For some reason, I was thinking it was 1998.

But the fact that it’s 2011 isn’t stopping Billy Corgan (formerly/currently of Smashing Pumpkins) from starting his own professional wrestling company. For realz.

Corgan appeared on My Fox Chicago yesterday morning to not really promote the Smashing Pumpkins’ show tonight at the Riviera Theatre, but to talk his newest venture, Resistance Pro Wrestling.

This isn’t the first time Corgan has been involved in pro wrestling. An admitted fan of the “sport,” Corgan’s most famous wrestling incident happened in 2000 on Extreme Championship Wresting. During an ECW taping in Peoria, IL, Corgan used an acoustic guitar as a weapon to take down Lou D’Angeli, a.k.a. wrestler/manager Lou E. Dangerously.

When asked in his Fox interview if Corgan would in fact be wrestling – and thinking about it, seeing Corgan’s head get crushed by a folding chair might make me feel a little better about his shitting on the Pumpkins’ name for the last few years – Corgan said that his role is primarily on the creative side.

So, Resistance Pro Wrestling’s first event, dubbed Black Friday, goes down on November 25 at Excalibur. Corgan also stated that the Aragon is a potential venue for future events. That’s…cool? I don’t even know anymore.

Anyway, check out video Corgan’s full interview on My Fox Chicago below.

Smashing Pumpkins Frontman Billy Corgan Joins Pro Wrestling Company: MyFoxCHICAGO.com

1. Tonight marks the start of the band’s eleventh straight year of New Year’s Eve shows in the fair city of Chicago that they have long called home, dating all the way back to 2000 at the Cubby Bear. They’re back at the Riv for this run for the first time since 2004. They’ve shown Chicago love, now it’s your chance to give it back.

2. There’s no opener (or in band parlance: “Nopener”) tonight, or at all during the run. Not that years past haven’t boasted some stellar support from the likes of Taj Mahal and Tortoise among many others, but sometimes you just want and need pure, unadulterated and uninterrupted Umph. So that means get there early even if you have to stand in a line all the way to the Aragon.

3. Along with heading back to the Riviera they are also repeating a move they made in 2004 by filming all three nights for an upcoming DVD release. That means if you do get stuck in a slow moving line as power tripping security guards do their best TSA operator impressions, or have a little too much liquid refreshments to recall the encore, the band will be providing an HD audio/visual record of the night to help fill in any missing gaps.

7:00 p.m. Wednesday, 12/29. Riviera Theatre. SOLD OUT.

The dispute is based on Ticketmaster’s merge with Live Nation and who has the right to sell tickets at three of Jam’s Chicago venues: The Vic Theatre, Riviera Theatre and Park West.

Basically what happened was that in 2006 Jam signed a deal with Ticketmaster to sell tickets to Jam’s concerts. Of course, Ticketmaster got the fees for tickets sold, but a problem arose when Ticketmaster merged with Live Nation this year. See, Live Nation is Jam’s biggest competitor. The suit filed by Jam’s attorney’s argues that the 2006 deal can be terminated so that Live Nation don’t get any fees from tickets sold to Jam Productions’ shows.

The deal was supposed to last until the end of 2011. But Ticketmaster is fighting for it to continue and has threatened legal action of their own. Additionally, for anyone who has bought tickets to a Jam show this year, you’ve probably noticed that Jam have been using Etix for a number of shows.

We’ll have more on this story as it develops.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z6Ft0j9tK8

X Japan | Photo By Richard Giraldi

2. Still don’t get it? Perhaps this ABC News clip will shed light on the fame that X Japan has gained in Japan and how they’re trying to make it in America:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=O385lQLY94Y

3. And since X Japan the only band on the bill tonight, here’s another video of them rocking their song “I.V.” at Lollapalooza back in August:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi8NM-ZUr8s

www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sDcwQs2ess

First up, Wavves brings their brand of noisy surf pop to Lincoln Hall on September 12 (I guess the 90-day radius clause has been eased?). Also, Cymbals Eat Guitars will join The Thermals at Logan Square Auditorium on October 3, and the country-folk of Mumford & Sons swings its way into the Vic on October 31 a.k.a Halloween.

But that’s not all! The lovely Neko Case is coming back with The New Pornographers on October 14 to the Riviera Theatre. Also, during the festival the Chicago Tribune’s Greg Kot tweeted that Hot Chip are planning a Chicago stop with LCD Soundsystem (!) in December at the Aragon.

Speaking of LCD Soundsystem, there’s no shortage of bands from Pitchfork Festival 2010 on their way back here either.

