 | Written by Sergio Cesario Photographed by Melaine Schweighardt (C) 2019 All rights reserved by www.metalmasterkingdom.com WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE 2019 @ Metropolitan Park Jacksonville, FL, USA May 3 + 4 + 5, 2019 Presented by Danny Wimmer Presents (DWP) Stay tuned for our interviews with Badflower, Crobot and Dead Girls Academy Holding the title of the largest rock music festival in North America, Welcome To Rockville once again has amassed one of the biggest and baddest lineups to date. Last year, another day was added, making it a Friday-through-Sunday event, and over 90,000 ravenous metal fans came from parts far and wide to witness the spectacle. This year was no exception with headliners such as Tool, Korn, Rob Zombie, Judas Priest, Evanescence, Chevelle, Incubus, Shinedown and Bring Me The Horizon. Once again, festival promoters and organizers deserve all the credit for not only the line ups and event setting, but for their ability to overcome obstacles as this years Rockville was no easy task. |
DAY 1: FRIDAY, MAY 3rd
Never really been one to go to music festivals that start on a Friday, but hey, there's a first time for everything. After the 5-hour drive from South Florida to Jacksonville and numerous pit stops along the way, I arrived at Metropolitan Park and my new home for the next three days. Gates opened at 12 PM and we were ready to get our rock on!
First up, was a bit of a change of pace for me. Amigo The Devil wasn't quite sure what to expect and nothing prepared me for what Amigo brought. A one-man band with an acoustic guitar, loaded with fire, fury and sheer realism. Many of his songs were based on personal demons and battles everyone faces. Humor was also part of the show and I really must say it was a refreshing start to the day. Moving on throughout the day, I was also able to catch some really great sets by Wilson and Beartooth. To be honest, something special is happening with Beartooth. Their musical development since my first experience with them has come full circle. Not only did they garner the attention and interest of a massive crowd, but the musicianship and music has come a long way. Really can't wait to hear and see where they go from here.
One of the more notable performances of the day had to definitely go to Tom Morello. The former member of giants Rage Against The Machine & Audioslave has been going solo lately and even though I had no idea what he would do, there was no disappointment what so ever. Originally I was told that the show was going to be Tom Morello doing a DJ set. Not really what I would care to see. I'm not really about one of the most resound guitarists of our time behind a turntable spinning a God knows what. Thankfully for me and Rockville, that was not the case at all. Music starts and yes there is a DJ who starts spinning some old school funk beats, then comes the bass guitar, cue in the drum set and here comes Tom Morello.
Starting off with a very impressive blend of funk and rock guitar accompanied with ripping guitar solos we quickly realized that this was not going to be an ordinary show. Best part about all of this is that Tom let the music and the video board do the talking. He took everyone on a journey through the history of what shaped his early beginnings and latest projects. Going into some tasty signature solos and following in with a culmination of his greatest compositions by Rage and Audioslave. After witnessing this performance it is hard for one not to see that Tom Morello is one of the most unique and greatest guitar players of our time. I may even go as far as to say Jimi Hendrix-esque. So, how do you cap an incredible set and make it memorable? Well, "Killing In The Name Of" and let the crowd sing it, and it did not disappoint!
Killswitch Engage followed after and they carried the energy on the Metropolitan stage without skipping a beat. I haven't seen them in years, and they are for sure getting better with age. Every bit of raw energy as I remember them. Playing some of their older and best songs mixed in with new music definitely set the time for the night. Unfortunately 20 minutes into their set, Mother Nature had different plans in mind and the set has to be cut short. Everything shut down and the intercoms advised us to leave the park and seek shelter.
So, after a two-hour rain delay, the show was back on. Kicking things off again were Irish Folk favorites Flogging Molly! Veterans at the game and still jamming out the favorites. Full of energy and good vibes to get everyone back into the mood of music and excitement. Tragically, we lost a great musician earlier this year in Keith Flint, and The Prodigy had to cancel all plans for the group moving forward. With a void to be filled The Crystal Method was more than willing to step up to the challenge. Founding member Scott Kirkland not only was up to the challenge but he gave the metal and rock crowd a show to remember. Playing some of the songs that made a Crystal Method famous and finishing off with a tribute to Keith Flint and The Prodigy.
