Bob Gendron

Bob Gendron is a freelance critic for the Chicago Tribune.

Guitarist Alex Lifeson, left, and bassist Geddy Lee perform during a Rush concert at the United Center in Chicago on Thursday, July 16, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Review: With a new drummer and a tribute to Peart, a resurgent Rush gets back to work

July 17, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

Rush’s first direct tribute to late drummer Neil Peart arrived before the second song on Thursday night at a packed United Center, where the band is playing a series of...

Billy Idol performs at Ravinia Festival in Highland Park on July 12, 2026. (Talia Sprague/for the Chicago Tribune)

Review: Billy Idol is back, still with all that ’80s sneer

July 13, 2026 at 10:50 a.m.

For his concert at the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, he delivered hit songs and all his signature, retro swagger.

Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee and Neil Peart of the band Rush performs at the International Amphitheatre in Chicago on Dec. 14, 1978. (Paul Natkin/Getty)

50 years of Rush in Chicago: A local history of the band in 10 concerts

July 9, 2026 at 5:30 a.m.

Rush arrives soon for a series of concerts at the United Center. The veteran prog-rockers have had a close history with this town since they played a high school in...

Rosalía performs on her "Lux" tour in Chicago at a sold-out United Center. (Bob Gendron / for the Tribune)

Review: With her ‘Lux’ tour, Rosalía reinvents what an arena concert can be

June 21, 2026 at 11:56 a.m.

If a more innovative and risk-taking singer-songwriter than Rosalía exists on the contemporary pop scene, they’ve yet to appear in Chicago.

A$AP Rocky opens his show from section 320 at the United Center on May 27, 2026, in Chicago. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Review: A$AP Rocky launches tour in Chicago with loads of energy — and a few glitches

May 28, 2026 at 11:29 a.m.

The superstar rapper's “Don’t Be Dumb Tour” premiered at the United Center with an over-the-top, sometimes unsteady two-hour concert.

Kim Gordon performs at Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago's Union Park on Sept. 11, 2021. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Got live if you want it: Critic’s picks for 2026 summer concerts

May 26, 2026 at 5:45 a.m.

Ten concerts that don't demand as much from your bank account, but should still be on your radar.

Bruno Mars performs at Soldier Field in Chicago for his “Romantic Tour” on May 16, 2026. (Bob Gendron / for the Tribune)

Review: Bruno Mars delivers a retro feel-good concert without runways or distractions

May 17, 2026 at 11:10 a.m.

His sold-out concert at Soldier Field in Chicago showed that he's the rare modern pop star who can get by on his singing and dancing talent.

Flea and the Honora Band perform on May 7, 2026, at Thalia Hall in Chicago as the Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist tours with his new jazz project. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Review: Flea swaps Chilis for jazz to open a new tour in Chicago

May 8, 2026 at 11:44 a.m.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist has a brave new jazz project, opening a tour at Thalia Hall behind his solo album debut “Honora.”

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band perform at the United Center, April 29, 2026, in Chicago. The “Land of Hope and Dreams” tour is scheduled for 20 concerts in 16 metro areas and concludes on May 27 in Washington, D.C. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Review: Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Hope and Dreams’ tour comes to Chicago with a message

April 30, 2026 at 1:47 p.m.

The promise of a rock ‘n’ roll concert as a conduit for protest reached a fever pitch Wednesday at a sold-out United Center. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band...

Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Julia Steiner leads Ratboys at the Vic Theatre in Chicago on April 18, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Review: Ratboys shows why it’s the most promising Chicago band of the moment

April 19, 2026 at 10:10 a.m.

Its concert at the Vic served as the hometown finale for a tour behind the new album “Singin’ to an Empty Chair."

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