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Riot Fest 2025 Previews

Weird Al and Inhaler

Weird Al Jankovic

“Weird Al” Yankovic is a Grammy-winning musical satirist known for his clever parodies of pop hits, original comedy songs, and wildly entertaining live shows. His work spans decades, with classics like “Eat It,” “Amish Paradise,” “White & Nerdy,” and “The Saga Begins.”

What to Expect at a Weird Al Show in 2025

His “Bigger & Weirder 2025 Tour” is a full-production multimedia comedy rock spectacle. Here’s what fans can look forward to:

  • Iconic parodies and fan favorites, including songs he’s never performed live before.
  • A super-sized band: Al’s longtime crew is joined by four additional musicians for a richer sound.
  • Multimedia elements: Expect costume changes, video screens, and theatrical flair.
  • Special guest: The tour features Puddles Pity Party, a singing clown known for emotional covers and dramatic performances.
  • Family-friendly fun: His shows are high-energy, hilarious, and suitable for all ages.

Inhaler

Inhaler is a Dublin-based indie rock band formed in 2012, fronted by Elijah Hewson (son of U2’s Bono). They’re known for their anthemic sound, blending post-punk revival with modern indie rock, and have gained a strong following with albums like It Won’t Always Be Like This and Cuts & Bruises.

What to Expect at an Inhaler Show

  • Atmospheric, high-energy performances with soaring vocals and tight instrumentation.
  • A mix of fan favorites like “My Honest Face,” “Cheer Up Baby,” and “Love Will Get You There”.
  • Engaging stage presence, especially from Elijah, who channels a charismatic, emotionally charged performance style.
  • A crowd that’s a mix of indie rock fans and younger audiences discovering them through festival circuits.
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Riot Fest 2025 Previews

H2O and Screeching Weasel

H2O

H2O is a New York-based hardcore punk band formed in 1994, known for their energetic live shows, positive lyrics, and strong DIY ethos. They blend melodic punk with hardcore intensity, often touching on themes like loyalty, perseverance, and unity.

What to Expect at an H2O Show

  • High-energy performances with sing-along anthems like “Nothing to Prove”, “One Life One Chance”, and “5 Yr Plan”.
  • A tight-knit crowd vibe—their shows often feel like a community gathering, with lots of stage diving, moshing, and crowd participation.
  • Straightforward, no-frills stage presence—they let the music and message do the talking.
  • A mix of classic tracks and newer material, especially from their more recent albums.

Screeching Weasel

Screeching Weasel is a legendary punk rock band from Chicago, formed in 1986 and led by frontman Ben Weasel. Known for their fast, melodic sound and irreverent lyrics, they helped define the pop-punk genre and influenced bands like Green Day and Blink-182.

What to Expect at a Screeching Weasel Show

  • Classic punk energy: Fast-paced songs, tight performances, and a no-nonsense attitude.
  • Fan favorites: Expect staples like “Cool Kids,” “My Right,” “I Wanna Be a Homosexual,” and “The Science of Myth.”
  • Crowd interaction: Ben Weasel is known for his sharp wit and direct engagement with the audience.
  • DIY punk vibe: The shows are raw, loud, and unapologetically old-school.
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Riot Fest 2025 Previews

Weezer and Jack White

Weezer

Weezer is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1992, known for their catchy melodies, quirky lyrics, and a blend of alternative rock and power pop. Their debut self-titled album, commonly known as the “Blue Album” (1994), includes iconic tracks like “Buddy Holly,” “Say It Ain’t So,” and “Undone – The Sweater Song.” Over the years, they’ve built a loyal fanbase with a mix of nostalgic hits and experimental albums.

About the Blue Planet Tour (2025)

Officially titled “The Voyage to the Blue Planet Tour,” this tour celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Blue Album. Here’s what to expect:

  • Full performance of the Blue Album every night.
  • A setlist packed with fan favorites, deep cuts, and rarities.
  • The tour spans North America and Europe, with stops at major festivals and venues.

It’s a nostalgic, high-energy show designed for both longtime fans and newcomers. Expect a mix of heartfelt singalongs, quirky visuals, and a celebration of one of the most beloved albums in ’90s rock.

Jack White

Jack White is a genre-defying musician known for his raw energy, inventive guitar work, and deep roots in blues, garage rock, and punk. He rose to fame with The White Stripes, and has since built a diverse catalog through solo work and bands like The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather.