As the night rounded out Day 1s massive show was capped off by incredible performances by Chevelle, Evanescence, and Korn!
First up, was a bit of a change of pace for me. Amigo The Devil wasn't quite sure what to expect and nothing prepared me for what Amigo brought. A one-man band with an acoustic guitar, loaded with fire, fury and sheer realism. Many of his songs were based on personal demons and battles everyone faces. Humor was also part of the show and I really must say it was a refreshing start to the day. Moving on throughout the day, I was also able to catch some really great sets by Wilson and Beartooth. To be honest, something special is happening with Beartooth. Their musical development since my first experience with them has come full circle. Not only did they garner the attention and interest of a massive crowd, but the musicianship and music has come a long way. Really can't wait to hear and see where they go from here.
One of the more notable performances of the day had to definitely go to Tom Morello. The former member of giants Rage Against The Machine & Audioslave has been going solo lately and even though I had no idea what he would do, there was no disappointment what so ever. Originally I was told that the show was going to be Tom Morello doing a DJ set. Not really what I would care to see. I'm not really about one of the most resound guitarists of our time behind a turntable spinning a God knows what. Thankfully for me and Rockville, that was not the case at all. Music starts and yes there is a DJ who starts spinning some old school funk beats, then comes the bass guitar, cue in the drum set and here comes Tom Morello.
Starting off with a very impressive blend of funk and rock guitar accompanied with ripping guitar solos we quickly realized that this was not going to be an ordinary show. Best part about all of this is that Tom let the music and the video board do the talking. He took everyone on a journey through the history of what shaped his early beginnings and latest projects. Going into some tasty signature solos and following in with a culmination of his greatest compositions by Rage and Audioslave. After witnessing this performance it is hard for one not to see that Tom Morello is one of the most unique and greatest guitar players of our time. I may even go as far as to say Jimi Hendrix-esque. So, how do you cap an incredible set and make it memorable? Well, "Killing In The Name Of" and let the crowd sing it, and it did not disappoint!
Killswitch Engage followed after and they carried the energy on the Metropolitan stage without skipping a beat. I haven't seen them in years, and they are for sure getting better with age. Every bit of raw energy as I remember them. Playing some of their older and best songs mixed in with new music definitely set the time for the night. Unfortunately 20 minutes into their set, Mother Nature had different plans in mind and the set has to be cut short. Everything shut down and the intercoms advised us to leave the park and seek shelter.
So, after a two-hour rain delay, the show was back on. Kicking things off again were Irish Folk favorites Flogging Molly! Veterans at the game and still jamming out the favorites. Full of energy and good vibes to get everyone back into the mood of music and excitement. Tragically, we lost a great musician earlier this year in Keith Flint, and The Prodigy had to cancel all plans for the group moving forward. With a void to be filled The Crystal Method was more than willing to step up to the challenge. Founding member Scott Kirkland not only was up to the challenge but he gave the metal and rock crowd a show to remember. Playing some of the songs that made a Crystal Method famous and finishing off with a tribute to Keith Flint and The Prodigy.
As the night rounded out Day 1s massive show was capped off by incredible performances by Chevelle, Evanescence, and Korn!
DAY 2: SATURDAY, MAY 4th
This was definitely the day where the Rock Gods shined down on Rockville. The weather was flawless and it was as if the rain the night before has been wiped from Jacksonville's memory. Early on, we were able to catch some very notable performances from U.K. band Boston Manor and Pennsylvania rockers Crobot. Make sure to catch our video interviews on these incredible bands!
The title for being one of the most aggressive and energetic bands to hit the stage in this day had to go to Florida natives Wage War, by far. From the point where they hit the stage, the crowd was feeling it full blast. You can hear and feel the ground move throughout the complex. I was incredibly impressed by their performance and can see that this is only the beginning for this band. Can't wait to see them again.
In This Moment are veterans to Rockville, having played the yearly festival several times. Not only do they never disappoint when it comes time to perform, but they seem to garnish the attention of larger crowds every year. They have a great blend of in redouble music with some very tasty theatrics. If you've never had the pleasure of seeing In This Moment live do yourself a favor and make it a point to. They are definitely a historical band with an incredible show!
