You Be Me For A While 2025

Among the many traditions associated with Halloween, a relatively new and particularly enjoyable one involves local musicians dressing up like one of their favorite famous rock acts. And performing some of that chosen act’s songs in a live show. Halloween tribute showcases have been taking place around Chicago for a while, and this year brings another edition of Halloweekend to Montrose Saloon. (It’s been staged at various Chicago venues for the better part of this century.)

Actually, for 2025, the event involves Thursday, October 30th and Halloween itself, with six acts being impersonated each night. Most are fairly mainstream while a few others attract more of a cult following. Some of the local musicians performing the tributes go by their actual names, particularly if they’re well known on the Chicago club scene. This year’s Halloweekend includes Androgynous Mustache as Oingo Boingo; Amazing Heeby Jeebies as Gun Club; Phil Angotti as Creedence Clearwater Revival; Rachel Drew as The Cure; The Webstirs as America; Charlie Short as Chris Cornell; and Dead Freddie as Talking Heads.

Other performers could be well-known Chicago area musicians using a pseudonym for their one-off performance. For example, Johnny and the Creeps as The Jam; The Woke Mob as Pere Ubu; The Well Respected Men as The Kinks; and Dancing Horses as Echo And The Bunnymen. Some performers mimic the appearance of the acts they’re covering, which adds to the fun, especially when there’s also a good dose of humor. Given the talent involved and the famous acts picked for tributes, it might be a good idea to check out both nights from start to finish. Montrose Saloon is located at 2935 W. Montrose Avenue on Chicago’s north side.

Halloween Song: David Bowie - “Cat People (Putting Out The Fire)”

Another repost from the BHT haunted vault.

Few songs have a more chilling intro than David Bowie’s “Cat People (Putting Out The Fire)”Amidst a tribal drum beat and swirl of synthesizers, Bowie sings, “See these eyes so green/I can stare for a thousand years” in a voice so dark it’s impossible not to believe him. The theme from director Paul Schrader’s 1982 horror film Cat People is set to a guitar-driven arrangement crafted by veteran film composer Giorgio Moroder of Flashdance and Midnight Express fame.

Bowie’s lyrics are from the point of view of Irena and her brother Paul, played in the film by Natassia Kinski and Malcolm McDowell. They’re descendants of humans who mated with leopards centuries earlier. This causes them to turn into panthers during sex and they can’t return to human form without killing someone.

Bowie’s music often featured fascinating characters, so he was the perfect choice to convey Irena and Paul’s tortured emotions. “Still this pulsing night/A plague I call a heartbeat/Just be still with me/Ya wouldn’t believe what I’ve been through.” Cat People tapped into long-held superstitions regarding felines and their mysterious nature. Even today, it’s a good idea to make sure black house cats are kept indoors on Halloween to prevent deranged people from hurting them.

Slumgullion

For events taking place this weekend, check out my previous post titled Weekend Reminders.

Long-time fans of Let’s Active (I’ve been one since seeing them open for R.E.M. in Chicago several years ago) will be pleased to learn the the band’s entire catalog has been newly remastered and will be released on streaming sites in late November. Founding member/lead vocalist/guitarist Mitch Easter And Gang have already sold out a two-set concert coming up on November 29 at the Gas Hill Drinking Room in the band’s home town Winston - Salem. Sadly, we lost bassist/vocalist Faye Hunter and drummer Sara Romweber several years ago, so it will be interesting to learn who’s in The Gang. Considering Easter has worked with some of the biggest names in indie rock, it could be impressive.

Chicago indie rockers The Handcuffs will take a break from recording their next album for a return visit to Mary’s Place in Rockford, IL on November 1. The Attitudes will be their guest opener.

For rock fans who love to travel. Iggy Pop; Joan Jett And The Blackhearts; Hoodoo Gurus; and ZED will share a tour in Auckland, New Zealand next year on January 23, 26, and 31. Six months later, Hoodoo Gurus will be one of the headline acts down under at the Birdsville Big Red Bash. It’s being promoted as The Most Remote Music Festival In The World.

It don't cost very much, but won’t last a long while. FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, IL has issued a low ticket warning for both the 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm versions of Illegal Smiles - Celebrating The Birthday Of John Prine on October 22. The venue has also announced a low-ticket warning for Chris And Heather’s Country Calendar Show involving several performers on December 6. Even if you can’t make the show, I highly recommend finding a way to buy the Heather’s calendar because it’s always a masterpiece.

Cheap Trick has released a single from their upcoming album All Washed Up, which is due out November 14. “The Riff That Won’t Quit” adds some genuine funk to the band’s guitar-driven approach, and follows on the heels of the mid-tempo “Twelve Gates,” which can be viewed in an animated version on YouTube.