What to Expect at a Jack White Live Show (2025)

Jack White’s “No Name Tour” in 2025 is a full-throttle experience. Here’s what fans can expect:

  • Unpredictable Setlists: No two shows are the same. He mixes hits like “Seven Nation Army” and “Lazaretto” with deep cuts and new material from his latest album No Name.
  • High-Energy Performance: Expect blistering guitar solos, spontaneous jams, and a tight backing band that feeds off the crowd’s energy.
  • No Phones Policy: Many of his shows use Yondr pouches to create a phone-free environment, encouraging full immersion in the music.
  • Visuals & Atmosphere: The stage design is often minimalist but moody, with dramatic lighting and vintage gear that reflect his analog aesthetic.
  • Musical Versatility: He switches between instruments—guitar, piano, drums—and genres, from bluesy ballads to punk rock anthems.

It’s a raw, electric, and often emotional ride—perfect for fans of authentic, no-frills rock and roll.

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Riot Fest 2025 Previews

Agnostic Front and Senses Fail

Agnostic Front

Agnostic Front is a pioneering hardcore punk band from New York City, formed in 1980. They are widely credited with helping define the New York Hardcore (NYHC) scene and were instrumental in the development of crossover thrash, blending hardcore punk with thrash metal intensity.

What to Expect at an Agnostic Front Live Show:

  • Relentless energy: Their shows are fast, aggressive, and full of raw power—expect circle pits, stage dives, and a crowd that’s fully engaged.
  • Hardcore anthems: Setlists often include classics like “Victim in Pain,” “Gotta Go,” “For My Family,” and “Crucified.”
  • Old-school spirit: Their performances are rooted in the DIY ethos and community-driven energy of early hardcore.
  • Tight musicianship: Despite the chaos, the band is razor-sharp live, with frontman Roger Miret and guitarist Vinnie Stigma leading the charge.

Their shows are a must for fans of hardcore punk—intense, authentic, and deeply rooted in the genre’s history.

Senses Fail

Senses Fail is a post-hardcore/emo band from Ridgewood, New Jersey, formed in 2001. Fronted by Buddy Nielsen, the band is known for blending emotional vulnerability with aggressive punk and hardcore elements. Over the years, they’ve evolved from early screamo roots into a more melodic, introspective sound while maintaining their raw intensity.

What to Expect at a Senses Fail Live Show:

  • High emotional energy: Their performances are cathartic, with Buddy Nielsen pouring everything into his vocals—whether screaming or singing.
  • Fan-favorite anthems: Expect a mix of early 2000s emo/post-hardcore hits like “Buried a Lie,” “Rum Is for Drinking, Not for Burning,” and “Calling All Cars”, along with newer material.
  • Crowd connection: Their shows often feel personal and communal, with fans singing along to every word.
  • Dynamic setlists: They balance heavy breakdowns with melodic choruses, appealing to both old-school fans and newer listeners.
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Riot Fest 2025 Previews

Dropkick Murphys and Bad Religion

Dropkick Murphys

Dropkick Murphys are charging through 2025 with a massive global tour in support of their new album, For the People, released on July 4. Known for their explosive blend of Celtic folk and punk rock, the band continues to deliver high-energy, crowd-driven performances that celebrate working-class pride, Irish heritage, and rebellion.

What to Expect at a Dropkick Murphys Show:

  • Bagpipes, banjos, and punk riffs: Their live sound is a thunderous mix of traditional Irish instrumentation and punk rock fury.
  • Singalongs and mosh pits: Anthems like “Shipping Up to Boston,” “Rose Tattoo,” “The State of Massachusetts,” and “Barroom Hero” ignite the crowd.
  • Community vibe: Their shows feel like a celebration—rowdy but inclusive, with fans of all ages shouting along.
  • New material: Songs from For the People like “Who’ll Stand With Us?” are already fan favorites.

Bad Religion

Bad Religion is a foundational punk rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1980, known for their intellectual lyrics, tight harmonies, and melodic hardcore sound. With over four decades of influence, they’ve helped define the sound and spirit of modern punk, especially through albums like Suffer, No Control, and The Empire Strikes First.

What to Expect at a Bad Religion Live Show:

  • Fast, tight, and powerful: Their performances are known for precision and energy—no frills, just pure punk.
  • Thought-provoking lyrics: Songs tackle politics, religion, and society with sharp insight and urgency.
  • Crowd favorites: Expect classics like “21st Century (Digital Boy),” “Sorrow,” “American Jesus,” and “Infected.”
  • Veteran presence: Frontman Greg Graffin still delivers with clarity and conviction, backed by a band that’s as tight as ever.
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