It's not often I wait at the front of the stage without moving for over and hour without seeing an actual band. But it's not every day that you get to see true metal royalty hit the stage. When I first saw the Rockville lineup, there was one band beyond all that stuck out and immediately made me want to be a part of this event. That honor was bestowed to none other than Judas Priest. And for that reason I was standing amongst thousands of fans waiting to see Judas Priest for the first time. It was well worth the wait, from the moment they hit the stage, 'til the last chord was strummed, we were taken on a journey of their discography of old, new and greatest hits. By far, the highlight of the evening for me.
The title for being one of the most aggressive and energetic bands to hit the stage in this day had to go to Florida natives Wage War, by far. From the point where they hit the stage, the crowd was feeling it full blast. You can hear and feel the ground move throughout the complex. I was incredibly impressed by their performance and can see that this is only the beginning for this band. Can't wait to see them again.
In This Moment are veterans to Rockville, having played the yearly festival several times. Not only do they never disappoint when it comes time to perform, but they seem to garnish the attention of larger crowds every year. They have a great blend of in redouble music with some very tasty theatrics. If you've never had the pleasure of seeing In This Moment live do yourself a favor and make it a point to. They are definitely a historical band with an incredible show!
It's not often I wait at the front of the stage without moving for over and hour without seeing an actual band. But it's not every day that you get to see true metal royalty hit the stage. When I first saw the Rockville lineup, there was one band beyond all that stuck out and immediately made me want to be a part of this event. That honor was bestowed to none other than Judas Priest. And for that reason I was standing amongst thousands of fans waiting to see Judas Priest for the first time. It was well worth the wait, from the moment they hit the stage, 'til the last chord was strummed, we were taken on a journey of their discography of old, new and greatest hits. By far, the highlight of the evening for me.
DAY 3: SUNDAY, MAY 5th
At the beginning of this article, I gave credit to the event organizers and promoters for not only the lineup this year, but to the ability of overcoming obstacles in relation to Rockville. Those skills were fully tested on Sunday, May 5th, when one hour before gates were to open, approaching severe thunderstorms forced organizers to delay opening the gates and commencing with the show. At 12 PM, gusty winds and thunderstorms rolled through the festival grounds and caused damage to musical equipment and stages. At this point there was truly a dilemma at hand, gates had to remain closed and concert doors were told not to show up at the festival grounds until the storms had passed and the all-clear was given. Also, for the second time in as many as three days, Rockville organizers called on the mayor of Jacksonville to extend the noise curfew so that concert could go on.
After several hours at approximately 3:30 PM, the all-clear was given and doors were opened. It was unfortunate, but in order for the concert to go on and meet their current commitments and be able to close within the allowed time frame, several earlier acts had to be cut. As we eagerly entered the gates, I was very impressed by the first band that I saw on the River Stage. Grandson were raw, gritty and just the right mix to have as we walked in from 4 hours of rock deprived purgatory. It's without a doubt that Grandson's music is fueled by political angst and rock rebellion. In my opinion, they were the perfect band to start the day, make it a point to check out Grandson's music because it's unique, fresh and new.
Up next were Architects, who co-incidentally was a band that I had waited a long time to see and was very excited about their performance at Rockville this year. From the moment they took the stage, it was quite apparent that I was not going to be disappointed. The music was on point, the crowd was feeling it and it was very hard for someone not to lose their minds. Blending songs from their current release Holy Hell and All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us, their set was perfectly planned and I loved every minute of it.
After just seeing Architects rip through a ridiculous set, when is left to wonder what is next? Well, if Meshuggah is next, then you are most definitely in for a treat. Meshuggah is one of the longest running and consistent technical death metal bands in the industry. If you have not had the unique pleasure of witnessing a live Meshuggah show, make it a point to do so before your life ends. These guys were by far one of the most impressive acts that I had seen not only at this show, but all year! Drummer Tomas Haake is a human metronome who happens to place some of the most complex beats I have ever heard. Not to take anything away from guitarist Fredrick and bassist Marten, who are legends in their own right, but their music and their off-beat time signatures put them in a category of their own.
Having seen the power of Bring Me The Horizon in previous concerts, it was no surprise that they were able to be headliners of Day 3. Having to come up through the ranks and earning every bit of their following, this British band has come a long way and deservedly so. I can definitely say that their stage show has improved tenfold, and has earned them headlining status.
