It’s always interesting going to not only a new venue but also seeing a couple of bands that you have very limited knowledge of. Well on Saturday night in Tampa, both of those situations were in play as Beast in Black headlined the new Orpheum with Dance With the Dead as the opening act.
I also wasn’t very sure what size the crowd would be but the venue moved the bands from the smaller inside stage area to the outside larger stage which was definitely needed as the place was packed. It was a great move by the manager as it was a beautiful night in Tampa with the weather finally shifting from the African heat that we have had all summer down here.
What was really surprising though was the number of girls in the crowd especially at the rail. This was a huge difference from what you normally see at a hard rock or metal show and there were also a few interesting characters in attendance, but I’ll get to that later.
Dance With the Dead opened the show and I’m glad I made it to cover them as they were really cool blending hard rock and metal with synch pop sounds. While I was listening to them, multiple band influences for them popped into my head including Satriani, Dream Theatre, and Dragonforce but they also took me back to my days in the rave scene with their beats etc.
I would refer to their sound as Rave Metal and as I watched the crowd throughout their 45-minute plus 14-song set, the fans were bouncing around and head-banging in unison with smiles on their faces.
I was also surprised to find out that Dance With The Dead has been around for 10 years and the duo of Tony Kim on guitar and Justin Pointer on keys and a killer green guitar were joined on this tour by a slamming drummer in John Terry.
Even though the band does not have a singer as there aren’t any lyrics in their songs, the music did not get stale or repetitive during their set.
The crowd and I were super impressed with their songs and ability, and I personally would go see this band again as a fan or cover them from a media capacity as they are that good at the sounds they are creating.
After a short break, Finnish metallers Beast in Black took the stage joined by two female naked mannequins cut at the torso in half in large glowing science experiment tubes. These were some of the coolest stage effects that I have seen in a long time, especially from a band who are doing a club tour in the States as moving them around must be a chore and a half.
The five-piece hit the stage in full metal regalia with leather jackets, trench coats, boots with spikes etc and thankfully for them a cool breeze flowed throughout the outside stage area.
Drummer Atte Palokangas jumped on his Tama kit between the two domed mannequins and had a huge smile on his face throughout the 19-song, 90-plus minute set.
Guitarists Kasperi Heikkinen and Anton Kabenon then joined him and bassist Mate Molnar with the latter having one of the coolest bass guitars I have ever seen.
Vocalist Yannis Papadopoulos strode on stage as the band opened with “Blade Runner” from their 2021 release Dark Connection. All three guitarists were together multiple times during the song and throughout the night bouncing back and forth and thrashing their head in synch ala Tipton, Hill and Downing from Judas Priest.
As the set continued on with “Eternal Fire” and “Die By The Blade” it was evident that Papadopoulos is a complete vocal specimen. His range was fantastic and was able to drop down octaves and then hit screams that only Geoff Tate and a few others could hit in their youth. His stage command and presence were engaging and extremely professional.
What really caught my attention though was the fans not only in the crowd but especially on the rail as they knew the words to every song and I mean everyone, especially the 20 or so girls on the rail. They bounced, thrashed, and sang all night long. It was super impressive, and their smiles were infectious to the rest of the band members.
Heikkinen and Molnar made faces at me in the photo pit and hammed it up to the camera and the fans more than any band I have seen in the 35 years of going to concerts and it looked to me like they were having a blast.
They moved through the set quickly limiting the banter between them and the fans but as the first of the three-song encore in “Cry Out For A Hero” concluded Papadopoulos asked the crowd if they wanted to go to a different country with them tonight. The crowd responded with a huge response of screams of affirmations as Papadopoulos said he was taking them out for “One Night In Tokyo.”
One of the more interesting fans in attendance took an Asian folding fan and started fanning Papadopoulos and Kabanan all the while having a full orange space suit on including a helmet. Another first time event that happened at Saturday Night’s Beast in Black show.
The white helmet had signatures all over it from various bands and EDM performers and Ian was super stoked when the band signed it for him directly after the set.
After concluding their set with “End Of The World” the band and tour manager Sam Chilli took their bows and departed the stage. It was the second time Chilli joined the band as she came out and played a keytar during “Krazy, Mad, Insane.
