Chicago

Riot Fest Announces New Headliners After Blink-182 Cancels Tour

On Twitter Thursday, Blink-182 revealed to fans that medical issues sidelined drummer Travis Barker

After Blink-182 unexpectedly canceled its fall tour just days before it was set to begin at Chicago's Riot Fest, the festival has announced that Weezer, Run the Jewels and Taking Back Sunday will join the lineup to replace them. 

On Twitter Thursday, Blink-182 revealed to fans that medical issues sidelined drummer Travis Barker "per doctors' orders." Barker's medical team believed he would be ready for the fall tour but "after recent checkups they were not able to clear him in time for the scheduled run of dates," the band wrote.

In a statement, Barker said the "past few months have just sucked." 

"Unfortunately, the risks associated with drumming are still too great," he said. "I am doing everything I need to do so I can get back on the road as soon as possible." 

The band called Riot Fest "one of our favorite festivals," and said they plan to headline it in 2019 for the fest's 15th anniversary. 

Despite concerns from fans, Riot Fest said the event "is happening next weekend." 

"Thank you for being patient with us, and please know that we have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make the best possible festival experience for our fans," the festival wrote on Facebook Thursday. 

Riot Fest’s remaining lineup features big-name acts like Beck, Elvis Costello & the Imposters, Blondie, Incubus and more.

The performers set to descend on Chicago’s Douglas Park in September will cap off the end of a music-filled summer in the city, following other music fests like Pitchfork and Lollapalooza.

Also among the headliners set to hit the stages at the three-day punk-rock festival are Young the Giant, Interpol, Alkaline Trio, Father John Misty, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dropkick Murphys, Bleachers, Atmosphere, Flogging Molly, Cypress Hill and more.

The festival takes place Sept. 14-16 and tickets are still on sale.

Riot Fest also announced Friday that it plans to host a series of late-night shows, featuring Bad Religion, Lagwagon and the Bouncing Souls. 

Contact Us