Photos: Riot Fest 2015 @ Downsview Park

This years Riot Fest was intense to say the least. Unfortunately I was only there for Day 1, but just one day alone was enough for this fest to take the cake of ‘best summer festival to hit Toronto’ (my opinion of course). As Alexisonfire announced their official reunion in the slop pile that was Downsview Park I was pulling my back out carrying way too much photo gear running through the trenches. Yup, I put myself out of commission for Day 2, but acts like Twin River, Moneen, Eagles of Death Metal, Cancer Bats, Thrice, The Dirty Nil and of course Alexisonfire made my one day stint epic.

The big moment of this years Riot Fest was obviously Alexisonfire. These hometown heros brought their last of seven shows to close at Downsview Park but… not for long. Near the end of their set Wade McNeil (guitarist) announced whole-heartedly that they are officially back:

“Thank you for sticking with us. We promise to never leave you again. No more sentimental shit. Alexisonfire is officially back.” 

We’re stoked and so should you be. This is big. Bigger than big. It’s fucking fantastic. The announcement shook North America with an earthquake and we’re still feeling the tremors from. I can’t wait to see what’s in store from these dudes.

Check out all of our photos from Day 1 of Riot Fest below and stay put for big announcements coming out of the AOF camp... BTW will keep you posted.

Words / Photography by: Steve St. Jean