I'm kinda hoping the third headliner is someone who hasn't headlined before and not a recent band like Blink. Not that Blink would be *bad* but they aren't that exciting of a headliner, and they just played (like the Misfits). Pavement or The Strokes come to mind as bands who have never headlined but would be solid headliner choices.
Pavement feels one slot below headliner level to me, but I could be underestimating them. The Strokes would be pretty fun.
I mean, to be honest, I have a feeling either Lolla or Pitchfork would grab Pavement. BUT if Riot does get them, I think they’d easily be a headliner. This reunion is kind of a big deal since Stephen Malkmus has said for years that another reunion would likely never happen. Also not to mention that Pavement are often looked at as an influential figure in indie rock now.
Pitchfork got them in 2010 for the reunion, so they might try again for 2022 but they would definitely headline Riot I feel. Especially since it's a reunion.
The Strokes won't be an exciting headliner for me, specially for Sunday. But I cant deny it would be a huge for Riot.
There's been some talk that Halsey could do limited shows next year w/Trent and Atticus part of her touring band. Have to think it'd probably be festival dates, this would be a fun third headliner.
I love Halsey and that new record is fantastic but... I'm still not sold on any pop act's actual desire to play Riot Fest. I don't think it's about Riot asking so much as the festival just... Isn't on their radar and it would kinda feel like a step down. It's just a very different world versus Lolla, Bonnaroo, etc. Halsey is one of the biggest pop acts on the planet and can readily sell out big-ass venues on their own. So unless they or their team are specifically wanting to target a "rock" audience? I don't see Riot Fest happening. Especially with Lolla as an option around that same time in the same city. I'm still convinced the reason MGK jumped on a few rock fests this year is because it was part of the marketing "strategy." A way to make him look "legit" in the eyes of people whose eyes and ears he might not get otherwise, who looked skeptically at him, etc. It'd be really cool, I just don't see it happening unless there's a shift to really pivot into them saying "I want to grab rock/indie audiences." It's all marketing with acts that size.
I remember reading somewhere that Halsey wanted to make a pop-punk album some day. I think that if, or when, she does then that would be her que to play a festival such as Riot. But, I've been wrong about the inner-workings of this festival dozens of times so take that with little to no grains of salt.
Was thinking about it more, and I'm definitely adding Sturgill Simpson to my wishlist. That'd be a fun set, and I think he'd fit in well.
It looks like LCD Soundsystem is going to be active again soon. Would they be a possible fit for Riot as a headliner? There would be such a weird contrast between them and the other headliners, but I could kinda see them headlining Riot
They aren't not a fit. But I could definitely see them doing Lolla over Riot if I'm being totally honest.
Aren't they technically reunited since they did that EP a few years back and have re-released older stuff lately? Would love to have them play!
Honestly I’m hoping the 3rd headliner is someone I have no interest in seeing. I’ll already be stage camping from 5pm on for MCR and The Misfits. I’d like at least one full day of riot that feels normal and a bit more relaxed.
I’m judging based off of how the stage setup was this year, where you could walk right up in front of the sound booth on the right side 30 minutes before any of the headliners.