If there is a perfect way to end this evening and Rockville as a whole, it would have to be with Tool. With eager anticipation of the upcoming album, this would be the perfect storm (no pun intended) for what is about to come. As if mocking the rainstorms earlier in the day wasn't enough, they opened with "Learn To Swim", and in classic Maynard fashion, he spent the entire show behind the band where most of the crowd could not see him. If you have not seen a Tool show before, don't be upset when you don't see the lead singer. Having not seen them in over 15 years, I will definitely have to say they still sound every bit as good as I remember them. As the night came to a close, there was only one way to close out the whole thing, and that was "Stinkfist"!
So, Welcome To Rockville 2019 is the story that can be told with triumph, challenges, old friends, new acquaintances and legends! See you next year metalheads!
After several hours at approximately 3:30 PM, the all-clear was given and doors were opened. It was unfortunate, but in order for the concert to go on and meet their current commitments and be able to close within the allowed time frame, several earlier acts had to be cut. As we eagerly entered the gates, I was very impressed by the first band that I saw on the River Stage. Grandson were raw, gritty and just the right mix to have as we walked in from 4 hours of rock deprived purgatory. It's without a doubt that Grandson's music is fueled by political angst and rock rebellion. In my opinion, they were the perfect band to start the day, make it a point to check out Grandson's music because it's unique, fresh and new.
Up next were Architects, who co-incidentally was a band that I had waited a long time to see and was very excited about their performance at Rockville this year. From the moment they took the stage, it was quite apparent that I was not going to be disappointed. The music was on point, the crowd was feeling it and it was very hard for someone not to lose their minds. Blending songs from their current release Holy Hell and All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us, their set was perfectly planned and I loved every minute of it.
After just seeing Architects rip through a ridiculous set, when is left to wonder what is next? Well, if Meshuggah is next, then you are most definitely in for a treat. Meshuggah is one of the longest running and consistent technical death metal bands in the industry. If you have not had the unique pleasure of witnessing a live Meshuggah show, make it a point to do so before your life ends. These guys were by far one of the most impressive acts that I had seen not only at this show, but all year! Drummer Tomas Haake is a human metronome who happens to place some of the most complex beats I have ever heard. Not to take anything away from guitarist Fredrick and bassist Marten, who are legends in their own right, but their music and their off-beat time signatures put them in a category of their own.
Having seen the power of Bring Me The Horizon in previous concerts, it was no surprise that they were able to be headliners of Day 3. Having to come up through the ranks and earning every bit of their following, this British band has come a long way and deservedly so. I can definitely say that their stage show has improved tenfold, and has earned them headlining status.
If there is a perfect way to end this evening and Rockville as a whole, it would have to be with Tool. With eager anticipation of the upcoming album, this would be the perfect storm (no pun intended) for what is about to come. As if mocking the rainstorms earlier in the day wasn't enough, they opened with "Learn To Swim", and in classic Maynard fashion, he spent the entire show behind the band where most of the crowd could not see him. If you have not seen a Tool show before, don't be upset when you don't see the lead singer. Having not seen them in over 15 years, I will definitely have to say they still sound every bit as good as I remember them. As the night came to a close, there was only one way to close out the whole thing, and that was "Stinkfist"!
So, Welcome To Rockville 2019 is the story that can be told with triumph, challenges, old friends, new acquaintances and legends! See you next year metalheads!
AMIGO THE DEVIL / BADFLOWER
(C) 2019 All rights reserved by www.metalmasterkingdom.com
Photo credit: Melaine Schweighardt
(C) 2019 All rights reserved by www.metalmasterkingdom.com
Photo credit: Melaine Schweighardt
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BEARTOOTH / BLACK LABEL SOCIETY
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BLACK PISTOL FIRE / BRING ME THE HORIZON
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CHEVELLE / EVANESCENCE
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IN THIS MOMENT / INCUBUS
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Photo credit: Melaine Schweighardt
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JUDAS PRIEST / KORN
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MESHUGGAH / ROB ZOMBIE
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SHINEDOWN / DEAD GIRLS ACADEMY
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SKILLET / THE CRYSTAL METHOD
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THE STRUTS / TOM MORELLO
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WILSON
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Photo credit: Melaine Schweighardt
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