Wearing tall hair and heels, the charismatic seven-foot drag queen Beverly Rage leads the band Bev Rage & the Drinks in a dynamic, visually exhilarating, anarchic garage punk spectacle. Bev Rage & the Drinks’ unique style, which earned them the title of Chicago’s Best Punk Band in 2024, is relentlessly loud, fast, and brash, showcasing a trove of hooks that invite audiences to bop along.  

Bev Rage & the Drinks is deeply rooted​​ in Chicago’s punk and queer communities. They infuse the local scene with an unapologetically queer and vibrant pageantry while giving the finger to the powers that be. On tour, Bev Rage surprises new audiences with gleeful, unpretentious levity that liberates them from the unprogressive status quo. The band’s connection to these communities has built a loyal following throughout the Midwest and parts of the US, touring in support of bands like Pansy Division and BULLY. 

Bev formed the Drinks in 2016, debuting a self-released EP, Don’t Know Shit, that introduced their DIY spirit and comedic delivery. In 2017, bassist Sam Westerling (Swimsuit Addition) joined, bringing depth to the rhythm section and adding melodic backing vocals. That year, Midwest Action launched the Honk If Yer Hungry EP, and in 2018, their first full-length album, Cockeyed. Both releases firmly established the band’s signature humor and sharp wit, entertaining their fans. In 2022, they issued their sophomore LP, Exes & Hexes – a bigger, louder, and more complex collection of songs with the addition of Mary Rose Gonzales (Mystery Actions, The Darts) on drums –  through What’s For Breakfast? Records. The band has unveiled 10 music videos, all produced by local Chicago filmmakers, and they are working on their third full-length album, with singles to be released this spring.