We quickly learned on Saturday that positivity can’t change mother nature’s plan, as we arrived at Downsview Park just when the sky decided to open up. But I mean, what would Riot Fest be without a healthy (or unhealthy) amount of rain and mud?
Weather aside, Riot Fest has set itself apart from the heaps of other festivals currently calling Toronto their home (in addition to Denver & Chicago) by featuring a truly unique line up. And after a summer of seeing the same festival touring band four or five times, we really fucking appreciate that.
We tried to kick things off with Gwar, but unfortunately because it was raining sideways they had to cancel their set. The weather even took the first half of the Eagles of Death Metal’s set, but they fought back giving an energetic 4 song crowd pleasing set. Cancer Bats followed with gumption, injecting some much needed energy into rioters who could finally un-poncho and get serious. Thrice played a wide array of from their discography, when truthfully we just wanted to hear Artist in the Ambulance from cover to cover. Rioters got their singalong on with Coheed and Cambria, while Toronto showed up in numbers to local up and comers the Dirty Nil. But as the evening wound down to it’s last performance, it was easy to see who everyone was at Downs View for.
Alexisonfire didn’t waste any time, charging the stage with Accidents, which sent bodies flying through the air like confetti. They continued through classics like “.44 Caliber Love Letter,” “We Are The Sound,” “Rough Hands,” and “This Could Be Anywhere in the World”. But when Wade took the mic before Young Cardinals, I don’t think anyone knew he would announce this:
Thank you for believing in this band when we couldn’t even believe in this band. Thank you for sticking with us. We promise to never leave you again. No more sentimental shit. Alexisonfire is officially back.
Cue everyone basically losing their shit.
With Riot Fest day one featuring everything from cancelled shows to band reunions, we’re stoked to see what day two has in store. Snaps below.
Eagles of Death Metal
Thrice
Cancer Bats
Coheed
Dirty Nil
Alexisonfire
