The legendary British industrial crew—which made its mark in the late seventies and early eighties with its experimental, often confrontational live performances—reunited in 2004 and now makes a few stops in the United States, including these four shows at Logan Square Auditorium. This is a rare opportunity to see in the flesh a living document of British musical anarchy of another era, and really shouldn’t be missed, as long as you have an interest in pulsing, somewhat improvisational noise and a strong stomach, as the visual imagery the band has used to accompany its performances has been known in the past to be quite challenging. (Think pornography, footage from Nazi camps, more pornography.) The band never claimed it was making accessible, aimed-to-please rock music. Thematically exploring the darker aspects of human existence, Throbbing Gristle creates a daring and bleak dystopia. Sounds like a fantastic time, doesn’t it? If you’d like a taste, the band’s 1979 record “20 Jazz Funk Greats”—a hilariously sarcastic title—is its best. (Tom Lynch)
Throbbing Gristle plays April 25-26 at Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N. Kedzie, (773)509-5019, at 7pm & 10pm both nights. $20-$50.
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Last Punks Standing: A Preview of Mekons at Hideout Mekons have endured by refusing to adhere to anyone's ideas regarding what is and isn't punk rock (which is in and of itself a defiantly punk attitude).
