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Hot weekend in Chicago, in more ways than one! With the temperatures and the proliferation of great concerts soaring, it was a opportune time to get out and catch some fantastic live shows. Iron Maiden has earned a reputation as being one of the greatest live acts you will ever get a chance to see. Many years ago at the beginning of their career, we all went out for a few tastey adult beverages and the thing that sticks in my mind was how excited the guys in the band were that they might actually be starting to break through in North America. This past weekend, some 25,000 Loyal Loopers (the largest crowd ever for a Maiden show in Chicago) packed the First Midwest Bank Amphitheater to catch them. It is a rare sight indeed to witness an opening act get a standing ovation, but Dream Theater did just that as ...

Hey Loopers! What an awesome busy week I had! Over the weekend, I hung out with NASCAR driver Justin Allgaier at the Verizon Wireless in Plainfield; he was in town for the big race weekend in Joliet. I rocked out at McHenry Fiesta days as well over the weekend; signed a ton of autographs, listened to some great music, and had a great time in McHenry! Thanks for a great time! On Saturday, I was at City Limits Harley Davidson celebrating their store’s birthday! There were hot bikes, hot ladies, and all kinds of music and fun prizes! I was tempted to ride off on a bike ;) I’m gearing up for another rockin’ week and I hope you’ll be a part of it! I will be making a stop at Hook & Ladder Tower 23, from the Chicago Fire Department this week! If any of you firemen or policemen ...

What's up Chicago?! Hope you had an AWESOME 4th of July and celebrated this awesome country we live in! Over the 4th of July weekend I was giving away Rush tickets for their July 7th show at Charter One Pavilion. I'll be out at Charter One with Byrd broadcasting live before their show so if you have tickets, make sure you stop by and say hi! I cannot wait for a night on the lake with Rush! I'll be out at Harley Davidson of Crete for an exclusive photo shoot this week. We'll be creating a custom poster for you Loyal Loopers to pick up at HD. We'll have some hot photos to choose from and I can't wait to see all the bikes and make this poster for you! I'll be out at the Verizon Wireless Store in Plainfield and you can come meet Nascar Nationwide Driver Justin Allgaier. ...

In what has been rumored to be their last ever tour, the Eagles played Soldier Field this past weekend. Hit after hit, spanning their entire career were delivered to the massive audience. Always spot-on live, this performance was no exception. (See Eagles perform "Hotel California" live at Soldier Field here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znbRI9ZzSTs) With Blackhawks delirium still gripping Chicagoland, now is a great time to preserve those memories with some of the coolest (and most affordable) Blackhawks 2010 Stanley Cup Champions memorabilia around. However, these items are almost sold out, so get 'em before it's too late! (See/order the Chicago Blackhawks 2010 Stanley Cup Champions 2-puck commemorative set here: http://www.nikcosports.com/chicago-blackhawks-stanley-cup-appearance-two-puck-set-with-displays.aspx) (See/order the Chicago Blackhawks 2010 Stanley Cup Champions commemorative photo mint here: http://sbflip.com/) This Saturday marks the 3rd (2nd in Chicago) and final historic "Crossroads Guitar Festival." To be held at Toyota Park and hosted by Eric Clapton, it will ...

Hi My Lovely Loyal Loopers! It has been a month and a half since I was crowned your 2010 Loop Rock Girl and I feel like it was only yesterday! Time really flies when you are having the best time of your life! This week has been busy as usual! On Tuesday, June 15th, I was at Blackjacks in Elgin! I got to host amateur night and damn were the ladies hot! It was fun hanging out with the beautiful women of Blackjacks. I can't wait to go back next month! This past Friday, June 18th, I rocked out and hosted the Monster's of Mock concert series at Durty Nellie's in Palatine! Despite the CRAZY storm that passed through on Friday, Durty Nellie's was crowded and ready to rock! We featured two tribute bands that rocked the house! First up was Iron Maiden/Judas Priest Tribute band, JUDAS BEAST! Then Blackened, ...

