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JUNKMAN Recaps the 2013 Rock On The Range Festival By Junkman, On-Air Personality Friday, June 21, 2013 @ 6:31 PM
Rock on the Range is the brainchild of Right Arm Entertainment, and sponsored by Monster Energy Drink, Jagermeister, and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer with a stage named after each. This year it attracted well over 100,000 people from all over the nation and beyond. Tickets, affordably priced, sold quickly, and steady, and the tons of vendors secured their spots way in advance. Media from around the globe convened, and were treated to expanded access to the artists, via pre-arranged interviews in an expanded media area. Yeah, it has become the place to be for me and many others. "America's Wacken" is the way it was described to me by a fellow journalist.
Here's what I witnessed. Some bits and pieces of all the bands I saw. Keep in mind, there were over 50 bands, and some sets overlapped others, as there were three stages. I tried to catch as much as I could, if I missed anything, please try and understand. Navigating the passages to three stages, with a sold out crowd, requires tenacity, knowing one's way around, and bypassing some VERY drunk people who can tend to take up a lot of space to get around, due to either inebriation, massive girth, or a combination of both.
SET LIST:
SETLIST:
The first of which was GEMINI SYNDROME. This band, in my opinion, has what it takes to be one of the new players in the hard rock world. Great songs, great look , and they put on an outstanding, aggressive performance. One of my favorite sets of the day! Check out their video for "Pleasure and pain" on www.geminisyndrome.com. Again, mark my words, you will be seeing this band a lot in the near future, and hearing them when their full-length CD comes out.
Next up on the Jagermeister stage was HEAVEN'S BASEMENT. This band first caught my attention when I played their first single "Fire Fire" on my show on KNAC.COM. rave reviews from friends who had seen them perform at the "Golden Gods" after party in Hollywood recently, had made this band a must-see for me. They did not disappoint. Their brand of "gritty, old school rock blended with today's aggressive style" was the perfect wake up to the local "Rangers" and myself, who were still shaking off the effects of the day before. They really tore it up, and made a big fan out of me. Log on to www.heavensbasement.com to see and hear more about them...And you will!
SETLIST
SETLIST
Back to the Main Monster stage I went, bypassing lots of "Wasted Rock Rangers", many of whom were becoming overwhelmed by the heat, humidity, and of course by the overindulgence. New this year to Rock On The Range was the "Old Milwaukee" sponsored Comedy Tent which featured a variety of comedians performing their routines throughout the weekend, such as That Metal Show co-host Jim Florentine. I stopped in once or twice to see what was happening, and it looked to me like mostly people trying to beat the heat. Besides, there was comedy everywhere. Lots of girls dressed up for Saturday night, literally baking in the Saturday day heat, their makeup smeared and looking like Alice Cooper after he gets off stage. The fat guy, passed out in a pool of his own vomit, his friends frantically trying to revive him and move him at the same time, to no avail. The Menonite girl, complete with traditional bonnet, having a blast in the middle of a mosh pit. The faces on the crowd surfing "rangers" as they arrive in the pit and are shoved back into the sold out crowd by a huge security guy. And don't get me started on the legions of people with really BAD tattoos...Again, it's a beautiful place to laugh, smile and observe, as well as enjoy the music and fun.
PAPA ROACH were next on the main stage, and they have appeared at ROTR many times. Singer Jacoby Shaddix IS the show, a non-stop ball of energy he is, constantly in motion. He had some down time earlier this past year after vocal surgery, but has come back full steam ahead! Opening with "Burn" and enticing the crowd to sing along throughout the set, especially with "Getting Away With Murder", and the set closing "Last Resort", Shaddix and company let the crowd know that they are all about having a good time, as Shaddix frequently jumped into the crowd and even made his way into the stands, which again, were filled to capacity. I always enjoy seeing this band live, I hope you will too. They are touring this summer.
