Returned Sunday from my first ever visit to Rock On The Range in Ohio. This festival is 10 years old and it was my first time attending. I had heard much about it over the years, and along with Rocklahoma which started as an all 80’s event, it lead the charge for the massive amount of US rock festivals we now see all over. ROTR has become legend after 10 years and it was an advance sell out with headliners Rob Zombie, Disturbed and Red Hot Chili Peppers, plus countless other bands. I did an appearance in the comedy tent with Don & Jim, a bit of a TMS reunion, and it was PACKED. They had ti turn people away due to fire code, the first time that has ever happened in that location. Just amazing and thanks to all for the TMS love! Huge thanks to Rob Zombie, John 5 and Jacoby from Papa Roach for being our guests. I had this all recorded and will post as a podcast soon!
As for the festival itself I was only there Saturday. But it really was amazing to see a stadium packed with mostly younger rock and metal fans! ROTR has also become an industry destination. Just about everyone in the business was hanging backstage in the “artists lounge”, even bands not playing this year. It’s a great environment on and off stage for music fans and industry as well. Because I was performing with Don & Jim I didn’t see much of the bands. Many will also be at Rocklahoma this weekend, so maybe there. But I did see some of Ghost (still trying to figure them out, but I do like that they sing vs scream) and also watched all of Zombie who closed Saturday. It’s pretty amazing what Zombie has done with his music career. He really hasn’t had a “hit” (if there is such a thing in rock now” record in a while, but has become a massive festival attraction. The music and the show and a GREAT band led by John 5 all play into that. The crowd was the most amazing thing about this festival. It was Euro like in it’s passion and how into it they were. I watched from above the stage and was amazed at how into EVERY moment and how engaged they were during Zombie. I haven’t seen a reaction and response like that in a really long time at any level show. Really good to see!
As I mentioned there are many of these festivals these days all over, many with similar lineups. It will be interesting to see where this all goes. But it is great for rock and anyone who ever tries to utter “rock is dead” should just pay a visit to Columbus and see what goes on at ROTR..” Thanks to Joe Litvag and all at AEG as well as the team at Danny Wimmer Presents for having me. On to Rocklahoma year 10 this weekend!
HUGE exclusive if you were ever a fan of the 70’s band Angel this Thursday for my podcast! All 5 members in their first interview together in over 35 years! Free worldwide via Itunes or www.podcastone.com !
16 Responses
Eddie, can you ask Angel if any 70’s concert footage exists and if not, why did they not film it!!!
Good to hear how awesome Zombie still is. I haven’t seen him since White Zombie toured with Pantera which was back in 96′! Would love to see him with the John 5 line-up. Ghost is pretty cool as I’ve seen them, not sure why they’re compared to Blue Oyester, but they do rock. Thx for the post Eddie.