Riot Fest kicked off with a strong start, welcoming bands from around the world to five stages lining Chicago’s Douglas Park. The set up allows for a unique concert environment. While the park is large, with speakers blaring, main stages are set at opposite ends of the area with one band playing at a time, making the festival feel much more intimate and engaging.
Day One on the Riot Stage kicked off with Tigers Jaw, while Big D & the Kids Table took on the Roots Stage. In a similar formation, the Storyheart Stage sits next to the Rebel Stage, who brought out endearingly named Bad Cop/Bad Cop, and Citizen early in the day. The Rock Stage, on the NW side of the park, had one of our favorites, Tennesse’s Diarrhea Planet, and Rebel Stage had a late 2pm start with the Worriers.
What followed these festival kickstarters was an impressive mix of old favorites (Gwar, Dillinger Escape Plan, Jimmy Eat World, who have a new album out 10/21), underrated artists (Dan Deacon, Glassjaw), and the bangers that no doubt were a direct result of a lot of ticket sales (Refused, NOFX). The night capped with none other than The Flaming Lips, whose performance almost had us ready to forget lead singer Wayne Coyne’s whole Miley Cyrus phase. Almost.
All Photos: Derek Georgevich.
Riot Fest | Day 1 Recap
Fans love nostalgia as Jimm Eats World brings out the biggest crowds, and get ready to release a new album, at Riot Fest Day 1.
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Diarrhea Planet
First up on the The Rock Stage was Diarrhea Planet.
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The Dillinger Escape Plan
Greg Puciato up close and personal with the front row.
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Front & Center
Early in the day, there was already dedication in the crowds.
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All Time Low
A picturesque setting for All Time Low.
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The Dillinger Escape Plan
The Dillinger Escape Plan taking the stage for one of the last times.
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Gwar
A style statement is always made by Gwar.
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All Time Low
All Time Low wins for most picturesque backdrop this weekend.
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No Regrets
Gwar fans don't look phased at all by a little gore (and blood.)
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Refused
Dennis Lyxzen takes a few steps into the audience.
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The Dillinger Escape Plan
Ben Weinman takes a climb.
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Diarrhea Planet
Tennessee's Diarrhea Planet wooing the crowd.
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The Dillinger Escape Plan
Ben Weinman gets a good view from the top.
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Refused
Dennis Lyxzen belted out fan favorites from the past twenty years.
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Gwar
There is none more spectacular than Gwar
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All Time Low
We had the best seat in the house taking in All Time Low on Friday night.
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The Dillinger Escape Plan
Greg Puciato brought the energy on the Rise Stage, and later at the Cobra Lounge post show.
