The Ultimate Guide To Rise Against's Chicago Homecoming: New Album, Tour Dates, And The 'Ricochet' Era
The Chicago punk rock legends, Rise Against, are set for a massive homecoming in 2025, bringing with them a brand-new album and two highly-anticipated events for their loyal fanbase. As of today, December 19, 2025, the most crucial dates for fans are the album release event in the city proper and a major co-headlining concert in the greater Chicago area, solidifying their status as true hometown heroes. This article breaks down everything you need to know about the band's latest chapter, the new music, and how to catch them live in the place where it all began.
The anticipation is at an all-time high following the announcement of their tenth studio album, Ricochet, which will be the centerpiece of their 2025 activities. The band, known for their politically charged and anthemic melodic hardcore, is preparing to deliver a fresh wave of energy and activism to the stage, starting right here in the Windy City.
Rise Against: The Chicago Heroes' Biography and Current Lineup
Formed in 1999, Rise Against quickly became a cornerstone of the Chicago punk scene, blending the urgency of hardcore with the melodic sensibility of alternative rock. Their commitment to social and political causes, including their vocal support for PETA and various environmental and human rights issues, has made them one of the most respected bands in the genre. Their deep roots in Chicago are celebrated annually, with Mayor Lori Lightfoot having previously proclaimed June 4th as "Rise Against Day" in the city.
The band’s current, long-standing lineup consists of:
- Tim McIlrath: Vocals, Rhythm Guitar (Founding Member and Primary Lyricist)
- Joe Principe: Bass (Founding Member)
- Zach Blair: Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals (Joined 2007)
- Brandon Barnes: Drums (Joined 2000)
This quartet has been the driving force behind their most commercially successful and critically acclaimed albums, including The Sufferer & The Witness, Appeal to Reason, and Endgame, leading up to their latest work, Nowhere Generation, and the upcoming Ricochet.
The Two Must-See Rise Against Chicago Events in 2025
Fans in the Midwest have two distinct opportunities to engage with Rise Against in 2025, offering a mix of intimate interaction and massive concert energy. Both events are centered around the release of their new album, Ricochet, which is set to drop on August 15, 2025, via Loma Vista Recordings.
1. The 'Ricochet' Album Release Event and Signing
The most exclusive event is a true Chicago homecoming, focusing on the new record. This is a rare chance to meet the members of Rise Against in a more personal setting.
- Event: Album Release Event (Signing Only)
- Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025
- Venue: Loud Pizza Records Carry-Out, Chicago, IL
- Details: This event is specifically for fans to get their copies of the new album, Ricochet, signed by the band. Given the band’s popularity and the intimate venue size, securing a spot for this signing will be highly competitive. It marks a significant return to the city proper to celebrate their tenth studio album.
2. The 'Rise of the Roach Tour' Concert
For the full, explosive live experience, Rise Against will be co-headlining a major tour stop just outside the city.
- Tour: The "Rise of the Roach Tour" (Co-headlining with Papa Roach)
- Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
- Venue: Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL
- Opening Acts: The tour often features a dynamic supporting lineup, which for this leg, includes Underoath, promising a stacked night of high-energy rock.
The Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre (formerly known as Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre) is a massive outdoor venue that will see thousands of fans experience the powerful combination of Rise Against's melodic hardcore and Papa Roach's nu-metal anthems. This show is expected to feature a heavy rotation of tracks from the new Ricochet album, alongside fan favorites like "Savior," "Prayer of the Refugee," and "Re-Education Through Labor."
The 'Ricochet' Era: What to Expect from the New Album and Setlist
The release of Ricochet on August 15, 2025, is a major event for the band and its followers. The album is their first since 2021’s Nowhere Generation, and early reports suggest a return to their signature politically charged themes mixed with personal introspection.
Anticipated Setlist Deep Dive
Rise Against's live shows are famous for their relentless energy, circle pits, and Tim McIlrath's powerful, soaring vocals. For the "Rise of the Roach Tour," the setlist is expected to be a career-spanning celebration, but with a clear emphasis on the new material. Fans should prepare for:
- New Album Focus: Expect at least 3-5 tracks from Ricochet to be integrated into the setlist, giving concert-goers the first live taste of the new era.
- Essential Anthems: No Rise Against show is complete without the band's biggest hits. Songs like "Give It All," "Help Is on the Way," and "The Good Left Undone" are almost guaranteed to be included.
- Hometown Deep Cuts: Given their Chicago connection, there’s always a chance for a special, rare track. During a recent multi-night residency at the Metro Chicago, the band played three completely unique setlists, proving their willingness to dig deep into their discography for their hometown crowd.
The Live Experience: More Than Just Music
A Rise Against show is more than just a concert; it's a communal, sweaty, and passionate experience. Reviews of their recent Chicago performances, including a sold-out show at the Salt Shed, consistently praise the sheer power and decibel level of their performance. The band's ability to connect with the audience on a deeply emotional and political level is what sets them apart, turning a large amphitheater into a unified, activist-driven space.
The co-headlining format with Papa Roach means fans will get two full, high-production sets. Rise Against’s set is likely to be a high-octane display of melodic hardcore, featuring Zach Blair's blistering guitar work, Joe Principe's solid bass lines, and the tight drumming of Brandon Barnes, all anchored by McIlrath's charismatic stage presence.
Entities and LSI Keywords for Topical Authority
To fully understand the context of the Rise Against concert Chicago experience, it is helpful to be familiar with the key entities and concepts that define the band and their connection to the city. These elements provide topical authority and enrich the overall fan experience:
- Albums: Siren Song of the Counter Culture, The Sufferer & The Witness, Appeal to Reason, Endgame, Wolves, Nowhere Generation, and Ricochet.
- Venues: Metro Chicago, Salt Shed, Aragon Ballroom, Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre (Tinley Park), Loud Pizza Records.
- Themes/Genres: Melodic Hardcore, Political Punk, Punk Rock, Social Activism, PETA, Straight Edge.
- Tours/Events: Rise of the Roach Tour, Riot Fest, Rise Against Day.
- Personnel: Tim McIlrath, Joe Principe, Zach Blair, Brandon Barnes, Producer Bill Stevenson, Producer Catherine Marks.
With a new album on the horizon and two major events—a concert and a signing—scheduled for the Chicago area in 2025, Rise Against is proving that their commitment to their hometown and their music is as strong as ever. Whether you are seeking the intimate atmosphere of the album signing or the electric energy of the amphitheater show, the 'Ricochet' era promises to be an unmissable chapter for any fan of the Chicago punk rock legends.
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