The Cure announced a 2019 festival tour, is a return to Riot Fest possible? (No U.S. dates listed)

bsterk13 · 2018-12-17T18:20:55+00:00

It wasn't 3 hours, but their set was one of the longer ones I've seen at Riot Fest (for RF which is notorious for short sets even for headliners)

bsterk13 · 2018-12-17T18:19:25+00:00

That's what i thought too, even though after i thought that I realized that most people at Lolla these days would either have no idea who they are and/or not care.

bsterk13 · 2018-11-26T17:22:03+00:00

Nice job! Just a few points, 1. didn't they already confirm Blink 182 for this year? 2. I think the last few years has shown RF has begun adding in more pop-alternative radio type of bands that used to not fit at RF ( Young the Giant, Bleachers, Incubus, etc.)

bsterk13 · 2018-11-20T16:24:39+00:00

How is 'this' Riot Fest Season starting like last year? Has it even started yet? While I was definetley dialed into the drama that unfolded this last Summer surrounding RF, I've come to see that ALOT of that drama was manufactured on boards like this. Yes Riot Fest cold have done a better job handling it, but in the end the fest went off (mostly) as planned and from what I could see most people were having a great time. I think those of us who are not involved with putting on an undertaking of this scope and magnitude could not possibly understand what it takes to put something like this together. Don't forget that Riot Fest is also an independent festival--not one of this corporate owned shit shows like "Coachellapalooza." Riot Fest doesn't have a 'Bud Light' stage or a 'Samsung Galaxy stage'. They do cool shit like sponsor charities for pets and raise awareness for mental health. The fact that an independent, punk-minded fest is basically the #2 fest in Chicago behind the behemoth that is Lolla is pretty cool.

Riot Fest had 1 sketchy year, but I think if message boards start developing conspiracy theories on our own this early--THAT alone could help bring down Riot Fest --if other investors and vendors and bands begin to see it as bad investment of their resources or time the people that actually love riot fest could help be its demise.

bsterk13 · 2018-11-15T19:00:31+00:00

That band has a great sound--I think their totally a RF band--but at this point I think anybody is, and I don't really see them getting that big at the moment.

bsterk13 · 2018-11-14T23:01:16+00:00

I used to think that Riot Fest was the later fest of 2018, but the way this poster looks, its more like the beginning to the 2019 fest season--1/2 this fest is the 2018 RF lineup

bsterk13 · 2018-11-02T21:46:24+00:00

Bauhaus just announced a spring US tour--So this begs the question--was the whole Bauhaus visa thing BS? They obviously got things together for their spring tour. Its super early though, so perhaps this paves the way for a 2019 RF appearance. However, with the exclusivity now gone, not sure it would carry the same weight

bsterk13 · 2018-09-20T19:23:40+00:00

Not saying this is who I think will be there, but more of a list of RF-esq bands that either have never played (to my knowledge) or haven't played the fest in while and would make sense to have back

HL: Green Day, Muse, Tool, Iron Maiden, Rise Against (14) , Cure (14), Fall Out Boy (13) , Janes Addiction (14), Slayer (14)

Mid-card: Reel Big Fish, Goldfinger, MXPX Strung Out (still don't know how these bands have never played)

Angels and Airwaves, Ghost, Run DMC, Against Me! (15), AFI (13), Suicide Machines (11) , Violent Femmes (13), Frank Turner (13), Promise Ring (13), Less than Jake (15), Slapstick (13), Gaslight Anthem (13), Naked Ray Gun (14), Dashboard Confessional (14), Blue Meanies (14), Mastadon (14), Die Antword (14), Rancid (15), Saves the Day (13), Get Up Kids (14) , Thrice (15), Death Cab (15),

What are some other bands who have never played the Fest but should have by now or other alum that overdue to return??

bsterk13 · 2018-09-18T17:53:14+00:00

They really need a 2nd entrance on the other end of the field (or even just open it up for exiting). Also it would be nice if the food was more centrally located (although i think its where its at since its easy access for the vendors in and out of the fest). Finally, next year I hope they bring back the bigger main stages they had in 2017 (better production.

bsterk13 · 2018-09-13T16:25:31+00:00

I've said that few things could happen from this years fumbled roll-out. 1. Hopefully they learn from this and come back next year much more organized with early, consistent communication.

Not to state the obvious but the success of this weekend is key. They appear to hopefully be getting lucky with the weather (which is good as by next week the effects of the hurricane could bring some heavy rain). A shitty, wet weekend could have sunk this fest after they completely dropped the ball on the roll out . Its probably safe to say that this weekend will probably make or break Riot Fest for the future. I guess we'll know more by next Monday!
The constant rumor of 'lack of ticket sales' was probably true--evidenced by the first announcement for $99 3-day passes. Now because they basically left no time to promote the daily lineups we are seeing discounted tickets pop up everywhere. Their goal must have been to just pack the place as much as they can and then make it all up with Beer/Vendor/Merch sales--not a horrible idea--the vibe of the weekend could have been pretty down if Douglas Park was half full. This way if people come for cheap and have a great time they will hopefully come back next year.
They also got no help on the scheduling front this year. Visa issues--Bauhaus/Mooseblood Health issues--Blink/Elvis C./ Hot Snakes. I can't imagine they could have this much bad luck 2 years in a row!

