BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB: LIVE FROM STUDIO X
WXRT’s Live from Studio X: The GMAN Tavern (Metro Campus)
Sat 2/10/18

Nothing like an acoustic set with a cool American Indie Rock band at 2 in the afternoon from a cozy bar on the north side of Chicago.
I feel bad for these guys- Peter Hayes and Robert Levon Been of BRMC- they look the worse for wear, with literally no sleep driving straight from Columbus Ohio to make this acoustic set courtesy of WXRT’s “Live from Studio X”: a chance to hear a band perform outside of their main show on the same night, with a short Q & A hosted by WXRT’s Ryan Arnold.
Through some of the questions, Robert interrupted Ryan to tell him “we honestly thought that no one would show up”- which the crowd ate up with laughter and light applause.
But events like this- acoustic or otherwise- comes down to the intimacy of the performance with a small crowd (yet packed), and of course- the songs the songs the songs.

BRMC are out on tour to promote their recently released new album “Wrong Creatures” – A compelling album that shows BRMC not settling down in any way, and continuing down the road of extraordinary songwriting.
Peter Hayes and Robert Levon Been still sing and play guitar with piss and vinegar and spite, and reveling in the wash of contrasty guitars with a heavy heft of drumming from Leah Shapiro – who is sadly missed at this Studio X event.
No matter. Peter and Robert are quite capable of providing intrigue through acoustic and a little electric, leaving us in the audience wanting more.
And to have this at the wonderful GMAN Tavern on the Metro Campus: this makes for a wonderful Saturday afternoon, even if it’s cold outside.
Cheers- Bobby Talamine – Music Photographer