Riot Fest Announces Lineup: Nine Inch Nails, Queens Of The Stone Age, Jawbreaker, M.I.A. & More
By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 19, 2017 2:00PM
Riot Fest just released their initial line up and, sure enough, it’s a doozy. The Chicago festival with strong DIY roots continues to expand its offerings beyond “traditional” punk rock with one of its most musically diverse collection of acts to date.
The bold type big news is that this year’s headliners include heavy hitters like Nine Inch Nails and Queens of the Stone Age, as well as the re-formation of seminal ‘90s emo group Jawbreaker. New Order, Paramore, M.I.A. and the Rage Against The Machine-meets-Public Enemy supergroup Prophets Of Rage are other notable acts near the top of the bill. And Chicago industrial titans Ministry will be making their Riot Fest debut, and we’re sure that the volume and aggression of that group’s set will blow minds and eardrums. And would it be crazy to hope for Nine Inch Nail’s Trent Reznor to join Ministry’s Al Jourgensen to perform any of the duo’s collaborations from previous years? Probably, but we can hope.
The line up includes numerous genuine surprises as well. Beastie Boys member Mike D will be performing a DJ set, Chicago’s Vic Mensa, Wu-Tang Clan and Peaches all have us excited by their inclusion on the bill. The undercard also includes a number of unexpected delights, including Built To Spill, Dinosaur Jr., Death From Above 1979, TV on Tte Radio, LIARS, Fishbone and the reunion of that dog. And, we have to admit, we are excited to see that one of the best live acts we’ve personally encountered in the last year, Beach Slang, will be making an appearance as well.
A live Peaches show is something to behold, photo by Jim Kopeny / Tankboy
In fact as we dug through the first wave of bands, we were delighted to see that there is a healthy mixture of the old-school punk rock Riot Fest built their initial name on, with a healthy expansion into various other sub-genres that firmly embraces the fest’s credo. The idea of seeing X, Downtown Boys, The Menzingers and Buzzcocks all in the same weekend is pretty exciting, indeed.
And, of course, GWAR and Andrew W.K. are on the bill—so stock up on ponchos and a dedication to PARTY PARTY PARTY.
In keeping with previous years, a number of bands will be performing notable albums from their career, but we need to wait until April 20 to find out what those will be.
Riot Fest will also feature over 40 food vendors, the usual carnival rides and diversions, and the Hellzapoppin’ Sideshow Revue.
The second wave of acts is set to be announced later in May, and we're still holding out hope for a Jesse and the Rippers reunion.
Riot Fest 3-day Passes go on sale today at noon. Get those browsers ready. The festival returns to Douglas Park, September 15 through 17.
The full first wave of bands includes:
Nine Inch Nails
Queens of the Stone Age
Jawbreaker
New Order
Paramore
Prophets of Rage
M.I.A.
Wu-Tang Clan
Mike D (DJ Set)
A Day To Remember
Gogol Bordello
Taking Back Sunday
Vic Mensa
Dirty Heads
TV on the Radio
Ministry
Dinosaur Jr.
New Found Glory
Death From Above 1979
Bad Brains
FIDLAR
Action Bronson
Pennywise
Built to Spill
X
Peaches
The Lawrence Arms
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
The Orwells
Bayside
Say Anything,
Mayday Parade
Streetlight Manifesto
Dead Cross
Minus the Bear
The Menzingers
LIARS
GWAR
Buzzcocks
GBH
Real Friends
Hot Water Music
Shabazz Palaces
Andrew W.K.
Fishbone
The Story So Far
State Champs
Four Year Strong
Beach Slang
The Cribs
that dog.
Knuckle Puck
Chon
Slaves
The Hotelier
The Flatliners
Dessa
Saul Williams
Nothing More
Alice Bag
TOBACCO
Sleep On It
Downtown Boys
Engine 88
The Smith Street Band
The Regrettes
HDBeenDope
Gazebos
Kitten Forever