The punk rock music scene has always been aligned and interwoven into the fabric of the LGBTQ+ community, having much in common such as rebelling against both government restrictions and societal norms. The genre burst out of the ‘70s and continues being expressed in music and fashion to this day.
The radical music festival known as Riot Fest rocked out in the Windy City once again in 2024 while celebrating diversity from multiple walks of life, including many attendees and performers identifying as LGBTQ+. It’s important to note that the organization has created a safe space for all. The Our Music My Body tent provided information and support for those encountering harassment of any kind, including but not limited to sexual orientation and gender identity.
After a brief hiccup of possibly being moved to Bridgeview, the festival returned to its home turf in Douglass Park, with a similar setup and layout starting from the main entrance on West Ogden Avenue and South Sacramento Drive, planted in its familiar West Side neighborhood.
For three days, Sept. 20, 21 and 22, ticket holders traipsed through the North Lawndale grounds to explore what the festival had to offer. If they veered to the right upon entering they could experience RiotLand, a plethora of popups curated by the Bucket Listers organization. For the first time, guests could take a respite from the loud noise and the sun by visiting the Quick Stop Groceries from the movie Clerks and the Punk Rock Museum, which was chock full of concert memorabilia.
There was a wide range of photograph opportunities, such as a buttery statue paying tribute to actor John Stamos and a massive devil head sculpture. Nearby, patrons could watch the action in outdoor wrestling rings or view acrobatics on the Skate Ramp. There were vendor booths selling merchandise and food stations sprinkled throughout the park. Fans could listen to their favorites while spinning on carnival rides and playing games to win prizes. There was even a Wedding Chapel for those who chose to tie the knot on the spot.
The main focus was the music, and with over 90 artists strategically placed on five stages over the course of three days, people were forced to plan their agenda. Filmmaker and singer Oliver Tree joked during his set that he was going to leave and watch Rob Zombie perform instead.
Day One had femme rockers The Aces singing “The Magic” among other tracks on the Cabaret Metro Stage. The band has three queer-identifying members and played at Market Days in 2022. Formed in Wilmette, Fall Out Boy, followed them later on the same stage and The Marley Brothers performed their dad’s tunes to close things down on the Rise Stage after Cypress Hill sparked up the cannabis before them.
Day Two had a stacked lineup including Dexter actor Michael C. Hall’s group Princess Goes, suited Swedish rockers The Hives and popular performer Beck, who shut Saturday down, ending at 10 p.m. St. Vincent playing before him had the prime spot of shifting between night and day throughout her set. Sexually fluid singer Anne Clark took her creation to new heights while using instillations and artistic expression to convey her original catalog of work.
Day Three had problematic weather, but nothing was going to stop these rockers from melting faces in the field. The sporadic rain only brought clouds and lower temperatures throughout Sunday. Rainbows were spotted for rapper Tierra Whack’s video projections on the Rise Stage, and queer fans continued to come out to see their favorite acts. Trans founder of the band Against Me! Laura Jane Grace belted songs with Philadelphia’s Catbite to screams from the crowd crammed in front of the NOFX World Stage.
Diehard metal heads marched in the mud, and some were covered in fake blood thanks to Gwar’s gruesome set. Slayer ended Sunday’s unholy festivities on a head-banging high note although clashing with Sublime on a different stage at the same time.
Some of the slated acts seemed a stretch at first to be classified as punk music, but attitude and artistry always continue to expand the boundaries of the genre. Stay tuned to riotfest.org to see what’s in store for 2025.
