On the 28th of December 2019, Detroit local band Wilson gave its last show at the Crofoot Ballroom in Pontiac, Michigan where everything started almost 10 years ago. The reason why the band split is still not very clear to this day. Citing other projects, spending more time with their loved ones, and moving away, the Wilson guys are still good friends but somewhere else in their lives individually. 

Well known for being party animals, they decided to throw one more big party surrounded by family and friends. After announcing their ‘’break up’’, the band let the fans know that the final party would be at the end of December in their hometown, Detroit. Chad Nicefield (vocals) admitted being very surprised that the 1200 tickets got sold out in a couple of weeks. Not only that, tickets were bought from people all over the United States and also all over the world! Fans from the UK, Germany, and Sweden bought tickets and flights to sing along with the band one more time. We have to mention that the guys from Wilson were also the favorites on the rock concert cruise ‘’Shiprocked’’ which connects music lovers from all around the world every year.

This last live album wasn’t planned at all. The guys wanted to record it just to keep it as a souvenir and good memories from their last big performance altogether. A couple of months later, one of their Sound Engineers sent Chad a live mix of their last performance of ‘’Dumptruck’’ and it forced him to realize that all the fans who shared this last moment with them and the others who couldn’t be there, needed their own copy.

“Thank You, Good Night” is a live album… 40 minutes of pure party. Ten of their biggest hits or songs that the band liked to play the most at concerts and festivals. The best of their 3 albums on one live performance….on an album! Chad is guiding us with band stories and memories between the songs and you can hear the crowd singing along with him. If you are a Wilson fan you need this album to complete your collection but also because the performance was one of their best. Knowing it was their last one as an official band, you can hear that the guys gave everything they had and enjoyed the stage like never before. 

If you don’t know Wilson, you also need this album for your parties, workout sessions or just to cheer you up with their crazy beats and funny lyrics. But I have to warn you, you will probably be upset to realize that it was their last album and Wilson is not ‘’a thing’’ anymore.

Album available on all DSP on January 29th, 2021.

Thank you, Good night, Live

1. Dumptruck
2. Wrong Side Of History
3. Give Em Hell
4. Windows Down!
5. Summertime Treat (Tasty Nasty)
6. The Flood
7. All My Friends
8. Fuck Up My High
9. Like A Baller
10. House Of Fuckery

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February 1-6, 2020

by Marie-Christine Quirion

After a pre-Mardi-Gras parade down Bourbon street on January 30th, our ship, the ‘’Carnival Valor’’ left the port of New Orleans with 3300 passengers, 22 bands all as one big family ready to rock the seas for the next 5 days.

Saturday

The 11th edition of Shiprocked was officially launched at 5 pm on the deck stage by headliner Halestorm. Lzzy wearing her typical extreme high heels and Arejay, in the most colorful Hawaiian suit, the band gave us a performance one comes to expect from them, ranging from their well-known successes to acoustic covers like ‘’I Will Always Love You’’ by Whitney Houston. Usually, a headliner doesn’t start the cruise, but Halestorm really wanted to set the tone for the rest of the cruise, with their crazy energy and gifts to the crowd. Throwing drumsticks and guitar picks a plenty to the fans during the first performance, the band had many other surprises up their sleeves for the rest of the trip.

Following them, Clint Lowery from Sevendust gave his first performance as a solo artist. Clint, a little reserved, stayed true to himself and stood out with his musical experience. On the other hand, his secondary guitar player was entertaining the crowd by himself. Jumping around, interacting with the crowd, working the whole stage, he definitely made the performance more interesting. Back on the main stage, DED played into the freezing night but still had a really excited crowd. Unfortunately, they stole the fans from Living In Color who was playing almost at the same time in the theater. Although one of the oldest groups on the ship, they had no problems showing the youngsters up. Great lighting, great energy, amazing voices and personalities on stage, the band was definitely worth missing the end of DED’s performance to catch.

