Rock on the Range 2018

Lineup Analysis

Photo by Ashley Severt

We are days away from the festival of all festivals. For many of my hard rock and heavy metal bretheren, May represents the beginning of festival season. There are many great festivals all over the country that give fans a chance to experience a weekend packed full of great shows. The biggest, and arguably the best of any of these is the almighty Rock on the Range, which takes place May 18-20th in Columbus, OH.

We snagged our tickets prior to the lineup announcement, which occurred late in 2017. This will be the tenth consecutive year that we make the trip from Indianapolis to Columbus to take in the weekend, and I have to tell you – I cannot wait.

I know that all of you are like me – you’re having trouble focusing on anything else as you look forward to one of the best weekends of the year. In order to support that obsession, we are releasing a last minute line-up analysis for Rock on the Range 2018. The analysis below is for people who may not know all the bands in this years lineup and are looking for an opportunity to discover their new favorite band. However, it’s also for those who know every song of every band, and are just looking for an excuse to think about Rock on the Range for an hour. 🙂

The Rock on the Range 2018 Lineup Analysis below provides a detailed look at the landscape for this year’s ROTR. We provide commentary on what you might expect based on previous experiences, other shows and tours we’ve seen, and the current status of the bands. The bands are grouped by the slot they were given: the headliners, the top-tier bands, and the mid-tier bands. In addition, we include some bands that have something to prove, and suggest some can’t miss shows that may not be on you radar.

First, a few comments on the lineup overall:

This year’s line up is relatively balanced. Last year’s lineup tilted towards the heavier music (which, we here at The Music Pill endorse…), but this year offers something for everyone. There is a great contingent of rock bands, as well as really strong representation from the metalcore realm. There’s also a taste of punk, heavy metal, rap, and almost everything in between.

This year, many of the bands coming back to play ROTR for the second or third time find themselves finally making it up into a more prominent time slot. That’s an exciting opportunity for those bands to step up and prove themselves, and I can’t wait to watch.

Alright, on to the specifics!

Rock on the Range 2018 Headliners

In keeping with the theme from last year, Rock on the Range 2018 will feature a festival headliner that is poised to be legendary. For the first time, Tool comes to Mapfre Stadium to headline the biggest rock festival in North America. Fans have been pleading for this for years, and finally their wishes have been granted. The closing show on Sunday night is sure to be a memorable one, and has a chance to go down as one of the all time best in Rock on the Range history. If you’ve never seen a Tool show, I don’t know what to say other than I believe this show alone makes ROTR an absolute must-see – my expectations are that high. They are one of the best in the business and their show will be incredible. Godsmack plays lead-in, and will bring a really strong show that will do a really nice job of setting the stage for Tool. Godsmack’s endless library of great songs will be further bolstered by a killer new album called When Legends Rise that was just released a few weeks back. The new material should refresh and energize the set list, and do a great job of balancing out legendary tracks like Voodoo, Awake, and Bulletproof.

Saturday will also have some tremendous shows. Returning to headline ROTR for the third time is metal band Avenged Sevenfold. Both of their previous headlining shows have been really spectacular and I expect this will be another great show. A7X has the ability to create a live experience that really sets them apart- some of the coolest sets and special effects I’ve ever seen have come at the hands of A7X. From giant flaming bats to pillars of fire so hot I could feel them in the lawn, they never hold anything back on stage. I have no doubt that M. Shadows, Zacky V, and the gang will show the ROTR crowd why they deserve a headlining spot anywhere they go. Paired with A7X on Saturday is Stone Sour, led by the one and only Corey Taylor. Stone Sour has been somewhat quietly producing killer records for a really long time, including a great release in 2017 called Hydrograd. Their live show is also spectacular, and features a broad spectrum of music that shows how multi-dimensional this band can be. They return to ROTR for only the second time, and I expect this to be a huge show, partially because I’ve seen Stone Sour play so many great shows in the past, and partially because I pretty much implicitly trust everything Taylor touches.