What’s up Loyal Loopers! I love being your Loop Rock Girl! There is truly never a dull moment! I feel like I’ve met so many Loop fans already and the summer is just getting started! I cannot wait to meet you all. This past Monday I was hanging out at Lady Jane’s Haircuts for Men in Palatine for their grand opening! We had a great turnout! And why wouldn’t we? The stylists are smokin’ hot and haircuts are just ten bucks! It’s like a sports bar for your head. Very cool! We gave out some Chicago Rush tickets and the chance to win a Weber Q Grill this past weekend at Verizon Wireless in New Lenox and I was able to debut my brand new 2010 Loop Rock Girl Autograph cards! Now I actually have something other than Loop bumper stickers to sign for you! I’m official! This week I’ll ...

Blackhawks fever has attained a whole new level of frenzy this week as the team doggedly pursues Chicago's first Stanley Cup title in 49 years versus the pesky, never-say-die Philadelphia Flyers. GO HAWKS!!! (See a photo collage of myself with various Chicago Blackhawks greats past and present here: http://www.wlup.com/Pics/Airstaff/Byrd/goHawks/goHawks_1000w_02.jpg) The guys in Airbourne popped by my show last Saturday afternoon before their set at the Riviera to say hello and share a few laughs. After spending nearly 3 months living in Chicago recording their new CD "No Guts, No Glory", the band became big fans of my show and the Loop and were beyond thrilled by the experience. For those that missed the concert, you will get another chance to catch Australia's hottest new young band at the "Uproar Fest" August 21st at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre. (See Airbourne's visit to the Loop here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjQ1Cc8Ttic) This week on my show from ...

Hello my lovely Loyal Loopers! I've been super busy but loving every minute of it! I love waking up everyday, stretching my legs and thinking, I am the Loop Rock Girl!!!! It's still so surreal to me! On Saturday, May 22nd, I hosted the Monsters of Mock series at Durty Nellies. It was my first MoM and the 3rd in The Loop's free monthly concert series! The opening band, 3 If By Air, was a totally awesome local cover band! Then it was time for the ultimate Journey Tribute band, FRONTIERS! They freakin' rocked the house! I was amazed how much they sounded just like Journey! I looked at the crowd and everyone had their hands up, singing all the songs! What a fun night! I can't wait for the Monsters of Mock series to continue this month on June 18th! Hope to see you there! My Memorial Day weekend ...

This week on my show from 3pm-7pm on 97.9 the Loop and worldwide at www.wlup.com: win tickets to 3 great upcoming shows at Charter One Pavilion featuring Styx, REO Speedwagon and Shinedown at 5:05pm daily, tickets to Cinderella in the first 5 rows each day, chances to win Rush tickets as well as 4-packs of passes to the award winning Rush documentary "Beyond The Lighted Stage" and conversations with Blackhawks legends Stan Mikita this Tuesday at 6:30pm and Bobby Hull on Thursday at 5:30pm. Don't miss out!   (See Cinderella's video for "Gypsy Road" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j7E7pvLxmI) (See the trailer for the Rush documentary "Beyond The Lighted Stage" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gz48xbcw7rw) (See the "History Will Be Made" NHL promo featuring Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita here: http://blackhawks.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=816&id=71119) (See footage of the Blackhawks 1961 Stanley Cup victory featuring Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita here: http://blackhawks.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=816&id=12549) (See a highlight reel ...

Stanley Cup fever has officially gripped Chicago! This is how the West was won. It took only 4 games (and cost Hawks defenseman Duncan Keith 7 teeth), but our Blackhawks jumped the Sharks to win the Western Conference Finals and earn their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 18 years and a chance at their first Stanley Cup win since 1961. Unfortunately it doesn't appear like we'll get that Original 6 match up of the Chicago Blackhawks vs. Montreal Canadiens we were hoping for. Long-time Hawks fans were relishing the chance to wipe out the bad voodoo from heartbreaking losses to the Canadiens in the 1965 and 1971 finals with a victory this year. Nevertheless, GO HAWKS!!! (See the Chicago Blackhawks clinch a 2010 Stanley Cup Finals playoff berth here: http://blackhawks.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?hlg=20092010,3,324) (See Duncan Keith of the Chicago Blackhawks interviewed after the game here: http://blackhawks.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=690&id=70464) The guys in Airbourne popped by my ...

