My buddy Benny that helps here at Good Land and I went to Riot Fest in Chicago last Saturday and Sunday. Luckily the two days of the fest that were outside so I can enjoy the last bit of nice weather this year. We ended up showing up there right in time to see one of our old favorite ska-punk bands, Slapstick. They were a little rough around the edges but it was perfect that way. They played all the hits while their lead singer Brendan’s between song banter was the best I’ve heard in years. Next we waited around until the Descendents started. I have seen a bunch of their reunion shows in the late 1900’s to expect what was in store. Performing greatest hits with a few curveballs. Later that night Ben and I went to eat at Pequods Pizza and got what is my new favorite deep dish pizza. Then headed to the new Bottom Lounge to see the Promise Ring. They played great and sounded GOOD with Justin Perkins at the soundboard. Everyone heard a good mix of songs from their 7 year span as a group. These last 2 Chicago shows might be the last of the reunion gigs for a long time. We ended up crashing at Archies house and it was sooooo classssssiccc. As usual. He’s hilarious.
The next morning I went to Big Star in Wicker Park for the most amazing pork tacos ever. It’s a Chicago tradition for me now. After that we took a cab to Humboldt Park for the rest of the festival. Walked in for the last Promise Ring song. Which is my least favorite of the set so that kind of sucked. Then almost fell asleep watching Built To Spill. NOFX was awful. I enjoyed the Jesus and Mary Chain’s set mildly. Elvis Costello fucking ruled. Alkaline Trio was alright when they played stuff from their first couple releases. Gogel Bordello was fun and exciting. But, Iggy & the Stooges tore the clouds out of the sky from the first note. They played every song I wanted to hear and then some. An old pal of mine gave me a back stage pass and got to watch Iggy go nuts from the side which was insane. The guy goes to 11 the whole show. They even did “the passenger” from his 1977 Lust For Life record. Seeing Iggy & the Stooges has been on my bucket list so that one was the highlight for me for many reasons. Iggy for prez!