Tuesday, June 12: Fuel at The Rave, 8 p.m.
Though not a relevant radio rock entity since the early 2000s, recent years have been especially crazy for Fuel. After gaining moderate success on the wings of single “Hemorrage (In My Hands)” and “Fall On Me,” the band was augmented and dissolved in some of the strangest and more pathetic ways possible. Lead singer Brett Scallions split from the band, while drummer Kevin Miller was fired around the same time. The remaining members decided to carry on, even publically inviting American Idol alumnus Daughtry to sing (an offer the singer declined). Tommy Lee and Josh Freese were asked to fill in on drums for a new Fuel record. Meanwhile, Scallions started a Fuel cover band called Re-Fueled, which promoted shows as “Fuel” anyway. Eventually, Scallions was given the name Fuel to use for his band Re-Fueled, as the original cast bowed out with what little grace remained in the unsavory situation. Some 19 years, 10 replacement members and tons of drama later, some semblance of the now-irrelevant alternative band remains – for reasons unknown. Emperors and Elephants opens. (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., TheRave.com)
Also: Mike Fredrickson at Linneman’s Riverwest Inn, 9 p.m. (FREE) – (1001 E. Locust St., Linnemans.com)
Wednesday, June 13: Destroyer at Turner Hall, 7 p.m. ($15)
Behind the tongue-in-cheek frontman Dan Bejar and his capable, ever-changing cast of supporting musicians, Canadian indie rock band Destroyer has been making the rounds and continually evolving since the project’s mid-90s origin. A year removed from the release of ninth studio album Kaputt, Destroyer quietly blows through town for a mid-week treat. Sandro Perry opens. (1032 N. 4th St., PabstTheater.org)
MUSIC NOTES SHOW OF THE WEEK
Thursday, June 14: The Chris Robinson Brotherhood at Turner Hall, 8 p.m. ($20)
In a move slightly more respectable than the whole Fuel debacle (see above), colorful Black Crowes bandleader Chris Robinson decided to hit the road with his new act, The Chris Robinson Brotherhood, following the Crowes’ (possibly permanent) hiatus announcement two years ago. Fortunately – unlike the aforementioned Re-Fueled situation – this project has more talent, a better singer and a legitimate reason to perform music in front of people for a living. (1032 N. 4th St., PabstTheater.org)
Also: Ikarus Down and Estocar at Frank’s Power Plant, 9:30 p.m. – (2800 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., FranksPowerPlant.Angelfire.com)
Friday, June 15: Netherfriends at Riverwest Public House, 9 p.m. ($5)
Chicago buzz-band Netherfriends is simply the cherry that rests atop this sweet, Milwaukee-made sundae. A diverse variety of talented local artists that includes John The Savage, The Gazettiers and Justin Heron all play in support and are well worth the $5 ($10 for all you can drink) cover on their own. (815 E. Locust St., RiverwestPublicHouse.WordPress.com)
Also: Revolush, Lucy Michelle And The Velvet Lapelles at Shank Hall, 8 p.m. ($10) – (1434 N. Farwell Ave., ShankHall.com)
And: Pussycollector, Short Walk, Buster Douglass, and Neolithics at Cactus Club, 9:30 p.m. – (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)
Saturday, June 16: The Figgs at Linneman’s Riverwest Inn, 9:30 p.m. ($7)
In a week that finds Milwaukee getting more than its fair share of shows that feature past-prime bands with massive member turnover, a visit from palatable punk outfit The Figgs is a sound for sore ears. The still-intact band holds up just as well, if not better, than it did during its late ’80s outset. The addition of opening acts Sleepwalkers and Tim Schweiger And The Middle Men makes this already-encouraging event all the better. (1001 E. Locust St., Linnemans.com)
Also: Free Energy, Peter Wolf Crier, and Night Animals at Cactus Club, 9 p.m. – (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)
Sunday, June 17: Arlisk, Casual Encounter, and Stacian at Quarter’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Palace, 10 p.m. – (900 E. Center St.)
