Welcome to Rockville Fest conquered Florida once again this year! It has become Top Shelf’s annual trip to the NASCAR International Speedway by the shores of Daytona Beach. This festival is produced by the one and only Danny Wimmer Presents: one of the most riveting and largest independent producers of destination music festivals in America.
Aside from the early summer heat, there was an intensity in the air for 2024, with over 150 rock and metal bands bringing straight (and sometimes literal) fire to the five stages. For diehard music fans, this is the live music vacation of a lifetime.
If you haven’t gone to this epicenter of metal, we’ll try to give you a visual.
Even though over 200,000 people attended, there was still plenty of space for you to take a break with water or a tasty beverage. It was nonstop metal for three days and plenty of food. The vendors also included merch for animal fundraisers, cancer benefits, and even supplied a dispensary for those who appreciate the green!
Legends graced the stage, such as Nonpoint, In Flames, Judas Priest, Breaking Benjamin, P.O.D., Drowning Pool, and Limp Bizkit. There were also topnotch bands such as Wage War, Atreyu, Imminence, Currents, and The Amity Affliction… the list was seemingly never-ending, my friends!
Kicking off 2024 on Thursday was Mötley Crüe — who killed it. The crowd went into a magnificent frenzy as they played some of their hits from the past and an amazing new track entitled “Dogs of War”. Disturbed performed a monumental show, as well, with guest vocalist Ann Wilson from Heart. Everyone’s eyes and ears were mesmerized by the legends of rock performing right in front of us!
By Friday, the notorious and rarely seen Limp Bizkit came like a storm in the night. The fans were stoic at first, waiting patiently for Fred Durst to do something completely out of character. Of course, he delivered, with Journey and Outfield tracks blasting from the stage. This was an obvious crowd-pleaser that turned sing-along that broke the ice. Many of us were tired, dehydrated, but thirsty for the Durst! Fred entered the stage, with his swagger and humble, yet hardcore throwdown, as every single person there smiled from ear to ear, screaming and howling for joy. Durst introduced Wes Borlan, as per usual, and the crowd went insane. Durst even had Jelly Roll join him onstage, as he repeatedly asked for an angel.
On Saturday, our minds remained blown away as we witnessed Falling In Reverse, Tech N9ne, Alex Terrible, and Slaughter To Prevail — with the first three surprising all with a first-time ever live performance of “Ronald” (featuring Tech N9ne and Alex Terrible) earlier that day. The song is slated to appear on Falling In Reverse’s new album. Ecstatic and exhilarated, the crowd felt accomplished.
At night, Foo Fighters unleashed a whirlwind of rock that lasted two whole hours.
It was nonstop ear enjoyment. We also cannot forget to mention Mammoth WVH frontman surprising the crowd with a few classic solos. The son of a legend brought his A-game, for sure! Continuing through Saturday, Queens of the Stone Age closed out the SiriusXM Octane Drift Stage.
Going into the last day of complete metal ecstasy, Slipknot celebrated their 25th Anniversary of their self-titled album. Evanescence performed on the SiriusXM Octane Drift Stage, headlining and bringing an unforgettable show! Sum 41 left it all on the same stage; as one of their last shows, the crowd danced and sang along with high hopes these lads will keep going.
Slipknot, with their undeniably wicked metal, always blows us away!
For those who couldn’t be there, Welcome to Rockville was live broadcasted via SiriusXM Channel 504, showcasing a nice rundown of music from all 2024 artist. With music in every direction, calm moments to rest your tired soul, then recharge for the next riveting artist.
Recap article by Stef & Suzanne Sanchez
Mötley Crüe & Limp Bizkit photography by Steve Thrasher; Sum 41 photo by Maurice Nunez; Cover photo & article thumbnal photography by Nathan Zucker
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