11 Riot Fest Full Album Performances That Prove 2019 Is the Year To Attend

Blink-182, Senses Fail, Bloc Party, and more!

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Sep 5, 2019 | Bandsintown

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There’s a lot to love about Riot Fest. The three-day festival, held in Chicago every September, is an absolute must for fans of rock, punk, alternative rock, hardcore, and beyond, consistently hosting some of the most iconic names in the genres. Our favorite part of the three-day celebration? The album performances, which allow festival-goers in on the once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing their favorite acts perform an entire LP (sometimes two!) from cover to cover in one epic set. With this plus the multitude of stages to a massive lineup of aftershows that go down once the fest doors close, you’ll want to pace yourself for the jam-packed weekend of festivities.

This year, Riot Fest is celebrating their 15th anniversary, so, of course, they went all out. If you already have plans to be rocking out to in Douglas Park on September 13-15, check out all the groups that will be participating in the album plays at this year’s event. If you haven’t secured your tickets yet—trust us, these sets are all the convincing you need. To join in on the fun, scoop up your last minute tickets on Stubhub now, and discover even more music with 15% off your next concert.

Check out 11 can't-miss full album performances below, and if you can't make it to the fest this year, be sure to see if these acts are hitting your city!

Against Me!

Albums: 'Reinventing Axl Rose' + 'Transgender Dysphoria Blues'

Sunday, September 15

Against Me! has been providing us with hardcore, classic punk rock gems since the late ‘90s, and lead vocalist Laura Jane Grace has been there through it all. With seven studio albums and a handful of EPs under their belt, it would be impossible to choose just one favorite, which is why they’ll be performing both their 2002 debut, Reinventing Axl Rose, and 2014’s Transgender Dysphoria Blues. The former is what officially introduced to world to Against Me! with tracks like “Pints of Guinness Make You Strong” and “Baby, I’m an Anarchist!”. The latter was the band’s first record following Grace’s coming out as transgender and acts as an autobiographical telling of her experiences as a trans woman. Following their set at Riot Fest, they’ll keep on with album playthroughs on their “2 Nights / 4 Records / 48 Songs” tour which kicks off in October and will see the band performing four of their albums in full over two nights in five cities, including Los Angeles and Boston!

Avail

Album: 'Over The James'

Saturday, September 14

Virginia natives and punk rock legends Avail will reunite on September 14 for one of their first live performances in over a decade, playing through their 1998 classic album, Over The James. A masterclass in songwriting that was recently inducted into Decibel’s Hall of Fame, this LP has become a staple to music aficionados everywhere. Lead by Tim Barry, this reunion will be one you won’t want to miss. We can only hope it’s a sign that we’re getting some new Avail music for the first time since 2002.

Blink-182

Album: 'Enema of the State'

Friday, September 13

In 2016, Rolling Stone named Enema of the State one of the “Greatest Punk Albums of All Time.” Any punk fan would surely agree, as tracks like “All The Small Things” and “What’s My Age Again?” were generation-defining moments in music. This year, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the album, and Blink-182 are celebrating by touring it in its entirety—from the hits, right down to the deep cuts. Lucky enough, Riot Fest is included on their itinerary, as it’s only fitting to honor such an iconic record at an iconic festival.

Glassjaw

Album: 'Worship and Tribute'

Friday, September 13

Known by most as masters of post-hardcore, Glassjaw were an essential band to members of the early 2000s punk community. Their lineup—which has seen nearly a dozen members come and go since they formed in 1993—currently consists of Daryl Palumbo, Justin Beck (two of the three founding members), and Chad Hasty. Together, the three will perform the group’s sophomore album, Worship and Tribute. It was their first recorded under Warner Bros. Records, and resonated with music lovers for it’s definitive punk sound and interpolation of jazz elements.

Bloc Party

Album: 'Silent Alarm'

Saturday, September 14

Sharing an anniversary with the festival itself, British rockers Bloc Party will commemorate the 15th year of their debut album, Silent Alarm, with a full length performance at Riot Fest. The album, which exploded the band onto the scene, has sold over a million copies worldwide, and has more than held up in the streaming age—”Banquet” and “Helicopter” combined have amassed over 100 million streams on Spotify. During their set, the group is sure to match the same energy they brought to the record 15 years ago that made fans and critics alike fall in love with them.

Dashboard Confessional

Album: 'The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most'

Friday, September 13

A break from the high-energy LPs that saturate this year's album performances, The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most is a 10-track throwback primarily filled with acoustic gems, sprinkled with an occasional drum set stunner. It was lead singer/guitarist Chris Carrabba’s first LP released with the band following his departure from Further Seems Forever, and one that cemented his role in the early 2000s emo scene. During the set, Dashboard Confessional fans will be treated to favorites like “Screaming Infidelities” and “The Best Deceptions,” two genre classics that became mixtape staples.

The Flaming Lips

Album: 'Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots'

Friday, September 13

Known-best for their remarkable concert visuals, The Flaming Lips will perform perhaps their most iconic album, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, live at Riot Fest this year. The record, which is included in Robert Dimery’s book, 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, was even adapted into a stage musical back in 2012. Aside from its accomplishments and acclaim, Yoshimi is a go-to for enthusiasts of genres across the board, combining acoustic guitars and mind-bending electronic cuts into one immersive experience. Lead by frontman Wayne Coyne, fans of the Flaming Lips won’t want to miss this rare opportunity.

The Selecter

Album: 'Too Much Pressure'

Saturday, September 14

In 1980, when The Selecter released their debut album Too Much Pressure, the group became one of the founding acts of two-tone, the ska/punk rock hybrid genre that traces its origins back to the United Kingdom. The lead single off the album, “On My Radio,” was the first the band recorded with lead vocalist Pauline Black and topped the UK charts upon its release, skyrocketing The Selecter into stardom abroad and internationally. On September 14, they’ll be celebrating their 40th anniversary with a rare play through of the iconic early 80s LP.

Senses Fail

Albums: 'From the Depths of Dreams' + 'Let It Enfold You'

Friday, September 13

Another post-hardcore favorite, Senses Fail will perform both their first EP, From the Depths of Dreams, and their major label debut LP, Let It Enfold You, at the festival. Formed in New Jersey from an ad listed on the internet, the Ridgewood natives went from local gigs to a spot of Warped Tour within a decade, becoming a notable name in the post-hardcore scene. Thanks to tracks like “Buried a Lie” to “Bloody Romance,” their set will be a solid addition to the album playthroughs.

Taking Back Sunday

Albums: 'Tell All Your Friends' + 'Louder Now'

Sunday, September 15

Been waiting for what seems like forever to hear “There’s No ‘I’ In Team” live? Longtime listeners of Taking Back Sunday are in luck, as they’ll have the opportunity to take a trip back in time with the band, who will be performing both their debut album, Tell All Your Friends, as well as fan-favorite, Louder Now. Some of the New Yorkers’ most iconic tracks appear across the two LPs, like “Cute Without The ‘E’” and “MakeDamnSure,” which means that we’re in for a real treat when the Riot Fest regulars hit the stage!

Ween

Album: 'The Mollusk'

Sunday, September 15

Of all the albums being played at this year’s Riot Fest, Ween’s The Mollusk may be the hardest to categorize within a single genre. It’s an alt-rock, neo-psychedelia, experimental joyride through space and time, and is sure to translate to an unbelievable live show when performed in full. Boasting the classic “Ocean Man,” made popular once-again recently by the Spongebob Squarepants Movie, festival-goers will get the chance to hear the rest of the album from start to finish on the festival’s closing day.

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