Not long after, my discovery of the night, Goodbye June was playing in the Lounge. Even if the family band (they are all cousins) had their first hits in 2016, I had never heard about them before the Shiprocked lineup announcement. With a look and vintage accessories from the 70s all over the stage, the group gave us a phenomenal performance that felt like a throwback in the time. Ending the evening we had the dynamic Black Stone Cherry in the theater and Of Mice & Men and Asking Alexandria on the deck. Making a joke about playing 28 shows in 29 days, we would not have been able to tell the guys were tired. Playing with energy, they ran through their most recent hits, and ended the night with one of their most successful ones ‘’Alone In A Room’’.

Sunday

Sunday was a day at sea, so most Shiprockers took to the endless merch line or one of the many different Meets & Greets. Some bands were a little bit reserved but it was not the case for all of them. Some lines were taking forever because some artists were huggers (the case of Arejay Hale) or wanted to give funny advice or comments to every person they were meeting, like Vernon Reid from Living Color. By the end of the afternoon, a reunion 7 years in the making, the band RA was performing. The band was good but there was so much fog it was hard to tell what was going on, or if they were even moving.

The 3 different stages had 3 amazing performances, that made you wish you could have stayed for the entirety. In the Lounge, the metalcore band SHVPES from England lit the room on fire with their rhymes, jumps and crazy attitude on stage. Their first time on Shiprocked, but probably not their last. Another band, Beartooth, who were “Survivors” (how we call a Shiprocker who’s made it past their first sailing) played in a very packed theater, one of the most crowded of the week. Jumping around, interacting with the crowd who was singing along, this was a perfect first performance on stage for the band who has sold out every date on their upcoming tour so far. On the main stage was the return of Hellyeah. With a quick appearance of Chad Gray in the Stowaways last year, nobody was expecting the whole band on Shiprocked this year. On this first day, with a warm ocean breeze, the deck was crowded, but that didn’t stop lead singer Chad from interacting with the fans. He jumped into the crowd, grabbed somebody’s hat to wear it and even posed for numerous photos while he was singing.

Monday

A quick early morning stop in Key West Florida, the Shiprockers enjoyed a couple of free hours and a nice sunny day off the boat. Most of them took up stools at the closest bar but a couple played tourists and enjoyed key lime pie and visited famous spots.

Back on the boat the first Stowaways performance took place. Under a burning sun, many ending the afternoon with a sunburn, the crowd watched the amazing collective of musicians play together for more than 2 hours of pure happiness. Mixing styles and bands, going from Santana to Korn to Linkin Park, their talent showed no limits. Following them, the only “local band” Cane Hill (they are from New Orleans) jumped on the stage for their first Shiprocked experience.

Some of the bands, like Of Mice & Men, Black Stone Cherry and Asking Alexandria gave their second performance today, but two bands the fans were waiting for; Ice Nine Kills and Alter Bridge. I have to say, after Shiprocked, Ice Nine Kills became my new favorite for 2020. Not only is the latest album based on horror movies but the whole show is. Costumes, make up, accessories and even lighting, you could remember the most famous horror movies without even trying. The second headliner, Alter Bridge, were also pumped when they jumped on the main stage tonight. As usual, Myles Kennedy and the whole band gave a perfect performance and also brought new Shiprockers to the cruise by being on. After having few conversations with Newbs (how you call a Shiprocker on their first cruise) I realized how many of them were the boat this year specifically for Alter Bridge. Welcome to the family you guys!

Tuesday

Tuesday was our second stop in Cozumel, Mexico. With not a cloud in sight, and the sun beating down Shiprockers headed to a huge beach party planned with games, food, an open bar and performances by Joyous Wolf and Hyro The Hero. It was hard to not enjoy yourself. The well-known you-tube musician and producer Leo Moracchiolli also jumped in Hyro’s set for a cover of Bring The Noise by Anthrax & Public Enemy. You can watch the music video filmed at the same time on his YouTube channel.