SETLIST
A hazy smoke surrounded the band throughout, making it difficult at times to photograph, but I guess that is all I can say to the negative. It did however, add to the mystique of their stage show, as the band members silently, with the exception of Taylor, went about the business of rocking the Range. Guitarists Jim Root and Josh Rand spent their time supplying the licks, drummer Mayorga and new bassist Johnny Chow providing a crushing bottom end throughout. A crowd sing-along to "Bother" brought out a huge and well deserved smile to Taylor's face, and they saluted their heroes BLACK SABBATH with a very heavy rendition of the Sabbath classic "Children of the Grave".
SETLIST
They played lots of their hits, like "Cherub Rock" and "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" and, keeping up with the other bands, chose an interesting cover song mid-set, David Bowie's "Space Oddity". All the while a pretty spacey video showed over the bands heads. A very strange moment happened when Corgan told the crowd surfers to be careful, that he himself, was injured doing it once. About halfway through the set my own ADD kicked in, as did my desire to call it a day, and I headed to downtown Columbus for an invitation-only party at a local brewery, attended by some of the bands, and many members of the media. Free drinks at a micro-brewery? Hell to the yes! And I exited Crew Stadium, satisfied with a great day of rock, with another to go.
SETLIST
As I arrived about halfway through SICK PUPPIES set on the main stage, I decided to grab yet another Monster Energy Rehab ( my lifesaver throughout the festival, Thanks to all those at Monster!) and grab a bite to eat from one of the many vendors throughout the festival site. They had everyone from a bunch of clothing company's, the US Army, LOTS of beer vendors, even a White Castle burger booth, which was tempting, but I, thankfully did not indulge in . Armed with my trusty camera, I headed to the Monster stage to catch a killer, but all too brief set from SEVENDUST. ALWAYS a treat, and a sure-fire wake up . Opening with their latest single, the brutal "Decay" from their latest release, Black Out The Sun, singer LaJon Witherspoon and company put a serious "can O' Whoop-ass" on the weary Rangers with their six song set, and just like that, they were done.
SETLIST
SETLIST
SETLIST
SETLIST
Again, ITM, kicked ass. Singer Maria Brink is another that has really "upped her game" (yeah, that term again, I know....) through touring and lots of hard work. All eyes were on her. Dressed in white, with lots of blood red accents, she screamed her way through the 7 song set, highlighting 3 songs from their latest release Blood, including the title track, which closed the set. Again, bodies were everywhere, smiling and bleeding, happy and sunburned, the aftermath of a great set by a great band.
SETLIST
Although it was a short six song set, the band - Draiman, guitarist Virus, and drummer Will Hunt, was impressive. Once they put out more material, it will be quite a show. Highlights were the first single "You Think You Know", and some cool covers, including the Ozzy Osbourne classic "Close My Eyes Forever", which featured a duet with Maria Brink (Lzzy Hale from HALESTORM appears on the CD) that brought out a huge roar from the sweaty, curious crowd ,when it was introduced, as well as a set-ending version of "Wish" from NINEINCH NAILS.
SETLIST
SETLIST
Well that lasted about a second, or so, because as soon as LOG hit the stage, it became a huge mosh pit. Opening with "Desolation" and "Ghost Walking", Blythe told the crowd to get rowdy and have a good time, but refrain from fighting, and from what I saw, they did all the above. Drummer Chris Adler is a machine. Blythe is one of my favorite front men, shifting his emotions from severe angst to sheer joy by the minute, clearly loving what he does. The completely baked crowd, moshing around on the blacktop, tore it up throughout, and by the time LAMB OF GOD wrapped up their set, with "Black Label" from their second CD, the place, again, looked like a war zone. And for a band like LAMB OF GOD and their fans, nothing could make them happier!
SETLIST
There were still two more bands to see inside Crew Stadium, on The Monster Stage.2 of the biggest bands to come out of the so called "Grunge Era" of the early 90's in Seattle. ALICE IN CHAINS, and the newly reformed SOUNDGARDEN, represented yet another genre of rock the organizers of Rock On The Range had, so brilliantly, added to the mix. Something for every fan of heavy rock. It really is the most well organized of American rock festivals.
ALICE IN SHAINS is fronted by singer William DuVall. They HAVE been fronted by Willim for awhile now. Their original singer Layne Staley died years ago, of a drug overdose. Many people just plain refuse to accept that, and I overheard many in the crowd say thing to the affect that they will never take this band seriously without Staley. Fuck that! DuVall is a force to be reckoned with, and has re-energized this band. He is a great front man as well, and his vocals blended with guitarist Jerry Cantrell seamlessly.
