Punk Rock Comes Home to Pittsburgh | Four Chord Celebrates 10th Anniversary

As an elder Millennial, some of my best memories involved packing into a car that barely ran, heading to Star Lake and standing out in the sun screaming along to my favorite bands at Warped Tour.

While that music festival last came to Pittsburgh in 2018, it's been replaced by something even more must-see: Four Chord Music Festival. I sat down with festival founder Rishi Bahl to talk about their huge 10th year in 2024, moving venues to Carrie Furnace and much more:

Four Chord Makes Music History

Four Chord first began in 2014 out of a need to plug some big holes in the Pittsburgh music scene. "At the time, it felt like concerts, festivals, etc. were just passing on Pittsburgh," Bahl explained. And when tours did come through town, local bands were left off of the lineups entirely. Add in streaming keeping people at home listening to playlists instead of going out to shows, and this could be the end of live music as you know it.

Four Chord's mission from its inception is to tackle all of those problems, delivering a 100% independent festival devoted to a pure concertgoer experience filled with national bands everyone wants to see and local talent being elevated.

But through endless grinding, fighting the good fights, and falling flat on my face, it happened. I am proud that I get to do this in the greatest city on my own terms.
Rishi Bahl

"Four Chord is a way to go back to the roots of what music is about; thousands of sweaty people in the summer listening to their favorite bands and discovering new ones in person," said Bahl.

Now entering it's 10th year, this multi-day, multi-stage music fest has moved from its beginnings at Xtaza night club in the Strip District, expanding and growing at Wild Things Park in Washington, PA and now moving back to Pittsburgh June 22-23, 2024 to Carrie Furnace.

Coming Home to Pittsburgh

After finding great success taking over at the Wild Things ballpark the last three years, it was going to take something big to bring these festival home. But that opportunity came when Bahl saw the potential of the iconic Carrie Furnace and his festival.

"At our core, we are a punk rock music fest," Bahl explains. "There isn't a venue that fits that ethos any better than the Carrie. It was a staple in developing the economy of Pittsburgh and is still standing. Blue collar music fest at a blue collar venue: you can't write that script any better."

Setting the Stage

If you've ever planned an event, you can appreciate all of the work that goes into planning even the simplest get togethers. Now take that, multiply it by the dozens of bands and tons of vendors it takes to make a multi-day festival like this possible, and you can imagine the immense challenge of pulling off their 2024 lineup.

Despite the workload, Bahl is committed to making each lineup special, relying on the many subgenres of punk rock to craft a truly memorable show. Once you've been to a few Four Chords, you're sure to be comparing lineups and ranking your favorite sets.

It always seems like the lineup never ends up how it was intended, but that's totally ok because it always seems to end up face up.
Rishi Bahl

And don't worry, the move to Pittsburgh doesn't impact Bahl's commitment to using a ton of local bands. "I am in one of those bands, Eternal Boy, so we have a pulse on the scene," Bahl notes.

Want to get your punk band booked on Four Chord? You better be ready to grind. Bahl notes that the bands he books are people he considers friends and that work hard to push out their music and be a part of Pittsburgh's vibrant music community. "Music scenes are built on friendship, community, and work ethic, so I think those 3 factors are integral."

Four Chord 2024 Lineup

Saturday, June 22

  • A Day to Remember
  • The Story So Far
  • Senses Fail
  • State Champs
  • Four Year Strong
  • Microwave
  • Militarie Gun
  • Koyo
  • Eternal Boy
  • Driveways
  • Action/Adventure
  • Cliffdiver
  • Mallory Run

Sunday, June 23

  • The All-American Rejects
  • Something Corporate
  • Motion City Soundtrack
  • The Get Up Kids
  • Relient K
  • Taylor Acorn
  • Hunny
  • Patent Pending
  • Keep Flying
  • People R Ugly
  • House Parties
  • Goalkeeper
  • Don't Panic
  • Old Neon

Much More Than Music

One of my favorite parts of Four Chord over the past year has been the huge expansion of things to do in between sets. There's a sprawling vendor's market full of incredible clothing, hard-to-find vinyl, awesome non-profits to support (Bahl recommends checking out Biggies Bullies, Punk Rock Saves Lives and PETA) and wall after wall of band merch. And most of these places will hold your purchase to the end of the show, so buy early so your favorite item doesn't sell out in the meantime.

Food-wise, expect all-local options that run the gauntlet with vegan options, meat options, street food, Asian cuisine, mac and cheese and more. It's a little bit of everything and you're sure to find something that gives you the energy for your next crowd surf.

Tickets & FAQ

Ready to get back in the pit and attend Four Chord? You can grab your single day and two-day passes now on their website. Or, if you want to go all out, check out their Deluxe VIP ticket which includes a select open bar, elevated stage for a one-of-a-kind view, private bathrooms, parking pass and special acoustic performances from Taylor Acorn and Microwave.

If you've never been to Carrie Furnace for a show before, a few tips:

  • parking is extremely limited. Use ridesharing apps or the shuttle from the venue to the Waterfront as much as possible
  • the ground is rocky in places, so wear your best Vans, Chuck Taylor's or any supportive shoe
  • hydrate and wear your sunscreen. Carrie Furnace is out in direct sunlight, so make sure to take frequent breaks to drink water and reapply
  • find more detailed FAQs on the Four Chord website

At the end of our conversation, Rishi Bahl could barely contain his excitement and can't wait to welcome you to this year's festival. "We aren't perfect, but the festival is put on by music fans and people exactly like the attendees," he said.

"Hell, I have to pinch myself every morning to even think the fest is happening and we are in another year. I am just so grateful that I was dealt this hand and will never forget how it all started."

Jared B.

Author

Jared B.

Enthusiastic Pittsburgher

Always in search of the next great craft beer and arcade. Can be found in the Supporters Section of Pittsburgh Riverhounds games and at whatever festival is happening in the city.

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