Music notes: Viper Alley hosts Rusted Root
<b>Root's music</b>
Pittsburgh-based band Rusted Root, known for adding African and Latin rhythms to traditional rock music, will perform this weekend at an intimate club show in the suburbs. Mr. Blotto opens.
<b>9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at Viper Alley, 275 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire. $30. Go to viper-alley.com.</b>
<b>Influential band</b>
Before forming the legendary Chicago noise-rock band The Jesus Lizard in the early '90s, singer David Yow and bassist David Wm. Sims played together in an influential band called Scratch Acid, which emerged from the 1980s punk scene in Austin, Texas. The band's angular, abrasive take on punk sounded like nothing else at the time, and though never a huge commercial success, Scratch Acid continues to be beloved by rock connoisseurs. The band reunited for shows celebrating the 25th anniversary of Chicago label Touch & Go Records a few years ago, and it's playing a special show this weekend in the city.
<b>9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., Chicago. $21. Go to metrochicago.com. </b>
<b>'80s metal returns</b>
It's hard to believe that "Appetite for Destruction," the landmark debut record from hard rock/metal band Guns N' Roses, came out nearly 25 years ago! The band, which brought a new grittiness to the spandex-clad metal scene of the day, became international superstars on the strength of the album. Today, things have changed. Frontman Axl Rose is the only original member, and he labored for years to finish the band's latest record, "Chinese Democracy." Does he still bring it live? See for yourself next week.
<b>9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim, Rosemont. $39.50-$79.50. Go to ticketmaster.com. </b>