Opening the set with a great 1-2 punch with "Them Bones" and "Dam That River", AIC put on a great set, spotlighting their career with all the hits, and, adding two songs, "Hollow", and "Stone" from their latest release, The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here. Bassist Mike Inez and drummer Sean Kinney provide a solid and pounding rhythm section, Inez in constant motion throughout. Unfortunately, I did not make the cut to photograph them, as only a select few were authorized to do so, via the bands management. Whatever, I grooved from the side of the stage, and watched as the band slayed the still rocking , early evening crowd. Another DuVall favorite of mine, "Your Decision" and my favorite AIC rocker "Again", were included in the set, and were well received by myself and the 'rest of the rangers'. Be sure to check them out on the upcoming "Uproar Festival" tour. Even though I was not able to photograph them, I did find a Youtube video of their entire set, filmed by a fan. Enjoy-http://youtu.be/rettTpy1Lak
SETLIST
As the band left the stage, and the crowd shuffled out of Crew Stadium, I looked at all the beat up, sunburned, but happy faces, and the mess that they had made. My feet hurt, I stunk, I had a mild sunburn, and slight dehydration, but I couldn't be happier. This is really my happy place, my Disneyland. Outdoor rock festivals have always given me the feeling of freedom of expression, and a chance to share it, along with thousands of others. Some people hate crowded places like this, but I can't get enough of it. From the first outdoor show I attended in 1976, summer is all about going to an outdoor rock show and letting loose.
My thanks to Gary Spivak, and the Folks at Right Arm Entertainment, for again, putting on an awesome festival. The lineup was the best one yet. My fellow journalists and I had a "rectangular table discussion" afterwards at a local bar to think about who would appear at next year's Rock On The Range. Lots of ideas, and that's fun to do. Keep doing what you are doing, it is loved by all. It is, the most organized and well thought out festival that I have attended, that's a fact.
My thanks as well, to the publicists, bands, techs, fellow photographers and journalists from around the nation, bartenders, the AWESOME security people (*salutes Jim*), the people of Columbus, and especially my fellow "Rangers", I will see you all at a show this summer, and at next year's Rock On The Range 2014. "Ranger For Life"- Horns Up!
Check out additional photos from the show below!
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I sadly missed sets by HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD, LOVE AND DEATH and a few others, as the show started before I landed. I did, however get there in time to catch a great set by my old friends BUCKCHERRY, who really are the perfect band for this event. Great show as always (they have appeared at ROTR 2 other times) filled with hits, and favorites, and a surprise or two. Opening up with "Lit Up" was a surprise, it's normally their encore song. The band tore through a ten song set that had the crowd rockin' the Range throughout. I've said it before many times, front man Josh Todd is the best in the business. He is constantly in motion, never hits a bad note and always gives the crowd what they want. The fact that they included "Porno Star" from their second release Time Bomb, was another surprise, but well received. To no surprise was the crowd's reaction to their hit "Crazy Bitch" which closed the set. Lots of crowd surfing and plenty of room for audience sing- along's on the chorus.
SETLIST:
SETLIST:
Off to the Monster stage I went, to see one of my favorite live acts, HALESTORM. Playing Rock on the Range for the fourth time, and first since winning a Grammy, this band has reached star status amongst the faithful. Blasting off with "Freak Like Me" and giving the crowd everything they had, and everything they asked for- all the hits, crowd sing- along's, even drummer Arejay Hale jumping into said crowd to "surf", this band just continues to kick ass. Frontwoman Lzzy Hale is a rock Superstar, and, sporting her signature Gibson Explorer and black hot pants, certainly looked the part, but her incredible voice, which at times, becomes a primal scream, is really what takes this band to another level. Fittingly enough, she acknowledged the anniversary of the passing of another vocal legend, Ronnie James Dio, about mid-way through their set with a nice cover of "Straight Through The Heart". Again, a great set from a great band, and the day was only beginning...