Back on boat to get ready for the second Stowaways performance with more musicians and more hits. From “Voodoo Child” and “Purple Rain” to Johnny Cash’s version of “Hurt” the second Stowaways was for all ages and all musical tastes. After this giant performance, Badflower took to the theater at near full capacity, and gave the fans what they were expecting; an intense performance interrupted only by funny comments and stories to entertain their fans from all over the place.

While waiting for Badflower to jump on stage, I had conversations with people from Sweden, Germany and even a 6-year old American boy, totally a fan of Josh the lead singer. On the same night, Beartooth and Ice Nine Kills gave their second performance on main stage, both to big crowds, enjoying the warm and nice weather. The only thing that made it a bit harder than their first time on stage in the theater, was the wind. It was so intense at moments, that the boat was rocking a lot. But, even with these conditions, the bands gave us incredible performances, leaving the fans wanting more.

Wednesday

Last day on the boat and also a day at sea, which meant: more Meets & Greets! The first part of the day was reserved for the different meets & greets in various rooms on the boat and funny games with the bands. Starting with Beers & Bingo with Goodbye June or Flip Cup Tournament with Badflower or a game of Messy Twister with Black Stone Cherry, if you did not have the chance yet to meet your favorites bands or missed a meet & greet, there was many opportunities on the boat to fraternize with them.

Music wise, Joyous Wolf launched the day around 2 pm on the main deck with their last performance. Many curious fans showed up just to see what Nick Reese, the lead singer would do this time. We have to mention that everywhere they play, Nick is well known for his crazy flips and dance moves, climbing the rigging and jumping in the crowd. After them, many bands alternated shows and meet & greets or enjoyed the rest of their last day on the boat.

The highlight of the day is definitely the Charity Auction for Cancer Sucks. Hosted by none other than Arejay Hale, many people attended just to see how crazy and funny an auction could be with him. Wearing a red suit covered with glitter, making funny comments, and playing with people Arejay pushed the limits of their budgets and raised over $130,000 for Cancer Sucks… in an hour! A record for the Charity Auction on Shiprocked.

Following that, Arejay had to go get ready for their last performance of the cruise. Even if their second performance was very similar to the first one, one moment caught everybody’s attention and it’s when the whole band left the stage except for Arejay. He started a drum solo, then joined onstage by John Fred Young (the drummer of Black Stone Cherry) and started playing at the same time as Arejay, on the same drum set. Challenging each other and even changing places without missing a beat, the drummer duet was amazing to watch.

The fans wanted more and the band, very generous of their time the whole cruise, threw all their guitar picks and drumsticks in the crowd at the end of the last show, leaving nothing to themselves.

Even though it was the last night, and everybody had to wake up early the following morning, the casino and Chad Nicefield from Wilson were throwing a last Karaoke night AND a Mardi Gras Parade Party in the club. Many bands and Shiprockers did not sleep on this last crazy night and partied well into the morning.

As my second experience on Shiprocked, I can now say that this cruise is now a permanent vacation every year. Like many others, I have to plan a ‘’Shiprocked budget’’ every year. The excitement of the first year and not knowing what to expect is behind me, which brought another level of happiness to this year for me. Reconnecting with Shiprocked family, better management of time and sleep, discovering new ports and countries, made my first year as a Survivor as memorable as the very first one as a Newb. Both year I knew most of the bands but I also discovered a few new ones because of this cruise.

In my opinion, discovering a band live, is the best way to do it. I also rediscovered some of them like Halestorm. I always liked them but I have to admit the 2020 edition would have not been the same without them. I liked their music but I discovered a side of them that I was not expecting. They walked the crowd, took selfies, enjoyed drinks with people and signed or gave little presents at every opportunity they had. Sometimes eating at the buffet like everybody else and staying up all night, they obviously did not sleep much. The funny personality of Arejay and the party animal in Lzzy set up the bar very high for the next headliners in the next few years. For more information about the past editions or for the upcoming one, please visit

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September 29, 2019

Highland Festival Grounds, Louisville, Kentucky, USA

by Marie Christine Quirion

Sunday

I must admit that on Sunday the dehydration and fatigue of the previous two days were beginning to be felt. Like many, I decided to enter the site a little later and start my last day at Louder Than Life with In This Moment. Due to some technical problems, the band took to the stage about 15 minutes late and also had to cut short their performance in order, to respect the schedule. Still, the teenager in me, and probably several other fans too, were looking forward to the next performance. 

