Welcome to Rockville 2014

April 26-27, 2014

Jacksonville, FL

The World’s Loudest Month kicked off in Jacksonville, FL with Welcome to Rockville for the 4^th year. Danny Wimmer Presents has produced Welcome to Rockville since day one and has become the highlight of Rock festival goers. With perfect weather, beautiful setting in Metro Park overlooking Jacksonville, and over 40 bands playing over two days, this event will keep growing, one day to rival, Rock on the Range.The two-day event was spread out over four stages, with one main stage and side stage for the west side and the east side. This was changed from last year – where the two main stages were very close to each other and the side stage at the other end of the park – leaving bands playing to less than a few hundred at times. With this set up, it was perfect for bands, as each end of the park was packed full of 21,000 fans each day.

For the first time in four years, both days were sold out. Both days featured some of the biggest names in rock, like Avenged Sevenfold, A Day to Remember, and The Cult which left many fans running to the other side for a spot to catch A7X on Day 1. I was not able to cover The Cult or A Day to Remember due to photo restrictions. Day two was headlined by, and for me was the best of the two days, Five Finger Death Punch, Rob Zombie, and Korn. Jacksonville mayor, Alvin Brown came on-stage and told the crowd Welcome to Rockville will be here for years to come.

Up and coming bands had a chance to shine like Digital Summer, Gemini Syndrome, Butcher Babies, The Pretty Reckless, and Monster Truck. Fan favorites Rev Theory, Adelitas Way, Sick Puppies, Black Stone Cherry, and Lacuna Coil, all with new albums out or coming out. Chevelle, Hell Yeah, Volbeat, Seether, and Staind gave it their all to the fans and could headline themselves.

For two days, fans celebrated and bonded in pits as they waited for the next band to come on. During this time, security used water hoses to cool of the crowd. Avenged Sevenfold proved why they are the kings of rock right now as the closed out day one with fireworks.

The next day Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch tore into their sets with such a fury, which left fans wishing for more. Not to be outdone, Korn left it all on the stage playing to a full crowd not looking to go home. Welcome to Rockville has raised the bar and can look forward to some of the biggest names in the coming years.

Review by Peter Lizano

Avenged Sevenfold