebb – 8/22/26 at Metro

Saturday night, industrial music legends Nitzer Ebb made a welcome return to Chicago once again to headline a show at Metro. It was a three band bill that featured two veteran acts alongside a newer one that may not have been familiar to a lot of...

Eagles Of Death Metal – 8/21/26 at Metro

Friday night was an exciting night in Chicago because Eagles Of Death Metal made their return to headline a show at the beloved Metro. The place was packed full of fans eager for a good night of rock and roll. First up was Mountain Head. This three...

All – 8/5/26 at Thalia Hall

Wednesday night, the beloved brother band of the Descendents, All, made their return to Chicago to headline a show at Thalia Hall. Aside from playing Riot Fest a few years ago, I can’t recall the last time that All did a proper tour so it was...

Category - Show Reviews

KMFDM – 11/1/24 at Metro

Last night was the end of KMFDM’s two night run at Metro, and it also marked the end of their tour celebrating 40 years of KMFDM. The Metro was just as packed as the night before, possibly even more so and the...

KMFDM – 10/31/24 at Metro

Halloween offered a real treat over at Metro where KMFDM was playing the first of their two night run at the city’s most beloved music venue. Can you think of a better way to celebrate the spooky holiday than an...

Local H – 10/16/24 at Metro

On Wednesday night, beloved Chicago based rock duo, Local H, presented a special night of their music at the Metro. The band is celebrating the 20th anniversary of their fan-favorite album, What Ever Happened To PJ...

Cold Cave – 10/6/24 at Thalia Hall

Sunday night, Cold Cave made a welcome return to Chicago when they headlined a show at Thalia Hall. It was a great night for a show, even if it was a school night (replace school with work for us old-timers), and Thalia...

Riot Fest 2024 Day Three – 9/22/24 at Douglass Park

Sunday was the final day of Riot Fest and much like the Sunday last year, there was rain. Thankfully the rain only delayed the fest opening by an hour, but the first part of the day was a wet one, but that didnt’...

Riot Fest 2024 Day Two – 9/21/24 at Douglass Park

Saturday was another sunny and hot day, unseasonably so, but that’s a much better way to endure a full day festival than during a rainstorm and a massive crowd piled into Douglass Park for the second day of Riot...

Riot Fest 2024 Day One – 9/20/22 at Douglass Park

While the end of summer is always sad, at least it ends on a huge high note because Riot Fest was here last weekend to close out the season. This long-running and ever evolving festival went through some more changes...

Idles – 9/18/24 at Aragon Ballroom

Last night, Idles made their eagerly anticipated return to Chicago to headline a show at the Aragon Ballroom. The band first announced this tour way back in the winter when they released their latest album, Tangk. It...