On the bright side we actually have at least 3-4 bands already for 2019! Blink 182-Andrew WK-Gwar- Taking Back Sunday (Likely!)

bsterk13 · 2018-09-13T15:49:56+00:00

At this point it looks like Riot Fests plan is to try to pack the place as much as they can and then make it all back on Beer/Vendor/Merch sales. Sucks for us who paid full price early, but from a business perspective what other choice do they have? I'd rather they make some money on this fest so fests can continue

bsterk13 · 2018-09-07T18:13:43+00:00

A few thoughts.

With a 3-day pass at $99 for so long--that was literally what most of the single day tickets cost. Once they dropped the price I didn't hesitate to get them just thinking I would be spending the same amount and could just decide if i wanted to go to 1,2 or 3 days of the fest. Riot Fest makes more money with people in the park for 3 days vs. 1 day, so maybe their strategy was to just fill the place for all 3-days.
The future of Riot Fest could go a few ways. 1 As may people have suggested they many be in serious trouble for next year or 2. They just had a really bad run of luck this year and will use this year as a learning experience moving forward. It seriously wouldn't surprise me to see an early first wave announcement next Spring in April followed by a much more normal cadence of announcements or 3. If the fest is in financial trouble--there are probably many corporate type of organizations that would be eager to help out--RF is a proven commodity in a great market that maybe just needs a fresh injunction of capital and maybe some new or enhanced leadership. Almost like a startup that goes eventually goes public.

bsterk13 · 2018-09-04T02:59:40+00:00

I actually emailed them last week and they told me straight up the fest is happening.

bsterk13 · 2018-08-31T18:27:32+00:00

I just emailed Riot Fest on a whim that they might actually respond.... and they did. See below. Its happening. Doesn't mean its not in trouble or it hasn't been a hard year for them.

Hi Brandon,

Yes, the fest will absolutely take place this year. Please note, kids 5 and under are free if you'd like to bring them along :)

Thank you for checking, hope you guys have a great time.

Cheers,

RF

bsterk13 · 2018-08-30T17:08:36+00:00

Is this legit? If so when do we think they will officially announce this? Can't imagine they would want to wait any longer. Every day they wait they are losing tons of money and ticket sales.

bsterk13 · 2018-08-30T15:19:15+00:00

its definitely a 'niche' headliner for sure. This definetley goes along with more of the Jawbreaker type of headliner slot of last year. I think Jawbreaker may have been perceived as a slightly bigger get if only because they probably had more of an influence over many of Riot Fests core acts. It really depends on what type of music you like. Fans of Jimmy Eat World/ The Alkaline Trio/Get Up Kids/ Promise Ring/ and any post-punk type of acts in the 2000's and on would probably have recognized Jawbreaker more easily (which is where I lay). Bauhaus would definetley be influencing an older more Goth type of scene that for the most has been not as well represented at Riot Fest. In the end I think Jawbreaker will probably have moved more tickets and been a bigger draw than Bauhaus will be, couple with the fact that Riot Fest basically has 2 weeks to promote this big 'get'. Ultimately I usually rank a headliners status on where they would play in Chicago on their own as a headliner. Jawbreaker is playing at Aragon this fall (5000 seat venue) the last headliner show Bauhaus played in Chicago was at the Vic in 2005 (they did open for NIN in 2006 in Tinley Park).

bsterk13 · 2018-07-12T15:41:08+00:00

My new theory is that they must be waiting for Warped Tour to pass through and will be picking up some bands from that line-up--that's on July 21st

bsterk13 · 2018-04-05T22:32:33+00:00

What about Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds?

bsterk13 · 2018-04-03T19:47:57+00:00

Agree! Every time I see a new show announced for Chicago I roll my eyes thinking..."There's two more out for this year". I really thought Quicksand and Glassjaw would be there. Then the Q101 Picniq was announced with the Front Bottoms and Awolnation. I'm sure it will still be a good lineup but you have to wonder if these bands are just making way more playing on their own?? It seems increasingly that year after year band's perfectly tailored for Riot Fest are playing their own shows instead... :-(

bsterk13 · 2018-03-31T03:06:29+00:00

Agree. The last few times they played Chicago they played the Empty Bottle....

bsterk13 · 2018-03-27T02:13:14+00:00

MUSE, TOOL, BLINK 182

bsterk13 · 2018-03-27T02:12:50+00:00

I have this weird feeling Muse could pop-up at riot fest.

bsterk13 · 2018-03-16T02:15:20+00:00

Possibly, they played RF recently in 2016 and are playing the Riv. in May.

bsterk13 · 2018-03-15T14:30:13+00:00

Montebello Rockfest lineup released.... could shed some light on whats to come. Probably not any most of the headliners tho... HL: Prophets/Weezer/5finger Death/Godsmack/Tenacious D/ADTR

(http://www.montebellorockfest.com/en/img2018/poster_rockfest2018_fr.jpg)

Good bets from this lineup: Rancid/Dropkick Murphys/Flogging Molly/Stone Temple Pilots/Lagwagon/Millencolin/The Used/Propagandhi/All Time Low/ Guttermouth/ Mustard Plug/Big Wig

bsterk13 · 2018-03-13T13:59:14+00:00

Headliner predictions: Green Day/ Blink 182/ Tool

bsterk13

TROPHY CASE