Music | Riot Fest | The National Western Complex | Saturday: Photo Essay

After a tone deafening Friday night, it was another fun filled day of amazing music on Saturday. Our first order of business was covering GWAR, with our lenses and camera protected we were prepared for an onslaught of fake blood and vial explosions of liquids. The band who traditionally is outfitted in full monster costumes came out and never let up. Nice way to set the tone for a full Saturday. Other notable early acts were The Vandals (who doesn't love The Vandals?), Desaparecidos and Joy Formidable. We still remembering catching Joy Formidable at the first Red Bull Sound Select show here in Denver about a year ago.

GWAR was an experience. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

The early evening sets were highlighted by Jesse Hughes and The Eagles of Death Metal as well as legendary ska legends The Mighty Mighty Bosstone's who haven't lost their touch. A rather impressive early evening set by Cold War Kids had the Riot Stage pretty packed. We have had a chance to see the band a handful of times and must say this was one of their best so far. A short break finally gave us a chance to enjoy the carnival atmosphere by indulging in corn dogs and funnel cakes and while witnessing people attempt to prevent from throwing up after getting of the dizzying rides. (Luckily we didn't see anybody)

Desaparecidos rocking out. (Photo Credit: Matt Smith)

The joy of watching Ritzy and A Joy Formidable. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

The evening gave us memorable performances by Alkaline Trio, The Pixies, and Run DMC who brought out all the old school hip hop hits. The Main stage support brough out headliners Modest Mouse and Rancid each paying tribute to an array of hits from each of their catalogs. Rancid played the entire "...And Out Come The Wolves" album garnering a slew of applause and crazy mosh pit. 

Saturday's Best Photos: Robert Castro, Matthew Smith and Liz Whitman