With early bird tickets on sale now, it looks like Riot Fest (happening Sept. 16-18 at Douglas Park) is set to release its 2016 bill soon (or whenever the Riot Fest Twitter Guy feels like it).
Because of that, I’ve decided to add my predictions on who’ll play Riot Fest. I’ve excluded Riot Fest mainstays Andrew W.K. and GWAR (who are almost always there) and picked these acts after looking at tour schedules, legacy act reunion news and my own gut. So, without further ado, here are 20 probably wrong predictions about the 2016 Riot Fest lineup.
AC/DC
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LOL. Why not? If the rumors are true, Axl Rose will be free to take over for departing singer Brian Johnson.
American Football
Already booked at festivals like Wrecking Ball Atlanta and without a Chicago stop, American Football hopefully will take its welcome reunion run to Riot Fest.
At The Drive-In
Probably the most sure bet out of all these picks. ATDI is one of the year’s most high-profile reunions that’s booked at festivals all over the country this summer. Without a Chicago date, I almost guarantee this. I’ll miss original guitarist Jim Ward, who unfortunately won’t be touring with the band, but it’ll still be great to hear songs from 2000’s “Relationship of Command” live.
Blondie
Sure, this iconic band played Riot Fest in 2013, but Debbie Harry can and should come back whenever she damn pleases. No current Chicago dates.
Bully
As it was the only band to play both Pitchfork and Lollapalooza last year, it’s only a matter of time until these relentlessly touring garage rockers hit Riot Fest.
Garbage
Its tour schedule makes sense for a Riot Fest stop, not to mention the fact that the festival’s all-over-the-place demographic would totally love this veteran group.
The Hold Steady
Since it’s the 10-year anniversary of the band’s album “Boys and Girls in America,” and I guarantee you will hear a 20-something fan of that band saying they “feel so old” after learning that.
Hop Along
Wishful thinking. Probably will happen, though!
Motion City Soundtrack
To the absolute despair of my 15-year-old self, this band is calling it quits and currently has no Chicago tour stop on its upcoming farewell jaunt. Hmm.
Ne-Hi
I figured Ne-Hi would play Pitchfork, but the more I think about these rising Chicago post-punks playing Riot Fest, the more it makes sense. Hopefully by then we’ll have news of the four-piece’s upcoming album.
The Promise Ring
“Nothing Feels Good,” but this prediction does.
PUP
There doesn’t seem to be plans for a Riot Fest Toronto and I know the band loves Malort, so this should be a lock. Call me crazy.
Rozwell Kid
West Virginia’s finest power pop band that also happens to be Chili’s aficionados would bring the snarky stage banter and some totally tubular riffs to an afternoon set at Douglas Park.
Saves the Day
Celebrating the 15-year anniversary of “Stay What You Are” with a set playing the album in full at FYF Fest in California, I’d expect Riot Fest to get the same treatment.
Say Anything
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The band responsible for “…Is A Real Boy” will go on tour next month and hopefully add festivals to its current club-only tour docket.
Smashing Pumpkins
It could happen!
Thursday
Likely the most welcome reunion of probable Riot Fest acts, it’s going to be real damn cathartic to sing and mope along to this band’s catalog.
The Used
I thought this band sucked when I was in high school and haven’t revisited since, but friends I see at Riot Fest every year seem to like them. Happy for my friends if this band plays.
Waxahatchee
Riot Fest is a perfect setting for a show from the Katie Crutchfield songwriting vessel. She played Pitchfork last year and is still on the festival circuit.
Ween
The band officially reunited in February and is scheduled to play Bonnaroo. It’ll be a rad time.
@joshhterry | [email protected]
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