Sunday, Sepetmber 18, finds Pitchforkers Titus Andronicus at the Metro along with fellow festival acts Best Coast and Free Energy. Neon Indian will also hit up the Metro on October 11, and Surfer Blood bring their power pop to Lincoln Hall on October 14, the same night the New Pornographers hit the Riv (Decisions!). And lets not forget Broken Social Scene at the Vic on October 2 at Pavement who play the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park on September 13 with No Age.

And that’s just a tip of the iceberg! Our excellent commentariat have picked up the slack where we left off. Scroll down for Chicago return dates for The Dirty Projectors, The Walkmen, Stars, Social Distortion and more!

So, there’s two ways you can look at this. Either if you miss the big two Chicago fests, you’ll probably get chance to catch the acts again soon, or $90 (Pitchfork) or $215 (Lollapalooza) for a three-day pass to see all those great bands is still a pretty good deal. Now, when’s Arcade Fire coming back?

Scotland Yard Gospel Choir

Big weekend for music in Chicago. We’ve got Taste Of Randolph and Peace Fest. That’s not to mention MGMT at the Riviera, Fiery Furnaces and Eyehategod at the Empty Bottle and the triumphant return of the Scotland Yard Gospel Choir at the Subterranean.

Let’s get to it, shall we?

Friday

MGMT
Regardless of what you think of MGMT’s polarizing sophomore effort, Congratulations, the band seems to have weathered the initial “What the fuck is this?” shit storm that initially hit upon it’s release. They’re selling out mid-size venues all over the country and even have reached almost-headliner status at festivals. Yes, Congratulations has replaced the electro-dance rock that made the singles from Oracular Spectacular so catchy and accessible for acid surf rock at it’s finest. Anyone who read interviews with MGMT masterminds Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden during their early days or even listened to Oracular Spectacular‘s non single tracks probably didn’t find such a jarring change between albums one and two quite a surprise. I really enjoy, screw it, I LOVE Congratulations. The album, for those awaiting MGMT’s follow-up, seemed completely out of left field, and the powerful and epic moments that replaced Oracular‘s catchy choruses are arena ready. Better yet, if you miss them tonight at the Riviera’s sold out show, you can catch them in August at Lollapalooza. Nice. (Richard Giraldi)

7:30 p.m. Friday, 6/18. Riviera Theatre. All Ages. SOLD OUT.

FIERY FURNACES
The Brooklyn-via-Chicago brother-sister duo of Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger bring their twisted art-rock sensibilities back to the Empty Bottle tonight. Although perhaps twisted doesn’t really apply to them anymore seeing how their latest release, I’m Going Away, was more rooted in the 1970′s classic arena rock of the Elton John variety. So, basically for the Fiery Furnaces, it was pretty normal. But normal in a good way. The songs were still fun and catchy. So for those who missed them at their two gigs this past NYE in Chicago (Like me), tonight should be a blast. (Richard Giraldi)

10:00 p.m. Friday, 6/18. The Empty Bottle. 21+. $15.

PEACE FEST
As Chicago’s summer festival season gets under way, let’s take a moment to give peace a chance… at the Chicago Peace Fest in Lincoln Park this weekend. The three-day Peace Fest kicks off noon on Friday, June 18, at 1700 N. Stockton Drive, just south of the Lincoln Park zoo. It has never been easier to embrace love and rebellion with free music provided by a nice slice of Chicago’s music scene. There will be everything from rock to jam bands to punk and electronica. There will also be drum circles, art and vendors. Come support your favorite local acts like 1/2 Mad Poet (Friday, 6/18, 6 p.m.), Wanton Looks (Saturday, 6/19, 7 p.m.), and White Mystery (Sunday, 6/20, 7:40 p.m.) when they play Chicago Peace Fest June 18th through 20th. (Audrey Leon)

12:00 p.m. Friday, 6/18, Saturday, 6/19 and Sunday 6/20. 1700 N. Stockton Drive. All Ages. FREE.

Saturday

EYEHATEGOD
New Orleans’s Eyehategod make a pretty ugly metal/punk fusion racket. They’ve been kicked around, played musical chairs with members, called it quits, and yet somehow here they are still unwilling to go away. Their history and their sound just go hand in hand at this point. Chicago’s Nachtmystium just released their follow up to the fucking amazing “Assassins: Black Meddle Part 1″. “Addicts: Black Meddle Part II” expands on their slow departure from black metal and into a world all their own. Chicago’s Plague Bringer, Columbia’s Strong Intentions, and Chicago’s holy shit that guitar sound is heavy as fuck Weekend Nachos flesh out the flesh ripping bill. And that’s just Saturday. Sunday, Eyehategod and Nachtmystium are joined by The Atlas Moth, Yakuza, and the ridiculously named Bongripper. Fuck it, go both nights. Your flesh will grow back. Right? (Ross Meyerson)

8:00 p.m. Saturday, 6/19 & Sunday, 6/20. Empty Bottle. 21+. $20 advanced, $25 door.