Saturday night at the Orpheum was a trifecta of success as the venue and both bands now have new fans especially the author of this article as I would definitely go see a show there and check out Beast in Black and Dance With The Dead again.
While the US tour has concluded, Beast in Black is back in full swing with tour dates all over Europe with Glory Hammer and Dance With the Dead will be back on the road soon
Saturday, July 15:
Saturday’ weather was a little hotter than Friday’s, mostly due to full sun, but luckily, a nice breeze again made things tolerable. Saturday’s diverse lineup seemed to have something for everybody and hopefully everyone had their walking shoes on as it was a back and forth kind of Saturday.
Black Map got things started early on Saturday and was the first highlight of an action-packed lineup by playing songs from their 2017 release In Droves. Black Map’s first single from the San Francisco three piece “Run Rabbit Run,” has charted at #31 on the U.S. Mainstream rock charts and it’s easy to understand why. Driving guitar and bass rhythms with vocals that you can understand and relate too, really distinguished them from the other two early bands: Cane Hill and Pig Destroyer.
Speaking of Pig Destroyer, they brought their die-hard fans with them as some dressed in pig costumes and even hit the skies with the crowd surfing Jesus in tow. As Pig Destroyer finished up, Saturday’s initial crowd buzz came from the rail as thrash legends Metal Church took the stage.
The band is out on tour in support of 2016’s XI. Vocalist Mike Howe returned to the band in 2014 after a 20 year hiatus but Howe and the band sounded amazing, even with a few technical problems with Howe’s microphone. Metal Church opened up with a resounding performance of “Faith Healer” and another in ” Badlands.”
With a bunch of festival dates in Europe and a stop at Prog Power in Atlanta in September, Metal Church looks to kick start their career once more during this thrash revival that’s going on right now.
Dragonforce is another Prog Power band that was on this year’s Open Air Lineup. The power metal band from London with new vocalist Marc Hudson provided the crowd in Chicago with the opportunity to check out Dragonforce’s version of “Nintendo metal” as guitarist Herman Li once described it.
Out in support of Reaching into Infinity, Dragonforce performed its recent single “Ashes of the Dawn” and also its version of the Johnny Cash classic “Ring Of Fire.” Dragonforce concluded its set with its Guitar Hero monster smash, “Through the Fire and Flames.”
After Dragonforce, Mushroomhead were next on the BlackCraft Whiskey side stage and the two bands couldn’t be further apart in musical style and technique. Give Mushroomhead credit as their live performances are as memorable as they have been since their inception in 1993. Mushroomhead’s incorporation of the water on the lighted drums during their show was visually appealing and memorable as was their version of “”When Doves Cry/Among the Crows” which concluded their set.
Avatar, always a crowd favorite, opened its set with “Feel the Apocalypse,” and got everybody moving with “Let it Burn” and closed with “Smells Like a Freakshow.” This wasn’t my first time seeing Avatar, and I have to admit, I miss the freakshow.
Avatar usually travels with its very own freak show with sword swallowing ladies and a man with nothing below his belly button. It’s a sight to see but due to time constraints of a festival, it’s impossible for them to put on their complete show. In any event, the boys from Sweden put on a great performance as usual and I’m sure they picked up a few new fans along the way.
SiruisXM’s Jose Mangin, and MTV’s Rikki Rachman got the crowd pumped before introducing Ice-T’s Body Count. Body Count rocked the block and got the crowd charged up by covering Slayer’s “Raining Blood” which led into “Bowels of the Devil” and then Ice-T introduced the band and said that he’s no longer Ice-T. He is now ” Ice Mother Fucking-T Bitch.”
Ice-T got the pits churning during “There Goes The Neighborhood” with bassist Vincent Price getting hurt and then coming back to perform in a wheelchair. Founding member Ernie C was once again with Body Count, along with a new member joining the band , Ice-T’s son, Little Ice, who provided backup vocals.
Next up were the dirty old men, known as Steel Panther. If you have never seen this band before, I guess you could describe them as a cliché 1980’s hair band, with lyrics that would make Weird Al blush. These guys are truly dirty mother effers.
Steel Panthers’ inappropriate setlist included: “Fat Girl (Thar She Blows)”, “Poontang Boomerang” and “Gloryhole.” These guys are always good for a cheap laugh, the trick is to not take things so seriously. Steel Panthers was a perfect band to get us ready for the funk.
