Riot Fest 2026 Tour • Page 3

I think it depends on how you define "gimmick." And the personality of the artist being booked. Looking at this year's artists, "Weird Al" Yankovic and the Beach Boys worked because they exist as cultural icons and are well-respected for what they do. There's also a deep influence and respect from other artists on the bill in both cases.

Hanson was the only one that really kinda felt like a "gimmick" to me but it's pretty obvious from seeing how they handled things in their set that they knew exactly what they were signing up for and leaned into it. And, from what I heard over the weekend, a lot of people were excited for it! It wasn't a lot of "LOL Hanson" but it was a lot of "Hanson at a 'rock' festival?!! LFG!"

I could see something like that happening with Carly Rae Jepsen, I guess, though when I think about possible "pop" artists that would make sense at this point? My mind immediately goes to Halsey over anybody else given her history and where she's at currently in her career, what she's shooting for, etc.

This year also swayed me: Limp Bizkit could make sense. I would hate it with a passion for a number of reasons (mostly the music but also: Fred Durst sucks) but I "get it" and think it would go over really well with the right pairing.

 

I also think Limp Bizkit would go over well at Riot, plus I have never seen them live so this would be the perfect opportunity.

 

last time i saw mikey was the wax on radio days and that was a lifetime ago

 

Also the last time I can recall spending any significant time with him. But I was thinking of Nick, he’s long moved.

 

Yeah, I lost touch with his younger brother, but we used to be really close when we were younger. I haven’t seen either of them in years. Play a lot of Nintendo switch back in the day over there!

Also, if I’m remembering correctly, didn’t Adam pass away? Or maybe I’m thinking of somebody else

 

I don't recall, I've been so far removed from the sccene now that I've lost touch with almost everyone but Siska.

 

So if Mcr is playing they would likely be the Sunday headliner. Playing ltl Friday

 

probably a box set reissue or something, but boy thats one hell of a tease, and would be a hell of a get

 

Considering today is the 30th anniversary of Washing Machine, I’m assuming that it’s just a teaser for a reissue/box set.

But damn… That is an exaggerated way to tease a reissue. It definitely feels like a reunion teaser

 

Yeah, Kim’s post makes it sound like a reissue

 

You know what names would look really cool on the Riot Fest poster for 2026? CHVRCHES and/or Halsey.

I know the former has been taking some time off so I'm not sure what their status is. And the latter I'm only putting out there because of the recent (relatively) small venue run and statement that she's going out of her way to not be a pop star anymore... I dunno. Seems possible? Or am I misinterpreting this?

Either way, I think they would be fun!

 

One of them playing would be cool. I feel like they would pair well with Nine Inch Noize, Deftones or Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

 

I would be all for Halsey headlining or co-headlining at Riot.

 

Someday CRJ is gonna release a straight up power pop album and Riot will have to book her.

 

Im hitting this up tomorrow, anyone i don’t have checked that I should try and see? I liked TVOD but not enough to skip pharcyde or hives

 

Looks like a very fun day to me, as is!

 

Sam Fender! He has some Bruce Springsteen vibes, even some friends told me he reminded them to The Killers and Gaslight Anthem (of course, bands influenced by Bruce). He is not big in the US but he is massive in the UK playing stadiums

 

what is he up to these days? i don't see him slappin bass for carly rae anymore

 

He’s playing bass for Footballhead (just live, I believe, but don’t hold me to that or if he’s still doing it) and with TAI being active that’s the priority.

But he’s got a kid now!

 

Totally forgot about this, but remember that in 2024 Riot Mike said this about an act playing in 2026:

"I think in 2 years there's going to be an awesome reunion... it's amazing. But that first conversation happened in 2016. He said if he'd ever do it, it would be with me.”

Really curious if this comes to fruition and who it is.

 

I’m under the assumption he had that convo with someone who played the festival that year. Though it could have been someone only attending.

With my first assumption in mind, the only bands I can think of include:

- Twisted Sister
- White Zombie
- The Smiths
- Husker Du

Twisted Sister does have plans for a 50th anniversary tour next year, so they could be it. But I doubt they’re the top name for the day if they play.

 

I think out of all of these, Twisted Sister or White Zombie is the most realistic

The Smiths are certainly a no lol

Husker Dü, I doubt they’d reunite without Grant

A Sugar reunion, on the other hand…

 

Honestly, none of the names being tossed out (except for the Smiths) strike me as the sort of thing Riot Mike would think was "amazing." I think it's something pretty out of left field rather than somebody that was playing in 2016.

For all we know it could have been somebody who wasn't playing in 2016 because they said no to whatever this thing might be.

Also worth noting that this could have fallen through and we'll have no clue what it is.

 

Those takes are all valid.

The reunion he was speaking about could have absolutely fallen through. But speculating under certain assumptions is fun.

If the reunion is still on, I expect it to be bigger than a Jawbreaker or a Bikini Kill reunion.

 

It’s honestly been such a long time since Riot got a left-field, truly unexpected reunion. They’ve been great at scoring bands that have just reunited, but they haven’t had a true surprise reunion since Jawbreaker in 2017