“Riot Fest firmly established itself in 2006 as one of the best showcases for punk and underground music in the country.” – Jim Derogatis, Chicago Sun Times

Five years. What does it all mean? Five years equals 25,336 fans, over 150 bands, 946 stage dives, 4 a**hole bouncers, 2632 cases of beer, 172 hours in line, 1 FBI Sting, 23 business suits and too many broken ribs. That, my friends is something.

For a closer look at Riot Fests past, we’ve thoughtfully provided this great video:

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Started in 2005, the men and women of Riot Fest strive to create a festival they would love to attend, with one eye on the legendary Chicago punk scene and the other on the bands that inspire them, with a special emphasis on reunited influential bands that all fans of punk and underground music grew up with.

Five years later, Riot Fest marches on in Chicago, their beloved hometown and announces their new Riot Fest West, three nights in Los Angeles!

While 2009’s entire line-up remains shrouded in mystery, a few of the mind-boggling choices for this year’s Chicago Riot Fest have been announced. Brace yourself.

Screeching Weasel, a seminal band from Chicago who took the ethos of the Ramones and added a bitter, witty twist will take the stage. NOFX will arrive from the North Bay with their explosive live show, drunken antics and anti-GOP agenda. Chicago represents with Alkaline Trio, who blossomed from the local scene and forged an international profile, releasing critically acclaimed albums. Seattle’s Murder City Devils are notorious for their drunken depravity while performing and their raw, lurid lyrics, which deal chiefly with rock n’ roll excess (especially drinking), truckers, sailors and women. Philadelphia’s satirical, snotty and irreverent The Dead Milkmen are known for their hit song, “Punk Rock Girl”, which was a favorite of MTV’s “Beavis and Butthead Show”. One of the original punk bands, the UK’s Cock Sparrer will return to Chicago for the first time, since, well, no one can remember when.

Riot Fest Chicago will occur October 7-11 2009 at Congress Theatre, Metro, Double Door, Subterranean and Cobra Lounge. A limited number of five day passes go on sale June 6th, for the low, recession-proof price of $99.00 – which will include 14 shows! Five day pass holders will have the opportunity to win tickets to one of 4 secret shows planned beginning in August and running until the Fest kicks off.

Riot Fest West takes its bow on November 12, 2009 – it runs through the 14th at four venues, Palladium, The Wiltern, Key Club and The Roxy in Los Angeles, the line-up will be announced shortly.

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