Illinois Entertainer June 2017 | Page 4

June 2017 • Volume 43, Number 08 • www.illinoisentertainer.com COVER STORY: RISE AGAINST More than any other time in the band’s 18-year career, the cultural and political climate of 2017 is the perfect environment for Rise Against, powered by singer-songwriter Tim McIlrath, bassist Joe Principe, drummer Brandon Barnes, and guitarist Zach Blair. The Trump-era is a bittersweet time for Tim McIlrath, singer and songwriter for the socio- political melodic punk act. The band’s vocalist- made as much clear in our interview last month, while preparing a tour supporting the group’s adrenaline-fueled eighth record, Wolves, and a co- headlining live slot with Deftones and Thrice. Jaime Black spoke to McIlrath for IE. . Page 22: Rise Against HELLO MY NAME IS...GAVIN ROSSDALE 06 Fame? Gavin Rossdale, 51, hates it. “But you basically have no choice – it’s just one of those things that goes with celebrity, and nobody wants to hear a celebrity complain,” he sighs, resigned- ly. “And I won’t tell you it’s not annoying when you’re basically out with your family, just trying to have a private life. But at the end of the day, how serious can I take it? I don’t care. I’ve got too many other things to care about.” True. And he happily lists them on the latest album, not afraid to throw in a few mea cul- pas for he and Stefani’s split, whose alleged infidelity played a part in it. He’s bounced back with strong songs ,and an opti- mistic new outlook on life. Tom Lanham talked to the Bush frontman. Sweet Home Calendar 28 Cinema Scopes Gods and Monsters. Media Ryan Arnold has WXRT in his DNA. PHOENIX 20 6 14 16 18 File Chicago Blues Fest Preview. The French alt-rock outfit Phoenix has always made music its own idiosyncratic way, with no apologies. Ever since it broke through internationally with its Grammy-winning fourth album, 2009’s Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix – and smash hits like “1901” and “Lisztomania” – the retro-minded members have been amassing a remarkable arsenal of music. Four years after its last Bankrupt! effort – Phoenix has returned with Ti Amo, a vibrant, summery-sounding surprise that’s so awash in rubbery, bubbly synthesizer textures that it feels time-warped in from the burn- baby-burn disco era. No joke. Tom Lanham talked to Thomas Mars. Muddy Water's son comes to Chicago. Over 1700 shows and 2500 bands to see in June! Spins The Beatles, Stax Classic and more. Caught In A Mosh Fates Warning is back. Classifieds You dumped your boyfriend's guitarist, now you're looking for another. DEF LEPPARD 42 Studiophile When Def Leppard formed in 1977 in Sheffield, England, the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) scene was in full effect. From their glammy influences of the ’70s, and their pioneering MTV video days, morphing into rock titans in the ’90s, Def Leppard have become one of the prolific touring bands around today. This year, Def Leppard are touring with Poison and Tesla, playing cities and venues it didn’t get a chance to play in on its first leg of the tour that began last year. “That’s the whole point of this one,” long-time guitarist Phil Collen said. Kelley Simms talked to the longtime guitarist. What's going on at Gravity, Rax Trax and Bennett Road studios. Gear Roland's ground breaking percussion pads. Publisher Advertising Sales Contributors: John Vernon Scott Assmann Mike Engel Andy Argyrakis, Guy Arnston, Penelope Biver, Patrick Conlan, Deena Dasein, Jaime de'Medici, Jeff Elbel Terrence Flamm, Steve Forstneger Michael Gallucci, Michael C. Harris, Max Herman, Tom Lanham, Carter Moss, Brian Ormiston, Greg Olma Arsenio Orteza, Rodney Pawlak, Bruce Pilato, Matthew Pollock, Jessi Roti Jason Scales, Kelley Simms, Ed Spinelli, Tim Shockley, James Turano Contributing Editors Curt Baran Tom Lanham Mike Meyer Lori Vernon Advertising Director Design Team Notion Pool Notion Pool Dragon Design Vision Design Teknigram Graphics Senior Columnists John Vernon Website Direction David Gedge Rosalind Cummings-Yeates - Sweet Home Rick Kaempfer - Media Founder Kelley Simms - Caught In A Mosh Kenneth L. Voss David C. Eldredge Bruce Pilato - East Coast Classified Advertising Publisher Emeritis David Roberts 4 illinoisentertainer.com june 2017 SUBSCRIPTIONS: $35 per year (first class). Material for insertion must reach our office by the First Of The Month preceding publication. We cannot assume responsibility for unsolicit- ed manuscripts or photographs. Follow us online at: facebook.com illinoisentertainer.tumblr.com twitter.com @ie_entertainer 32 34 58 60 62 Address All Correspondence to: Illinois Entertainer 4223 W. Lake St., Suite 490 Chicago, IL 60624 [phone] - Chicago/North Sub [phone] - West/South Suburbs [phone] - Fax email us at: Editorial: [email protected] Advertising: [email protected] The ILLINOIS ENTERTAINER is published monthly by Roberts Publishing, Inc, All materials copyright 2017 by Roberts Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from Roberts Publishing, Inc. Current and back issues of the IE are $10.00 postpaid.