Riot Fest Day 3

Day 3 wasn't quite as awesome as Day 2, but it was still a pretty darn good time.  I got there earlier than planned, so I was able to catch Kurt Vile and the Violaters. His set started out fairly mellow.  It was a great way to start the last day of Riot.  His set picked up the pace as he went along.  There were definitely some cool rock guitar riffs in there.  That was a unique combination with his almost Dylaneque voice.  His hair was long and in his face, I couldn't help but wonder if he was hiding it. All-in-all I enjoyed his set, but I don't know if I'd see him on his own.

Billy Bragg was next!  I enjoyed him a lot.  When I say I enjoyed him, I mean him. He was the only one on stage.  He seemed to have a thick Irish accent, although I have since discovered he is British. His music almost seemed to be a mix of Irish folk and The Clash.  It was a really cool and unique combination. He had a great sense of humor as well.  He joked about how he like a certain tea a lot, called Throat Coater.   Billy claimed it was suppose to make you sing better, and Morrissey was the one that recommended it to him. He was the only one to get political, up until this point.  He talked a fair amount about Scotland's vote for independence that is coming up this Friday.  He was very supportive of it, and down on the British government. He was really great, and I would love to see him again.

Patti smith was next.  Patti Smith is a goddess!  I had the absolute pleasure of seeing her roughly a year ago.  It was amazing!  I was definitely looking forward to seeing her again.  I watched part of her set from the Ferris Wheel.  It was really cook to see the crowd from that view.  Patti was amazing!  I feel there's a little lost in translation from seeing her at a fest, though.  She also got political.  You can find her Riot Rant on YouTube.  With these turbulent political times, she played "People have the Power" She also dedicated "Because the Night" to her late husband Fred Smith, of MC5 fame.  It was his birthday.  I don't know what else I could possible say about this amazing lady. No words could do Patti justice.  You MUST see her if you get the chance.

There were some great headliners that night at Riot.  I choose The Cure, naturally.  First, Robert Smith looked better than I had expected.  He didn't look as puffy as he has in some recent pictures.  They were amazing.  They played all their hits and then some.  They played for over two hours.   There was just such a cool vibe.  Everyone seemed to be enjoying it, and having a good time.  Robert Smith even attempted to dance a bit, which was adorable.  His dancing seemed almost zombie-like.  I never would have thought to put The Cure on my concert bucketlist, but I am so glad I got to see them.  It was a great way to close out Riot Fest.  Even though I didn't get to dance with Iggy Pop this year, this may have been the best Riot Fest yet!