Welcome to Rockville 2021!!

I am so excited for this one, guys. Most of you know that I am a huge music fan. With no disrespect for the sickness and loss of life that COVID-19 has caused, it has taken many other things from us too. What I have missed most, is live music. Like most of us, I have tickets I bought in 2020, for shows that are postponed until next year.

So this is an absolutely historic event. Not only is it the first year Welcome to Rockville is taking place in Daytona Beach, FL (it was formerly Jacksonville), but it is the first show I have been to since 2019. What an iconic way to dive back into live music.

Being in my home state, and now practically my home town, this festival is special to me; but, sentiment aside, the lineup is incredible and the atmosphere is electric. With powerhouse headliners like Slipknot, Metallica (TWICE!) and Disturbed, it is already a can't miss event.

I couldn't catch much of Day 1, due to other obligations (day jobs + no fun), but Slipknot was incredible. Though I have been a fan for years, it was my first time seeing them. It will not be my last.

Credit: Steve Thrasher & Danny Wimmer Presents

 

 

Night 2 was headlined by a band I have seen numerous times. Metallica tore the house down. They are my husbands favorite band of all time, so he was even more excited than I was, and that is saying a lot. Many of my favorites were not on the set, but that was to be expected, because they are coming back on Sunday (night 4) to blow us away again.

Credit: Tyler Church & Danny Wimmer Presents

After two days of having our faces melted and our not-so-young bodies put through the wringer in the pits, Day 3, kicked up the intensity even higher. Of course I have to mention the headliner, Disturbed putting on a masterclass for bands everywhere.

Credit: Steve Thrasher & Danny Wimmer Presents

But I need to gush over one of my favorite 'new' bands: Badflower. These guys are amazing. I have been following them for years, and I am so happy to finally see them getting (some of ) the recognition they deserve.

Their performance was full-throttle passion and intensity. Lead singer Josh Katz is a captivating frontman and his charm and authenticity, along with the rest of the band, really set them apart from other bands. Their sets take you through every emotion. From fun, sassy, and sarcastic to angry and hungry for revolution to raw, powerful and emotional, which gutwrenchingly beautiful songs like 'Ghost'. This band is special. 

Credit: Steve Thrasher & Danny Wimmer Presents

After 3 awesome days of incredible music, my concert void had more than been filled, but there was more! A final night full of unforgettable live performances. Metallica once again blew everyone away with an explosive set. This time they did play the songs I was so impatiently waiting for... mostly. Even two sets isn't enough time to play all the songs I love. Shame on them for having too many incredible songs. 

Credit: Steve Thrasher & Danny Wimmer Presents

If you couldn't tell, I had the time of my life at Daytona's first annual Welcome To Rockville festival. If you've never been, I can't more enthusiastically urge you to go next year. And if you have, go agian. This certainly won't be my last Rockville.