Riot Fest has gained a reputation for making the impossible happen when it comes to live performances. From reuniting bands who haven’t played together in decades to presenting sets that allow fans to hear their favorite albums in their entirety, Riot Fest has mastered the art of delivering once-in-a-lifetime sets.
This year, Riot Fest has more opportunities than ever to make magic happen in the form of live collaborations. Here’s a few artists that we hope share a stage in Chicago’s Douglas park during the Sept. 15-17 event.
Wu-Tang Clan – Tom Morello
When you see Prophets of Rage on a lineup there is ample cause for celebration. Not only because the band rocks like no other, but also because guitarist, Tom Morello, has been known to pop up during other act’s sets throughout the festival. While there are plenty of great options for Morello mash-ups at Riot Fest 2017 – Wu-Tang Clan is the perfect choice for many reasons. The rock and rap superstars previously collaborated on the 2000 release Loud Rock, Morello and GZA teamed-up for a rendition of the song, “The Mexican,” and Wu-Tang and Rage Against the Machine famously toured together back in 1997. Let’s do this!
Nine Inch Nails – New Order
Trent Reznor is another hard rocker who loves to jam with legends from other bands. The appearance of both Nine Inch Nails and New Order on the Riot Fest poster allows for the opportunity for the two groups to come together for a performance of the classic Joy Division track, “Dead Souls,” which NIN covered on the 1994 soundtrack for The Crow.
Prophets of Rage – Mike D
Morello isn’t the only member of Prophets of Rage who loves to invite fellow musicians up on stage. The group has been known to welcome everyone from Tim McIlrath (Rise Against) to Serj Tankian (System of a Down) to Dan Auerbach (Black Keys) out during their set. Mike D is the perfect special guest for Prophets of Rage’s Riot Fest set because the supergroup often includes a cover of the Beastie Boys hit, “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” in their heavy-hitting set-lists.
Say Anything – Hayley Williams
Paramore singer, Hayley Williams, is arguably the most dynamic, captivating and talented front woman (or front man) in the modern punk scene. She’s another artist who loves to join forces with other musicians and during Riot Fest 2017 she seems poised to do just that. Say Anything is a likely choice for a live collaboration as Williams provided vocal work on the group’s 2007 track, “The Church Channel.”
Queens of the Stone Age – Trent Reznor
This one is a no-brainer. The members of Queens and NIN have previously teamed-up for tours, awards show performances and documentary soundtracks. The only question is whether or not frequent QOTSA collaborator, Dave Grohl, will make a special appearance during the festivities. Foo Fighters have a gap in their tour mid-September… Just sayin’.
Riot Fest will once again take over Douglas Park in Chicago on Sept. 15-17. Click here to pick-up tickets to the festival and head over to RiotFest.org to see the full lineup.