With over 70,000 people in attendance over the course of three days at Toyota Park on July 14th-16th, Chicago Open Air was guaranteed to be full of crowd surfers and metal fans from around the country, even the world. Fans have traveled from around the world to see a classic reunion of Ozzy Osbourne with Zakk Wylde, experience the legendary Kiss and have the opportunity to catch three out of the famous “Big Four” bands Anthrax, Slayer and Megadeth.
As the gates opened each day, many younger bands received the opportunity reach new ears with noteworthy artists including Ded, Crobot, Code Orange and Aversed. Over the course of the day, additional powerful performances included Lamb of God, Mushroomhead, Avatar, Amon Amarth and the infamous Body Count which features Ice T, who all fueled the fans with amazing rock and roll.
The three day event was hosted by Sirius XM’s Jose Mangin and fueled by Monster Energy, and FYE who sponsored artist meet and greets throughout the weekend. Other special sponsors included F*ck Cancer, Kuma’s Corner (a rock and roll Chicago burger chain), a Blackcraft apparel shop and a Jack Daniels Experience tent.