Avenged Sevenfold headlines at Rock on the Range 2014

Finally, Friday brings us a couple of pretty unique opening day headliners. Alice in Chains has played Rock on the Range twice, but this is their first shot at a true headlining spot. The ability to bring their entire set construction will give them a real advantage, and I anticipate this being their best ROTR show yet. I love Alice in Chains, but they have to be spectacular to compete with monster shows from Avenged Sevenfold and Tool. Here’s to hoping they pull that off. Just before AiC takes the stage Friday, A Perfect Circle will bring their unique and artistic sound to the masses. For those who haven’t seen A Perfect Circle, look for this show to be musically spectacular and visually interesting. The one wild card is that APC shows tend to be somewhat low energy, meaning they are a “stand and listen” type band, rather than a “crowd participation” type band. I’m interested to see how their show lands.

Overall, a great set of headliners. If you haven’t been to Rock on the Range, get ready to see some incredible shows. There is no better feeling than being surrounded by 17,000 of your closest friends. 🙂

Top Tier Bands

I’ve said this in previous years – I believe that this is the category where Rock on the Range sets itself apart from other festivals. Many festivals get great headliners for the late night, and great up-and-coming bands to play at noon, but fail to bring in high quality second-tier bands for the afternoon and evenings. The result is that everyone shows up early, and then takes a huge break halfway through the festival to get food and take a power nap. Rock on the Range has a rock solid list of bands to round out the lineup and make each day consistently good from beginning to end. Some of the best shows that we’ll see are from these top tier bands that will play in the middle of the day.

Rock music got great representation in this tier: ROTR veterans Breaking Benjamin are back and come with some really high anticipation. They played an epic show at ROTR in 2015 (in one of their first shows back after lead singer Ben Burnley’s illness) and the band has really gelled as a unit since then. I believe that this show will be strong enough to challenge for Friday’s best show. Three Days Grace is also a ROTR veteran, but without their original lead singer, I have yet to see them put on a show that stands out among the festival noise. This is a big opportunity for 3DG to set themselves apart, and I hope they pull everything together. Look for them to lean heavily on their older material (Riot, The Animal I Have Become, Break) to make this show as strong as possible.

For those looking for something a bit harder, metalcore also gets really well represented here. Asking Alexandria, who flashed brilliance before talented lead singer Danny Worsnop left the band in 2015, plays the highest slot in their ROTR history. Worsnop is back in the drivers seat now, and I expect this to be a breakout show for AA. Songs like “To the Stage” and “Final Episode” are unbelievable live, and AA’s 2017 album is chocked full of tracks designed for a stadium show. Bullet for my Valentine also brings their versions of metalcore to Columbus, and over the years I’ve come to expect quite a bit out of the Welsh outfit. Songs like Scream Aim Fire and Waking the Demon leave you exhausted in the best possible way.

The top tier slot also includes some really unique acts. Those unfamiliar with Babymetal are in for a mind-blowing experience. They combine fantastic metal music (played by some incredible musicians) with crazy J-Pop vocals to put on a show that you won’t ever forget. Do me a favor – if you don’t know Babymetal, don’t Google them, don’t watch any YouTube videos, just walk into the show blind. Thank me later. In addition, Machine Gun Kelly brings one of the weekend’s few hip-hop shows. Many fans complain about rap acts being included in Rock on the Range, but they play perfectly into the variety and dynamic nature of the festival. Even if rap isn’t your thing, trust me – MGK can put on a show. Don’t knock it until you’ve seen it. Greta Van Fleet will also bring their incredibly unique sound. They have stormed into the rock world with some really catchy rock tunes, and they seem to be enjoying the constant comparisons to Zeppelin. For a preview, check out the songs Highway Tune and Black Smoke Rising, and prepare to blow your voice out trying to sing these songs after three beers.

