The Effigies at Riot Fest 2025 | Chicago Punk, Evolution & “Heavy-Metal Disco”

We caught up with The Effigies at Riot Fest 2025 to talk Chicago’s first wave, why they “owe more to Black Sabbath than Black Flag,” and how those classic cuts still hit today. Jeff, Paul, and Stevie dig into building a festival set around Forever Grounded, the line that feels even truer now—“We’ll be here tomorrow with what we said today”—and keeping punk’s original ethos of self-expression alive. They reflect on early days with no venues, recent wins (Rebellion Fest, Black Crowes support), honoring bandmate John by creating now, and why the Effigies never fit a box: “Not punk, not metal—heavy-metal disco.” New music is on deck, more touring ahead, and zero prisoners taken. Highlights First-wave Chicago punk → today’s stages Setcraft: album play + fan essentials Outdoors vs. clubs: heat, sweet spots, volume Next: writing a new record & more shows