Chicago’s Riot Fest was the last 2020 festival standing in Chicago that hadn’t been postponed or cancelled, so it wasn’t a shock to learn it had been postponed until September 16 – 19, 2021.
What was a surprise was how they announced the first wave of the 2021 lineup. I don’t know how many of these bands were already scheduled for the 2020 festival, but they landed some heavy hitters either way – My Chemical Romance, Smashing Pumpkins, Run the Jewels, and Pixies are all sure to draw big crowds. Gogol Bordello are known for their wild shows, and punk legends Circle Jerks are a nice snag, as are Toots and the Maytals, Jawbox, Best Coast, and L7. My favorite part of the current lineup, however, might be Living Colour. I had no idea they were touring. Furthermore, Riot Fest teases two more waves of lineup announcements – possibly of thirty-six more bands. There’s also this…
They’ve announced that there will be surprise sets on September 16th, some by bands they describe as “bucket list” bands. In my limited music festival experience, preview nights are not to be missed. Some of the best sets I’ve seen at Levitation Music Festival have been on Thursday nights.
Get your tickets early if you can. Everyone is going to be so hungry for live music in 2021 that there will be few shows and festivals that won’t be sell-outs.
Keep your mind open.
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