Riot Fest
Summer is here, which means it is music festival time! However, nobody wants to go to a festival in the dead of July, unless they have a death wish.
Riot Fest Line Up
That's what makes Chicago's Riot Fest a more palatable outing. It occurs from September 14 through September 16, which is still likely to be part of a muggy, humid Chicago summer, but at least it won't make you want to blow your brains out. Also, you will probably be able to enjoy the festival more, which is good, because Riot Fest has some great acts lined up.
Because I'm me, the first thing I did was look down toward the bottom of the poster to see what smaller bands I like might be there. A couple did stand out. Bully is performing, and they've released a couple great albums in their short career, particularly the excellent Feels Like. Mannequin Pussy is a solid band, although they aren't even the most famous band with "pussy" in their name at the festival, thanks to Pussy Riot.
Mannequin Pussy is a solid band, although they aren't even the most famous band with "pussy" in their name at the festival, thanks to Pussy Riot.
Some of the big names include Blink-182, Beck, Elvis Costello, Blondie, and Father John Misty. If you are into old punk, this is the event for you. Also appearing are Bad Religion, Suicidal Tendencies, Fear, and Dropkick Murphys. Cypress Hill will be there. Remember that Simpsons episode where Homer is in Hullabalooza's freak show? Cypress Hill was in that. They were fun. Jerry Lee Lewis is going to perform. He's a living legend. Also, an old pervert. Fuck him!
Anyway, this looks like a great lineup, and it isn't even a full lineup. Honestly, the name that excites me most is Liz Phair. She seems keen to revisit her Exile to Guyville days now, which is awesome. Or maybe you can just watch Gary Numan. I bet he plays "Cars."