To the Jagermeister stage, I then trudged, to see a set from a band that I absolutely adore, THE SWORD. They did not disappoint. Blasting out their heavy brand of bluesey, distorted brand of early BLACK SABBATH styled "stoner metal", (as many have labeled them...) these guys from Austin, Texas put everything into the music. And I mean that, they literally don't have much of a stage show, it's all about the tunes! I took that to heart, as I shot some photo's and just kind of stood there, grooving on the groove that they laid on us.
SETLIST
The mosh pits, crowd surfers, new fans, old fans, and even some of the security guards all got in to it, and by the set ending "30/30-150", the entire sold out Crew Stadium was a mass of moshing movement. This is what the crowd came to experience. This was what an all day rock show should be. The energy was at an apex. The grin on Cory Taylor's face, as the crowd launched into a loud ovation said it all. He and his band mates had truly conquered their audience, many of whom flocked to the F.Y.E tent afterwards, to load up on merchandise. As I stood stage-side, and watched the band enthusiastically walk back to their dressing room, the crowd still roaring, smiles everywhere, you really got the feeling of seeing something that will be talked about for some time to come.
It occurred to me that on Saturday, day two of the festival, I had neglected to make it to the PBR stage at all. I therefore, missed sets from YOUNG GUNS, OTHERWISE, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE, BLACK VEIL BRIDES, ASKING ALEXANDRIA, and A DAY TO REMEMBER. Between all the bands that I saw on the other stages, it just kind of worked out that way. Today, as it would turn out, would be the opposite, I wouldn't make it to the Jagermeister stage at all. Just too many bands to see. That's actually a good thing, but, first off, my apologies to the bands I missed on the Jagermeister stage on day 3 - the Fox Rocks contest winner band - ERROR 504, O'BROTHER (who I actually saw for 1 song...), BEWARE OF DARKNESS, THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH, MIDDLE CLASS RUT, and DEUCE. All these bands deserve props, but I will leave them to those that saw them.
I finally ventured out to the PBR stage in time to see a cool set by RED, who have really upped their game since I last saw them. Great staging, with lots of pyrotechnics, and the manic energy of singer Michael Barnes made this a very entertaining set, although I had to bail out after three songs, (which is the standard limit for photographers in the pit) to make my way back to the Monster stage.
Back to the PBR stage I dashed, for a look at GHOST, looking creepy in their "Goth Meets the Pope" look before deciding to head back to the Monster stage and catch the beginning few songs from SKILLET, who are another band that has come a long way since I first saw them. After a false start to the opening chords of "Whispers in The Dark", featuring a masked violinist and cellist, decked out in all white garb, the band rocked the Rangers with their own brand of electronic metal. Singer John Cooper and his wife, guitarist/ keyboardist Korey, are still the main focus of the band, and they do put on quite an entertaining show. Again, years of touring have made this band really "up their game" in terms of their show. Always fun to see.
SETLIST
The brutal set I was referring to was none other than LAMB OF GOD. Closing out the PBR stage for ROTR 2013, they were the band that many in the crowd had been awaiting the most. Due to the attention brought on by the recent trail of singer Randy Blythe in the Czech Republic the death of a fan that repeatedly jumped onstage, there was an emphasis on safety. Before the show even started, Mistress Julia from Fuse Network, and Rita Haney (the late Dimebag Darrell's girlfriend, who was everywhere that weekend...), came onstage and asked the crowd to be safe, and watch out for others.
I had never seen them live before, and was intrigued by what seemed to me initially, their lack of connection to the audience. Plagued by a muddy sound mix, it was eventually worked out and the band loosened up onstage. "Been Away Too Long", from the bands 2012 comeback release King Animal seemed to be a metaphor, as many of the local 'Rangers" had departed, to parts unknown ("Superunknown" perhaps?..). Nonetheless, It was a thrill to see this band, finally, and there were some great moments in the set. Lots of sing-along's, like "Fell On Black Days", "Spoonman", and of course "Black Hole Sun". Cornell's voice has not aged at all. the band looks like it will be around awhile, and they love reaching into their back catalogue of songs, evident by the set closing choice of 1988's "Incessant Mace".
