Photos by Laurie Fanelli
Riot Fest has announced the First Wave of its 2018 lineup and, let us just say, there’s a lot to get excited about. This year’s lineup offers an eclectic assortment of artists from the modern and buzzy to coveted legacy acts, everyone from Father John Misty to Cypress Hill to Blondie and more.
Father John Misty, who just kicked off a massive tour last week, is on the verge of releasing his fourth LP God’s Favorite Customer (out June 1), making his Riot Fest appearance all the more compelling. Blondie is also fresh off the release of her 2017 album Pollinator, which featured contributions from The Strokes’ Nick Valensi, David Sitek of TV on the Radio and, last but not least, fellow Riot Fest 2018 performer Johnny Marr. Cypress Hill may also bring a few new tracks to the Douglas Park affair as the group announced last December on Instagram they had finished recording their first album in 10 years, Elephants on Acid.
Among the other performers on this year’s Riot Fest bill are Blink-182, Beck, Jerry Lee Lewis, Interpol, Elvis Costello, Incubus, Alkaline Trio, Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, Bad Religion, Atmosphere, The Jesus Lizard, Sum 41, Matt and Kim, Bleachers, Underoath, The Voidz, K.Flay, Suicidal Tendencies, Gary Numan, Cat Power, Hot Snakes, Digable Planets, Bullet for my Valentine, Clutch, Liz Phair, Lagwagon, P*ssy Riot, The Aquabats, Face to Face, Bully and Speedy Ortiz. Trusty Riot Fest regular Andrew W.K. will also be performing again at this year’s rendition, as will gore-metal festival staple GWAR.
Last year’s Riot Fest left quite a lasting impression on attendees thanks to a stellar lineup featuring memorable sets from Nine Inch Nails, New Order, Queens of the Stone Age, Gogol Bordello, Prophets of Rage, Jawbreaker and more.
Riot Fest 2018 takes place Sept. 14-16 at Chicago’s Douglas Park. See below for the complete First Wave lineup poster and keep a lookout for the Second Wave announcement coming soon. For more information and to purchase tickets visit riotfest.org.
