Tonight, the Ponys will reunite at the Empty Bottle to celebrate the release of The Empty Bottle Chicago: 21+ Years Music / Friendly / Dancing, a new book about the storied Ukrainian Village music venue, with recollections and photos from bands, fans and employees. We've already shared some of the best photos from the book, but they could use an accompanying soundtrack.
John Dugan, who assembled and edited the new book, has put together a series of Spotify playlists that documents some of the most notable bands that have played at the Empty Bottle since it opened at its current location in 1993. Dugan selected songs that each act would have been playing live during the corresponding year, from local rockers Veruca Salt's breakthrough single "Seether" in 1994 to the Strokes kicking off the early-aughts garage rock revival with "Last Night" in 2001.
Grab a can of Old Style, put on your favorite ratty old concert tee and relive some sweaty nights at the Bottle by listening to the playlists below.