After several years of silence, Sum 41 returned last year with a new album and I had not yet had the chance to see them live. As energetic as it was then, the brief 40 minutes spent with them did not disappoint. Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin, Marilyn Manson, and Rob Zombie all brought their own version of madness with their sets, and we even bore witness to a human tidal wave created by the ‘body surfers’. Hats off to the security team, who earned their money today! 

To close the evening, the one and only Disturbed. These four guys presented us with an completely empty stage, except for drums, guitars and a microphone. No pyrotechnics, costumes or special effects. Their fans will always say they’ve seen better from the band, but honestly, I call it talent. Although very different from what we are used to on their part, Disturbed was able to show us who they are, and without all the regular distractions; just quality musicians and artists.

I must also point out that we were treated to a very different Marilyn Manson. Indeed, he is usually cold, even borderline arrogant, with photographers and fans. However, throughout his set, he came down from the stage to meet the spectators, indulge in hugs as well as take dozens of ‘selfies’.

Louder Than Life 2019 was the conclusion at the first edition of what Louisville is calling the ‘Trifesta’. A series organized by independent producer Danny Wimmer. With more than 289,000 spectators spread over 3 weekends of festivities, in perfect weather, with incredible headliners covering all tastes, DWP productions have been able to bet right. What to expect for the 2020 edition? Danny Wimmer and his team have announced Metallica to headline with two DIFFERENT sets, one on Friday, and one on Sunday..

For more information about the festival and upcoming performers, I invite you to visit the website  www.louderthanlifefestival.com or the Facebook page  www.facebook.com/louderthanlifefestival.

Louder than Life- Day 1

Louder than Life- Day 2

Louisville, Kentucky, Etats-Unis, 27, 28 et 29 septembre 2019

by Marie Christine Quirion

Après les succès de ‘’Hometown Rising’’ ainsi que ‘’Bourbon and Beyond’’ des deux fins de semaines précédentes, c’est Louder Than Life qui a clos les festivités 2019 par les productions DWP à Louisville, au Kentucky. Avec plus de 128 000 spectateurs au courant de la fin de semaine, cela fait de la 5e édition de Louder Than Life le plus gros festival de musique rock en Amérique! Souvenons-nous que l’an dernier, le précédent site avait été inondé et avait forcé l’annulation du festival seulement quelques jours avant l’événement. Records d’assistance battus, l’ajout d’un festival 100% country (Hometown Rising) et sur un tout nouveau site, on peut dire que les productions DWP peuvent être fières de ce qu’elles ont accompli cette année.

Samedi 

Encore plus belle, plus chaude et plus occupée, samedi était probablement la journée la plus attendue pour la plupart d’entre nous. Les petits nouveaux dans l’industrie du rock ont eu la chance de participer et partager cet événement d’envergure avec les grands noms de la musique qui comptent 20 ans et plus de vie tels que; Suicidal Tendencies, Stone Temple Pilots, Dropkick Murphy’s, Halestorm, Ice Cube, Godsmack et nul autre que Guns n’ Roses.

Malgré un léger retard quant à son entrée sur scène, le band a été très généreux de son temps et a offert une prestation d’une vingtaine de ses succès ainsi que quelques reprises. Par contre, j’ai été très étonnée de constater qu’après la performance de ‘’Welcome To The Jungle’’ qui était seulement la 4^e chanson de leur longue liste, le site a commencé à se vider. Peut-être dû à la chaleur accablante de la journée et au fait qu’avec ce retard il commençait à se faire tard? Possible. Il était toutefois surprenant de voir tous ces gens quitter avant la fin devant ces légendes du rock.

