The Antlers @ Do Division -- 6/03/2012 (photo by Sarah Frankie Linder)

We covered over 200-concerts in the past year on BV Chicago(!). Most of that coverage included pictures from the show, shot by a slew of contributing photographers. Today, the last full day of 2012, we're listing our favorite live music photos of the year, snapped by names that frequently appear on the site. You may have met some of these folks at shows; they're all fantastic people and huge music fans, who do their best to discreetly document live performances. Our favorite live music photos of 2012 continue below.

Continue reading "BVChicago's favorite Live Music Photos of 2012 ------------------- (that we took)"

Bitch Magnet @ Le Poisson Rouge in NYC (more by Fred Pessaro // BBG)

* Disclosure, The Drum @ Schubas
* Flobots, Astronautalis @ Bottom Lounge
* Bitch Magnet, Electric Hawk @ Empty Bottle
* The Avengers, R. Ring, The Hecks @ Abbey Pub
* Cat Power, Willis Earl Beal, Xray Eyeballs @ the Vic
* Anamanaguchi, Fang Island, Moon King @ Subterranean
* White Denim, Maps & Atlases, Team Spirit @ Lincoln Hall
* Tinariwen @ Old Town School of Folk Music (Early & Late Shows)
* Title Fight, Pianos Become The Teeth, Single Mothers, Face Reality @ Reggie's

Bitch Magnet play what could be their final show ever at the Empty Bottle tonight. If you're even slightly thinking about it, just go.

Cat Power, Willis Earl Beal, and Xray Eyeballs play the Vic.

Tinariwen play two shows at the Old Town School of Folk Music.

Watch M83's new video for "Steve McQueen" below.

Follow @bvChicago on Twitter, "Like" us on Facebook.

Follow bvChicago on Instagram.

What else?

Continue reading "What's going on Sunday?"

photos by James Richards IV

M83 @ the Riv on 5/04/2012

While Yann Tiersen and Felix were playing Metro, a very sold-out M83/I Break Horses show was taking place at the Riv. Earlier that day, M83 frontman Anthony Gonzalez spoke at the Apple Store (on N. Michigan Ave.). Did you catch either?

Here's a full set of pictures and the setlist from their show at the Riv...

Continue reading "M83 & I Break Horses played the Riv (pics, setlist)"

M83's Anthony Gonzalez @ Lincoln Hall (more by Zach Pollack)

M83 are here. Their current tour with I Break Horses hits the Riv TONIGHT (sold out), and you can also catch a discussion from bandleader Anthony Gonzalez THIS AFTERNOON at the Apple Store on North Michigan Avenue. From 1-2PM he'll discuss how M83's excellent double album, Hurry Up, We're Dreaming, was made and share other anecdotes from his career. Wristbands are required for entry and can be picked up NOW at the store (they opened at 8AM). As mentioned, M83 are one of the many acts playing Lollapalooza 2012.

As seen on BrooklynVegan, this year's Lolla lineup includes everthing hinted on the #LOLLA ads, and much more....

Continue reading "Lollapalooza 2012 lineup announced (Black Sabbath, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Shins, Passion Pit, JC Brooks, much more)"

Lollapalooza 2011 (more by Grant MacAllister)

Especially if you're in Chicago, you may have started to notice "#LOLLA" ads, like this one (which references lyrics from Santigold's "L.E.S. Artistes")...

As CoS points out, across the web and CTA public transit system, there have been sightings of ads just like the above for Jack White, Sigur Ros(!), Justice, The Weeknd, Bloc Party, M83, Die Antwoord, Twin Shadow, The Shins, The Black Keys, The Big Pink, Wale, Washed Out, and Kimbra. Those are just some of the artists rumored to be playing the festival that takes place from August 3-5 in Grant Park.

As mentioned, Lollapalooza's initial lineup will be revealed on April 11. Time TBA.

What about reunited band of the moment At The Drive-In? Time will tell if we get them at Lolla, but meanwhile you can get your Omar Rodriguez-Lopez fix with Le Butcherettes, who visit Chicago for two shows in early-June. He's now a full-time member of that band.

