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Concert Thu Sep 03 2009
Riot Fest West Postponed Until Spring 2010
Riot Fest is the little punk festival that could, a celebration of music only in it's fourth year, but rapidly expanding and gaining a strong presences each year in Chicago. This year the line-up includes an impressive roster, from legendaries like Naked Raygun and Screeching Weasel to hometown heroes Alkaline Trio, and everything in between. And it was with great pride to find out that our "little" festival was spreading out West. So it's with heavy hearts to report that Riot Fest West has been postponed, and even heavier hearts to share the reason why.
The mid-November festival in Los Angeles will be pushed back until Spring 2010 due to health issues challenging the founder, Riot Mike. Very sad news, but we know Riot Fest will still be kicking Chicago's ass later next month, and have no doubt that come Spring 2010 L.A. will get a taste of it as well. Riot Mike's personal statement is after the jump.
Firstly, I want to apologize to the people who were excited for Riot Fest to come to Los Angeles - it was always a dream of mine that one day Riot Fest would be able to take place in another part of the U.S. But, sometimes those types of dreams need to be put on hold.
A few weeks ago, I found out that my health was failing, and I was advised by doctors to take a few months off for treatment. It was somber news to say the least, but my immediate reaction was how this would inherently affect Riot Fest. After speaking with family and close friends about the situation and mulling it over for a few days, I decided that if I couldn't give it my all because of health related issues, then, I should postpone Riot Fest West until I'm cleared by doctors, which should hopefully be in Spring 2010.
With all of that said, there is no way in hell I would let Riot Fest Chicago not happen. For people who are attending the Chicago fest - don't fret, it is all systems go.
Even with all of this stuff happening with me right now, the amount of good wishes I've already received from bands, agents, managers and fellow promoters makes me feel like one of the luckiest guys in the world -- and so goddamn thankful that DOA made its way to my walkman in 5th grade . This is by far the best music scene, and it was completely evidenced by talking with the bands, agents and so forth in the past 7 days.
For all of you who have already purchased tickets for Riot Fest West, a refund was issued this morning, and once again I deeply apologize - this was the one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make... but, mark my words, we'll see you in 2010.
Get well soon Mike, and we'll see you in the pit!
drunk with power / September 3, 2009 2:02 PM
Kicking Chicago's ass next month