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”.
  • 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.

Riot Fest 2019 Countdown 10 – H2O

I saw H20 at the Bash with our Surf City friends Rancid and S.T. (plus Bosstones and L7).  They’re great punk.  They’re from New York but they could be from the West Coast as they’ve worked with Epitaph before.  I think I remember them on one of those Epitaph “Punk-A-Rama” samplers. They’ve had the same lineup since practically the beginning 20+ years ago. Just old school fun skate punk. The stuff we loved at the first Warped Tours before it got all emo and pop punky. Put on the short list if they have an aftershow.