Fake Names perform at Riot Fest in Chicago on Sept. 15, 2023.
Riot Fest is finally here and the first day of the three day festival – taking place at Chicago’s Douglass Park Sept. 15-17 – boasted an impressive lineup featuring The Interrupters, The Breeders, Say Anything, and Quasi among other great acts.
Parliament Funkadelic Ft. George Clinton shot fans with their “Bop Gun,” leaving festival-goers with no way to defend themselves against the grooves beaming from the Mothership Connection. Clinton and company’s early-afternoon set on the Rise Stage paved the way for an eclectic lineup of artists throughout the rest of the day, including the fuzzy, art rock sounds of Sonic Youth legend Kim Gordon.
Fans who arrived early enjoyed Riot Stage sets from Olivia Jean and Yard Act, whose vocalist James Smith thanked everyone for coming out for their show.
“We’ve come all the way from England just to entertain you. Thanks,” said Smith before introducing the next track. “This is a song about where we’re from it’s called ‘Land of the Blind.'”
Yard Act performs at Riot Fest in Chicago on Sept. 15, 2023.
Fake Names – Brian Baker (Minor Threat, Dag Nasty, Bad Religion), Michael Hampton (S.O.A., Embrace, One Last Wish), Dennis Lyxzén (Refused, International Noise Conspiracy, INVSN), and Johnny Temple (Girls Against Boys, Soulside) – also performed one of the best sets of the day over at the Rebel Stage. Lyxzén explained that Riot Fest is special to the group as they first connected when their individual bands played back at Riot Fest 2016.
“It is very, very, very exciting to be back here as a band and not just as a weird idea in someone’s head,” said Lyxzén.
The day was full of highlights, but there was a feeling of anticipation in the air all day long as fans eagerly awaited the Foo Fighters’ headlining set on the Riot Stage for what would be the group’s first Chicago-area performance since the tragic death of their drummer Taylor Hawkins last year. Dave Grohl and company did not disappoint delivering a setlist full of their biggest hits beginning with the show-opener, “All My Life.”
Tegan and Sara perform at Riot Fest in Chicago on Sept. 15, 2023.
Turnstile, Tegan and Sara, and Ani DiFranco also added to the day’s excitement. Check out photos of all the Friday fun from Riot Fest 2023 below and visit RiotFest.org for more information about the fest.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
