Photo: Jason Pendleton/Riot Fest
Riot Fest 2023 was truly an electrifying and unforgettable music festival experience. This year marked the 17th edition of the three day rock festival held in Chicago’s Douglass Park, showcasing a diverse lineup of punk, rock, and alternative artists that catered to a wide range of musical tastes. With beautiful and sunny 70 degree temperatures quite unlike last year’s heatwave, the weekend was truly laid out to be one of Riot Fest’s best yet.
Headlining Riot Fest this year was Foo Fighters on Friday, Death Cab for Cutie/Postal Service on Saturday, and The Cure on Sunday. At one point Saturday night Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie/Postal Service said them playing on either side of the Queens of the Stone Age “was like a rock sandwich with the two wimpiest pieces of bread,” to the laughter of the crowd. Nonetheless, their 20th anniversary album play performances (Death Cab for Cutie with Transatlanticism and Postal Service with Give Up) were nothing short of spectacular and drew massive crowds, creating an electric atmosphere that resonated throughout the festival grounds.
Though each day had its own headliner, many felt that The Cure really stole the show—with a two and half hour set to prove it. Swooping in on the cool and clear Sunday evening after a rain delay until 2pm, their set covered roughly 40 years worth of music, the gothic rock band formed in 1978 pulled a massive crowd of young and old alike. Led by powerful lead vocalist and songwriter Robert Smith, the set featured a wide variety of their discography from their most popular like “Friday I’m in Love,” “Boys Don’t Cry,” and “Just Like Heaven,”as well as others from almost all of their albums like “10:15 Saturday Night,” “Burn,” “Cold,” and “Pictures of You.”
Beyond the headliners, Riot Fest’s lineup was a treasure trove of musical talent, with beloved acts like L.S Dunes, Bowling for Soup, Screaming Females, The Used, Turnstile, Sleep Token, Insane Clown Posse and Tegan and Sara. Those that came early got a chance to see smaller but by no means less notable bands like Calva Louise, Pinkshift, Cassyette, White Reaper, and Through N Through, to name just a few. The festival’s commitment to featuring both legendary and emerging artists ensured there was truly something for everyone.
The atmosphere at Riot Fest was brimming with energy and camaraderie. The passionate and dedicated fanbases, many adorned in every kind of alternative fashion attire imaginable, from trad goth to punk and beyond, contributed to the beloved rock fest’s unique vibe. The presence of carnival rides, art installations, skate ramps, both bands and festival merch, and a wide variety of food and beverage options meant attendees on the grounds would always be anything but bored between sets.
All across the park at the various sets, whether the attendees could be found singing, screaming, crowd surfing, moshing, or even standing/sitting enjoying the quieter moments, it was clear just about everyone was happy to be there, enjoying the weekend of live music and beautiful weather (Sunday morning excluded, perhaps). Only the third year back after the initial Covid-19 cancellations seemed to have really fostered a deeper appreciation among festival attendees for the three day escape from reality in the heart of Douglass Park on the West Side.
Despite continued pushback from North Lawndale and Little Village neighbors about the disruption of the festival being held in Douglass Park, organizers of Riot Fest have made more concerted efforts to more fully embrace the community, such as inclusions like Beyond the Fest, an initiative to showcase the culture and talent of the West Side, including non-profit Boxing Out Negativity, as well as local boutiques and food.
Riot Fest 2023 was truly a thrilling celebration of punk and alternative music that brought together fans from all walks of life. Its impressive lineup, electric performances, and vibrant atmosphere made it a festival to remember. If you had a love for punk and rock music, Riot Fest 2023 was an absolute must-attend event.
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