Autre fait surprenant du jour, l’enthousiasme et participation des spectateurs lors de la performance d’Ice Cube dans un festival rock/heavy metal. Aucun effets spéciaux, accessoires ou musicien, O’Shea Jackson, de son vrai nom, et son hôte nous ont ‘’rappé’’ ses plus grands succès et remémoré de bons souvenirs des années 90-2000. C’est probablement pourquoi il a obtenu une réponse positive d’un auditoire si différent du sien. Moment fort? Si je me fie aux commentaires entendus sur places et sur les médias sociaux, sans aucun doute la performance de Dropkick Murphy’s. Même si leur temps de scène leur a permis d’interpréter seulement 6 de leurs chansons les plus connues, le groupe punk-rock à saveur celtique a su se faire découvrir pour certains et redécouvrir par d’autres. Même après 23 ans de carrière, ils gardent la même fougue et désir d’interagir avec la foule. Une gigantesque fête sur scène et dans l’assistance.

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Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, Kentucky, USA, 27, 28 and 29 September 2019

by Marie Christine Quirion

After the successes of ‘Hometown Rising’, and ‘Bourbon and Beyond’ the previous two weekends, it was Louder Than Life whom closed the 2019 festivities by DWP in Louisville, Kentucky.  With more than 128,000 spectators over the weekend, this made the 5th edition of Louder Than Life the largest rock music festival in America!

Let us remember that last year, Champions Park, had flooded and forced the cancellation of the festival only a few days before the event. With record attendance, the addition of a 100% country festival (Hometown Rising), and a brand-new site, it can be said that DWP can be proud of what they accomplished this year.

Saturday

Even more beautiful, warmer and busier, Saturday was probably the most anticipated day for most of us. Newcomers to the rock industry had the chance to participate and share this major event with some of the biggest names in music, some of whom have been together more than 20 years. Suicidal Tendencies, Stone Temple Pilots, Dropkick Murphys, Halestorm, Ice Cube, Godsmack and the one and only Guns N’ Roses all played today.

A surprising performance this day was the enthusiasm and participation of spectators during Ice Cube’s performance… especially in a rock/heavy metal festival. No special effects, props or musicians, Ice Cube, whose real name is O’Shea Jackson, and his MC performed his greatest hits bringing back fond memories of the 1990s-2000s. That’s probably why he got a positive response from an audience so different from his.

Despite a slight delay in his entry on stage, Axl Rose and the guys in Guns N’ Roses were very generous with their time and performed more than twenty of their most successful hits, as well as a few covers. I was very surprised to find that after the performance of “Welcome To The Jungle” which was only the^4th song of the set list, the site began to empty. Perhaps due to the oppressive heat of the day and the fact that they were 45 minutes late to start? Its possible.

The highlight of the day, based on the comments heard on scene and on social media, without a doubt, was the performance of Dropkick Murphys. Although their stage time allowed them to perform only 6 of their best-known songs, the Celtic-flavored punk-rock band was able to pick-up new fans, and be rediscovered by old ones. Even after a 23-year career, they keep the same spirit and desire to interact with the crowd. It was a gigantic party on stage and in the audience.

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Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, Kentucky, USA 27th September 2019

by Marie Christine Quirion

After the successes of ‘Hometown Rising’, and ‘Bourbon and Beyond’ the previous two weekends, it was Louder Than Life who closed the 2019 festivities by DWP in Louisville, Kentucky. With more than 128,000 spectators over the weekend, this made the 5th edition of Louder Than Life the largest rock music festival in America! 

Let us remember that last year, Champions Park, had flooded and forced the cancellation of the festival only a few days before the event. With record attendance, the addition of a 100% country festival (Hometown Rising), and a brand-new site, it can be said that DWP can be proud of what they accomplished this year.

Friday

The stages and kiosks have been on site for more than two weeks, and are laid out in a well-established layout. The doors were opened to the extremely brave Friday at noon. I say ”brave” because I must mention that an unusual heat at the end of September was present and no clouds or winds seemed to want to show up. 

