The trouble with this question is that the greatest music scene in this city’s history is the electrified Chicago blues, and yet the vast majority of its practitioners were born in the Mississippi Delta region. There’s no doubt that the greatest artist in Chicago’s history was Muddy Waters, but he was not a Chicago native.

Among Chicago natives, the Smashing Pumpkins are probably the most prolific band native to Chicago. Bonus points to Billy Corgan for being a big Cubs fan.

I would have to agree with Stefan that the Smashing Pumpkins are the best chicago native artist…but it makes me sad that Billy is a Cubs fan

speaking of the Pumpkins, was anyone at the show in Indiana saturday night?? Billy Corgan can definately still rock!!

Two words… The Raconteurs. With band members spanning the United States, Brendan Benson complimented Jack White’s innovative riffs, creating a down home sound that was anything but inauthentic.

In response to Jons post, I did not actually go to the smashing pumpkins show in Indiana but i heard for their final song they played kazoos along with the tune to their song “We only come out at night” I watched it on youtube its great! u should check it out… Heres the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_CsQcCW5So

I have been listening to Cheap Trick ever since I was little and I seen them live about a million times. They’re my father’s favorite band. So, obviously I’m a big fan. I went to Legend’s this summer and saw Buddy Guy play an acoustic set. Awesome. That being said, my vote goes for the Pumpkins. They rock! Nothing else needs to be said. Tell Billy to come play a show in the city that made him.

What was up with Billy Corgan at the Pumpkins concert tonight (11/18/08) at chi theatre. The band can rock and so can Billy, but his complaining about low record sales and his terrible attempt at humor at the end, was frankly insulting. Billy, if you don’t think the crowd is giving you what you want for an encore, turn on the damn house lights, let everyone go home and do not come back out on stage. Do not come out and tell your audience that paid good money to you that we, in some negative way, are like a past girlfriends. Why did you have to spell out for us that you are an alternative band because you don’t play all the old tired hits and that we don’t get “it” or “your band”. Don’t make lame comments about our society finally being a democracy again – I have never heard anyone stop you from saying what you want, when you want. If it has been so bad for you here, find another home. I have always thought you to be very intelligent and above such petty behavior. In these economic times, it is not wise to insult your crowd simply because you did not get the encore you wanted. Stick to what you do so well – play your music and leave the humor and politicing to the comedians and politicians. Let us decide if you are deserving of an encore worthy applause. Let us decide if your CD’s are worthy of purchase and don’t complain to the exact people that DO buy your cd’s that not enough people are doing so. I will still buy your music, but count me out of any future “alternative” shows.

I’ve been a SP’s fan from the beginning but last nights show was a huge disappointment. Billy acted like a bitter spoiled rock star, insulting the very people who helped get him to where he is today. My advice to anyone with tickets to the next shows, get rid of them and don’t waste your time.

I went to the concert last night on 11/18/08, and I was disappointed that Billy insulted all his fans by not giving an encore. This is the first for me. He played for 2/1/2 hours, and I think he only played 4-5 of his hit songs. This is a 20 year reunion, and let’s face it he did nothing in this decade except for his last year’s album which was not much to speak of. Playing the kazoo and being a comedian is not what I call an encore. I guess he did the same in DC and there were many upset fans as there were last night. He can keep his alternative shows as well as his polical views.

BUDDY GUY – hands down.

I see the comments have drifted from what the subject was about. So I’ll try and right the ship.

Are we talking about popularity? Sales? Critical success?

Well, I’ll combine the Chicagoans (and possible suburbanites).

Koko Taylor
Steve Goodman
Bo Diddley
Smashing Pumpkins
‘Chicago’
Styx
Willie Dixon
Mavis Staples
Fall Out Boy

I’m sure I’m missing a few. Oh, Cheap Trick? Rockford. Wilco(Uncle Tupelo)? Belleville. Poi Dog? Hawaii, Austin, etc. OK, have at it.

And ‘Driver Davidson’? The Raconteurs? Great band. But from Chicago? Huh?

The pumpkins are for sure the best “native” group to come out of Chicago. The Chicago Theatre shows just prove how great they still are. After 20 years they were able to play the favorites and the weird creep stuff. Love it!

Man, oh, man…what a show last night at the Vic!!!! If ya missed, sowry pallies! Best sound in the world! Zander’s voice: electifying~ Rick, welp, you got nothing to lose there~ Bun= amazing and so tight on the skins, so freaking tight~again if ya missed the show, aint that a shame~
and nothing finer than Peterson playing Hendrix’s “Castles made of Sand” – sweet- LEGENDS RIGHT HERE CHICAGO USA, MUAHHHH, better than ‘78
I will never miss a show ever again, but they must play “Southern Girls” and I mean it!!!!! Merry Christmas!!!!!!! and a better New Year~ by the way, the best band outta this great city: CHEAP TRICK hands down: smashing TOO MUCH DRAMA
CHEAP TRICK HAS WAYYYYYYY BETTER SOUND THAN SMASHING AND they don’t b*tch, they ROCK! thanks guys for a fine time! and thanks for doing great things for our kids here in the “Windy”….just a chick from LP that went to Lane…

I saw cheap trick on 12/10 for my 15th time , again robin ,rick and the boys were great!!!! They did not spotlight Bun E. that much I hope you are ok healthwise! Also if anyone out there knows a woman named Virginia that attended the concert.I have something of hers but do not know last name.If you know this person could you have her respond.or call 2246278530. Thanks you and ha[pppy holidays

i would have to go with willie dixon, mavis staples, and STEVE GOODMAN for best chicago (born and/or bred) artists

Excluding the Oldies, and the forever underrated Blues, here’s my list of Top 15 Chicago-land bands. SP took a big hit after the BS of their last tour.
Isn’t it amazing how lame so many of the bands are?
Wilco the winner by a landslide.
(We do much better with actors)

1. Wilco
2. Eddie Vedder
3. Neko Case
4. Cheap Trick
5. John Prine
6. Liz Phair
7. Smashing Pumpkins
8. Andrew Bird
9. Fall Out Boy
10. Vulgar Boatmen
11. The Bad Examples
12. Umphrey’s McGee
13. Chicago
14. R.E.O. Speedwagon
15. Styx

I would say that among current albums, Fall Out Boy’s is the hottest, with the Lovehammers’ new one on its way up with a bullet

Is Wilco from Chicago?

Cheap Trick is Chicago’s finest. They are a time tested, legendary live band, that continues to put out excellent music. Do yourself a favor and see them live. It’s not hard to do, they tour a lot. See their web site for dates.

Cheap Trick is so awesome, I had to post twice! And I forgot to check the box, to receive e-mails of new posts for this site, when I put up my first comment.