And who brought the funk? That would be the one and only, Clutch and they brought their fans with them. Across the front rail of the BlackCraft side stage, Clutch fans got pumped up for their favorite band.
Clutch and frontman Neil Fallon are truly a special breed. No bells or whistles, no costumes, just four individual guys uniting as one to develop their own distinct sound and it has paid off in spades. Out again on this year’s festival circuit and in support of Psychic Warfare, Clutch performed an 11 song set highlighted by “Sucker For The Witch,””A Quick Death in Texas,” and “X-Ray Visions.”
Back to the Monster Energy Main Stage as Seether, the boys from South Africa were out in support of Poison the Parrish, came on just when the afternoon started to cool down. Seether opened up with “Gasoline” and kept the fire burning with “Rise Above This,” and “Nobody’s Praying for Me. Sevendust’s Clint Lowery, is still touring with the band, and he fits in perfectly. Lowery not only is a first rate guitar player, his backup vocals are an asset to any band.
Apparently Shaun Morgan broke his foot, and was wearing the dreaded boot (trust me, it sucks). He stated that it was weird, “Like wearing your dad’s work boots when you were a kid.” Unfortunately the band suffered through some annoying technical difficulties, but they were good sports about it and played a ten song set list, which ended with its hits, “Fake It” and “Remedy.”
Godsmack was up next, and their first order of business was to ask the women of Chicago to get up on their men’s shoulders, saying “All I see are ugly goatees and bald heads.” I think there was a mention of shirts being optional. After frontman Sully Erna declared his love for everything Chicago, Godsmack opened up with “Whatever” followed by “1000hp.”
You couldn’t have asked for a better set time, playing “Cryin Like a Bitch,” and The Beatles cover, “Come Together,” as the sun set. Vocalist Sully Erna and Shannon Larkin both got behind drum kits and battled in front of the packed stadium. Godsmack always puts on an awesome show, but I guess it’s a little hard not to when all your band does is put out hit after hit.
Jose Mangin, Octane and Liquid Metal DJ, got the crowd primed for Korn, telling the crowd about the first time he took his kid to a Korn show and took a huge audience photo while turned around on stage. It may be the sickest selfie ever!
Korn closed out Saturday night’s festivities in true Korn fashion. They took us all the way back with “Falling Away From Me” “Twist” and “Shoots and Ladders,” and played its latest hits, “Rotting In Vain” and “Coming Undone.” Korn treated the crowd to a fifteen song set list, plenty of fog and a lot of bagpipes. These guys have been around since 1994, and they don’t show any signs of slowing down. Jonathan Davis’ voice is remarkable, especially when you consider his vocal style. It was a great way to end the awesome “variety” day of music.
How would the final day of the festival compare to the rest? Enquiring minds want to know. Check out our coverage on Day 3 of the 2017 Chicago Open Air Festival:
There wasn’t any rest for the weary on Sunday as some of the heaviest bands of the weekend played on day three of the second annual Chicago Open Air Festival at Toyota Park. Headlining Sunday’s lineup was Ozzy Osbourne with Zakk Wylde, thrash metal titans Slayer, Stone Sour and Lamb of God.
Once again the weather gods blessed the semi-packed stadium throughout the day as the scheduled rain never made an appearance, allowing the crowd to remain high and dry. High because the smell of weed was stronger on Sunday than it was on the previous two days, and because, once again, the crowd surfing was at a level that I’ve never seen before.
Sunday’s minor league schedule got started with Boston’s extreme metal group Aversed followed by a new player on Sirius/XM’s regular rotation, DED. All the members in DED wore white contacts during and after their show and got the crowd into their set with their hit “Anti-Everything.” Their sound incorporates various tones that could be described as a cross between bands like Korn, Motionless in White and Hollywood Undead.
Demon Hunter, DevilDriver and Norma Jean all brought the moshers back into the pit as most of the attendees traveled from the Monster Energy Main Stage to the Blackcraft Whiskey Side Stage.
Sunday’s lineup really got going when HELLYEAH took the main stage around 2:30, and drummer Vinnie Paul rose up from behind his kit and blood soaked vocalist Chad Gray screamed the lyrics to “X” and “Demons in the Dirt.” Gray followed up by telling the fans in the stands to “always be the flame and never the moth” prior to playing one of their biggest hit of their career, “Moth.” They concluded their set with their cover of the Phil Collins classic “I Don’t Care Anymore” and “HELLYEAH!”