SCOTLAND YARD GOSPEL CHOIR
Yes! The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir are back. Pretty remarkable this is. You all know the story by now so let’s cut to the chase. …And The Horse You Rode In On is a damn brilliant record that got lost in the post-accident chaos. Let’s reboot and go give these guys a proper hand not only for being a great band but for surviving all the shit they’ve been through. While you’re there check out Chicago’s indie pop popsters Very Truly Yours as well as Wells-next-the-Sea. Bring your hankies because this promises to be a bittersweet evening. (Ross Meyerson)

Doors 9:00 p.m./show 9:30 p.m. Saturday, 6/19. Subterranean. 17+. $10.

TASTE OF RANDOLPH
See below.

Sunday

TASTE OF RANDOLPH
I’ve never been to the Taste of Randolph before and really had no intentions of ever going. That is until….Superchunk! What? I know we’re all getting older (Mac is 42, I’m, ugh, 40), so I guess I can see the logic in this. But logic be damned. Superchunk on tour is a rare treat these past 10 odd years. At this point they could open for Jim Belushi at the House of Blues and I’d be there. And, guess what. They’ve an album coming out in September. Brand new and stuff. Majesty Shredding, from the songs I’ve heard, promises to be a much more rocking Chunk than we’ve heard in years past. I could go on and on but I’ll temper my enthusiasm for now. Oh, Califone, Headlights and the Love Language also hit the West stage this day. But Superchunk! The ‘Chunk! Man, big crowds, sweaty backs, and fried food has never sounded this good to me. (Ross Meyerson)

2:00 p.m. Saturday, 6/19 & Sunday, 6/20. Taste Of Randolph. All Ages. $10 donation.

• • Windy City Rock did a Q&A with The Moses Gun who just debuted their first official release The Strobe Session.
• • Greg Kot reviewed the Vampire Weekend show at the Riviera last Thursday night.
• • Alter the Press reported that Maps & Atlases announced they’ve signed with Barsuk Records as well as a whole slew of tour dates.
• • Hidden Track gave a rundown of two recent Wilco shows that featured acoustic mini-sets and rare tunes.

Tortoise

Holy smokes! This might be the best weekend for live music in Chicago outside of Pitchfork Fest and Lollapalooza weekends. So many shows. So little time. Read on for previews of Evan Dando at the Double Door, Tortoise at Lincoln Hall, Scott Lucas and the Married Men at Schubas and that’s just scratching the surface.

But before we get to the shows, a reminder that Loud Loop Radio will be back on the air tomorrow, Saturday, February 20, at 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Radio DePaul.

Anyway, we’ve got a whole lot of ground to cover. Lets get to it, shall we?

FRIDAY

EVAN DANDO
Poor Evan Dando. Yeah, he smoked a little crack. Yeah, his face was on the cover of every magazine in the early 90′s. But since 1990′s “Lovey” he has put out a remarkable string of poppy records that would normally put others to shame. I still contend that “Car Button Cloth”, if it had come out from an unknown, would have been embraced by the fickle indie rock community. Well, I could on but let’s just say it is time to give Evan a break. You can start by heading over to the Double Door tonight for his Lemonheads-less solo acoustic gig. Forgiveness is a wonderful thing. And good pop music is even more wonderful. (Ross Meyerson)

Opening the show are chicago rockers Hospital Garden who will kick off rock icon Evan Dando’s return to the Windy City tonight at the Double Door with its brand of groovy, early 90s inspired indie rock. This is one opening act worth arriving early for. The spontaneous fits of dancing are free. (Audrey Leon)

8:00 p.m. Friday, 2/19. Double Door. 21+.$15.

FOUR TET
Kieran Hebden comes to the Empty Bottle tonight as Four Tet. His cerebrally focused electronic interpretation of music should make for a very relaxing, heady show. Although simplistic and more indie than most electronica out there, Four Tet manages to layer warm ambience into the atmosphere. Hebden is known for creating more of a texture within the music as opposed to just melody over contrast. With the entrancing calm of Sigur Ros, mixed with the playful nature of Animal Collective, Four Tet will be a massage for your neurons. So, if you want a night where you leave swooning in euphoria, head on over to The Empty Bottle. (Britni Day)

8:00 & 11:00 p.m. Friday, 2/19. The Empty Bottle. $15.

