Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The road to Rise Against’s “Nowhere Generation” Tour kicked off right here in Chicago at a Reckless Records in-store for just 50 lucky fans and has since made its way around many of America’s amphitheaters.

However, it’s only fitting to have it wrap-up right where it began as the local heroes returned to their regular stomping grounds of Huntington Bank Pavilion At Northerly Island with several thousand of their closest friends outdoors and overlooking the stunning Chicago skyline.

Believe it or not, it’s been 20 years since the group released “The Unraveling,” which meant there was a considerable chunk of material to display beyond the current collection.

From the opening riff of “The Numbers,” Rise Against came across with the utmost explosiveness, which is a trend that would only escalate throughout “Re-Education (Through Labor),” “Satellite” and so many more.

Beyond just the unrelenting aggression, front man Tim McIlrath, guitarist Zach Blair, bassist Joe Principe and drummer Brandon Barnes continued on their quest to enlighten their audience towards socially conscious subjects, ranging from combatting depression to political corruption and injustices of several stripes.

Such substance over endlessly crunchy hooks made the likes of “Broken Dreams, Inc.,” “Nowhere Generation,” “I Don’t Want To Be Here Anymore” and “Prayer Of The Refugee” that much more vital, while the home town crowd only added to the connectivity.

Just prior to Rise Against’s performance, hardcore punk veterans Descendents showed the kids how it was done back in the day with plenty of bark left in their equally outspoken bite.

Openers The Menzingers brought along equal parts punk, emo and indie rock with adrenaline-doused delivery that set the tone for the welcome chaos that was to come.

For additional information on Rise Against, visit RiseAgainst.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at Huntington Bank Pavilion At Northerly Island include Greta Van Fleet (Sept. 3); 311 (Sept. 10); Quinn XCII and Chelsea Cutler (Sept. 11); Above & Beyond (Sept. 18) and Alice Cooper with Ace Frehley (Sept. 24). For additional details, visit LiveNation.com.

Related Articles

Dave Matthews Band: “30” Tour at Huntington Bank Pavilion At Northerly Island Reggae-leaning Jason Mraz oozes optimistic vibes with stunning skyline as the backdrop Huntington Bank Pavilion re-opens with DMB joyously crashing into Northerly Island Electronic and classical collide when violin virtuoso Lindsey Stirling lands on Northerly Island Herbie Hancock and Kamasi Washington: “Double Bill” Tour at Huntington Bank Pavilion Jazz giants Herbie Hancock and Kamasi Washington embrace improvisation, collaboration Founder Mick Jones and the current Foreigner mark four decades with “Hot Blooded” hits Jeff Beck, Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company) and Ann Wilson (Heart): “Stars Align” Tour at HB Pavilion