Sirius/XM’s Jose Mangin hit the BlackCraft SideStage once again to introduce his close friends in the L.A. based 3 piece, KYNG. KYNG differentiated themselves from the other bands of the weekend with what some may call “stoner-metal.” Their sound is reminiscent of Queens of the Stone Age and the Eagles of Death Metal, with more of a classic metal feel.
Highlights from their set included “Electric Halo” and Pristine Warning.” KYNG also gave the side stage crowd a much needed body recovery break as Behemoth and Slayer were coming up soon.
As KYNG wrapped up their set, Sweden’s Amon Amarth finished up their massive stage setup on the Monster Energy Main Stage. The dragon headed Viking ship or Lofotr, breathed smoke and adorned the center of the stage with the drum kit set behind its neck.
As pyro pots exploded from the sides of the beast, vocalist Johan Hegg commanded his shipmates through a 9 song melodic death metal set featuring “The Pursuit of Vikings” and “Deceiver of the Gods.” During the finale “Twilight of The Thunder God,” the kids in the pit physically got on the ground and rowed like they were fighting the waves of the Black Seas. It was one of the most memorable moments of the weekend.
Three of the next four bands on Sunday’s schedule are touring together this summer as Behemoth, Lamb of God and Slayer will be coming to a town near you. Behemoth, the extreme metal band from Poland, were formed in 1991 and have been active and very controversial in Europe since then, as some state that the band promotes Satanism and murder.
Vocalist, guitarist and original member Nergal, commanded the crowd during “Conquer All” “Messe Noire” and “Alas, Lord is Upon Me” and rose into the crowd with help from the fans and security. Behemoth provided a “prelude to madness” as Lamb of God was next.
The energizer bunny a/k/s Randy Blythe, with bassist John Campbell, drummer Chris Adler, and guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler, affectionately known as Lamb Of God, crushed Toyota Park on Sunday.
Lamb Of God opened with “Laid to Rest” and prior to “Engage the Fear Machine,” Blythe told the crowd not to believe the media and to educate themselves. Blythe also led the crowd into a big Ric Flair, “A WOO!” and performed his epic jumps off the risers and joined the crowd on the other side of the rail.
A funny moment happened during their set as a mom tried to stop the people in the pit from moshing because her kid jumped in. She stuck her arm out like a traffic monitor yelling at the kids to stop. It was the most hilarious moment of the weekend.
A reprieve to the crowd was next as Corey Taylor and Stone Sour donned the Monster Energy Stage. Yes, Stone Sour is heavy at times but also softer and more melodic than most bands at this year’s Chicago Open Air. One thing for certain is that Corey Taylor is a front man for the ages and some would say a voice for a generation whether he is fronting Stone Sour or Slipknot.
During “30/30-150” and before the ballad “Bother,” the fans started chanting “Fuck Nickleback” prompting Taylor to break into a huge smile. “You guys are fucking insane,” he laughed “Come on! Get it out of your fucking system. Make some fucking noise out there. Beautiful, crazy bitches.” Their set consisted of hits in “Song #3” “Tired” and “Through Glass” and they finished up with their first single of their new album Hydrograd in “Fabuless.”
I learned 2 things at this year’s Open Air: The first one is Chicago is a Slayer kind of town. Out of all the bands at the fest, Slayer received the most pre-set buzz. If the people weren’t already at the side stage for Slayer, a lot of them left for it during Stone Sour.
Kids and their parents were sporting Slayer shirts all weekend. Not just a couple either. It was amazing and Slayer did not disappoint. The thrash legends opted to play on the smaller side stage so that they could setup their whole pyro show. The turnaround time between Stone Sour and Slayer would of restricted their time for the larger setup.
Slayer bludgeoned the crowd with an exhausting 13 song, pit moshing, crowd surfing set consisting of their most recognizable songs. These included “War Ensemble,” South of Heaven” and of course “Angel of Death.” Guitarist Gary Holt fits in perfectly with Kerry King and Tom Araya, and it’s evident that Slayer fans are rabid in their support, no matter who completes the lineup.
