Music from the Chicago Sun-Times

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Vote: Who belongs in Chicago’s all-star band?

Think of it as a fantasy music league: We’ve selected some of the biggest and best figures from Chicago’s rock and pop music history — singers, MCs, instrumentalists — and lined them up as auditioners for the ultimate Chicago all-star band. You can pick one from each category and compile your dream local band.

A higher power — Reunited Megadeth finds God to their liking

THOMAS CONNER: The brutal hard rock band now prays together before every show — twice. “They probably think there’s going to be a goat in the middle of the prayer circle,” says singer Dave Mustaine.

Conner on Obama playlist: From Jennifer Hudson to the Boss to Aretha to ELO to Ledisi

The chief digs his music, that much is clear. That was a credible Al Green impression President Barack Obama slipped into a speech during a Jan. 19 fund-raising event at the famed Apollo Theater. Not only did the YouTube clip of the singer-in-chief go viral, …

Dave Mustaine rejoins Metallica — briefly

It’s a time of reunions for Megadeth founder Dave Mustaine. He’s reconciled with bassist Dave Ellefson, who sued him a few years ago. He’s revived the band’s package show, the Gigantour. Plus, last fall — as the devil tried on some ice skates — Mustaine …

The Playlist: Beatles edition!

The idea sounded perilous — Paul McCartney, one of the most revered writers in pop music, shifting gears into interpretive mode for an entire album of standards from the ’30s and ’40s. John Lennon used to knock McCartney’s “granny music” in the Beatles (specifically deriding …

Ticket Line 02.10.12

DON’T MISS IT
MADONNA

8 p.m. Sept. 19, at United Center, 1901 W. Madison. $90-$355, on sale 10 a.m. Feb. 13. (800) 745-3000; ticketmaster.com.

FEBRUARY 10

I Break Horses, 9 p.m. May 29, Lincoln Hall; $14. On sale at noon.

Joe Pug, 10 p.m. May …

Club Hopping 02.10.12

TREY SONGZ

R&B crooner and dancer extraordinaire, Trey Songz is flinging music at fans from all angles. Just a couple of months ago, he released an EP, “Inevitable,” and now he’s hawking a new mixtape, “Anticipation 2.” Thus the name for his 18-city
Anticipation 2our, …

Reunited Darkness primed for new album release

The Darkness is well into its third album, although the date for its release is still not confirmed, according to guitarist Dan Hawkins. Still, the British rockers have “nine of the required songs done, all finished, all sounding shining and good,” frontman Justin Hawkins told …

Cody Simpson out to prove he’s got staying power

When one teen singing sensation starts hanging out with another teen singing sensation, some would think the discussion would revolve around hits, hairstyles and how loud they can make all the girls scream. Not necessarily so. “We are basically living music 24-7, so it’s nice …

Paul McCartney, Elton John, others to perform for queen

Some of the world’s biggest pop stars will perform in front of Buckingham Palace on June 4 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, palace officials said Tuesday.

The lineup will include former Beatle Paul McCartney, singers Elton John and Shirley Bassey and popular boy …

Chris Brown to perform at Grammys

Chris Brown will perform Sunday at this year’s Grammy Awards, the event where his career almost ended three years ago.

Brown admitted assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna at a pre-Grammy party in 2009 and is serving five years of probation.

The Recording Academy made the announcement Tuesday. …

Madonna’s first tour since ‘09 to start in Israel

Madonna’s not finished with stadiums. Live Nation Entertainment announced Tuesday that the Material Girl’s first tour since 2009 will include a Sept. 6 show at Yankee Stadium. On Sunday, she was the Super Bowl halftime performer at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Her world tour …