DAY THREE
SUNDAY, MAY 19
Rock on The Range 2013 has turned out to be the most successful year yet for the largest festival in North America. The entire weekend was completely sold out and brought together over 100 000 fans in three days from all over the world.
Music is a universal language that speaks volumes unlike any other. I have never experienced this on such a massive level until ROTR. Day three was even more explosive than the previous two. All three stages were set up to keep the place energized for the entire day. Just look at the line up below.
For many people ROTR has become an annual outing and a chance to let go of every day stress, a chance to rock out with old friends and to make some new ones.
It still amazes me how much music can bring people together. Just take a glance at this photo below. A fan along with his wheel chair being supported by complete strangers as he crowd surfs and makes it safely up to the front of the stage. Age, race, cultural differences mean nothing at a festival like this. Everyone is there for the music. It's incredible to be a part of something like this.
The bands were just as excited as the fans were to be there....
Jonathan Davis of Korn: “The fans at ROTR have always been great to us, but this year...when we stepped out there…with their biggest crowd yet…that s#*? was just sick!! What a rush!”
Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach: “As far as rock festivals in America go, Rock On The Range is #1 in my book. Straight f****n epic! The line ups are always great and the fans are insane. Thank God for Rock On The Range! In my opinion, it's exactly what rock needs right now, a festival that is fun for both the fans and the bands. Can't wait to do it again and again and again!!!!!”
The ROTR Crowd
Toronto's own Thousand Foot Krutch played to a huge crowd at the Jager stage. The PBR stage was on fire all day with bands like Ghost, In This Moment and Device which includes front man David Drainman of Disturbed. I had a chance to catch up with Device early in the day to take some promo pics which included quick chat with David. David lit up light a Christmas tree when I asked him how his wife and baby are doing. David and his wife Lena Yada are expecting their first child (son) in 5 months. These guys put on a fantastic show which started out with their single "vilify".
Device
Ghost
In This Moment
Lamb of God had security guards lining up getting ready for some serious carnage as well. The fans were chanting for Randy while waiting for the band to take the stage. As usual they did not disappoint.
Lamb of God
Last, but not least I have to give a shout out to all the people that work the festival. To all the staff, including the security team, first aid workers, stage hands, promoters, etc.
"Thanks for a job well done and we will see you all again next year!!!"
Jager Stage
O'Brother
Beware of Darkness
Thousand Foot Krutch
Middle Class Rut
Deuce
Babst Blue Ribbon Stage
Big Wreck
Red
Ghost
In This Moment
Device
Lamb of God
Monster Stage
Sick Puppies
Sevendust
Steel Panther
Skillet
Volbeat
Bush
Alice in Chains
Soundgarden