Hey Loyal Loopers! It’s your new 2010 Loop Rock Girl, Lindsey!I am still in complete shock from hearing Pete McMurray call my name to be crowned the new loop girl! My facial expression really says it all. It was so insane. A surge of excitement and utter disbelief went jolting through my body! Every time I watch the video of me winning I get nervous and anxious as if I don’t already know he is going to call my name. I want to relive that moment for the rest of my life. I am truly blessed to be given the opportunity to rock out with Chicago and 97.9 The Loop! What a dream come true! I cannot wait to meet all of you Loyal Loopers! Love, Lindsey xoxo

One of rock's greatest and yet somehow tragically underrated front men Ronnie James Dio lost his battle with cancer early Sunday morning ending a brilliant and varied career that spanned an incredible 6 decades. Ronnie logged time in huge outfits like Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell, and had a prolific solo run as well as helping to popularize the now ubiquitous "metal horns" hand gesture. He was 67. Truly one of rock's "good guys", Ronnie and I shared many laughs over the years. My experience was by no means exclusive, however. Ronnie was hands down one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever met, especially with his many fans. I feel very fortunate to have known him. Thanks for all the great music Ronnie. You will truly be missed, but never forgotten. This Monday from 3pm-7pm on my show, tune in for a special tribute to ...

Does it get any better than this? As I hinted on the air, marking the approximate 30th anniversaries of a pair seminal rock albums, both Rush and Roger Waters of Pink Floyd fame will be descending on Chicago this summer for Loop shows that will have fans of both bands in a certain frenzy. Rush will play Charter One Pavilion July 5th and perform their classic "Moving Pictures" album in it's entirety for the very first time, as well as a set of their hits. Dubbed "The Time Machine Tour", it will once again be an evening with Rush - no opening act needed. (See Rush perform "Tom Sawyer" live in Rio here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwy34GT1BXE) (See Rush's video for "Vital Signs" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z31Uk9BQJus) (See Rush perform "YYZ" live on the "Snakes & Arrows" tour here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P7x7e19j-8) Then for the first time in two decades, Roger Waters will ...

If you're a Loyal Looper, you knew months ago that Rush were planning a return to Chicago this summer. This Saturday (4/10/10) on my show from 2pm-6pm, I will be giving away tickets every hour for their July 5th show at Charter One Pavilion. In addition to a concert location that can't be beat, Rush will be performing their seminal "Moving Pictures" disc in it's entirety for the first time ever. Don't miss out!   (See Rush perform "Limelight" from their album "Moving Pictures" live here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0367IUSue5s&feature=related This Monday (4/12/10) marks the return of the Cubbies to Wrigley Field for 2010. To celebrate, I'll be doing my show live from 6am-10am at Murphy's Bleachers (www.murphysbleachers.com) at Sheffield & Waveland to help you get into the "spirit" of things. I'll have Wrigley Rooftop tickets, $97.90 every hour, frosty adult beverages, wings and lots of Cubs memorabilia ...

Happy Easter! See and hear the spoof my friends in Rock Sugar have put together that has everyone talking (and laughing) that you have heard me play on my show. (See Rock Sugar's video for "Don't Stop The Sandman" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr4HffbAUTk) This week on my show from 6am-10am on 97.9 the Loop in Chicago and worldwide via www.wlup.com: "10 Grand In Your Hand" continues! This time we've doubled the bounty to $200! Each morning at 8:05am, I will announce some one's name. If you call back within 15 minutes at 312-245-1234, you instantly win $200 just for listening and qualify to win the $10,000! Make sure you sign up through www.wlup.com so that YOUR name will be called out! Trust me, the odds are very good to win it all. Listen, call... win. It's easy! Also this week, win a special, limited edition commemorative Chicago White Sox 2005 ...

Nearly a decade after they split, Stone Temple Pilots made a triumphant return to Chicago this past weekend in support of their forthcoming reunion album "Stone Temple Pilots" set for release May 25th. Once again fusing their Beatles/Led Zeppelin/Aerosmith/David Bowie influences into the unique "Stone Temple Pilots sound", it promises to be another must-have disc from the guys that surely will add to their canon of mega-hits. During the show at the Riv, they even gave a sneak peek into some of the new material, as well playing the aforementioned smashes. (See Stone Temple Pilots perform their new song "Between The Lines" live at the Riviera here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLWKRwRB2tQ) (See Stone Temple Pilots perform "Plush" live at the Riviera here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPD7SHllLqg (See Stone Temple Pilots perform "The Big Empty" live at the Riviera here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmTUfYyCbIY Loop Rock Girl 2010 voting commences this Friday, as we whittle down the ...