During Friday’s press conference with Russian punk rockers Pussy Riot, Henry Rollins asked a very appropriate question to kick off Riot Fest Chicago, “What does punk rock mean to you?” In going to Chicago’s most celebrated punk , that’s a very appropriate question to answer.
Riot Fest founder Mike Petryshyn, Bad Religion’s Greg Graffin, Rise Against’s Tim McGrath, and journalist Marcelle Carp weighed in on their various experiences with the genre, from their mom’s washing their Black Flag t-shirts as kids to ideological transformation affecting their teen and adult years. They spoke of the genre as a means for political anarchy, adrenaline boosting, and connecting with a pure, dedicated community, one that neglects judgment and embraces diversity. Even though the speakers delivered these statements on a stage, they were no different than the fans listening in the audience.
Looking at the Riot Fest lineup, that philosophy rises from the page. It’s obvious in even comparing headliners- While 2013’s fest was headed by Fall Out Boy, Blink-182, and The Replacements, this year holds The Cure, The National, and Jane’s Addiction at the top of the bill. While one embraces more pop roots, the other embraces more alternative, less-punky performers. The fact that they made this transition and gained staggering success is shocking, but well deserved.
Riot Fest has turned into a huge festival, one welcoming of various ages and dedication to rock n’ roll. While many Chicago festivals are trying to hone a particular audience with their lineups, most notably Lollapalooza‘s EDM focus, Riot Fest has found a way to develop an rock n’ roll appeal with a wide wingspan. Who knew that nostalgic Warped Tour goers, metal heads, and kooky Flaming Lips fans would ever congregate at the same muddy, muddy park.
Our coverage will cover dedication to this mission and the numerous fantastic performances that graced the weekend. If this doesn’t convince you to attend Riot Fest next year, just wait until they surprise us with another widely-successful lineup come May.