THE STREETS ON FIRE
One of our 10 Chicago Bands To Watch In 2010, We’re still rockin’ The Streets On Fire’s debut Hot Weekend on our turntable months after its release. Add to that they are taking Chicago’s live scene by storm. And with good reason. They’re frantic, energetic live show is the only way we’d want to hear their demented, dance rock. Tonight they rock the Debonair Social Club for what should be a wicked good time. (Richard Giraldi)

11:00 p.m. Friday, 2/19. Debonair Social Club. 21+. $5.

THE RETRIBUTION GOSPEL CHOIR
Alan Sparhawk has carved out quite the niche as the softest of soft rockers with his band Low. But a little of his inner rock star came out on Low’s “The Great Destroyer” and with The Retribution Gospel Choir he holds it in no longer. It’s certainly not Slayer, but in comparison to Low it might as well be. Supporting their second full-length, known cleverly as “2″, TRGC hit the Hideout (http://www.hideoutchicago.com/) Friday night. You should go. Really. It’ll be good. (Ross Meyerson)

10:00 p.m. Friday, 2/19. The Hideout. 21+. $10.

SATURDAY

TORTOISE
They played last summer’s Pitchfork festival, a free daytime show at Reckless Records and opened for Wilco in October, but I’m fairly certain Tortoise’s Saturday night show at Loncoln Hall is their first official headlining gig in their hometown since releasing their great effort Beacons of Ancestorship this past summer. And if you’ve been to Lincoln Hall, you know the show will be something spectacular because of it’s intimacy and it’s excellent acoustics. We’ve been big fans of Tortoise here at Loud Loop Press since day one, so be sure to read our review of their newest effort and our interview with Tortoise drummer/keyboard player/other-ist John Herndon from last July. (Richard Giraldi)

10:00 p.m. Saturday, 2/20. Lincoln Hall. 18+. $20.

CHICAGO UNDERGROUND DUO
Rob Mazuerk and Chad Taylor form the Chicago Underground Duo and have been playing avant-garde and free form jazz around these parts for years. This show is the album release party for their latest full length on Thrill Jockey – Boca Negra, a solid and pretty accessible disc. (Andrew Kahn)

8:30 p.m. Saturday, 2/20. The Hideout. 21+. $10.

SYBRIS
I’m not really sure why Chicago’s Sybris seem to be hiding in the fringes of our local music scene. They seamlessly fit in with Polvo when I saw them at the Sub-t a few years back. At the time I assumed they were local big wigs yet I haven’t heard much about them since. Maybe that’s my fault as they are headlining Schubas (http://www.schubas.com/) this Sunday which is no small feat. Either way this is a band that deserves your attention. Sybris, unlike many of their peers, put the rock back into indie rock. That’s all I ever ask. (Ross Meyerson)

SCOTT LUCAS AND THE MARRIED MEN
Scott Lucas and the Married Men will celebrate the release of their brand new debut album George Lassos the Moon with a show opening for local Indie rockers Sybris at Schubas. Nearly a complete 180 from Lucas’ previous work with hard rock duo Local H, The Married Men enjoy a more stripped-down sound infused with bits of 70s rock, folk, and country. (Audrey Leon)

10:00 p.m. Saturday, 2/20. Schubas. 21+. $10 adv. / $12 door.

CELESTIAL NAVIGATIONS: THE SHORT FILMS OF AL JARNOW
Yeah, so this diversion is a film, not a concert, but as you surely read all about yesterday, this film was produced by the local label Numero Group. Go check it as this is your only chance to catch in a theatre and who doesn’t love old Sesame Street and 3-2-1 Contact clips? Commies, that’s who. (Andrew Kahn)

8 p.m. Friday, 2/19. Gene Siskel Film Center. $10.
8 p.m. Saturday, 2/20. Gene Siskel Film Center. $10.

TREY ANASTASIO AND CLASSIC TAB
The Phish frontman returns to the Riv for the first time in more than a decade this time equipped a 3-piece horn section and a tight band anchored by a killer rhythm section. It’s sold out, but extra tickets seem to be floating around various channels. (Andrew Kahn)

8 p.m. Friday, 2/19. Riviera Theatre. 18+. $39.50 (SOLD OUT)

SUNDAY

MAKO SICA
See? We told you to look out for Mako Sica this year, and they’re already becoming Chicago’s go-to experimental rock experience. Their new album Dual Horizion has gotten rave reviews from other Chicago publications, but be sure to look out for our review coming soon. In the meantime, catch them on Sunday at the Halfway Lounge located at 1742 N. Milwaukee Ave. before they hit the road for some dates not in Chicago. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Sunday, 2/21. Halfway Lounge. Donation.