Music festival announcement season has swung into full gear, and after looking at a couple of lineups, you get the idea for the rest. Many kudos to the many worthy alternative and indie rock bands touring the festival circuit this summer, but few festivals include anything representing the harder-rocking/metal side of music (we're stoked for Deafheaven at Governor's Ball). Rock on The Range, based in Columbus, OH, is the place to be for those into "weight room rock." The show's eighth incarnation brings headliners again.
The obvious big name at the top of the bill is the Guns 'n' Roses, who last played in Ohio circa 2006. Despite all of the controversy over whether the current incarnation of GNR lives up to the original, folks are still eager to hear classics such as "Welcome to The Jungle" and "Paradise City," especially the younger generation of rock fans.
The rest of the headliners (or "band names in bold") are fairly familiar, having played Rock on The Range Before. Kid Rock headlined during 2008, and Avenged Sevenfold will be the last show of the night for the first time, despite appearing before. Five Finger Death Punch and Staind are also both making returns.
Two acts among the headlining acts are making their Rock on The Range debuts: Motorhead and Slayer. Motorhead is an an obvious fit thanks to its well-worn history within the heavy metal genre, and Slayer is surprisingly only the second of the "Big Four" of thrash to play the festival. Metal fans—almost all of which are Slayer devotees—should be pleased.