Babymetal plays at Rock on the Range 2015

Mid Tier Bands

I’ll start the Mid Tier section with a few criminally underrated bands. 10 Years is one of the few remaining survivors of late 90’s alternative metal. They put on incredible shows, and I never cease to be amazed with the quality of sound they are able to create. They also create a mystical vibe using intensity and grit that elevates their show and really draws you in. Shoot it Out, Fix Me, and Novacaine are all great examples of the kind of atmosphere that they bring. Trivium is also great – they’ve played at ROTR several times and although they are always given an early day slot, they still get the audience worked up in a frenzy. Their music combines screams and clean vocals perfectly, and always leaves me wishing their set was longer. Atreyu is also playing ROTR this year, and I would be shocked if their show is not on your list of top shows on the miserable drive home on Monday. They have one of the best drummer/vocalists around in Brandon Saller, and they check all the boxes for a great live show – high energy, great crowd connection, and great songs that make you want to explode jussssst a little bit. 🙂

Side stage shows at Rock on the Range are incredible! This is Trivium performing at Rock on the Range 2016

Those that like Trivium and Atreyu will also like Miss May I and We Came as Romans. Both have a great list of songs to choose from, and both do a great job of putting on a show. We Came as Romans is a diverse band when they headline, but I anticipate that with a shortened set, we’ll hear their mostly songs that are in their sweet spot (like Tracing Back Roots and Fade Away). On the heavier end of the metalcore spectrum, both Emmure and Code Orange are on the lineup. Hold on to your hats if you catch one of these shows. They will be drop tuned, heavy, and physical. (Translation: awesome).

Anti-Flag is the sole representation for punk music this year, but they will do just fine satiating those who love punk music. They played an astoundingly good show at ROTR in 2016, where they ended up bringing their instruments (including the drums) off the stage and played in the pit while people moshed on all sides of them. It was chaos, and it was awesome. It was a show I’ll never forget, and I expect this one to be equally as memorable.

Anti-Flag plays at Rock on the Range 2016

I’ll wrap this section with two up and comers. Red Sun Rising has two great albums out and returns to ROTR for the first time since 2016. Great opportunity for this band to really make a statement. Finally, Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown brings their Nashville rock to Rock on the Range for the first time this year. This is a relatively unknown band with a really unique sound that is doing a great job carving out a space for themselves. For a little taste of their sound, check out the song Heartland, and do yourself a favor and get in the venue early enough to see them perform.

(Note: This story originally referred to Red Sun Rising as a first time ROTR band. That mistake has been corrected)

Point to Prove

Each year we list some bands that we believe have something to prove at Rock on the Range. This doesn’t mean we don’t love these bands, just that they should see Rock on the Range 2018 as an opportunity to impress us.

Stone Temple Pilots is a huge name. This will be the first time they perform at Rock on the Range with their new lead singer, X-Factor alum Jeff Gutt. While they will always be a legendary band, they are still clawing for relevance in 2018. Their self-titled album that came out recently is solid but not stellar. Can they put together a show good enough to stand out?
New Years Day has a great sound. They played a solid show in 2016 at ROTR, and have played on many successful tours since. I know this show will be good. I’m not convinced it will be great. If talented singer Ashley Costello and the musicians that surround her bring their A game, they are more than capable of destroying this show. Here’s to hoping they are ready to take the next step up.
Shaman’s Harvest is one of my favorite bands, and I have been following them ever since they blew my mind at ROTR in 2010. Songs like In Chains and Dragonfly have gotten countless listens on my Spotify, and I have seen them perform fantastic shows. However, the past couple shows I’ve seen have not been consistent. I am crossing my fingers that this will be a show where they pull everything together, because when they do, it cannot be overstated how great they are.
Black Veil Brides stormed onto the scene about 10 years ago, and had an extremely high ceiling. Since then, they’ve played many great shows but failed to evolve musically. Will this show be any different than a BVB show three years ago? Will their new material be strong enough to hold up to expectations?
I’ve had the chance to see Body Count perform several times. Up until now, I haven’t seen much from them to write home about. Lackluster rap lyrics written by lead singer Ice-T don’t do enough to cover for the marginal musicianship of the rest of the band. If they want to be taken seriously, they need to use this opportunity to show some evolution, both musically, and in their performance.

Don’t Miss

These are my don’t miss bands. It’s basically a guarantee that these shows will be amazing. Do whatever you can, under any circumstances, to see these shows.

