By Joel Barrios, Rock At Night’s Miami Correspondent
Get ready to surrender to the relentless rock royalty line up set to ignite South Florida this fall for the Second Annual Rockfest 80’s. The epic two-day event is coming to C.B. Smith Park, Saturday November 4, 2017 (Doors open noon to 10:30 p.m.) & Sunday November 5, 2017 (Doors open noon to 10 p.m.). Tickets are on-sale here.
A total of 16 Bands will grace the Rockfest stage at this fan-favorite festival event. This year’s spectacular lineup features three Rock and Roll Hall of Famers:
Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cheap Trick and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, as well as Sebastian Bach, Dokken, Foghat, Lita Ford, The Outlaws, Little River Band, Steelheart, Jack Russell’s “Great White,” Quiet Riot, South Florida’s local hero’s “Mr. Nice Guy” and Miami very own Coral Springs local rockers “Stellar Revival. Two more bands will join the line up through a statewide “Battle of the Bands” search, sponsored by Reverbnation.
C.B. Smith Park (Home to Rockfest 80’s) located in Pembroke Pines, Fla., is a 299-acre site and is one of Broward County Parks and Recreation’s most diverse parks, as well as one of its most popular. Along with a water park that includes water slides and a tube ride, the park offers a large RV campground, a tennis complex, a family golfing center and many other amenities.
About each band announced so far:
Lynyrd Skynyrd — Inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 13, 2006, Lynyrd Skynyrd features a catalog of more than 60 albums, over $30 million in album sales worldwide and with “Sweet Home Alabama” having been downloaded more than two million times as a ringtone, there’s no doubt Lynyrd Skynyrd has solidified its place in rock and roll history. The band, which originally started in Jacksonville, Fla., in 1964, has been through many changes over the years but Lynyrd Skynyrd is still going strong with original member Gary Rossington joined by Johnny Van Zant, Rickey Medlocke, Mark “Sparky” Matejka, Michael Cartellone, Johnny Colt, Peter Keys, Dale Krantz Rossington and Carol Chase.
Cheap Trick— Rocking sold out concerts since 1973, Cheap Trick is known in Japan as “The American Beatles.” With timeless hits such as “Surrender,” “I Want You To Want Me,” “Dream Police” and “The Flame,” Cheap Trick was inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. Known for their four decades of almost continuous touring, Cheap Trick has performed more than 5,000 times and just released their new album We’re All Alright! to rave reviews.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts — Inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015, Joan Jett, who has been dubbed The Queen of Rock and Roll and Godmother of Punk, shot to fame in 1975 as a founding member of the all-girl glam punk group, The Runaways. Jett picked up her first guitar at the age of 13 and went on to record 14 studio albums, release 42 singles to date and continues to tour every year to sold out audiences. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts continue to be one of the most sought after live bands in the industry today belting our anthems such as “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” and “I Hate Myself For Loving You.” A feminist Icon throughout her entire career, in 2010 “The Runaways” biopic was released gaining Jett a new generation of fans.
Sebastian Bach — Sebastian Bach has sold more than 20 million records both as the lead singer of Skid Row and as a solo artist. He is particularly known for the hit singles “I Remember You,” “Youth Gone Wild,” and “18 & Life,” and the albums Skid Row and Slave To The Grind, which became the first ever hard rock album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200. Bach continues to tour worldwide and has released his autobiography titled “18 And Life on Skid Row,” stirring up the 80’s era of rock and roll in true Sebastian Bach fashion. Bach also expanded his star power, gracing the Broadway stage with starring roles in “Jekyll & Hyde,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “The Rocky Horror Show.”
Dokken — American metal band, Dokken, sold more than 10 million albums churning out hits such as “Alone Again,” “In My Dreams” and “Burning Like a Flame.” Don Dokken, Jon Levin, “Wild” Mick Brown and Chris McCarvill are touring together and will make their Rockfest 80’s debut this November 4.
Foghat — British rock band Foghat achieved eight gold records, one platinum and one double platinum record and continue to wow audiences with familiar favorites such as “Slow Ride” and “Fool for the City.” Current members include: drummer Roger Earl, bassist Craig MacGregor, lead guitarist Bryan Bassett and vocalist and rhythm guitarist Charlie Huhn. Last summer, Foghat released a new album, Under the Influence, which was their 17th album and first record since 2010. The album features a new version of their biggest hit “Slow Ride.” With their non-stop touring and playing to sold out audiences nationwide, Foghat have released their next record – Foghat Live at the Belly Up.
Lita Ford — Singer, songwriter, author, producer and platinum-selling artist, Lita Ford, shot to fame as a teenager in the original all-girl punk rock group, The Runaways. Ford went on to have a wildly successful solo career with Top 10 singles such as “Kiss Me Deadly” and a duet with Ozzy Osbourne, “Close My Eyes Forever.” Lita was named “The First Lady of Rock Guitar” in 2017 by Guitar Player Magazine and continues to wow audiences around the world with her impressive lead guitar shredding skills.
The Outlaws — Formed in Tampa, Fla., The Outlaws are a southern rock /country band best known for their 1975 hit “There Goes Another Love Song” and extended guitar jam “Green Grass and High Tides” from their 1975 debut album, plus their 1980 cover of the Stan Jones classic “Ghost Riders in the Sky.” Still at the top of their game and with a non-stop touring schedule, The Outlaws continue playing to sold out audiences nationwide. In 2016, the band also released a 2-CD concert set entitled, Legacy Live.
