Weekend's top shows: Lil Wayne, Queens of the Stone Age, Smoking Popes
Lil Wayne: Not even eight months in federal prison on a weapons charge can slow down Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., who released an album while in the joint and has “Tha Carter IV” ready to pop in the next few months, 7 p.m. Friday at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison, $49.75, $79.75, $115.75; ticketmaster.com.
Queens of the Stone Age: Josh Homme and company revisit the Queens’ self-titled 1998 debut album, playing the reissued stoner-rock landmark in its entirety. For sheer relentlessness, the Queens were never better than on the debut’s leadoff track, “Regular John,” 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Riviera, 4746 N. Racine, $32.50 (sold out); etix.com.
Smoking Popes: A classic punk-pop band out of McHenry County in the ‘90s, distinguished by driving melodies and Josh Caterer’s lovelorn croon, the quartet is back as good as ever with a fine new album, “This is Only a Test,” 8 p.m. Sunday at the Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee, $15; ticketfly.com.
greg@gregkot.com