RECOIL ADDED TO GARY NUMAN SHOW

If you weren't already planning on seeing Gary Numan's October 26th performance at Metro, you now have an even bigger incentive to get your tickets. Recoil, the musical project established by ex-Depeche Mode member Alan Wilder, has just been added to the lineup.

Recoil, an electronic experimental act established by Wilder in the '80's, is a definite departure from the traditionally pop-oriented sound of Depeche Mode. As Recoil, Wilder releases many recordings, but typically never leaves the studio to perform. That's exactly what makes his most recent 'Selected' Events Tour, in support of his new album (also titled Selected) so unique. Though the 'Selected' Events Tour has already featured shows worldwide, Recoil's stop at Metro will likely be the only collaboration with Numan, which makes this performance a unique not-to-miss experience.

WRIGLEY JOINS IN SUPPORT OF LEONE ON TUESDAY

While Metro & SP were supporting Matthew at Metro on Tuesday, our friends and neighbors at Wrigley Field were also showin' the love!

HAPPY HOUR WITH DRAGONETTE

Before opening for Cut Copy at Metro on August 6, electro-pop group, Dragonette, will be hanging out from 5-6pm at borderline MUSIC on Broadway. RSVP to hang out with them via Facebook or Going.com for free admission & complimentary cocktails (21+). If you're one of the first ambitious 30 people through the doors, you'll also get a free gift from Dragonette & will be entered to win other prizes.

FOUR TET TO RELEASE 12" SINGLE

If you’re a Four Tet enthusiast, you’ve probably already heard the news. However, if you’re a fan of folk, electronica, techno, and all of those I-just-can’t-characterize-them-so-check-out-their-MySpace artists, I’d like you to meet Four Tet.

Also known as Kieran Hebden, Four Tet recently released a 12” for his single, “Angel Echoes” in the UK and Europe.  The release also includes two remixes, one by Caribou and the other by John Hopkins. Unfortunately, those in North America will have to wait until August 3^rd to get it. If you'd like to hear the song now though, check out this trippy video for “Angel Echoes”:



Make sure to catch Four Tet as he plays at Metro on Thursday, October 14^th. Also playing will be John Hopkins. Tickets are currently on sale.

STREAM MENOMENA'S NEW ALBUM

While Menomena's new album, Mines, isn't scheduled to drop 'til this Tuesday (July 27), you can stream it now in it's entirety on NPR's exclusive "First Listen." To add to the already exciting news, Stereogum has posted a free download of "TAOS," the second single off of Mines. Download the track here.   Be sure to check out Menomena's performing hits from all four of their full-length albums at Metro on Saturday, September 25th along with openers Suckers. Tickets are available now.

THE OFFICIAL BOOTLEG AVAILABLE NOW

It's been years in the making, but Metro's The Official Bootleg Series Vol. 1 is available for purchase today! This marks the first CD release from Metro and features ten tracks recorded live from our stage. All artists on the CD have donated the use of their songs allowing profit from sales to go directly to Chicago non-profit, Rock For Kids.

Pick up your copy The Official Bootleg at one of three places: Smart Bar from 6-9pm tonight for the free release party, the Metro Store, or online any time via the store website.

Here's to another 28 years of great music in Chicago!

THE SMASHING PUMPKINS PLAY BENEFIT SHOW

Chicago's own, The Smashing Pumpkins, will be in the flesh at Metro next Tuesday, July 27, playing a benefit concert for Madina Lake bassist, Matthew Leone.

Leone was hospitalized earlier this month after being brutally beaten in a street attack. Now, still in the hospital, Leone has no health insurance and is facing a mound of medical expenses. It's during these times that the music community has to look out for its own and that's exactly what we're doing. All ticket proceeds from the concert will go toward the Matthew Leone fund at Sweet Relief.

Tickets to the event go up for raffle on Wednesday, July 21st at noon. Read on for details:

There will be a raffle for tickets. Individuals can enter the raffle as many times as they wish for $10 each entry. A majority of the venue will be sold to raffle winners.  Each winner will receive two tickets to the concert.  Tickets are not transferable and winners must show ID matching their raffle entry.  Raffle tickets will be available for sale through Metro website only beginning Wednesday July 21 at noon. The raffle will end at 2pm on Saturday July 24, 2010, and winners will be notified via email at 5pm on Saturday July 24, 2010.

There will also be a very limited amount of balcony VIP tickets put onsale for those fans who want to make a larger donation and ensure entry into this special event for $100 each.  Balcony VIP tickets will go on sale Wednesday July 21 at noon.

Additionally, a limited amount of soundcheck VIP tickets will be available for $500 each.  The soundcheck VIP event (approximately 30 minutes), set for the late afternoon, includes a meet and greet/photo with the Pumpkins and merchandise items, plus a seat at a table in the balcony for the show; this package is priced at $500 per person.  Soundcheck VIP tickets will be available Wednesday July 21 at noon.

All proceeds from the raffle and concert will go to the Matthew Leone Fund at Sweet Relief. Sweet Relief Musicians Fund is a non profit 501(c)(3) organization provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems. For more information on Sweet Relief, visit www.sweetrelief.org.