Have you noticed any other ads that you can confirm with a snapshot? Feel free to tweet it at us and/or tag us in a Facebook post of the image. Happy rumor season!

M83 @ Lincoln Hall in November (more by Zach Pollack)

I Break Horses

If you've been following along, M83 were initially booked at the Vic for a May 4th performance, moved to the Riv after selling out the theater, and have now sold THAT out as well. Were you able to purchase tickets in time?

As mentioned, Swedish duo I Break Horses will act as main support for the band's North American tour. They have also started to announce their own post-M83 tour headlining run which now includes a Chicago show at Lincoln Hall on May 29th. Tickets go on sale this Friday (2/10), at noon CST. Support TBA.

All 2012 tour dates for both acts and some videos, below..

Continue reading "M83 sold out the Riv; I Break Horses announce LH show"

M83 @ Lincoln Hall in November (more by Zach Pollack)

M83 were here in November to play two sold out shows at Lincoln Hall. Shortly after their Chicago run, a new tour was announced which would bring them to the Vic on May 4th. The band, with support from I Break Horses, have sold out the venue and JAM Productions moved them to the much larger Riv. All Vic tickets will be honored and more go on sale this Saturday (1/21), at 10AM CST.

All 2012 tour dates and some videos, below..

Continue reading "M83 sells out out the Vic, moved to the Riv"

M83 @ Lincoln Hall in November (more by Zach Pollack)

M83 were just in town (on 11/17) to play two sold out shows at Lincoln Hall. Just this morning, they announced a full 2012 tour, which will bring them back to Chicago on May 4th. Writer Claire O'Connor said of their Lincoln Hall late show, "Lincoln Hall holds only 507 people, but 30-year old Anthony Gonzalez's sound is fit for an arena. It was something magical to see him fit the vast sonic, atmospheric sounds of Hurry Up, We're Dreaming in to the relatively small Chicago mainstay venue." We won't get an arena but they will be playing the Vic, which is about three times larger than Lincoln Hall. Tickets will be posted shortly. Tickets go on sale this Saturday (12/10), at 10AM CST. A fan presale is underway now.

Head below for all 2012 tour dates..

Continue reading "M83 announce 2012 dates (the Vic included)"

photos by Zach Pollack, words by Claire O'Connor

"In my head I've basically already committed to seeing M83 at the Vic in April. LH almost seems small for his show/display/lights/stuff" - Brandon Lee

"M83 + ActiveChild + @Lincolnhall last night = AWESOME!!!" - Ra Ra Riot

M83 @ Lincoln Hall

Accompanied by a starlit backdrop, France's M83 owned the night as they packed Chicago's Lincoln Hall for two sold out shows on Thursday night (11/17). Lincoln Hall holds only 507 people, but 30-year old Anthony Gonzalez's sound is fit for an arena. It was something magical to see him fit the vast sonic, atmospheric sounds of Hurry Up, We're Dreaming in to the relatively small Chicago mainstay venue.

Before M83 hit the stage, Los Angeles' Active Child returned to Lincoln Hall to play a characteristically solid set. While on stage for only 45 minutes, Active Child ushered in the crowd with their smart tinges of soul, bits of post-dub, and celestial electronica. Singer-songwriter/harpist Pat Grossi omits powerful yet delicate choir-like vocals without error. The band championed through songs off of 2011's You Are All I See. "Hanging On", "Playing House", "Way Too Fast," and the albums title track silenced concertgoers as the weight and severity of each note sunk into their hearts.

The cover art of M83's single "Midnight City" came to life as M83's show began with an alien-like creature on stage, motioning to the crowd. The band then took the stage and welcomed the crowd with a Zola Jesus-less "Intro," followed by "Teen Angst" off of Before The Dawn Heals Us. Gonzalez and co-vocalist/keyboardist Morgan Kibby shared moments of laughter when lyrics were forgotten and jumbled a bit during the second song. "How do you say forget lyrics? ...Yeah, Fuck you Morgan," joked Gonzalez at the end of the song before quickly jumping into "Reunion."

