Key Takeaways
- Riot Fest 2024 offered a diverse lineup, including metal, punk, hip-hop, and indie rock.
- Slayer’s comeback featured a highly anticipated 20-song set that spanned their entire career.
- The event was overshadowed by a tragic mosh pit accident.
Riot Fest 2024, held at Chicago’s Douglass Park from September 20 to 22, was filled with memorable performances and emotional highlights, including Slayer’s powerful rendition of “Angel of De*th.”
Tragically, the excitement surrounding Slayer’s set at Riot Fest was overshadowed by news of a devastating accident.
A Reddit user shared a heartbreaking post about a close friend who had passed away after sustaining injuries during the festival.
The last photos taken from my oldest and dearest friend who died today after injuries sustained at riotfest Sunday
byu/krashtestgenius inchicago
The incident reportedly took place in the mosh pit, where the friend was injured and later hospitalized, ultimately succumbing to his injuries.
The post garnered a flood of sympathy, with many commenters expressing condolences and sharing similar experiences from past concerts.
One Reddit user wrote:
I am sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Via Reddit
Another added:
Via Reddit
Deepest condolences to you, his family and friends…
The third one wrote:
I’m sorry for your loss. Should be more widespread awareness on this!!
Via Reddit
This tragic incident underscores the potential dangers of high-energy concerts, sparking a conversation about safety and awareness in the Riot Fest community.
From “South of Heaven” to “Angel of De*th”: Slayer Thrills Fans at Riot Fest
Slayer’s reunion was a major attraction, marking their first concert since retiring in 2019.
The band’s comeback was highly anticipated, with crowds gathering to watch them play a 20-song reunion set spanning their career.
Starting with “South of Heaven” energized the crowd, keeping them involved throughout the performance.
As Slayer played songs like “Raining Blood,” “Reborn,” “Born of Fire,” “Seasons in the Abyss,” “213,” and ended with “Angel of De*th,” the crowd’s loud chants of “Slayer” showed their lasting influence on metal music.
Slayer noted this is just a brief return, not a complete comeback, with guitarist Kerry King adding that it’s just to mark five years since they said goodbye.
Thank you Chicago. We love you and we’ll see you next year. pic.twitter.com/2i6WALoeee
— Riot Fest (@RiotFest) September 23, 2024
Meanwhile, NOFX gave an emotional performance, marking the end of their long career in Chicago.
Besides Slayer and NOFX, fans also enjoyed performances from Public Enemy, Cypress Hill, Sum 41, Rob Zombie, and more.
Riot Fest 2024 highlighted the lasting love for live music, underlining the close connection between artists and their fans, making it a festival loved by all kinds of music fans.
Despite the rain and high temperatures, the energetic vibe kept spirits high, proving the festival’s and fans’ resilience.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Mike Petryshyn and Sean McKeough founded Riot Fest in Chicago in 2005.
- After McKeough passed away in 2016, Riot Fest continued as an annual Chicago event.
- This three-day festival featured a broad mix of artists, from metal and punk to hip-hop and indie rock, making sure there was something for every music fan to enjoy.
