“When a music video titled ‘So Much’ showed up on YouTube last week, it confirmed something that had been rumored for months: Love Riot, one of Baltimore’s best bands from the 1990s (and probably ever), is back. ”
THEN (1998) (photo credit: Max Glanville)
Who?
Love Riot is an original Americana Rock band based in Baltimore, Maryland. Lisa Mathews (vocals, electric guitar) and Mikel Gehl (backing vocals, guitar) started the group in 1993. They were joined by Mark Evanko (bass) and Willem Elsevier (violin). “Young” Ron Campbell (backing vocals, drums) joined the band in 1996. They have released critically acclaimed albums over the years, with a new album, Better Now, set for fall 2025 release.
Some of Our favorite moments
Playing in clubs and festivals. We have the best fans. Winning MusicQuest, a worldwide contest sponsored by Yamaha was a thrill. We traveled to Japan and took grand prize in 1994. Filming on the set of Homicide - Life on the Street. Playing The Lilith Fair Maryland, and SXSW Austin. We love playing live and capturing moments in the studio.
What we’re known for
Love Riot songs appear in TV shows, soaps and a few movies, and the band appeared as themselves busking in "The Subway" episode of NBC's Homicide - Life On the Street. Love Riot’s music can be found streaming on all online music platforms.
“The Baltimore quintet’s best songs have always been hard to resist—by turns catchy, clever, evocative and tuneful…sharply drawn vignettes or whispered confessions that make Heaven Can Wait worthy of repeat spins.”
Coming back from our win at the 1994 Yamaha MusicQuest competition in Tokyo!
Love Riot performing at Baltimore’s HarborPlace for a 98Rock concert.
“Transcends genre labels. This is every bit as much rock music as it is anything else. It’s alive…limitless passion, impressive artistry, dynamics and depth…Lisa Mathews really sounds like no one else.”
NOW (2025) (photo credit: Chris Myers)