Indie Rock Night in the Bourbon And Brass Speakeasy at The Des Plaines Theatre seems to be going well, and this coming Tuesday will offer a special Battle Of The Bands. The winner of the event will have the honor of opening for a main stage act at some point in the future. The competitors are indie rockers Math125; power pop band The Spindles; and rock band Crashdive. Doors open at 7:00 pm; The Des Plaines Theatre is located in downtown Des Plaines, IL.

The John And Yoko/Plastic Ono Band with Elephant’s Memory and Special Guests Live At The One To One Concert boxset is available to pre-order at the online Official John Lennon Store. Recorded live at Madison Square Garden in New York City on August 30, 1972, the concert is available in 9 CD + 3 Blu-Ray Boxset; 4 LP; 2 CD; 2 LP, and 1 CD formats.

Chicago-based band The Neighbors will perform alternative rock and indie Americana at Brudder’s on October 30. The music starts at 9:00 pm; the venue is located at 3600 N. Pulaski.

Illinois rock and roll fans of a certain age might be interested to know the various artists album A Blast From The Cellar! Lost Gems From The ‘60s Chicago Rock Explosion has been reviewed in Issue No. 168 of the English rock mag Shindig! It’s given a mid-range rating of three stars (five stars is considered brilliant) but writer Jon ‘Mojo’ Mills does describe the Arlington Heights venue The Cellar as legendary, and praises “You Don’t Know Better” by The Blackstones as “a delightful slice of Beatles-esque pop.” (This is the issue of Shindig! with Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham on the cover.)

Paul McCartney’s Got Back North American Tour 2025 continues its run with a concert tonight in Minneapolis. Upcoming dates include Tulsa; San Antonio; New Orleans; Atlanta; Nashville; Pittsburgh; Buffalo; and Montreal. The long and winding road ends with concerts at the United Center on November 24 and 25, which means Chicago area fans will have something fun to talk about with their families at Thanksgiving dinner.

Los Lobos fans in the Chicago area will also be grateful since the Los Angeles band has concerts scheduled for November 24 and 25 at SPACE in Evanston. Tickets are also available for Chicago folk legend Bonnie Koloc’s November 30 show at SPACE in Evanston.

The Webstirs, a Chicago-based band that’s been a reliable source for well-crafted and witty indie rock, will release its next album, High Up In The Trees, on November 14. They’ll perform a free show in the Sidebar at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, IL that night, with special guests Sunshine Boys.

A Carnival Of Grey And White, the latest and long-awaited album from the Milwaukee-based power pop band Trolley is now available on Bandcamp. In addition to the catchy title track and Elvis Costello style “As Long As I Can Find You,” which were previously released as teasers, other energetic gems include “Leaving You Behind,” “Stepping Up,” and “Radio Silence.”

Tickets will go on sale soon for the Gram Fest - Cosmic American Music Festival taking place on November 22 at the Joshua Tree Cultural Center - Blak Box Theater in Joshua Tree, CA. Performers include Sin City All Stars with special guests Jonny Kaplan And Friends, plus numerous other acts.

The Other Art Fair, a global and inventive effort from online gallery Saatchi Art to create a place “where the experience exists outside of four white walls,” is coming to Artifact Events in Chicago on the weekend of October 31 - November 2. The price of admission ranges from $18 to $312.50, depending which day you choose. Artifact Events is located at 4325 N. Ravenswood Avenue.

Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan’s new album titled Better Broken is now available; with the title track being the first single. Her 2025 North American tour kicked off this past Wednesday in Victoria, BC, and will include a stop at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago on November 22.

Revolution(s), Zayd Ayers Dohrn’s play about a soldier who returns from Afghanistan only to find his south side Chicago neighborhood also in turmoil, has opened at The Goodman Theatre. Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine fame created the music and lyrics; and Steve H. Broadnax III is the director. Revolution(s) runs through November 9.

The Saint Rocke venue in Hermosa Beach, CA has a fun double bill of Flamin Groovies and The Pandoras coming up on November 19.

Ring in the new with Old 97s at SPACE in Evanston. Tickets are now on sale for the Dallas, TX band’s December 29, 30, and 31 shows at the Illinois venue. Old 97s will likely perform selections from their 2024 album American Primitive, as well as favorites such as “Champagne, Illinois” and “Big Brown Eyes.”

The Return Of The Flock show scheduled for November 1 at Park West on Chicago’s north side has been cancelled due to an injury to one of the band members. Hopefully, a make-up date for The Flock, a critically acclaimed jazz rock ensemble that was well ahead of its time in the 1960s, will be announced soon.

