or ancillary artist’s like Nine Inch Nails, this unassuming building on Chicago’s north side is where it all began.Ĭhicago’s Department of Planning Development will hold their next meeting to discuss possible landmark status on approximately March 15. If you have ever appreciated Ministry, Front 242, TKK, etc. Not only did this location have a profound impact on Chicago, but also influenced countless people from around the world. Julia Nash, daughter of WAX TRAX!! founder Jim Nash, leads this cause personally as a way to keep the legacy of her father and his life partner alive.īy signing our online petition, it will help support our cause as we explain to the city of Chicago the cultural and historic significance of this building. The Nash Family is directly involved in this preservation project. is a direct lineage to WAX TRAX! RECORDS and this humble storefront. The global commercial success of the genre as a whole with artists such as Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, Rammstein, etc. Artists such as Ministry, Front 242, My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult, Revolting Cocks, KMFDM, Front Line Assembly, The KLF, Underworld, Coil, Psychic TV, Laibach, and more all got their footing here in the US on WAX TRAX! RECORDS. WAX TRAX! RECORDS is credited for creating a new genre called “Industrial Dance”, later to be shortened to “Industrial” music. In 1980, WAX TRAX! founders Nash and Flesher extended their reach by starting a record label of the same name from 2449 N. WAX TRAX! was responsible for bringing many seminal artists to Chicago for the first time and most tickets sold ran through this iconic building. storefront to promote and produce concerts for then unknown artists such as Joy Division, Bauhaus, The Birthday Party, New Order, Einsturzende Neubauten, Sisters Of Mercy, Divine and more. location when passing through Chicago.īefore launching the independent label, WAX TRAX! founders Jim Nash and Dannie Flesher would use the N. Artists such as Robert Plant, Lou Reed, Nick Cave, Black Flag, Buzzcocks, the B-52s and others would shop the Lincoln Ave.

This original Lincoln Park building served as the WAX TRAX! headquarters from 1978-1993.įor those not familiar with the WAX TRAX! history, the independent record store was the center of underground music and culture throughout the 1980s & 90s here in the Mid-West. In addition to having an historic plaque outside the building with information about the influential store and independent label, the status will ensure that the building will not be demolished nor the exterior altered in the future. Chicago, IL as an official historic Chicago Landmark. WAX TRAX! RECORDS is trying to designate the original Chicago storefront located at 2449 N. You can help by signing a petition and voicing your concern.įrom Wax Trax! Records: Hello,We are asking for your help and a few minutes of your time. The family of the store and current popup proprietors are championing a petition to make that building a Chicago landmark. The last location Wax Trax! Records held was 2449 N Lincoln Avenue in Chicago, IL. One of Chicago’s most iconic record stores (sadly long closed) is seeking landmark status of its former residence. Setlist pictures from backstage can be seen over the Retrospectacle Live pictures page.Petition To Make Chicago Former WAX TRAX! Records Building At 2449 Lincoln Avenue A LandmarkĪdmin_bitlc Features, Music News, Reviews 0 Daniel Bressanutti - Keyboards, Programming, Visuals, Live Mixing.Members who performed Revolting Cocks songs: DJ Set From Richard 23 and Patrick Codenys (Front 242).They were later joined by Paul Barker on bass and performed Pailhead's 'I Will Refuse' as well as Ministry's 'Everyday is Halloween'. The Blue Ribbon Glee Club (Chicago's Premier Punk Rock Choir).Please contact us if you would like to share links, photos, or anything else. It was amazing in how she brought all this together. This event could not have been made possible by Julia Nash (Wax Trax founder Jim Nash's daughter). Setlists and member rosters are shown below.Ī recap of the weekend can be read over at the Chicago Tribune and LA Weekly. Some of the members of the band performing Revolting Cocks tracks included Paul Barker, Chris Connelly, Luc Van Acker, and Duane Buford. KMFDM songs were performed by En Esch, Guenter Schulz and Raymond Watts. The bands which performed included Rights of the Accused, Front 242 and My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult. This concert was mainly to commemorate the 33 1/3 Year Anniversary of Wax Trax and to honor the ones that started it all, Jim Nash and Dannie Flesher. On the weekend of April 15 - 17 2011, various Wax Trax artists performed with their respective lineups from the early days of the record label.

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