Boardwalk Rock Day 2: The Beach, The Bands, and Nonstop Energy

By Dave Parsons

Day One of the inaugural Boardwalk Rock festival was like dipping your toe into the water on the Ocean City, Maryland, beach.  You weren’t quite sure what was to come, if your expectations were going to be met, and if all the first night kinks were worked out.  As the folks liked the streets, waiting to get in for Day 2 of the festival, most folks talked about how much they enjoyed the day before.  The mix of rock genres, as well as bands from every decade, gave everyone something to thoroughly enjoy, and more than one new thing to discover.  

It wasn’t hard to feel the energy and anticipation of the day ahead, with Nickelback and Shinedown headlining the day, and a stellar lineup going back 50 some years. Once the gates opened and the crowd began running to the barricades on whatever stage they wanted to stake out to see the acts they adored the most, other folks strolled the boardwalk, perusing the shops and vendors that were open to hawk their wares, and others headed for the vast array of food options, on the boardwalk as well as the tasty foods in the stage area itself.   As everyone got settled in, the music was ready to begin.

Black Stone Cherry‘s performance was a Southern rock-infused powerhouse. Opening with Me and Mary Jane, the band’s gritty sound and energy were immediately apparent.  The raspy vocals and the tight instrumentation had the crowd awake and ready to go. Hits like White Trash Millionaire and Blame It on the Boom Boom had the fans singing along to every word. Black Stone Cherry’s set was a celebration of Southern rock, delivering a performance that was both high-energy and rooted in tradition.  Their high-energy performance was a perfect way to start the day, setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable festival.

Lit brought a refreshing burst of energy to the festival, offering a lighter, more playful sound in contrast to some of the heavier acts of the weekend. The band’s set kicked off with their infectious hit Kicked Off the Plane, and the crowd immediately embraced their fun, pop-punk-infused rock. The band members all had great charismatic stage presence and playful banter with the audience adding a touch of humor to the show.

Lit’s set was a perfect blend of nostalgia, with hits like Zip-Lock and Miserable getting the crowd to sing along at the top of their lungs. Lit’s ability to craft catchy, anthemic songs that have stood the test of time made their set a crowd favorite. Their energy and vibrant performance made it a beach party early in the day.

Crossfade‘s performance was a powerful blend of post-grunge and alternative metal. Opening with Starless, the band was off and running with the audience trying to catch up. With a performance marked by intensity and passion, each member delivered their parts with precision and energy. Crossfade’s set showed their enduring appeal, while offering a fresh take on their post-grunge sound.

Dorothy’s performance was a dynamic fusion of blues rock styles, and their set felt like a breath of fresh air in the midst of the festival’s heavy rock offerings. Lead vocalist Dorothy Martin, known for her commanding stage presence and powerful voice, immediately set the tone with Down to the Bottom, a song that oozed grit and soul.

The band’s set, with tracks like Bones and After Midnight  showcased their ability to blend classic rock influences with a more contemporary sound. Dorothy’s energy was contagious, and easily made their performance one of the highlights of the festival.

Candlebox’s performance was a nostalgic journey through the ’90s grunge era. Opening with Don’t You, the crowd immediately let them know they had come to the right place.  The band’s setlist included fan favorites like You and Cover Me, each song met with enthusiastic applause and sing-alongs. Their set was a heartfelt tribute to the ’90s grunge movement, offering fans a chance to relive the magic of that time.

Alice Cooper delivered a show that was as much theater as it was rock. Known for his dramatic stage presence and theatrical performances, Cooper’s set was a visual spectacle from start to finish performance was a theatrical spectacle, even in the twilight hour of the sun that still spread across the beach.  Each song was accompanied by elaborate props and dramatic flair, giving long-time fans what they came to see, and gaining some younger fans who had heard the tales of his tours gone by.

As the beachfront changed from day to night, the mystique of his stage show changed as well, as Cooper performed fan favorites like School’s Out and Poison, songs that have defined generations of rock lovers.  Cooper’s ability to blend rock with performance art offered a unique experience that, frankly, is missing in some of the top acts today. This one rose above the typical festival show, leaving the crowd in awe and solidifying his place as one of rock’s most beloved performers.

Shinedown’s performance was a masterclass in rock intensity, and their commanding stage presence was evident from the moment they took the stage. They opened with Dance, Kid, Dance, and immediately captivated the audience. The band’s powerful sound, which blends hard rock with haunting melodies, was on full display as they played hits like Second Chance and Devil, each song delivered with both precision and passion. The crowd responded in kind, singing along to every word and losing themselves in the atmosphere.

As the band tore through their set, it was clear that Shinedown has mastered the art of creating anthems that resonate deeply with their fans. Even, Simple Man, a classic cover of the Lynyrd Skynyrd tune, provided a moment, with the crowd singing along to the timeless lyrics. The band members respect for each other, as well as their energy, were evident.  It was near dark by the time they went on, but they noted more than once how great it was to see the audience, as they usually look out into pure darkness. The crowd responded in kind, singing along to every word and losing themselves in the emotionally charged atmosphere.

Three Days Grace brought their signature brand of hard rock to the Boardwalk Rock Festival with an intensity that reverberated through the crowd, for the last hurrah of the Bolt stage.  Opening with the explosive Animal I Have Become, fueled the crowd’s energy from the first note. The crowd was completely in sync with the band, especially during the anthemic So Called Life, where fans raised their hands and belted every word in unison.

Three Days Grace’s ability to evoke such strong reactions from their audience proved why they continue to be one of the most in-demand bands on the circuit.  Being a highlight of the festival, by providing the perfect blend of aggression and emotional depth, made them an unforgettable addition to the lineup.

Just like the last day of a beach vacation, there is that long walk down the sand to the last event of the trip.  The energy was still in the air as Nickelback took the stage, their simple presence commanding the attention of thousands. Opening with the anthemic San Quentin, the crowd erupted as one, singing along to every word. The band’s setlist traversed their extensive catalog, from the gritty Someday to the introspective Photograph, each song met with fervent applause. Chad Kroeger’s vocals were dead on and worked seamlessly with the band’s polished instrumentation.  Their performance was a testament to their enduring appeal, proving that Nickelback’s brand of post-grunge rock still resonates deeply with fans.

As the night wore on, Nickelback’s set continued to deliver hit after hit, including fan favorites like How You Remind Me and Rockstar, each song met with an overwhelmingly positive response. The backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean added a surreal atmosphere to the show, amplifying the emotional weight of the band’s music. By the time they closed with Burn It to the Ground, Nickelback had once again proven that their blend of anthemic rock and catchy hooks can still captivate an audience.

The Boardwalk Rock Festival, with its charm of Ocean City’s beach setting, proved to be the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable two-day celebration of rock.  From the timeless appeal of Alice Cooper and Shinedown, each band brought something unique to the stage, creating a journey that appealed to both die-hard rock fans and casual listeners alike. The blend of music, ocean breeze, and festival atmosphere made for an experience that went beyond just the music. It was a celebration of the power of rock to unite people from all walks of life, and as the crowd poured into the streets of Ocean City at the end of the night, it was clear that the first-ever Boardwalk Rock Festival had already solidified its place in rock history.

(Due to overlapping stage schedules and/or artists’ preference, in regard to this coverage of the festival, it is acknowledged that Tim Montana, Saliva, Fuel, Night Ranger, and Bret Michaels  also appeared on Day Two of Boardwalk Rock 2025.)