Illinois Entertainer December 2015 | Page 4

December 2015 • Volume 42, Number 2 • www.illinoisentertainer.com COVER STORY: KILL HANNAH Two decades after co-founder and songwriter/vocalist Mat Devine first launched the song and the band Kill Hannah, the Chicago-based band is playing their final shows on December 18th and 19th at Metro. But before they play leave the stage for the final time, Devine and bassist Greg Corner take a look back on their 20 year experience with IE’s Jaime Black. 6 HELLO, MY NAME IS STEVE Between stints in the classic 1970s line-up of Genesis and the short-lived but successful supergroup GTR, Steve Hackett is right towards the top of progressive rock royalty, though even beyond such significant bands, he also happens to be an incredibly respected, prolific and wide-ranging solo artist. His newest album Wolflight (InsideOut Music) coincides with the 40th anniversary of making music on his own, a milestone being marked by this winter’s “From Acolyte To Wolflight” tour, but also countless other projects. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer told IE's Andy Argyrakis about it from his UK home, along with what elements shape the unmistakable Steve Hackett sound, plus his requisite prediction on whether or not Genesis will ever reunite. Page 22 - Kill Hannah File 20 Keith Semple takes on the music biz, FitzGerald's celebrates 35. TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA Prog-rock staltwarts, Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) make their on-stage debut of the 1998 made-for-TV movie, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, later this month at Allstate Arena. The 160-minute show is an aural and visual experience, complete with a plethora of pyrotechnics and massive synchronized light displays. Guitarist and musical director, Al Pitrelli, told Kelley Simms what it takes to put together their massive Christmas tour. Double Feature The Empire strikes back again and again. Sweet Home Will Chicago's blues heritage finally have a home? Media 6 14 16 18 In Memoriam. 28 Calendar BOY & BEAR IE's monthly listings of the best shows at the best venues. From Midnight Oil and Australian Crawl, to more recent outfits like the late, lamented Powderfinger, there is a type of band that’s almost peculiar to Australia, which prefers solid meat-and potatoes songwriting – often in minor keys with oblique, surreptitious hooks – coupled with a charming humility. Tom Lanham talked to the latest Aussie contenders Boy & Bear's Tom Hosking. Spins Dylan, The Beatles, Naked Raygun and more. Caught In A Mosh Fashion Bomb opens for Ministry on NYE. Classifieds 40 You dumped your boyfriend's bassist, now you're looking for another. HELLO, MY NAME IS LESLIE Gear Mountain's Leslie West is one of the most sampled rockers in hip-hop. But the co-author of the 1970 blues rock anthem "Mississippi Queen's" mission these days is to let his fans know he's still here despite some health problems and typical music business B.S.. In a rare interview with IE's Bruce Pilato, West explains the inspiration for his excellent new album (Soundcheck) and why you won't see him and former Mountain bandmate Corky Laing in the same room anytime soon. Roland's Jazz Chorus turns 40. Advertising Sales Contributors: Scott Assmann Mike Engel Andy Argyrakis, Guy Arnston, Penelope Biver, Patrick Conlan, Deena Dasein Jaime "Black" de'Medici, Jeff Elbel Terrence Flamm, Steve Forstneger Michael Gallucci, Michael C. Harris Tom Lanham, Carter Moss Brian Ormiston, Arsenio Orteza, Rodney Pawlak, Bruce Pilato, Matthew Pollock, Jessi Roti Jason Scales, Kelley Simms, Ed Spinelli, Tim Shockley Advertising Director Design Team Notion Pool Notion Pool Dragon Design Vision Design Senior Columnists John Vernon Website Direction Founder Rosalind Cummings-Yeates - Sweet Home Rick Kaempfer - Media Kenneth L. Voss Kelley Simms - Caught In A Mosh Publisher Emeritis David C. Eldredge - East Coast Classified Advertising David Gedge David Roberts 4 illinoisentertainer.com december 2015 34 42 46 Returns in January. John Vernon Curt Baran Mike Meyer Lori Vernon Bruce Pilato 28 Studiophile Publisher Contributing Editors 29 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 unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Follow us online at: facebook.com illinoisentertainer.tumblr.com twitter.com/ie_entertainer 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 2015 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.