Slayer Kills Chicago: Riot Fest 2019 Competition Evaluation
Past the Gates: It’s troublesome to not evaluate final month’s Lollapalooza and this weekend’s Riot Fest. Whereas the previous operates on a far bigger scale and runs an additional day, the 2 festivals happen solely 5 miles aside (a mere hop away on I-290 West), each sign the dwindling days of summer season within the metropolis, and every one has turn out to be a Chicago establishment.
However aside from comparable expertise in outside plumbing, the resemblances actually finish there. Lolla attendees skew youthful and descend upon Grant Park from the suburbs in physique stockings, basketball jerseys, and head bands, able to partake of all a competition weekend in a serious metropolis sans dad and mom has to supply — as if a music competition have been a micro-brewery sampler or a Netflix scroll. It’s turn out to be the go-to music occasion for an indecisive era who’ve grown up with limitless selections.
Riot Fest, celebrating its 15th yr, couldn’t be extra totally different. One have a look at the dirty legions of tattoo-calfed, potbellied, tallboy-nursing lots tells you all it’s worthwhile to know. These aren’t vacationers out for a weekend stroll via Douglas Park. For them, Riot Fest isn’t about attempting out reggaeton, taking selfies within the pit, or catching a glimpse of a star throughout a set from the newest High 40 pop sensation. These are festivalgoers who respect guitars, desire songs carried out in rapid-fire succession, and, greater than something, love listening to the anthems of their youth dwell for the hundredth time. It’s the explanation that the new canine and funnel cake line dwarfed the anticipate crepes and vegan noodle bowls. These people know what they need, and so they aren’t about to vary now.
Fuckin’ Slayer! (responses echoing within the distance: Slayer! … Slayer!! … Slayer!!!)
Editorial Director