Henry Diltz has joined forces with Cindystock for a series of rock musician photo books that benefit the Yates Fund For Cancer Hope. The choices include Dan Fogelburg; Stephen Stills; David Crosby; Micky Dolenz; David Cassidy; Joni Mitchell; America; Graham Nash; and Crosby, Stills, Nash And Young. Each book contains 40 photos and sells for $24. I just received my copy of the Nash book and it’s really cool.

Aliza Hava’s new album Into The Light is now available exclusively on Bandcamp. The Ashland, Oregon folk rock singer-guitarist creates emotionally charged songs such as “Let It Roar” and “Fix My Fate” that convey how to navigate this troubled world.

Halloween Songs: “Neon” and “You’re My World” (Last Night In Soho Soundtrack)

Another selection from the BHT haunted vault.

With Halloween just two weeks away, it’s likely some people are already working on a playlist for a party at home or at a bar. They should consider a prelude that sets the mood for the haunting material that follows. An instrumental, such as a classic TV show theme from The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, Star Trek, Doctor Who or Alfred Hitchcock Presents would work, and there are plenty of film soundtracks to explore. For example, the song “Neon” from the 2021 thriller Last Night In Soho.

The track opens with a simple but haunting piano solo before a full orchestra conjures an invading army of zombies or some other evil force. With an instrumental, you’re free to craft your own nightmarish scenario; a flock of crows or bats swirling around in tune with the string section? Why not? Last Night In Soho doesn’t have those things, but there are plenty of ghosts. Slowly building its massive arrangement, “Neon” effectively conveys a sense of danger that might be inescapable.

In addition to an intense storyline with unexpected twists, Last Night In Soho uses several classic hit songs to establish an authentic 1960s setting for when the heroine, played by Thomasin McKenzie, drifts back to that decade in a series of frightening dreams. There are few selections on YouTube, and one of the best is a version of the Cilla Black hit “You’re My World.” It not only captures the glamor of swinging London, but establishes an undercurrent of dread. Also, watch for the way director Edgar Wright uses mirrors to connect his two females leads, McKenzie and Anya Taylor-Joy.

The Last Night In Soho soundtrack is filled with gems from the swinging London era.

Weekend Reminders

Thursday posts focus on events that were previously mentioned on Broken Hearted Toy, and are taking place during the upcoming weekend. Plus, the occasional event taking place this weekend that has just come to my attention, or concert tickets going on sale.

 Let’s start with a BHT welcome to Elvis Costello and The Imposters, as well as Charlie Sexton. They’ve been touring America together with Radio Soul - Early Songs Of Elvis Costello, and will perform tonight at The Chicago Theatre.

McLuhan, the adventurous seven-piece Chicago band inspired by philosopher Marshall McLuhan, will be part of a double bill this Sunday afternoon at Montrose Saloon with the folk rock trio Esmeralda’s Boys. The music starts at 1:30 pm.

Room At The Top - An Evening Celebrating The Music Of Tom Petty to benefit the Make The World Better Foundation will be held at the Union Transfer venue in Philadelphia, PA tomorrow night. The all ages event will feature The Philadelphia Tom Petty Appreciation Band, along with a special guests that include Eric Bazilian from The Hooters; Vicki Peterson from The Bangles; and Goug Gillard from Guided By Voices.

Singer-guitarist Michael Steven Cohen, a former member of the power pop bands The Abbeys and Pop Dollys, has embarked on a successful career playing selections from The Great American Songbook at dinner clubs. He’ll perform from 6:00 to 10:00 pm tomorrow night at the Chicago Prime Italian restaurant in Schaumburg, IL.

Yeah Alright Productions will present a Remembering 1975 Live Music Event this Saturday night at The Gallery Cabaret on Chicago’s north side. The featured acts will be Rolling Numbers; Second Summer; Staff Infexion; and Super X, along with an acoustic set by Keke. The music starts at 8:00 pm.

Duets Special - Chrissie Hynde And Pals, an album featuring The Pretenders lead vocalist pairing up with Lucinda Williams; Julian Lennon; Shirley Manson; k.d. lang; David Gahan; Debbie Harry; Brandon Flowers; Rufus Wainwright and other well-known performers, will be released tomorrow.

The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club, a Chicago-based power pop/indie rock band that has released several impressive albums over the past 10 years, will perform at Montrose Saloon on Chicago’s north side this Saturday. Three other bands are on the bill that night: Man’s Body; The Failers; and Turning Birds

The Miki Berenyi Trio (led by the former Lush founder) has been touring the U.S. in support of its new Tripla album, and will perform in Chicago tomorrow night at Lincoln Hall. The opening act will Gina Birch And The Unreasonables; Birch having been a founding member of the U.K. band The Raincoats.

Local bands The Spindles and Go Time! each have their own approach to power pop, whether it’s at live shows or on albums. That doesn’t keep them from sharing gigs on a regular basis, and this Saturday, they’ll be joined by Vinto Van Go for a triple bill that kicks off at 8:00 pm at the Cubby Bear in Wrigleyville.

