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Riot Fest Thu May 15 2014
Riot Fest's 10 Year Anniversary Surprise
Finding out about the Riot Fest lineup on Tuesday evening was akin to experiencing complete euphoria, like receiving a long-awaited birthday present as a kid, the first glimpse of sunshine after a Chiberia winter, or a first listen to your favorite band's newest record. The lineup for the festival's 10th anniversary absolutely exceeded my expectations with its stellar lineup of veteran favorites, up-and-comers, and elusive finds that I wistfully listened to years ago, their sound still seeping into my thoughts from time to time.
As if this amazing lineup wasn't enough, Riot Fest unveiled an additional surprise for its 10th year, during which 10 bands will be performing a pinnacle album from their catalog in its full duration. Entitled "10 Years. 10 Essential Albums," this new phase of Riot Fest will allow attendees to hear some of their most coveted albums from some of their most cherished artists, in their full-length form in a live setting. What could be better?
Riot Fest partner Michael Pestryn noted that the idea came to him after listening to a show at last year's festival: "During last year's Violent Femmes' set at Riot, where they performed Violent Femmes unannounced in its entirety, it dawned on me that if we ever did an album play thing at Riot, we should make it something that the fans would remember years from now." Alas, "10 Years. 10 Essential Albums" came to be.
Nine of the 10 bands and their respective albums they will be performing during the weekend's reign have been released today, saving one more band to be released in the coming weeks along with additional 10th anniversary surprises for the Fest. I don't know about you, but the nostalgic value here is absolutely overwhelming, and I can't wait to see these bands perform such cherished albums from their repertoire.
Jane's Addiction: Nothing's Shocking
The Offspring: Smash
Weezer: The Blue Album
Slayer: Reign in Blood
Samhain: Initium
NOFX: Punk In Drublic
Descendents: Milo Goes To College
Naked Raygun: Throb Throb
The Get Up Kids: Something To Write Home About
Riot Fest music festival and carnival will be held in Chicago, Toronto and Denver this year to commemorate its 10th anniversary. In Chicago, the festival will be from September 12 through September 14 in Humboldt Park. Tickets are available at various pricing tiers, however they are selling out quickly.