Jason Butler disbanded his post-hardcore band Letlive (which was amazing) to start a new band called The Fever 333. For those who aren’t familiar with Butler, he is a one man wrecking crew on stage, and epitomizes effort and insanity from a front man. There is NEVER a dull moment with this dude, and I’d say that there’s about a 75% chance that he is bleeding when he finishes the show. On top of that, the first two songs that came out from The Fever 333 (here and here) are both tremendous. This show is an absolute don’t miss.
Tech N9ne is one of a few hip hop acts at Rock on the Range 2018, and there is no question in my mind that he will blow people’s mind. I have been a Tech fan for a long time, but cautiously approached their show at ROTR 2015 because I wasn’t sure if a primarily rock crowd would respond. It turned out to be one of the most memorably spectacular shows I’ve ever seen in my ten years of Rock on the Range. The place was nuts. Do not make the mistake of saying “I don’t like rap” and skipping this show. Trust me. I beg you.
Another guarantee is The Used. They haven’t played a show a ROTR since 2009, but they do screamo and post hardcore better than anyone, and their live show is off the charts. Check out Box Full of Sharp Objects and The Bird and the Worm to get a taste of why they should be at the top of your list for the weekend.
Underoath has been around since the 90’s, and helped evolve the genre of metalcore. This is their first show at Rock on the Range, and they come with a brand new album that was just released late April. While their lineup has changed significantly over the years, I’m comfortable marking this show as a don’t miss. I think it will be one of the weekend’s best.
Andrew W.K. is not a name you’ll see at a lot of concerts. However, he has the kind of show that makes you feel like no matter how hard you are partying, you aren’t trying hard enough. (For proof, check out the aptly named song Party Hard). This show will be non-stop fun, and I cannot wait.
I’m convinced that I Prevail is poised to explode. They’ve been riding the album Lifelines from 2016 for a couple years now, but gaining incredible momentum all the while. Their live show is packed with intensity and killer breakdowns, and I’d be absolutely shocked if this show was anything but fantastic. A warning – if you go see them, be prepared to MOVE.

That wraps up our analysis! Phew! I hope you are all as excited for this festival as we are. One quick note – every year I get a message from someone after posting this that says “You didn’t mention my favorite band so you are worthless”. Please understand that I can’t mention every single band – this thing is already way too long!! I probably love your favorite band too.

I’ll leave you with a few key tips for surviving Rock on the Range.

Plan out your schedule ahead of time. Bands on the side stages start immediately after the main stage band is done, and it takes a while to get back and forth. If you are in the front row for a main stage band, you’ll miss half of the side stage show. Print out the schedule so that you can look at it without having to drain your phone battery.
Drink a lot of water. Drink more water than you want to. I smuggle a bottle cap in with me, because they take your bottle caps off when you buy a water. Then, I can fill up my bottle at the water fountain and not have to waste beer money on water.
Island Noodles are life changing. Lines get incredibly long, but if you time it right, you can snag them easily. Filling, and great at absorbing previously mentioned beers.
Be in the parking lot by 10am at the absolute latest. The tailgating at Rock on the Range is off the charts. Countless tailgate parties, some of which are amazingly big. When you decide to go in, take a beer with you (for the walk and the line – you have to finish it before you go in).
For the love of everything that is holy, do NOT lose your wrist band. 🙂

One last comment. As most of you know, we are expecting thunderstorms this weekend. In my 10 years of Rock on the Range, last year was the first time we ever got evacuated. Even though it clearly wasn’t ideal, the festival organizers did a TREMENDOUS job of rescheduling acts, communicating via social media, allowing exit and reentry into the parking lot and the venue, etc. Remember, nobody can control the weather, and the stadium officials and the festival organizers have an obligation to keep everyone safe. (Those of us from Indianapolis are all to familiar with scary concert moments related to weather).

If we have weather related issues, keep your cool. We had a blast last year in the parking lot, and I spent a lot less on beer in the stadium. Stay close to the Rock on the Range Facebook or Twitter page, and be ready to head back in when it’s clear. A day spent in the Rock on the Range parking lot tailgating in the rain is a heck of a lot better than most other days.

That’s it! Would love to hear your feedback. What did we miss? Where are we totally wrong? What bands are you most excited to see?

Cheers to the weekend!

Metallica closes out Rock on the Range 2017.