People came from miles around to the Carolina Rebellion 2011, in Charlotte. 2012’s major rock show will be held at Rockingham Speedway. | Photo by Denita Cauley
Carolina Rebellion announced on Friday the lineup for the rock concert coming to Rockingham Speedway Saturday, May 5.
Headliners at the multi-stage festival will include some of the top names in the music industry, such as Shinedown, Korn, Evanescence, Staind, Five Finger Death Punch and Slash. Other performers include Chevelle, Volbeat, Halestorm, P.O.D., Adelitas Way, Paper Tongues, Weaving The Fate, Redlight King, Red, New Medicine and Ghosts Of August.
Last year the major rock-and-roll event was held in Charlotte, and this will be the first year the show will be held in Rockingham. Richmond County residents are already gearing up for the excitement.
“We went last year (to Charlotte) and there was an insane amount of people there,” said Denita Cauley of Rockingham. “But it really was the best concert of the season, considering the price and the number of bands you get to hear. This will bring people from all over to Richmond County. Last year there were people staying at the same hotel as us who drove all the way from Pennsylvania just to go to the concert.”
Hamlet native J.D. Osborne confirmed that he’s driving in from Greensboro to see the show. Friends from Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Pinehurst, Myrtle Beach and Savannah are meeting him in Rockingham for the concert.
“We’re all stoked to go to the concert,” said Osborne. “Being back in town will also give me a chance to reunite with friends in Richmond County before our 10-year reunion in September.”
New to the event this year is weekend RV and tent camping and the Friday night campground party presented by Jagermeister. Friday night performances will include Foxy Shazam, Lez Zeppelin, and ONE … The Only Tribute to Metallica.
“We aren’t going to camp out,” said Cauley. “I live close by, so I’m going to save that money and buy VIP tickets instead.”
The Saturday festival will feature two Monster Energy main stages and the Jagermeister third stage.
Korn revealed that the band will be bringing their new show to The Rock, and plan on “blasting the loudest set,” say promoters.
“Like last year, it was our goal to make sure the 2012 lineup was stacked from top to bottom,” said Gary Spivack, co-executive producer of the festival for Right Arm Entertainment. “Three stages of non-stop rock ‘n roll and a Friday night party to kick it all off. The ultimate rock festival in the Carolinas. Let the Rebellion begin!”
Deb Roberts of Hamlet admitted that she might not be the most “rebellious” person, but she still plans to have a great time at the Speedway.
“I don’t smoke or drink, but I like music and I like to have a good time,” said Roberts. “Besides, I have teenagers who want to go and I’m going to keep an eye on them.”
Roberts said she has friends coming to Richmond County from Shelby, N.C., and Boston, Mass., to see the show.
General Admission tickets for Carolina Rebellion go on sale to the public on Friday, Feb. 17, at 10 a.m. EST at carolinarebellion.com and ticketmaster.com.
For access to Internet pre-sale, held Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 10 a.m. EST through Thursday, Feb. 16, at 10 p.m. EST, go to the festival’s Facebook page or carolinarebellion.com. A limited number of early bird tickets will be available for $59.50 plus fees.
Tickets for last year’s Carolina Rebellion sold out more than one month in advance and attendance exceeded 30,000.
This year’s festival sales will feature selections of camping packages and VIP lounge tickets. The packages will be available during the pre-sale and the public sale. With every purchase of a camping package comes free tickets to the Friday night campground party.
Carolina Rebellion organizers reported that this year’s venue will support upgrades and more space. There will be more food and beverage stands, merchandise stands, restrooms and parking.
“When our fans speak, we listen,” commented Joe Litvag, co-executive producer of the festival for AEG Live. “We personally responded to every person who sent us comments last year, and because of that important feedback, our motto this year is ‘Let’s double it!’ Double the number of entrance points into the festival, double the number of concession stands, double the number of merchandise stands, and double the number of locations for free water. We’re taking the steps to make Carolina Rebellion an upgraded experience for everyone.”
Richmond County native Richard Graham has been attending concerts since the age of 15.
“That’s cool that they’re providing free water stations,” said Graham. “My advice to new concert goers would definitely be to stay hydrated during an all day event outdoors.”
Graham said he’s been to past concerts at Rockingham Speedway, and had a great time.
“The thing to remember is just come to have fun,” he said. “Treat others how you want to be treated and enjoy the music.”
With regards to the current lineup for the Carolina Rebellion, Graham said, “Expect the best. You’ll be talking about this concert for a long time. I can’t wait to see P.O.D. perform!”
All ticket prices will include parking and earlier entry into the parking areas and will be allowed, along with earlier door times, to better alleviate the traffic and lines.
Further improvements to amenities include: a larger box office area for will call pickup, shade locations in public areas and the Hangover Recovery VIP Lounge area inside the festival grounds to allow those with VIP Lounge tickets to have a special place to enjoy the event.
“We’re glad to be able to provide a venue for this event to come to Richmond County,” said Rockingham Speedway General Manager Robert Ingraham.
— Staff Writer Kelli Easterling can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 18, or by email at keasterling@heartlandpublications.com.
Post a Comment