The other thing that I learned at the Monster Energy Chicago Open AIr Festival is that the security guards on the rail are the real rock stars. These guys risk life and limb trying to keep the fans safe from themselves and each other. Their sole priority throughout the weekend was the fans, and most of the time, the photographers.
Every 15 seconds someone was being pulled over the rail due to physical and health issues due to drinking and/or crowd surfing. I also witnessed the EMT’s helping out hundreds of fans after they were wheeled out after being lifted over. This is not an exaggeration, it was an extremely high number and the weather wasn’t a factor. Big props to Danny Wimmer Presents for aligning themselves with the right security people.
Back over at the Monster Energy Stage, chants of “Ozzy, “Ozzy!” roared from the impatient crowd gathered around Toyota Park. Questions were abundant and were centered around Ozzy’s health and his voice and if this is the last time that the fans in Chicago would have the chance to see him live. Well the questions were answered early as Ozzy opened up with a howling rendition of “Bark at the Moon.” Ozzy looked and sounded great throughout the show and Zakk and his band mates were always there to provide Ozzy a break and audio and visual support.
At one point Zakk went into the center catwalk directly next to the fans and did a three minute solo on Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.” Ozzy played a total of 4 Sabbath songs, including “Iron Man” and the encore show closer, “Paranoid.”
The rest of the set was a hit show from Ozzy’s solo material including, ” Shot in the Dark” “No More Tears” and of course, ” Crazy Train”. Other than the obvious use of the teleprompter, Ozzy put on a great show and it seems like he definitely doesn’t wanna stop.
Clay Busch, Danny Wimmer Presents’ Vice President of Marketing, stated, “After the incredible debut of the Chicago Open Air festival in 2016, we knew we had to come back even bigger and better in 2017. We have our great heavy metal family in the Chicago area to thank for welcoming us back so strongly and showing us there is a community of fans here that enjoys coming together in the spirit of music. We look forward to building on that relationship in the years to come and solidifying Chicago Open Air as America’s greatest heavy metal experience.”
Finally, I want to thank the organizers: Danny Wimmer Presents, LiveNation, Chicago’s Finest for doing a great job under tough conditions, and Chicago Open Air’s sponsors: Monster, FYE, F*ck Cancer, Razor & Tie, and Jack Daniel’s, just to name a few.
I would especially like to thank the 70,000 fans for coming out to the festival throughout the weekend. They have been supporting the music they love for years without any kind of support from the local terrestrial Chicago radio stations. With festivals like Chicago Open Air, hopefully your voices and your demand for hard rock radio will be met sooner than later.
One thing is for sure, your voices were heard loud and clear and will be heard once again in 2018 at the 3rd Annual Chicago Open Air Festival at Toyota Park.
FRIDAY, JULY 14, SATURDAY, JULY 15 AND SUNDAY, JULY 16
AT TOYOTA PARK IN BRIDGEVIEW, IL
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, JANUARY 20
Gene Simmons (photo: Frank Colucci)
The second annual Chicago Open Air will bring together an all-star lineup of rock’s top artists on Friday, July 14, Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16 at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, IL, just outside Chicago. The three-day music, craft beer and Gourmet Man Food festival will feature over 40 performances, including legendary rock artists Ozzy Osbourne, KISS, and Korn, along with Rob Zombie, Slayer,Godsmack, Stone Sour, Megadeth, Lamb Of God, Seether, Meshuggah, Anthrax,Clutch, Body Count, and many more.
Tickets for Chicago Open Air go on sale Friday, January 20 at Noon CT at www.ChicagoOpenAir.com.
In addition to three days of nonstop rock, Chicago Open Air’s celebration of everything loud will also include Gourmet Man Food featuring local and regional cuisine, the Headbangers Bier Hall highlighting top brews from the region, other entertainment and fan experiences, and will be hosted by SiriusXM’s Jose Mangin. The weekend gets started with The Chicago Open Air Kick Off Fiesta (details to be announced in February) and the official Chicago Open Air Pre-Party at Concord Music Hall on Thursday, July 13.
