Chicago - A message from the station manager

Local Music Notebook: B.B. King & The Banjo Slayer

Plus: Speedy Ortiz And The Chicago Diner Milkshake

“After recently falling ill and having to cancel his remaining tour dates, B.B. King has spoken out to his fans,” FDRMX reports.

“I’m back at home now listening to music, watching movies and enjoying some down time. I think I’m busier at home now than on the road talking to friends calling to check up on me. I do appreciate everyone’s calls and concern. I want to tell you, I’m doing alright.”

“The 89-year-old Blues legend had eight shows ahead of him when he suddenly fell ill last week. King has suffered from Type II diabetes for two decades, which has resulted in stamina problems in the past. He was rushed to the doctor for evaluation on October 3rd, when he was unable to finish his performance at the House of Blues in Chicago. The musician was diagnosed with dehydration and exhaustion, and his remaining tour dates were cancelled the next day, including a show at his very own B.B. King Blues Club in New York.


“Many are relieved to hear of his recovery in light of some recent struggles onstage. His St. Louis show back in April was apparently so shaky that his representatives chose to issue a statement the following day.

“The combination of the rigors of the very long drive and high blood sugar due to his medication error resulted in a performance that did not match Mr. King’s usual standard of excellence,” they explained.

From that St. Louis show:


Banjo Slayer
“Chicago-based guitarist Rob Scallon, who became an Internet sensation in May when he released a video for his ukulele cover version of Slayer’s ‘War Ensemble,’ has returned with yet another unconventional rendition of a Slayer song, this time with his banjo take on ‘Angel Of Death,'” Blabbermouth reports.
Click through to learn how Scallon – and Slayer – make money off his banjo covers.
Meanwhile, here it is:


Also, here’s Scallon playing the eight-string:


See also:
* Scallon’s YouTube channel.
* On Bandcamp.

Note: Scallon plays Reggies on December 11th.
Speedy’s Diner
From a DCist interview with Speedy Ortiz’s Sadie Dupuis.
DCist: I remember you made a comment during a show, probably in Baltimore, about how you made the mistake of having a milkshake before the show . . . again. Do you make this mistake regularly?
SD: I think I made that comment in Chicago because I always go to Chicago Diner there which is the best vegan fast food place in the country, in my opinion. I always get a milkshake and I can’t help myself and I drink the whole thing. Then when you’re onstage and you’re singing, you’re using your core, you’re using your abdomen. I’ve been in the unfortunate situation of throwing up in my mouth a little bit onstage just due to overeating any time before the show.
Here’s Speedy Ortiz at Pitchfork.


Comments welcome.

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Posted on October 8, 2014