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Wax Trax! Records Presenting Front 242's "Black Out - The Final U.S. Week"

WAX TRAX! RECORDS  PRESENTING FRONT 242’S “BLACK OUT - THE FINAL U.S. WEEK” 

EVENT KICKING OFF NOVEMBER 11 IN CHICAGO, IL  FINAL DETAILS ANNOUNCED 

Marking Front 242’s Last-Ever U.S. Shows With Exhibits, VIP Events And 2 Front 242 Shows At The Metro In Chicago On November 15 And 16

40th Anniversary Pressing Of Front 242’s Endless Riddance 

Album Out Now Stream/Purchase here

WAX TRAX! RECORDS is excited to announce the final details for “Black Out: The Final Week—a forthcoming week-long showcase celebrating Front 242 and the special, symbiotic relationship between the label and the band. Taking place from November 11-17 in Chicago, IL, the event coincides with the conclusion of the band’s final U.S. tour. Highlights include two shows at The Metro, a Front 242 Retrospective Exhibit, a private bus tour of significant Wax Trax and Front 242 landmarks, access to the band’s soundcheck, and much more. Full details are listed below, and tickets are available here.

2024 marks 40 years of friendship between WAX TRAX! and Front 242. In 1984, the label licensed the Endless Riddance 12” by the seminal Belgian band, marking their first U.S. release and the label’s 4th. This summer, WAX TRAX! RECORDS released the 2024 Anniversary pressing of Endless Riddance, which includes the original three tracks with the original U.S. artwork. A limited clear pressing is also available, as well as a special fan bundle. Purchase here. This new pressing marks the beginning of a renewed partnership between Wax Trax! and Front 242, as the label prepares a series of reissues in the coming year.

“BLACK OUT - THE FINAL U.S. WEEK” DETAILS TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION HERE.

November 11 - 17

  • THE FRONT 242 RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBIT: To showcase Front 242’s history and influence on the early electronic EBM, industrial and dance scene, WAX TRAX! Records has curated a retrospective exhibit that covers over 40 years of the Belgian electronic pioneers. This exhibit will include special items from the band’s personal archives, the extensive Wax Trax! archives, and never before seen images by photographers from around the world. Location: Dark Matter Coffee Warehouse (475 North Campbell Avenue Chicago, IL 60612).

November 12

  • CLUB FRONT 242 OPENS - Front 242 takes over a Chicago North-side bar for MEDUSAS NIGHT with original Medusas DJ & VJ, Leroy Fields and Bud Sweet for special Retro sets. Location: 1665 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

November 13 

  • The US premiere of BODY MACHINE MUSIC - BODY MACHINE MUSIC is a documentary by director Pietro Anton featuring many EBM pioneers and prime movers such as DAF, Front 242, A Split-Second and many others. There will be a panel discussion and audience Q&A with the band directly following the screening. Find the trailer here. Location: Dark Matter Coffee Warehouse (475 North Campbell Avenue Chicago, IL 60612).

  • CLUB FRONT 242 - FRONT 242 band members at the bar. Location: 1665 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

  • Special WAX TRAX! Night at Club 242 with Chicago icon DJ Scary Lady Sarah


November 14

  • A Private Bus Tour - WAX TRAX! owner, Julia Nash, and Front 242 member Richard 23 will host a private and intimate bus tour around Chicago of significant Wax Trax & Front 242 Chicago landmarks. Along the way they will discuss the influential history of both the band and the label. The tour will start the current WAX TRAX! label and includes a stop at the band's first US show, the original Wax Trax! location, and other surprises along the way (For the Headhunter ticket level).

  • Meet & Greet - meet & Greet the band for signings and photo opportunities (For the Special Forces & Headhunter ticket level). .

  • FREE OFFICIAL PRE-SHOW PARTY. DJ set by Richard23 & Patrick Codenys of Front 242 + free 242 Tattoos, make your own 242 shirt, limited merch & collectables - Location: Dark Matter Coffee Warehouse (475 North Campbell Avenue Chicago, IL 60612). Must RSVP here

  • CLUB FRONT 242 - DJ Patrixia. 1665 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

November 15

  • Early Merch Access Before Friday Show (included w/ SPECIAL FORCES and above ticket level)

  • OFFICIAL AFTER-PARTY at CLUB FRONT 242. Chicago DJs Bill Saveley

November 16

  • Private access to Front 242’s soundcheck - Front 242 has never opened up their soundcheck to fans…until now. This will be a special behind the scenes peek into what goes into the band’s production and live stage show (included w/ SPECIAL FORCES and above ticket level). Location: The Metro - 3730 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613

  • OFFICIAL AFTER-PARTY at CLUB FRONT 242. Chicago DJ, Steve Hill & Jeff Moyer

November 17

Closing night of Front 242 Retrospective 

Find more information and tickets to all events around WAX TRAX! Records “Black Out - The Final U.S. Week” here

Follow WAX TRAX! Records here

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