Fans of hard-edged alt rock can enjoy An Evening with Violent Femmes tomorrow night at The Salt Shed just north of downtown Chicago. The Milwaukee band is known for songs such as “Blister In The Sun” and “Gone Daddy Gone.”

The West Loop Contemporary Fine Art Expo will take place at the Stephen M. Bailey Auditorium in Plumbers Hall just west of downtown Chicago this weekend. The event’s organizers describe it as “a curated boutique expo showcasing over 40 invitation-only fine artists from 7 states offering original art.” Plumbers Hall is located at 1340 W. Washington.

Yoko Ono - Music Of The Mind, a retrospective of her career that reaches back to the 1950s and explores her art, films, and music, opens on October 18 at the Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago and will run through February 22. According to the MCA website, this will be the only venue in the United States that Yoko Ono - Music Of The Mind will visit.

Chicago’s unpredictable and always entertaining covers band EXPO ’76 will showcase their debut album Hot In The Dark with an in-store performance this Sunday afternoon at Animal Records (624 Grove Street) in Evanston, IL. The Facebook ad states “get your records signed,” which sounds like they’ll have vinyl copies of the album on hand. Otherwise, the official release date for Hot In The Dark, which was recorded with help from the Total Pro Horns, is October 24.

Halloween Song: Lene Lovich - “Bird Song”

This Halloween song profile made its BHT debut on October 29, 2009, and I’ve posted it just about every year since.

The arrival of new wave and punk rock in the late 1970s introduced an exciting cast of talented and sometimes intimidating female performers such as Chrissie Hynde, Deborah Harry, Annie Lennox, Siouxsie Sioux, and Nina Hagen. In 1979, Lene Lovich, a singer with a passion for bizarre outfits and even more bizarre hair, released “Bird Song” as a single on Stiff Records. While the lyrics don’t mention anything diabolical, Lovich’s high-pitched warble, the song’s gothic arrangement, and an ominous-sounding male chorus create a nightmarish ambience. All the while remaining catchy enough for the dance floor.

Basically, this is a dark twist on the old expression, “A little bird told me,” in which a scheming feathered creature steals a woman’s boyfriend by tricking her into thinking he’s been untrue. “So with the bird, one day, you flew away/I woke up too late, you had gone/Fading on . . . with this song/Of the hurting little bird.” Lovich delivers these lines, and others like, “Such a cold bird, so hard, captured your heart/Does it matter I am falling apart” with a Nora Desmond like intensity. When she later mentions “the dead little bird,” it’s unclear whether she killed it.

The avian metaphor carries over to the startling video Lovich created for “Bird Song,” which is executed in the style of a vintage European horror flick. She plays a runaway bride, leaving her guy at the altar while she runs outside to challenge a raven to a staring contest. The male chorus becomes a choir of priests or deacons, one of whom pounds away at the pipe organ like Lon Chaney. Maybe Lovich did lose out to an actual bird. “Still I watch the sky/Still I wonder why/Still I hope that I can carry on.” Regardless of whether the villain is animal or human, Lene Lovich’s “Bird Song” record and video are genuine Halloween classics.

Halloween Song: Blue Oyster Cult - “Don’t Fear The Reaper”

I first posted this as a Halloween song back on October 14, 2009, and I’m pretty sure it’s been included every year since then.

Hair-raising scenarios come naturally to hard rock and heavy metal bands, but Blue Oyster Cult’s variety of approaches was impressive. “Nosferatu” is a majestic and brooding meditation on the original vampire tale, while the thundering “Godzilla,” with lines like, “Oh no, there goes Tokyo! Go, Go, Godzilla!” is unabashed fun. The band struck gold in 1976 with “Don’t Fear The Reaper” from their Agents Of Fortune album.  

The opening guitar riff and progressive arrangement are pure classic rock, but the song spread across genres and retains its massive popularity to this day. Which is strange, because the lyrics appear to advocate suicide as the ultimate expression of love. “Seasons don’t fear the reaper/Nor do the wind, the sun or the rain... we can be like they are.” They also promise “We’ll be able to fly” and point out, “Romeo and Juliet are together in eternity.”

Blue Oyster Cult effectively sells these sentiments through a strong melody and intricate harmony vocals. There’s even a “La la la la la la” and “Come on, baby.” It’s almost like The Beach Boys inviting a girl to the sock hop. The last verse describes a despondent woman whose lover has already died. “And it was clear she couldn’t go on.” The final image is of the reunited couple looking back and saying goodbye to the living. Or is she flying off with the Reaper himself? Either way, “Don’t Fear The Reaper” is a love song that probably doesn’t get played at many wedding receptions.