Riot Fest 2025 Previews

Superchunk and James

Superchunk

Superchunk is a legendary indie rock band from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, formed in 1989. The current lineup includes Mac McCaughan (vocals/guitar), Laura Ballance (bass), Jim Wilbur (guitar), and Laura King (drums).

They were pivotal in shaping the ’90s indie scene and co-founded Merge Records, one of the most influential independent labels in the U.S.

What to Expect at a Superchunk Live Show:

  • High-energy performance: Their shows are known for fast-paced, guitar-driven indie punk with a DIY ethos. Expect a tight, punchy set with little downtime.
  • Classic and new material: They mix fan favorites from albums like No Pocky for Kitty and Foolish with newer tracks from releases like Wild Loneliness (2022).
  • Authentic indie spirit: Superchunk has always stayed true to their roots—no flashy production, just raw, passionate music.
  • Engaged crowd: Their fanbase is loyal and enthusiastic, often singing along and feeding off the band’s energy.

If you’re into melodic punk with heart and history, Superchunk delivers a live experience that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

James

James is an English alternative rock band from Manchester, formed in 1982. They rose to prominence in the late ’80s and ’90s with a string of UK hits, including “Sit Down,” “Laid,” “She’s a Star,” and “Come Home.” Their sound blends indie rock, Britpop, and a touch of folk and psychedelia, often marked by introspective lyrics and soaring melodies.

What to Expect at a James Live Show:

  • Emotional and uplifting: Their performances are known for being both euphoric and deeply emotional, often turning into massive singalongs—especially during “Sit Down” and “Laid.”
  • Dynamic frontman: Lead singer Tim Booth is known for his expressive dancing and charismatic stage presence, creating a strong connection with the audience.
  • Rich instrumentation: With a full band including violin, trumpet, and layered guitars, their live sound is lush and expansive.
  • Deep catalog: Expect a mix of hits, fan favorites, and newer material—they’ve released 18 studio albums, including 2024’s Yummy, which debuted at #1 in the UK.
  • James shows are often described as spiritual experiences—uplifting, communal, and full of heart.

Riot Fest 2019 Countdown 11 Weeks – Bob Mould

This week, a couple more of my top 5 must sees for Riot Fest.  And my #1 must see (there are a couple #1s) at Riot Fest.  Getting back to our wheelhouse after the oddities of Die Antwoord and The HU.  The man that fronted one of the most influential punk/post-punk band to a couple that are going now.

Bob Mould is a bucketlist see for me.  Husker Du was one of my favorites.  And their album Flip Your Wig is one of my top 20 albums of all time.  Bob Mould fronted them and with their drummer, Grant Hart, dying a few years ago this is the closest I can ever get to seeing Husker Du.  But Bob Mould did a lot more.  His solo stuff and his band Sugar were all over ‘HFS in the 90s, and it’s good.  The setlist he’s played recently includes all of it.  And the band he’s put together is a three piece a la Husker Du.  They rock like any punk three piece needs to.  And his current drummer?  From Superchunk (“Slack Motherf….er” and “Skip Steps 1 and 3”); another fave that I saw at Coachella most recently (a banner day also included Frank Turner, Toy Dolls, and Motorhead).  Bob Mould has a new album out and is doing a solo tour but I hope he brings his band and plays some Husker Du.