Boardwalk Rock Festival: Rock Fans Brave Weather and Lineup Changes for a Weekend of Music
The inaugural Boardwalk Rock Festival in Ocean City, Maryland, kicked off amidst anticipation and some unexpected challenges. Despite potential severe thunderstorms and last-minute lineup changes, dedicated rock fans flocked to the resort town for a two-day celebration of rock and roll.
Jeff Cyr, along with his wife Lisa and friends from Atlanta, Georgia, traveled to Boardwalk Rock specifically for Candlebox, Black Stone Cherry, Tim Montana, and The Struts. Seasoned rock enthusiasts, they are also regulars at Monsters of Rock, a popular music cruise.
However, the festival wasn't without its hurdles. Kelly Zandi and Ryan Christy from Pennsylvania, who had planned this as a Christmas gift, expressed disappointment over the absence of 3 Doors Down and Alice In Chains from the lineup. "(The festival) lost a couple of bands that we were actually looking forward to," Christy admitted. Originally excited about Alice In Chains as a replacement for Mötley Crüe, they were let down by another late cancellation. 3 Doors Down also had to withdraw due to lead singer Brad Arnold's diagnosis of Stage 4 kidney cancer.
Despite these setbacks, the spirit of rock and roll prevailed. Donna Keplinger from Winchester, Virginia, a self-proclaimed "big rock and roll fan," remained undeterred. "I was coming no matter what," she stated, showcasing her enthusiasm for the event. She was particularly excited to see Nickelback, Candlebox, Def Leppard, Chevelle, Everclear, and Rob Zombie.
Early performances by Royale Lynn, Kat Von D, Trapt, Puddle of Mudd, The Struts, Extreme, and Mammoth WVH set an energetic tone for the festival. As Chevelle, Everclear, and Bush geared up to take the stage, the crowd's excitement continued to build.
Meanwhile, concerns about potential severe thunderstorms loomed over the festival. Ocean City officials assured they were prepared with security teams and a personal meteorologist. Mayor Rick Meehan stated, "If there's thunder and lightning, we may have to clear the beach." Businesses like Piezano's Pizza braced for large crowds seeking shelter in case of an evacuation.
Prior to the festival, a Delmarva Now poll revealed Nickelback as the most anticipated artist, followed closely by Shinedown and Bret Michaels. The festival featured over 25 rock artists across three stages – Thunder, Lightning, and Bolt.
Despite the curveballs, the first-ever Boardwalk Rock Festival aimed to deliver a memorable experience. Its success hinged on a combination of stellar performances, proactive safety measures, and, above all, the unwavering enthusiasm of the rock fans who came to Ocean City to embrace the power of music. Did Boardwalk Rock live up to the hype despite the challenges? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!