Stuffed on the tight stage, M83 ushered in "Year One, One UFO," "We Own The Sky," and "Steve McQueen." Filling the night with new material, the crowd gyrated succinctly to each new sound and light beam that filled the room. The starry backdrop seemed to serve its real purpose during the slower "Wait," while fans erupted and danced to "Midnight City."

The encore was a true treasure as the band finished the night with "Skin Of The Night" and "Couleurs," both tracks off of Saturdays = Youth.

More pictures from Thursday's late show, the setlist, and some videos, below...

Continue reading "M83, Active Child @ Lincoln Hall (late show pics/setlist/video)"

Active Child @ Schubas in September (more by Matt Ziegler)

After just finishing up their first-ever headlining run, Active Child have now been announced as the main support for M83's fall North American Tour. This will bring Pat Grossi and co. back to Chicago for the second time this fall, playing two sets at Lincoln Hall on November 17th. Unfortunately both performances are sold out, though I bet they release a small block of tickets.

Active Child will also be at the CMJ Music Marathon in NYC this month. His schedule includes a slot on the official BrooklynVegan CMJ showcase.

Head below for all 2011 tour dates.

Continue reading "Active Child to support M83 on tour (Lincoln Hall included)"

M83 @ Sasquatch in 2009 (more by Chris Graham)

M83's original show (November 17th @ 10PM) is now sold out, so Lincoln Hall have added an early (7PM) show as well. Tickets are on sale now.

For more information on their new album, and tour; visit a previous post.

M83 @ Pitchfork Music Festival in 2009 (more by Joseph Xu)

A few weeks ago, M83 put out a teaser video for their forthcoming double LP. We now know that the album is titled Hurry Up, We're Dreaming, and will be released on October 18th via Mute Records.

Head to their website to download the LP's lead single "Midnight City."

As announced, M83 will be headlining Lincoln Hall on November 17th.
Tickets are still available.

Hurry Up, We're Dreaming's tracklisting, and all 2011 tour dates lie below..

Continue reading "M83 shares details on forthcoming double LP, & single (MP3)"

Male Bonding, and Love Inks are playing Subterranean on September 8th.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow, at noon CST.

Lindsey Buckingham is playing the Vic on September 18th.
Tickets go on sale this Saturday, at 10AM CST.

As mentioned, Cut Copy are play the Riv on September 20th with Washed Out, and Midnight Magic. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, at 10AM CST. Pre-sale info here.

The Psychedelic Furs are playing the House of Blues on September 24th.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow, at 10AM CST.

Megafaun are playing Schubas on September 28th.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow, at noon CST.

Girls are playing Lincoln Hall on September 29th.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow, at noon CST.

Suuns, and Valleys are playing Subterranean on September 30th.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow, at noon CST.

Those Darlins, and Peelander-Z are playing Schubas on October 6th.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow, at noon CST.

Man or Astro Man? are playing Metro on October 8th.
Tickets go on sale this Saturday, at noon CST.

Boris, Tera Melos, and Coliseum are playing Metro on October 19th.
Tickets go on sale this Saturday, at noon CST.

Widespread Panic are playing the Chicago Theatre on October 28th & 29th.
Pre-sale tickets will be available from 10AM to 10PM CST tomorrow.
Password: twentyfive
Tickets go on sale to the general public this Saturday, at 10AM CST.

We Were Promised Jetpacks, Royal Bangs, and Bear Hands are playing Metro on November 2nd. Tickets go on sale this Saturday, at noon CST.

The Wombats, The Postelles, and Static Jacks are playing Subterranean on November 4th. Tickets go on sale this Saturday, at 10AM CST.

M83 are playing Lincoln Hall on November 17th.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow, at noon CST.

M83 @ Webster Hall in 2008 (more by Kyle Dean Reinford)

M83 are prepping their currently untitled, double LP for release this coming fall, and now tour dates have surfaced to go along with it.

They'll head out for a month-long US run in mid-October, including performances at Moogfest in North Carolina, and Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin, TX.

Chicago's Lincoln Hall will play host to the act on November 17th.
Tickets go on sale on Friday, July 15th at noon CST.

You can view the album's teaser video, and all announced 2011 tour dates below..

Continue reading "M83 teases forthcoming double LP, & announces fall tour (playing Lincoln Hall)"