However, with the energy and madness of the guys in Wilson opening the day, it was easy to forget the heat and get caught up in the madness. With bands like New Years Day cheering on the “body surfing” to come to greet them on stage, an explosive DJ like Crystal Method, and the bloody Gwar throughout the day, it was Philip H. Anselmo and The Illegals revisiting Pantera’s greatest hits that hit the crowd the hardest. The colorful Motionless In White and the long-awaited return of the band Staind, fresh off their 5-year hiatus, we can say the crowd was more than ready for Slipknot in the evening. 

Although some of the special effects and usual staging were not present, the band, which is already nearly 25 years old, came out swinging opening with their success ”People=Shit”, revisiting their greatest hits as well as some new songs from the newest album released last August. Being a fan for several years, I’m almost ashamed to admit that it was the first time I have seen them live. 

However, I assure you that this will not be the last. Dressed in white and donning their new masks which were created to coincide with their most recent album, Slipknot’s energy carried us song after song into a world of psychedelic circus, not giving us time to catch our breath… or a sip!

7 et 8 septembre 2019, Louisville, Kentucky

by Marie Christine Quirion

Cette année, les productions Danny Wimmer se sont lancées tout un défi; l’ajout d’un festival de musique country en ouverture à leurs festivités annuelles de ‘’Bourbon and Beyond’’ et ‘’Louder than life’’ ET sur un tout nouveau site. Risqué, mais bien calculé.

Avec des noms tels que Tim McGraw, Little Big Town, Bret Michaels, Brett Young, Keith Urban et Luke Bryan, pour ne nommer que ceux-là, il était difficile d’imaginer que cette première année d’Hometown Rising à Louisville au Kentucky, ne soit pas un succès. En effet, suite aux inondations qui ont touché Louisville l’an dernier, Danny Wimmer et son équipe ont dû relocaliser leurs événements habituels au Kentucky Exposition Center et mettre tout en place pour l’arrivée de leur nouveauté country de 2019.

L’événement :

Bien sûr, comme tout festival musical qui se respecte, les sections VIP, tentes de boissons énergisantes Monster, kiosques de marchandises et encans divers, Hometown Rising avait tout ça et bien plus encore. Les marchands de bottes et chapeaux de cowboy, cuisine bbq locale, accessoires faits à la main, cours de danse en ligne, dégustation de bourbons, whiskey et bières artisanales, ont aussi su faire leur place et se démarquer lors de cette première édition… et ont probablement aussi fait de bonnes affaires!

Les concerts :

Samedi

Deux scènes principales, côtes à côtes ainsi qu’une troisième plus petite à l’extrémité du site, les prestations se sont succédées sous un soleil radiant et dans une synchronisation parfaite. Aucun retard ou temps mort n’a été observé lors de l’événement. Lindsay Ell, Jimmie Allen, Trace Adkins et même Dwight Yoakam ont su préparer le terrain pour l’explosion d’énergie et le party des dernières prestations de la journée par Little Big Town et en clôture, Tim McGraw. Revisitant leurs plus grands succès et même quelques excursions dans la foule, tous les artistes ont été très généreux de leur temps et présence sur scène.

