Photo Gallery Day One: Riot Fest at Douglass Park • Chicago

Brassneck | September 25, 2024

Riot Fest Recap: Day One

Recap by Justice Petersen; Photos by Ed Spinelli

Despite the scorching heat, thousands of punks, metalheads, and goths joined forces to raid Douglass Park for music’s most renowned punk rock music festival. Riot Fest took place in Douglass Park this year as per tradition, despite a close call of moving the festival – and its newly established “Riot Land” – to Bridgeview. Bringing many of its most iconic attractions back, such as the John Stamos butter statue, the wedding chapel, and the Ferris wheel, Riot Fest also brought an incredibly diverse and eclectic lineup to the city.

Friday’s headliner was Chicago natives Fall Out Boy, who followed a string of incredibly forceful acts, both big and small. Notable acts included Zheani, an Australian “fairy-trap” artist who made her American festival debut at Riot Fest. Equally provocative, innovative, and sensational, Zheani was arguably one of Friday’s most prominent sets. Emo rock figureheads Winona Fighter, hard rock icons The Warning, and indie pop stars The Aces brought forward hard-hitting and enigmatic talent and presence, all defining everything Riot Fest is renowned for. Towards the latter half of day one, thrash crossover pioneers Suicidal Tendencies brought their familiar rage to an anticipatory crowd, slamming through hits like “Cyco Vision” and “Send Me Your Money.”

The Offspring, one of music’s most successful punk rock acts, played to a packed crowd their hit album “Smash” in its entirety before ending with their most famous hits, “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid,” “Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)” and “… The Kids Aren’t Alright.” Finally, Chicago’s very own Fall Out Boy delivered an impactful close to Friday’s lineup, with frontman Patrick Stump admitting, “It feels good to be home.” Smashing through hits across several of their most famous records, it was evident that the group was glad to be playing in a city that shaped who they had become. As bassist Pete Wentz told the crowd, “This is the only fucking city we could have come from.”