John Stamos Makes Long-Awaited Debut at Riot Fest After Decade-Long Pursuit
CHICAGO - John Stamos finally performed at the city's iconic Riot Fest music festival on Saturday, September 20, 2025, after a 12-year pursuit by organizers. The actor, who has been touring with the Beach Boys as a member since 2019, took to the stage alongside the legendary band in an appearance that was years in the making.
According to sources close to the event, Riot Fest organizers had been courting Stamos since 2013, when they initially offered him a set with his fictional Full House band, Jesse and the Rippers. However, it wasn't until this summer that the festival's team discovered a loophole to secure his participation: by recruiting the Beach Boys.
"We've been trying to get John on board for years," said Riot Fest founder Michael Petryshyn in an interview. "We knew he was a huge fan of the Beach Boys and we thought it would be a great opportunity to bring him out."
Stamos, however, had other ideas. In August, he presented the festival with a list of outlandish demands, including a private dressing room, a personal chef, and a guarantee that his name would be prominently displayed on all promotional materials.
"We were a bit taken aback by some of the requests," Petryshyn admitted. "But we're thrilled to have him here and we're happy to accommodate his needs."
The performance was met with enthusiasm from the crowd, who sang along to classic Beach Boys hits like "Good Vibrations" and "God Only Knows." Stamos even took a few moments to poke fun at himself, joking about his long-awaited appearance.
"It's great to be here," he said. "I'm just glad I finally made it."
The event marked the culmination of years of efforts by Riot Fest organizers to bring Stamos on board. While some may see the pursuit as an over-the-top attempt to secure a high-profile performer, others argue that it was a necessary step in bringing together fans and artists.
"Riot Fest has always been about pushing the boundaries and taking risks," said music critic and festival regular, Jim DeRogatis. "If that means going to great lengths to get someone like John Stamos on board, then so be it."
As for what's next, Riot Fest organizers are already looking ahead to future events. With Stamos now officially part of the Beach Boys' touring lineup, fans can expect to see him at more festivals and concerts in the coming months.
"We're just happy to have John as a part of our team," said Beach Boys drummer Mike Love in an interview. "We're excited to see what the future holds for us all."
The performance marked a triumphant end to a long-sought goal, one that organizers hope will set the stage for even more exciting collaborations and performances in the years to come.
*Reporting by Rollingstone.*
