Carolina Rebellion 2014

May 3-4, 2014

Rock City Campgrounds- Charlotte Motor Speedway- Concord, NC

It was a nice and sunny day and no rain this year at Carolina Rebellion, which was a massive relief for last year’s returning attendees. Swimming through miles of people to get from one stage to the next, it was a busy day and crowded day. 2014’s lineup consisted of some of the most talented musicians in the industry. It was both an exciting and hectic day. Day 1 bands consisted of: Truckfighters; Trivium; Adelitas Way; Devour The Day; Black Stone Cherry; Black Label Society; KYNG; Killswitch Engage; Anthrax; Thousand Foot Krutch; Seether; Volbeat; Fozzy; Rob Zombie and Avenged Sevenfold. Fans were dressed to impress in their favorite band merch, banana suits, up, down, classy and even mildly trashy. During their set, Adam Dutkiewicz, guitarist of Killswitch Engage rocked a “CUNT” head wrap. During a brief pause in their set he encouraged the females on shoulders blocking other male fans’ views to flash them so they at least have something to look at. Dutkiewicz did his signature arm-flex-while-playing-guitar move. At one point in the guys’ set, bassist Mike D’Antonio, played through guitarist Joel Stroetzel’s legs whilst throwing up the metal horns.

Seether went on a little after 6 pm. Lead vocalist, Shaun Morgan approached his animal remains decorated mic stand with a cigarette in his mouth. Nice lighting, incense burning, fog creeping up the stage, Seether fans could hardly contain their excitement. Unfortunately the band stayed pretty far back on the stage which made it difficult for fans that were closer to the front of the stage, to see. With fantastic energy, the band played a great set including a more intimate and acoustic performance of fan favorite, Broken. Seether put on a great show leaving fans wanting more.

Avenged Sevenfold closed out the night with a killer performance. The band’s stage set up alone, was off the charts! They had pyro and fireworks, not to mention the best lighting of the night. Die hard A7X fans went nuts singing and screaming along at the top of their lungs. It was a great way to end the first day of Carolina Rebellion.

Day 2 of the festival and the sun was still shining; even a little brighter and warmer than Day 1. It was another day that was jam packed with awesome music and excitement. The day started out with Gemini Syndrome. During a break in their set, Lead vox, Aaron Nordstrom of Gemini Syndrome told the crowd that he knows that everyone has that ONE thing they’re insecure about or don’t like about themselves; He proceeds,

“Let me be the first motherfucker to tell you, you are not alone.”

With their brilliant music to assist, Gemini Syndrome gained a lot of respect that day. The rest of the day consisted of bands: Nothing More; Hellyeah; Twelve Foot Ninja; Fuel; Theory Of A Deadman; Redlight King; Alter Bridge; A Day To Remember; Memphis May Fire; Staind; 311; Five Finger Death Punch and Kid Rock.

Nothing More is another band that really stood out; These guys were amazing. The passion and energy behind every note the band played and every lyric they sang, was unbelievable. The frontman, Jonny Hawkins, in his bare feet, was all over the stage singing his heart out. He was also found drumming on an antique looking drum set which was accented by bike chains, during part of their set. Nothing More put on a show stopping and honest performance; among the few favorites of the day.

Kid Rock closed out Day 2 of Carolina Rebellion. Many people were taken by surprise at how much of an incredible performance he put on. Sporting sunglasses and a hat accented by beautiful lights, Kid was ready to Rock. Taking the stage by the explosion of fireworks, he instantly stole the crowd. Whether his music is your “cup of tea” or not, there is no denying that artistically he’s a genius- and insanely talented performer. Tossing his mic from hand to hand, jumping up and down, and migrating all over the stage, Kid Rock put on a show to remember. What a perfect way to wrap up such an exciting weekend. Are you looking forward to Carolina Rebellion 2015, yet?! We sure are!

Review by: Liana Marie

Day 1:

Avenged Sevenfold