A rainy Riot Fest resumes with Morrissey recalling The Smiths, a reunited Sugar and an early end

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Though the gray skies didn’t look like they were going to cooperate, Riot Fest nonetheless roared into the weekend continuing with a massive spread of styles, which between it’s start the day before and what will come on Sunday, September 20, totals nearly 100 artists split throughout five massive stages.

Granted, some of them didn’t get to perform as long as originally scheduled due to potential thunderstorms pushing the entire schedule forward and unfortunately cutting out rapper Afroman completely, but pivoting on the fly is generally part of the deal during enormous outdoor shows.

“In cooperation with our partners from the City of Chicago and out of abundance of caution for the safety of our fans, bands, and staff, Riot Fest will be ending early tonight due to inclement weather,” organizers said in an official statement, directing patrons to socials and its website for updated schedules, then adding, “Sunday’s schedule remains the same.”

Following an introduction, ironically, by famed former WGN meteorologist Tom Skilling, the “Irish Blood, English Heart” of Morrissey did indeed make it through the rain, bringing the brand new solo album “Make-Up Is A Lie” on back to a particularly iconic stretch in the 1980s leading The Smiths.

Even at 67 with countless cancelations for a multitude of reasons, Moz’s inimitable voice was immediately recognizable and sounded remarkably the same, especially when it came to the classics “How Soon Is Now?,” “Shoplifters Of The World Unite” and “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out.”

Influential alternative rock/grunge/jangle pop group Sugar hadn’t been together for exactly three decades, yet original singer/guitarist Bob Mould, bassist David Barbe and drummer Malcolm Travis started making up for lost time with a short but sweet and scorching half-hour set, cramming as much as they could off “Copper Blue,” plus a bit of “Beaster” and “File Under: Easy Listening.”

Ska, punk and power pop lifers Less Than Jake are always a favorite of the festival and the longstanding line-up definitely didn’t disappoint, skanking to the vibrant beats of bops from “Losing Streak” to “Silver Linings.”

In keeping with the event’s tradition of periodically featuring full albums, fellow hardcore punk/ska powerhouses The Suicide Machines blazed intensely through its entire “Destruction By Definition” debut in honor of its 30th anniversary.

“You’re Gonna Need A Little Music” was a fitting title for Yard Act’s latest collection considering many of its post-punk/indie rock rumblings greeted those who arrived shortly after gates opened, living up the buzz that began when the English act brought “The Overload” a few years ago and boldly contributing to another action-packed installment, prior to a climatic (and hopefully dry) conclusion.

Riot Fest continues at Douglass Park through Sunday, September 20. For additional details, visit RiotFest.org.