ROB ZOMBIE (photo by Travis Failey / RSEN)
The daily band lineup (subject to change) is as follows:
Friday, July 14: KISS, Rob Zombie, Megadeth, Anthrax, Meshuggah, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Falling In Reverse, Vimic, Suicide Silence, Whitechapel, Crobot, Code Orange, Hell or Highwater, Failure Anthem
Saturday, July 15: Korn, Godsmack, Seether, Clutch, Steel Panther, Body Count, Avatar, Mushroomhead, Metal Church, Pig Destroyer, Dragonforce, Cane Hill, Night Verses, Black Map
Sunday, July 16: Ozzy Osbourne, Slayer, Stone Sour, Lamb Of God, Amon Amarth, Behemoth, Hellyeah, Demon Hunter, DevilDriver, KYNG, Norma Jean, Whores., DED
Jonathan Davis – KORN (TRAVIS FAILEY PHOTO)
Here’s what some of Chicago Open Air’s top artists have to say about playing the festival:
Corey Taylor, Stone Sour: “We are beyond stoked to be a part of Chicago Open Air this year. If you’ve never seen Stone Sour before, you’re in for a goddamn treat. If you HAVE seen Stone Sour before, forget what you’re expecting. It’s a whole new ballgame. See you all soon!” (Travis Failey /RSEN)
Dave Mustaine, Megadeth: “This year’s Chicago Open Air festival is going to kick so much ass! I mean, KISS, Megadeth, Anthrax, and Rob Zombie?! If I wasn’t playing, I would want to go just to be part of the party!! (Photo-Travis Failey)
Randy Blythe, Lamb Of God: “Wassup Chicago! We’re stoked to be playing the Chicago Open Air this year. It’ll be nice to be outside in Illinois for a change, especially since it won’t be 10 below, haha. So come on out and bring your baggies, bikinis and suntan lotion, and surfboards (ok, so you can leave the surfboards at home). See ya there!” (Travis Failey / RSEN)
Danny Wimmer, Founder of Danny Wimmer Presents said, “Walking through the site last year, I saw people from all over the world. Different ages, different races – people celebrating rock culture. When curating the 2017 version of Chicago Open Air, we wanted to find that balance for everyone who attends the festival. From iconic artists like Ozzy, KISS, Korn and Slayer to Rob Zombie, Godsmack and Stone Sour to Amon Amarth, Meshuggah and Behemoth. If you are a rock fan, this is a must see experience.”
“Rock is clearly alive and well in Chicagoland, and year two of Chicago Open Air promises to build on where we left off in creating one of America’s best destination hard rock festivals,” said Jason Wright, Live Nation’s Midwest President.
Tickets are priced as follows:
3-day General Admission Field: starting at $209.50
3-day General Admission Bowl: starting at $119.50
3-day VIP: starting at $425.00
Single Day General Admission Bowl: starting at $50.00
Joey Belladonna – Anthrax (RSEN PHOTO)
All VIP tickets include: VIP entrance lanes into the event, access to a VIP lounge area featuring dedicated food and beverage offerings (for additional purchase), field and stadium level viewing areas of the main stage, dedicated restroom facilities, and a commemorative Chicago Open Air VIP-only laminate.
No Service Fee tickets will be available at the Chicago Open Air Official Pop-Up Party at Kuma’s Corner downtown (666 W. Diversey Pkwy., Chicago) on Friday, January 20, starting at Noon. In addition, all three Chicago-area Kuma’s locations (http://www.kumascorner.com/locations.html) will be selling No Service Fee tickets and exclusive Chicago Open Air / Kuma’s merchandise.
Discounted hotel rates are also available through Curadora. Visit www.ChicagoOpenAir.com for details.
Here’s a preliminary list of Chicago Open Air special events, Gourmet Man Food and craft beer partners, as well as onsite experiences and nonprofit organizations with a presence at Chicago Open Air:
Chicago Open Air Kick Off Fiesta, hosted by Jose Mangin: Kick off the Chicago Open Air weekend with this fiesta. This intimate dinner will be hosted by SiriusXM’s Liquid Metal DJ Jose Mangin. The menu and more information will be announced in the coming weeks.
Chicago Open Air Official Pre-Party & After-Show Events: The official Chicago Open Air Pre-Party will be held at Concord Music Hall on Thursday, July 13. Bands and more details will be announced soon. In addition, official after-show events will be held at Double Door on Friday, The Metro on Saturday, and the official afterparty will be at House of Blues in Chicago on Sunday.
