It’s Riot Fest week!! The Chicago festival is best known for putting together some of the nation’s best lineups year after year, bringing back iconic bands for special reunions along the way, and the 2017 edition is right up there among their best ever.
We’ve been attending the Punk-rooted festival since 2011 and this year’s going to be a bit different for us, as it marks the first time we’re attending as part of the press. So instead of sneaking our way to the front rails to see the action up-front or hopping from mosh pit to mosh pit, we’ll be bouncing around all of Douglas Park this weekend to take in all it’s got to offer and taking photography of the artists we are most eager to see from this lineup.
We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite artists on the lineup that we are looking forward to seeing perform live at Riot Fest 2017. Check out the can’t-miss acts below.
Get your tickets to Riot Fest here. Listen to our playlist after the list.
Action Bronson
Friday – 4:05-5:05pm – Rise Stage
Hip Hop’s Renaissance man, Bronsolino may have gotten more famous these days for his excellent Viceland shows Fuck, That’s Delicious and Traveling the Stars, but the fact of the matter is is that this man’s one excellent rapper above everything else. He recently released a dope project titled Blue Chips 7000 and his New York-centric sound inspires some of the most creative and entertaining bars around. This man is a real showman, and you best not miss it.
Black Pistol Fire
Saturday – 1:45-2:30pm – Roots Stage
This band just fucking Rocks! The vocals are sexy, the Blues-drenched guitars are deliciously crunchy and loud, and the drumming is thunderous. Riot Fest is best appreciated with daily doses of high-energy bands, and these guys provide the exact dose that will get your blood running. Their early afternoon set will also help you get ready to Rock your socks off later that night for the Day 2 headliner (which also makes this list).
Death From Above
Friday – 5:00-6:00pm – Roots Stage
They went through a minor name change this year that had them dropping “1979” in the process, but at least that was all that changed! Death From Above’s music all sounds like a big punch in the face, which in any other context wouldn’t sound like the best thing, but in this one it’s damn near a perfect fit. Their new album Outrage! Is Now, released just this past Friday, is a true return to form for the group and that gives us that much more to be excited about what is their first show since the new project became available to the public. Expect the Toronto duo to deliver one of the liveliest performances of the festival, and you’ll be better off for being there to witness it.
M.I.A.
Sunday – 7:40-8:40pm – Rise Stage
M.I.A. has continuously been one of the most important voices of her generation. Her music boasts lyrics and production with a POV that is so much more in tune with the World, which fits right in with the spirit of this festival in its idea of helping you expand your musical palette as well as pushing and testing your perceived limits. Also, there is a very limited number of contemporary songs these days that can command a crowd quite like “Paper Planes.”
New Order
Friday – 7:10-8:25pm – Roots Stage
The Post-Punk legends are one of the biggest names on this roster and their catalogue is filled with some of the best the genre’s got to offer. They helped define a decade, and you can instantly see why they are so iconic with song after song that will make you look around and yell “wait, this one’s my favorite too!” If you want to space out and dance your ass off, look no further than the Roots Stage on Friday!
Nine Inch Nails
Friday – 8:30-10:00pm – Riot Stage
Arguably the biggest act on the lineup, Trent Reznor’s Nine Inch Nails will undoubtedtly deliver a phenomal set that will arguably be the shining moment of the festival. Their dark themes paired with electronic and industrial sounds will seep deep under your skin for a musical experience that will take over you in a way you won’t soon forget. It’s also worth mentioning that NIN’s catalogue is stacked with decades worth of hits, and their latest work on their recent EPs would be great to see performed live.
The Orwells
Sunday – 3:00-3:45pm – Rise Stage
These local (area) boys have been making big moves this year, which kicked off with them releasing new album Terrible Human Beings. Their jangly guitars are drenched in old-school Garage Rock cool, lead singer Mario Cuomo’s howling is as important to the band’s sound as any instrument involved, and their songs are anthems that remind you what Rock music is all about. I’ve seen this band perform for about 5 years now, and I can honestly say their live shows are some of the most fun I have each year… But if you’re more of the laid-back kinda person, then still go see them but avoid the mosh pits (which, fair warning, could sprout just about anywhere).
Paramore
Sunday – 8:00-9:00pm – Radicals Stage
Paramore will arguably have the biggest draw of the weekend, and deservedly so. Their Pop sensibilities have always been present and that largely propelled them to the success they’ve had since their debut, but in their 2017 album After Laughter Hayley Williams and company fully embraced the genre and they put out a bright and colorful collection of songs will make you want to dance as much they’ll make you want to jump around with your hands in the air. Williams’ vocals are very distinctive and they can be best appreciated live, so their sub-headlining slot will set you up for a great way to start closing out your weekend at Douglas Park.
Prophets of Rage
Sunday – 7:40-8:40pm – Roots Stage
This is a supergroup made up of members from Public Enemy and Cypress Hill, plus everyone from Rage Against The Machine that isn’t Zack De La Rocha. You know what that means? Well, aside from their own politically-charged tunes that will make you want to take against the wrongs of the political landscape, this is also the closest we’ll get to seeing RATM live any time soon, so the possibility of Rage songs winding up on the set list is definitely a benefit right there!
Queens Of The Stone Age
Saturday – 8:45-10:00pm – Riot Stage
These guys are my personal favorites this year. QOTSA are one of the few bands around that keep the genre alive and kicking that also has serious mainstream success/recognition. Their new album Villains is mighty sexy thanks to the production work of Mark Ronson, which means your Saturday night headliners will be making you boogie. Queens Of The Stone Age are the modern generation’s example of what a kickass band with killer tunes and enviable swagger is supposed to be. If my pictures of their set suck, it’s because I may be ignoring my duties and Rocking out instead.
Vic Mensa
Friday – 7:25-8:25pm – Rise Stage
Vic has truly evolved into a real figure in Hip Hop, graduating from promising rapper to one of Chicago’s greatest exports to the world of this genre. His new album The Autobiography is also the most personal look into the life of Vic Mensa, which leads us to believe his set will be the introspective and intimate performance of a lifetime that he can only share with the city that created and formed him. Plus, we also wouldn’t be if there’s another SaveMoney reunion like the one he participated in at the last music fest I covered.
Wu-Tang Clan
Saturday – 8:00-9:00pm – Radicals Stage
Bro, why do you even need an explanation as to why you should see the Wu-Tang Clan at Riot Fest? Well, as if it wasn’t enough that this is one of Hip Hop’s most iconic groups ever, but how about the fact they will be performing one of the genre’s most important albums: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). So there, go see Wu-Tang… after all, they ain’t nuthing ta fuck wit!
