Blues and jazz may have been the first to put Chicago on the global musical map, but over the decades our city has become an indisputable epicenter of rock and independent music. Every night of the week, in dozens of venues across town, live music lovers can catch high-quality touring artists and an incredible, diverse array of locally-based talent spanning everything from indie rock, metal, psych, punk, avant-garde, folk-rock, noise, hardcore and much more. We’re home to legendary labels and recording studios that helped (and break) the rules at the dawn of the independent rock era, and a vibrant, current crop of music businesses, community organizations, and festivals, all working tirelessly to bring great new music to the public. On the Rock / Independent page at ChicagoMusic.org, we strive to document it all and bring you highlights from each week's live happenings.
In an age of earbuds, downloads, and sanitized “rock” blaring from car commercials and drugstore PAs, there’s still nothing like the adrenaline rush and satisfaction that comes from of an amazing live rock show. Whether you prefer your tunes served at big arenas, famous clubs, gritty dives, or in dank, basement corners, there’s no time like the present to take advantage of Chicago’s live music culture.
