Jump to content

Chicago Area Question


Voltron

Recommended Posts

For those who lived in the Chicagoland area in the 1980s or knew the music/club scene there, I have a question. In 1982, my brother was in business school at Northwestern and my family went to visit him that summer. Using his ID, I went with him and another older brother to see a young band named Survivor, with a month or so of the Rocky 3 release date. They played at a place in DesPlaines according to my brother, and it was a redneck bar or hall with hay bales around the perimeter for seating. Does that place sound familiar to anyone?

Bonus question:  We also saw 1910 Fruitgum Company at a club in Chicago on that same trip. Anybody know where that might have been? Nobody remembers anything at all about that place other than it was a proper nightclub/music venue more in town. 🤷‍♂️

Thanks for reading and any leads you might have...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't/didn't live there. but I can internet...

Rocky 3 - May 28, 1982

I found the following shows:

  • WLS Rockfest 1982 -- October 29, 1982
    • w/Judas Priest
  • Poplar Creek Music Theater, Hoffman Estates, IL -- September 11, 1982
    • w/REO Speedwagon
  • Marriott's Great America, Gurnee, IL -- June 18, 1982
  • Oct 01, 1982 -- Survivor @ Brother Rice High School Chicago, Illinois, United States

But from your description it does not look like these are them. But I will do some additional looking until a local shows up. 

 

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Tom insists it was in DesPlaines and it would be in the June-August time frame because my parents were teachers. I have my doubts about the year--it's possible that it was 1981 even before they wrote Eye of the Tiger.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Aye: I start to run out of data fast. 

  • International Amphitheater, Chicago, IL -- November 29, 1981
  • Centennial Hall, Rock Island, IL -- October 4, 1981
  • Poplar Creek Music Theater, Hoffman Estates, IL -- August 9, 1981
  • ChicagoFest 1981 -- July 30, 1981
    • Teddy Pendergrass -  Survivor -  jan and dean  <<-- I would see that show

Checking the bar licenses for the greater Chicago area for dive bars was too large of an effort.  But from the Chamber of Commerce - they only list one - Countryside Saloon
2501 E. Ballard Road Des Plaines, IL 60016 -- but everything is fancy. So I am not sure how to search for old records. 

Hopefully the locals can help.. .--- sorry.

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for trying Mikey!

I'm not good at math but there's something funny about this description of the much too fancy Countryside Grill:

Originally established in 1933

Celebrating 35 years of excellence! Countryside Saloon is one of Des Plaines’ best-kept secrets. Originally established in 1933, it was once a Prohibition-era speakeasy and gin mill. Today, it is a lively sports bar and grill that offers patrons a chance to see their favorite sports team, listen to live music on Friday’s or just enjoy a great meal while sipping on one of many craft beers or classic cocktails.

 

It must have been real secret for over 50 years!

  • Haha 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

18 hours ago, mikeymad said:

I don't/didn't live there. but I can internet...

Rocky 3 - May 28, 1982

I found the following shows:

  • WLS Rockfest 1982 -- October 29, 1982
    • w/Judas Priest
  • Poplar Creek Music Theater, Hoffman Estates, IL -- September 11, 1982
    • w/REO Speedwagon
  • Marriott's Great America, Gurnee, IL -- June 18, 1982
  • Oct 01, 1982 -- Survivor @ Brother Rice High School Chicago, Illinois, United States

But from your description it does not look like these are them. But I will do some additional looking until a local shows up. 

 

Hah! That last one was my High School, but I was long gone by 1982!

  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.