Little River Band — With 16 studio albums, four live albums, five compilation records and 35 singles, Australian rockers Little River Band formed in 1975 and sold more than 30 million records. They scored hits with “Reminiscing” and “The Night Owls.” Today, Little River Band is still rockin’ more than 40 years later with guitarist Greg Hind, Chris Marion on keys, Ryan Ricks on drums, Wayne Nelson on bass and lead vocals and Rich Herring on lead guitar.
Steelheart — Originally known as Red Alert, Steelheart has been revving up audiences since 1990. Hits such as “I’ll Never Let You Go (Angel Eyes)” and “She’s Gone” solidified Steelheart’s place in rock history. Lead vocalist Miljenko Matijevic, lead guitarist Uros Raskovski, Rev Jones on bass and Mike Humbert on percussion currently make up the band. Steelhart is releasing a new album this summer set to include a few surprise guest appearances on the recording. It will be the band’s first new album since 2008.
Jack Russell’s “Great White” — Founding member of the American hard rock band Great White, Jack Russell started touring again as “Jack Russell’s Great White” in December 2011. The band originally formed in 1977 and achieved superstardom with rock anthems such as “Once Bitten Twice Shy” and “Rock Me.” Jack Russell’s “Great White” released their latest album He Saw It Comin’ in January with hits such as “Sign of the Times” and “She Moves Me.”
Quiet Riot — Originally founded in Los Angeles in 1973 by the late guitarist Randy Rhoads and bassist Kelly Garni, Quiet Riot is a glam metal band that has undergone several periods of reinvention. “Cum on Feel the Noize,” “Bang Your Head (Metal Health)” and their cover of “Mama Weer All Crazee Now” remain some of this iconic group’s most beloved hits. Current members include: Frankie Banali on drums, Chuck Wright on bass, Alex Grossi on guitar and “American Idol” finalist James Durbin on lead vocals. Quiet Riot is dropping a new album, Road Rage, later this year with new lyrics and Durbin on vocals.
“Mr. Nice Guy” — Drawing record breaking crowds at every show and having their own Royal Caribbean Cruise line spring cruise, Mr. Nice Guy continues to be South Florida’s No. 1 Classic Rock Band. The “Mr. Nice Guy Cruise” is three years in the running and comprised of South Florida’s premier musicians. Mr. Nice Guy joins the Rockfest 80’s line-up and kicks off the day on Sunday, November 5 with members: Tommy Hall – Guitar/ Keyboards/Vocals, Jeffrey James Harris – Lead Vocal/Guitar, Maria De Crescenzo – Lead Vocals, Johnny O- Lead Vocal/Sax/Flute/ Percussion, John Quinn – Keyboards, Richie Vega – Bass, Vocals, Dave Webster – Drums.
Stellar Revival — Influenced by Incubus and with individual members aspiring to the sounds of everything from blues and country to 90’s grunge, Stellar Revival quickly found success nationally but their roots remain true to where it all began in Coral Springs. Our very own “Coral Springs Rock Stars” signed with Capitol Records and played massive music festivals around Europe. Starting 2017 with a bang, Stellar Revival was invited to open for Bon Jovi in Los Angeles at the premier L.A. Arena “The Forum.” Closing this year, Stellar Revival joins the super star line up on Saturday, November 4 at Rockfest 80‘s with Rino Cerbone – Lead Vocal, guitarists Brian Spears and Steve Morgan, bassist Mike Lowther and Andrew Koussevitzky – Drums.
Battle of the Bands: Local South Florida bands compete to be one of four semi-finalists to battle it out on stage at Revolution Live in Downtown Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, September 9. The winning band will perform live in front of thousands as an opening act for Rockfest 80’s. This event will host a Silent Auction with all proceeds being donated to a local music education charity.
Junior Battle of the Bands: This competition allows younger performers to compete for one of four slots in our finals held at Xtreme Action Park in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, September 30. The winning band will open one of the two days at the Rockfest 80’s Music Festival! This event will also host a Silent Auction with all proceeds going to a local music education charity.
In addition to the music, there will be plenty of pop culture for rock fans to experience including:
* Muscle Car Alley: The ultimate muscle car experience. Three dozen cars spanning the 50’s through today’s muscle capturing the essence, where the WOW!, the SEXY and PURE ROCK meet…….
*Street Art Exhibition: An extremely talented group of local artists will be delivering their masterpieces, transforming blank canvases into amazing works of art. Artists can register to appear at the festival at Rockfest80s.com.
*”Rock Ur Locks” Presented by Kaizen Beauty Academy: The onsite hair/makeup salon, where concert goers can get their “Big Hair” 80’s hairdo on. This is just another reminder of the greatest time in rock and roll history (THE 80’S) and brings a really rad element to the festival experience. The entire experience is donation driven and all proceeds will be given to a youth educational charity.
*Vendor Row: Over 30 Non-Food vendors selling their unique goods, joined by a group of merchandise stores selling both Artist and custom designed Rockfest merchandise.
*DJ Village: Rockfest Concerts will be creating a DJ Village (A Designated Compound) which shall consist of approximately 15 DJ’s representing their individual stations ……. Florida – (Pensacola to the Keys) to New York, Chicago and Atlanta to a wide spectrum national reach with Satellite Radio. The ultimate DJ Driven activation will support the marketing initiative throughout the entire campaign, utilizing terrestrial radio, Satellite Radio and all the social media formats associated.
General Admission tickets for Rockfest 80’s went on sale June 16. Also VIP Tickets & Packages are available for music fans seeking that ultimate Rockfest 80’s experience in this location.
I have a big family, my happy team: my wife, four daughters and two cats.
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