On Sept 20-23, Riot Fest returned to Douglass Park in Chicago boasting a lineup that included the likes of Beck, St. Vincent, Mastodon, Rob Zombie and many more. It all concluded with Slayer making their triumphant return to the stage for their first – rainy yet fiery – show back since their 2019 hiatus.
While each and every set delivered a compelling live music experience, it was the hometown heroes who unleashed many of the most memorable moments. From Fall Out Boy’s headlining set on Friday night to Pixel Grip’s star-making Saturday show, Chicago artists ruled the three-day musical extravaganza.
There were circle pits a plenty all weekend long, but only one artist hosted the unique experience of a corn dog mosh pit and that was Sincere Engineer. Singer/guitarist Deanna Belos – who was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs – seemed just as excited as fans to be back with her Riot Fest family.
“This is insane. We’re gonna play the corn dog song now,” she said introducing “Corn Dog Sonnet No. 7,” signaling the start of the infamous food-based pit. “Can you make sure you all mind your sticks and don’t get anyone hurt. And seriously, thank you all so much for watching us. We’re from here. This is insane.”
Another one of the most enjoyable sets of the weekend came compliments of Laura Jane Grace, who has lived in Chicago for over a decade. Teaming up with Philadelphia punks Catbite, Grace paid tribute to the legendary punk rock group Operation Ivy.
Grace and Catbite kept up a relentless pace, squeezing over 20 Op Ivy songs into their 45-minute set. Songs like “Knowledge,” “Sound System,” and “Jaded” sent the crowd into a frenzy of moshing, surfing, and screaming as the musicians, for the most part, performed the tracklist of Energy, in order, cover to cover.
Tierra Whack provided a nice contrast to the predominately metal-fueled Sunday schedule with her afternoon set on the Rise Stage while Waxahatchee blew in like a cool spring breeze to close out the Radical Stage on a very hot Saturday night. Sir Chloe, The Warning, and Winona Fighter were also highlights of Riot Fest 2024.
The beautiful thing about Riot Fest is how it brings together artists from vastly different genres all of whom celebrate the punk ethos. Whether you enjoy folk-inspired protest songs or face-melting thrash metal, Riot Fest truly had something for everyone.
Check out photos from Riot Fest 2024 below and click here for more information about the festival. Stay tuned for news about next year’s event.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
