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

Voivod and Prong – 3/20/24 at Thalia Hall

Wednesday night a pair of long running metal bands teamed up to co-headline a show at Chicago’s Thalia Hall. Voivod and Prong are currently on a US Tour and both of them have fairly recently released new albums as...

Sincere Engineer – 12/23/23 at Metro

Christmas came a couple of days early when we were treated to a big record release show at Metro for Sincere Engineer. They headlined a three band bill and it was a great way to ring in the holidays. Canadian Rifle were...

Skinny Puppy – 11/15/23 at House of Blues

Wednesday night was bittersweet because it was the final night of Skinny Puppy’s three night run at House of Blues which also meant that this would be the last time the band plays Chicago as they bring to close a...

Skinny Puppy – 11/14/23 at House of Blues

Tuesday was the second night of Skinny Puppy’s three night farewell to Chicago and place was packed to the rafters. People showed up early and the club was overflowing with people before Lead Into Gold took the...

Skinny Puppy – 11/13/23 at House of Blues

One of the unfortunate things about us all getting older is that at some point you have to say goodbye to your favorite bands. A lot of times a band will break up or retire without warning and only in the best of...

Tangerine Dream – 10/5/23 at Metro

Thursday night was a very special night over at the Metro as they hosted an evening with electronic music pioneers, Tangerine Dream! The band (in any of its incarnations) rarely toured the United States, and this was...

Slowdive – 10/3/23 at Riviera

Last night the Riviera was packed full as Slowdive made their return to Chicago to perform in front of a sellout crowd. It was a beautiful night for a show, and what a soundtrack they had lined up for the evening! Drab...

Wolves in the Throne Room – 9/30/23 at Metro

Saturday night, Wolves in the Throne Room made their long awaited return to Chicago to headline their biggest show in the city yet at the Metro. They were joined by three other bands for a great night of metal. They all...