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* Press release…
Illinois State Fair Manager Kevin Gordon is adding two accomplished rockers to the Grandstand line-up at this year’s Illinois State Fair. This co-headlining act combines two artists who have six Grammy awards to their credit, in addition to countless other awards and accomplishments. This year, fairgoers will be treated to the best of 80’s and 90’s rock when Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo and Melissa Etheridge take the stage in Springfield.
Pat Benatar is a four-time Grammy award winning singer/songwriter who shot to fame in the 1980’s and has been touring for more than 35-years. Known as a rule-breaker and a trail-blazer, Benatar is revered as one of the most beloved female rock icons of all time. Benatar was the first female solo artist to have a music video played on MTV. The video for her song ‘You Better Run’ was the second video ever played on the new music video cable channel, and also was the first video to feature guitarists. Benatar is best known for hit songs such as, “Love is a Battlefield,” “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” “Heartbreaker,” “We Belong,” and “Shadows of the Night.” To this day, Benatar and guitarist husband Neil Giraldo remain a rock’n'roll powerhouse, selling out concerts and wowing audiences.
Melissa Etheridge is a well-known signer/songwriter who came to fame in the late 80’s. Etheridge, known for her confessional lyrics and raspy vocals, has been a prominent force in the music industry for nearly 30 years with 12 albums, two Grammy awards, 17 Grammy nominations, an Academy Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Etheridge is best known for her songs, “Come to My Window,” “I’m the Only One,” “I Want to Come Over,” and “I Need to Wake Up.”
Not opposed to either. Liked them both back in the day. Just wish we could get some more recently popular acts.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Apr 15, 16 @ 1:32 pm
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I like Etheridge. Not so much Pat Benatar. I wonder the same thing. Why can we never get currently popular acts? I have to assume it is a money issue, but seems like we’d be better to Axe one night of an average act to help bolster the pay for a larger act.
Comment by Saluki Friday, Apr 15, 16 @ 1:41 pm
“the best of 80’s and 90’s rock”?
In the immortal words of Bill Lumbergh, “Um, yeaaah…”
Comment by Northsider Friday, Apr 15, 16 @ 1:42 pm
’bout time.
Benatar rules!
Meanwhile, most are trying to figure out this MTV playing videos reference.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Friday, Apr 15, 16 @ 1:50 pm
On a totally unrelated note…..I enjoyed your talk at the Citizen’s Club last night. Thanks. I hope a few folks in the room were enlightened.
Comment by Former State Employee Friday, Apr 15, 16 @ 1:51 pm
I really like both Pat and Melissa. Had not heard of Neil.
Comment by logic not emotion Friday, Apr 15, 16 @ 2:03 pm
Who put Kenny Williams in charge of booking grandstand acts?
Comment by 35/Shields Friday, Apr 15, 16 @ 2:03 pm
=I really like both Pat and Melissa. Had not heard of Neil.=
He’s been her guitarist for decades. If you’ve heard her songs, you’ve heard his guitar work.
Comment by MSIX Friday, Apr 15, 16 @ 2:05 pm
Maybe the state can start a program called MAPfair for kids to earn their college money — patterned after the Jobsfare program or cheese giveaways back in the 80s.
The program would hire college-bound kids to work at the state fair gates collecting their money for college.
Comment by Austin Blvd Friday, Apr 15, 16 @ 2:16 pm
This might just be the lowest grandstand turnout ever for non-country acts. I like both of them as well, but the turnout will be dismal.
Comment by Menard guy Friday, Apr 15, 16 @ 2:27 pm
women. at a time when many festivals struggle to have even one act that is female fronted, this is a good thing.
Comment by Amalia Friday, Apr 15, 16 @ 2:38 pm
Get your appearance fee up front and in cash.
Comment by Huh? Friday, Apr 15, 16 @ 2:39 pm
Yeah, how bout bringing back Stevie Ray Vau…. oh dang…nevermind. Miss me some SRV.
Comment by Nick Danger Friday, Apr 15, 16 @ 2:58 pm
Saw Benatar years ago at Taste of Chicago. Classy. Husband is a stage hog and hack showboat. Pass.
Comment by Biography Friday, Apr 15, 16 @ 3:30 pm
Part of the reason is that is a contract for an act involves supplying liquor, its a no go. The state can not supply booze for the performers. That is at least one of the reasons. Another might be money. Will an act sell enough tickets or bomb like Robin Thicke did one year. Its a gamble.
Comment by Ginhouse Tommy Friday, Apr 15, 16 @ 3:37 pm
If they book Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, I’ll buy my Amtrak ticket today.
Comment by Northsider Friday, Apr 15, 16 @ 3:38 pm
No SALSA?
Comment by Leapfrog Friday, Apr 15, 16 @ 4:06 pm