Dimanche 

Sans aucune hésitation, malgré un temps extrêmement chaud, dimanche fut certainement ma journée préférée. Dès le début de l’après-midi les gars de Locash ont fait lever la foule avec leurs succès portant à la fête. Bien qu’ils étaient attitrés à la scène de droite, les gars se sentaient un peu coupables pour les fans qui étaient pris du côté gauche. Ils ont donc à quelques reprises fait des apparitions sur l’autre scène et fait participer l’assistance. Suivant cette prestation énergique, Bret Michaels et son band ont sauté sur la scène en changeant leur sélection de chansons à la dernière minute et ont plutôt décidé de revisiter d’anciens succès du groupe Poison et autres grands du monde country, dont ‘’Sweet Home Alabama’’ qui fut une bombe d’énergie pour la foule. Ensuite, le coloré Jake Owen, fidèle à ses habitudes, est monté sur scène pieds nus et revêtant un costume aqua aux motifs de plage et d’océan. Ne restant pas en place plus de quelques secondes et faisant participer la foule, nous avons eu droit à ses hits les plus récents et quelques reprises. Suivant cette heure d’énergie, c’est le gentleman et beaucoup plus calme Brett Young qui a pris place sur scène pour l’heure suivante. Utilisant les deux étages de la scène et même quelques aller-retours dans la première rangée de l’assistance, chacun a pu apercevoir un peu de Brett au courant de sa prestation. Mention spéciale à sa reprise du succès de Justin Bieber ‘’Love Yourself’’ qui a fait chanter toute l’assistance. Un des préférés de l’événement, Keith Urban a su rassembler la foule et faire participer tout le monde, même l’interprète du langage des signes lors de l’interprétation de la chanson ‘’Fighter’’ habituellement fait en duo avec Carrie Underwood. Après deux jours déjà bien remplis, c’est seulement vers 8:20pm que la foule a pu enfin voir et entendre LE favori du festival, Luke Bryan. Succès après succès, blagues, interaction avec la foule et participation de sa nouvelle protégée Gabby Barrett lors de l’interprétation de ‘’Most people are good’’, la foule a vécu toute une gamme d’émotions. Passant des larmes, aux rires, aux slows dansés par la majorité des couples, Luke a su plaire aux hommes, femmes, jeunes et moins jeunes.

Pour un premier festival 100% country des productions DWP, à guichets fermés (70 000 personnes par jour), sur un tout nouveau site et avec un line up extraordinaire, je n’ai aucun doute que l’édition 2019 d’Hometown Rising n’était seulement que les premiers pas de Wimmer et son équipe dans l’univers de la musique country. D’ici là, je vous invite fortement à aller faire un tour au festival ‘’Bourbon and Beyond’’ ainsi que ‘’Louder Than Life’’ qui auront lieu dans les prochaines semaines sur le même site de Louisville et aussi produits par DWP. Pour plus d’informations sur les éditions à venir, veuillez visiter le site web www.hometownrising.com

Line ups :

Samedi

IMAJ

ALICE WALLACE

RAELYN NELSON BAND

THE SISTERHOOD BAND

J.D. SHELBURNE

NOAH GUTHRIE

CLARE DUNN

THE STEEL WOODS

LINDSAY ELL

JIMMIE ALLEN

THE CADILLAC THREE

FRANKIE BALLARD

TRACE ADKINS

DWIGHT YOAKAM

LITTLE BIG TOWN

TIM MCGRAW

Dimanche

KENDALL SHAFFER

HANNAH ELLIS

JEFFREY EAST

LARRY FLEET

EVERETTE

DILLON CARMICHAEL

GABBY BARRETT

MASON RAMSEY

THE WILD FEATHERS

LOCASH

BRET MICHAELS

JAKE OWEN

BRETT YOUNG

KEITH URBAN LUKE BRYAN

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September 7-8, 2019, Louisville, Kentucky

by Marie Christine Quirion

This year, Danny Wimmer Presents (DWP) set a new challenge; not only add a country music festival to open their newly created “Trifecta” series which includes “Bourbon and Beyond” and “Louder Than Life” but move it to a brand-new site. Risqué, but well calculated.

With some of the largest names in country music today, such as Tim McGraw, Little Big Town, Bret Michaels, Brett Young, Keith Urban, and Luke Bryan, it was hard to imagine that this first year for Hometown Rising in Louisville, Kentucky would not succeed. Following the floods that hit Louisville last year, Danny Wimmer and his team not only had to relocate their usual events to the Kentucky Exposition Center, but get everything in place for the arrival of their new country festival, Hometown Rising.

