RIP: Riot Fest Co-Founder Sean McKeough
Riot Fest Co-Founder and Cobra Lounge owner Sean P. McKeough, 42, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, November 29, the staff at Riot Fest announced today. Sean and co-founder Mike Petryshyn nurtured the punk rock festival from its beginnings as a small club event to its current incarnation as multi-day festivals in Chicago’s Douglas Park and Denver. Petryshyn released the following statement on the Riot Fest website:
“Sean was Riot Fest’s pillar of strength. I loved him. I admired him. And to lose him is a lonely and barren feeling. I miss my friend immensely. Without Sean and his belief that a little fest could make a positive impact on people’s lives by doing things differently and left of the dial, Riot Fest would have never become such an intimate family. His Herculean-sized heart and volition made that all possible. Anyone lucky enough to have witnessed his kindness and compassion knows Sean’s muddy work boots will never be filled. It’s impossible… he cared when no one else did. He worked when no one else did. And, he believed in Riot Fest when no one else did.
Our thoughts are with the entire McKeough family and his beloved partner Erin. You were the closest people to him and without your constant love and support for Sean, his unimaginable impact on thousands of lives may have never been realized.
Sean, I will forever be indebted to you. I love you, brother and I’ll make sure that Riot Fest never loses its purpose or vision… the one you saw before any of us.”
The staff at IE sends its condolences to McKeough’s extended families.
Very sad news. Peace and love to Sean’s family and friends, and gratitude to him for building something special for all of us.