Gourmet Man Food: The initial Gourmet Man Food lineup includes selections from Chicago favorites such as: Bruges Brothers, Chicago Doghouse, Crème of the Crop, Dia De Los Tamales, Dinky’s Donuts, Kuma’s Corner, Pizano’s (Chicago deep dish), and Yum Dum. Additional Gourmet Man Food vendors from around the country will include: Aporkalypse Now, BBD’s Restaurant, Ben’s Burrito Bowl, Cheeze Louise, Cravin’ Cajun,Master of Patties, Ollie’s Tots, Pie Baby (wood-fired pizza), Sweet Pete’s, and The Big Cheesy.
Headbangers Bier Hall: This unique METAL themed dive bar is returning to Chicago Open Air. Headbangers Bier Hall will feature national and regional craft beers and artist inspired beverages including: Goose Island (Chicago – 312 Urban Wheat Ale, Four Star Pils), Half Acre Beer Company (Chicago – Daisy Cutter Pale Ale, Vallejo IPA, Pony Pilsner), Iron Maiden’s Trooper Beer, Lagunitas (Petaluma, CA – IPA, A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’), Motörhead Wine, Revolution Brewing (Chicago – Fist City, Rev Pils), Surly (Minneapolis – Surly Hell Lager, Surly Furious IPA), Two Brothers Brewing (Chicago – Sidekick Extra Pale Ale, Dog Days Dortmunder Style Lager), and more to be announced. Look for unique experiences throughout the weekend.
DALE STEWART – SEETHER (photo Travis Failey / RSEN)
Monster Energy Experience: Fueling the festival experience with energy, the Monster Energy Experience offers free Monster drink samples and artist signings. Stop by the Monster Energy Experience and get energized for Chicago Open Air!
Kuma’s Corner: Kuma’s Corner will be returning to serve their signature metal themed burgers.
The Music Experience: The Music Experience features all the elements that are involved in making music in a professional band setting. The interactive exhibit features guitars, basses, amps, drums, keyboards, and electronic gear that are used by today’s most popular bands. After laying your hands on the hottest equipment available, you will walk away feeling like a rock star and you may even see one there, too! Come and meet your favorite band members from the festival at the Music Experience Tent. You can win free amps, free guitars and get tons of other free stuff, as well.
FYE Fan Experience: FYE will be hosting the ultimate fan and artist interactive experiences throughout the festival! FYE is the only place at the festival to get your favorite band’s music, and maybe even get to meet your favorite Chicago Open Air performer!
Fxck Cancer / Dyin 2 Live: The Dyin 2 Live Dreams program is a wish-granting organization whose purpose is to try and enrich the lives of those fighting cancer by offering them an experience that will bring hope and inspiration to their lives. In doing this, we hope it can help give them a chance to forget, even if it’s only for a day. Through our extensive network of friends, supporters, and affiliates, we are able to reach out to individuals and present them with one of a kind experiences and opportunities that arise. We feel a Dyin 2 Live Dream can offer a source of inspiration for those undergoing difficult medical treatments and be a positive force that offers a life-changing impact not only for them, but also the family to overcome their obstacles. If you are currently fighting cancer or know of someone in the fight who could benefit from a Dyin 2 Live Dream, please submit your story and tell us why and how a Dyin 2 Live day would help. Also, anyone interested in being a supporter, volunteer or donor, please contact us at mywish@dyin2live.org.
Take Me Home: Take Me Home (TMH) has been saving the lives of homeless animals since 2001. TMH was founded as an animal rights advocacy foundation saving orphaned animals and striving to end animal overpopulation. TMH works in conjunction with shelters and rescues throughout California and beyond to help save animals on death row, on the streets, or in unsafe living conditions. Stop by their booth for custom gear and contribute to a great cause.
Chicago Open Air is produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, Live Nation, and Toyota Park, with the support of the Village of Bridgeview and Bridgeview Mayor Steven Landek.
Chicago Open Air is fueled by Monster Energy. Additional 2017 sponsors include: Jack Daniel’s, FYE, The Music Experience, Fxck Cancer, Take Me Home, Soho Concessions and more.
Vocalist, guitarist and original member Nergal, commanded the crowd during “Conquer All” “Messe Noire” and “Alas, Lord is Upon Me” and rose into the crowd with help from the fans and security. Behemoth provided a “prelude to madness” as Lamb of God was next.