The event:

Like you would expect to find in any large scale musical event; VIP sections, Monster energy drink tents, merchandise kiosks and various auctions, Hometown Rising had it all and more. Merchants sold cowboy boots and hats, local BBQ food, crafts, bourbon, whiskey, and craft beers. Line dancing lessons ran hourly, to teach new-comers the right moves. All this helped make Hometown Rising stand out at this first edition… and probably do some good business!

Concerts:

Saturday

Two main stages, placed side by side, and a third smaller at the opposing end of the site, most performances were viewed from under a radiant sun and in perfect synchronization. No delays or downtime were observed during today’s lineup. Newer stars like Lindsay Ell and Jimmie Allen opened the day, with distinguished singers like Trace Adkins and Dwight Yoakam performing throughout. Everyone today helped set the stage for the explosion of energy and ‘party’ with the last performances of the day by direct support Little Big Town and headliner, Tim McGraw. Revisiting their greatest hits the crown sang along, and even got up close and personal when the performers stepped off the stage into the crowd. Overall, every artist was very generous with their time and stage presence, making the most of this opening day.

Sunday

Despite extremely hot weather, Sunday was certainly my favorite day. Beginning the afternoon were these guys in LoCash, who raised the crowd with their party anthems. Although they performed on the right stage, they made their way to far left and interacted with the crowd there. Following this energetic performance, Bret Michaels and his band jumped on stage, threw their country playlist out the window, and spent over an hour revisiting former hits of his band Poison and other greats of the country world. Since he was in the south, “Sweet Home Alabama” was a favorite, which was like an energy bomb to the crowd. 

Jake Owen, true to his habits, took the stage barefoot, donning an aqua costume with beach and ocean motifs. Not staying in place for more than a few seconds and involving the crowd, we were treated to his most recent hits and a few covers. Slowing us down, was the gentleman and much calmer Brett Young. Using a riser, Brett moved about the whole stage and even made a few round trips in the first row of the audience. Special mention to his cover of Justin Bieber’s hit ”Love Yourself” which made the whole audience sing. Fan-favorite of the event, Keith Urban was able to bring us all together having us sing with him, and even engaged with the ASL interpreter during the performance of the song ” Fighter” usually a duet with Carrie Underwood. 

After two full days, as the clock struck 8:20 pm, the crowd was finally able to see and hear the favorite of the festival, Luke Bryan. Hit after hit, mixing in-jokes, heavy interaction with the crowd and even a duet with his new protégé Gabby Barrett during the performance of ‘Most People Are Good’, the crowd experienced a whole range of emotions. Passing from tears to laughter to slow dances in the moonlight, Luke was able to please men, women, young and old.

For a first all country festival from DWP, with more than 70,000 people every day (Sold Out), with an extraordinary line up, and on a new site, I have no doubt that the 2019 edition of Hometown Rising was only the first step for Danny Wimmer and his team into the world of country music. 

In the meantime, I strongly invite you to go for a walk at the Bourbon and Beyond festival and “Louder Than Life” which will take place in the coming weeks on the same site in Louisville and are also produced by DWP. For more information and upcoming editions, please visit the website www.hometownrising.com

Line ups:

Saturday

IMAJ

ALICE WALLACE

RAELYN NELSON BAND

THE SISTERHOOD BAND

J.D. SHELBURNE

NOAH GUTHRIE

CLARE DUNN

THE STEEL WOODS

LINDSAY ELL

JIMMIE ALLEN

THE CADILLAC THREE

FRANKIE BALLARD

ADKINS TRACE

DWIGHT YOAKAM

LITTLE BIG TOWN

TIM MCGRAW

Sunday

KENDALL SHAFFER

HANNAH ELLIS

JEFFREY EAST

LARRY FLEET

EVERETTE

DILLON CARMICHAEL

GABBY BARRETT

MASON RAMSEY

THE WILD FEATHERS

LOCASH

BRET MICHAELS

JAKE OWEN

BRETT YOUNG

KEITH URBAN

LUKE BRYAN

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