Short version: Riot Fest poked Local H on Facebook about why the band never plays the fest. Local H fired back — jokingly — telling them to “stop obsessing” and asking if they had “some John Stamos shit to do.” Riot Fest replied with some playful / apologetic replies and a promise not to ask for a backstage pass again.
Why it matters: Local H are a Chicago alt‑rock staple and Riot Fest is one of the city’s biggest multi‑genre fests, so any banter between the two gets noticed. Fans on r/riotfest jumped in to offer the usual theories — radius clauses, scheduling, and the band’s habit of playing plenty of local shows — plus a healthy dose of wishful thinking.
Highlights from the Reddit thread:
– Many pointed to the common “radius clause” theory — festivals sometimes block local shows within a certain distance/time window, which might explain Local H’s spotty fest history.
– Others noted Local H play lots of Chicago shows and even unofficial Riot after‑shows, so it’s probably not availability.
– A few fans hope for a full As Good As Dead set (classic Local H era) and that drummer Joe might even return for a gig.
– Someone joked that Riot Fest is now too big after booking Hanson this year — the usual festival hot takes.
Context if you’re new here: Local H are a two‑piece beloved locally and beyond for loud, high‑energy shows and 90s alt‑rock classics. Riot Fest is a Chicago festival known for mixing punk, rock, hip‑hop and nostalgia acts — and for cheeky social media moments like this one.
Bottom line: This feels like friendly ribbing more than a feud. Whether it’s a booking policy, band preference, or just tradition, fans are still clamoring to get Local H on the Riot stage. Would you want to see them headline a set or play As Good As Dead in full? Drop your takes in the comments.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/RiotFest/comments/1r5up3i/local_hriot_fest_interaction/