Riot Fest Chicago day 1 pics: Motorhead, Faith No More, Thrice, Anthrax & more

September 13, 2015

Motörhead / Faith No More / Thrice @ Riot Fest Chicago 9/11/2015

Having cut short or cancelled a number of recent live dates, it was anyone’s guess how Friday’s set would go. But over the course of an hour, Lemmy once again defied age and staked Motörhead’s claim as one of the most unique bands in the history of metal, the result of their still potent mix of punk and heavy metal. “We are Motörhead… And we play rock and roll!” declared the frontman in his inimitable style.

Lemmy Kilmister, as CJ Ramone once pointed out, goes beyond mere rock and roll icon into a rare class more resembling a folk hero. “Is it loud enough?” he joked heading into the psychedelic haze of 1979’s “Metropolis.” “Would you like it louder? I’ll have to turn it up then!” It was a joke he likely didn’t even realize the irony of on an afternoon rife with sound issues.

Motörhead’s punk influence was on full display during “Over the Top,” a performance Lemmy dedicated to – who else? – himself. “This is gonna be the last song for us but if you make some noise, we come back” mocked the bassist as the opening chords to “Ace of Spades” rang out across Douglas Park Friday night. – [Chicago Now]

Following its Denver edition a couple weeks ago, Riot Fest‘s 2015 Chicago edition kicked off Friday (9/11) in Douglas Park. Day 1 sets included Motörhead (who had canceled some shows on this tour due to Lemmy’s ill health), Ice Cube delivering a partial N.W.A. reunion with Ren and Yella, as well as Faith No More, Anthrax, Thrice, Anthrax, Fishbone, Death, Living Colour, Coheed & Cambria, No Doubt, and more.

Riot Fest Chicago wraps up today with Modest Mouse, The Prodigy, Snoop Dogg, L7, Jimmy Cliff, Beach Slang and more. Next weekend is Riot Fest Toronto. More pics from Riot Fest Chicago day 1, below…

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