Carolina Rebellion injects energy into our own backyard – Massive Concord-based music festival promises to bring the energy, rock, fun and food this May

Posted on March 29, 2016

Carolina Rebellion 2016 lineup. Photo courtesy Carolina Rebellion’s Facebook page

Convening in Concord, N.C., Carolina Rebellion is the most energized musical gathering on the east coast. This year, a plethora of legendary classic artists will mix with today’s chart-topping rock icons for a three-day, epic soirée in early May guaranteed to boil your blood (in a good way).

The Scorpions, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Five Finger Death Punch, Shinedown, A Day To Remember, Rob Zombie, Deftones and Disturbed headline the sixth annual rock-fest and are joined by the likes of Bring Me the Horizon, Lamb Of God, 3 Doors Down, SIXX:A.M., Alice Cooper. In total, 50+ bands will shake four stages the first weekend in May (6-8).

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… Rock n’ Roll is a way of life and Carolina Rebellion is living proof… We are honored to be on this year’s lineup,” Brent Smith of Shinedown said. “We hope the Rebels are ready, because we are!”

Shinedown returns to Carolina Rebellion for the first time since headlining in 2012. This year though, the Jacksonville, Fla. natives reappear with added songs on their setlist, notably consisting of numerous chart-topping tracks off their fifth studio album Threat to Survival.

After a three year hiatus, critics questioned whether Shinedown had anything left in the tank since their inception in 2001. AllMusic verified that fans shouldn’t have any worries:

“If anything, Threat to Survival proves that Shinedown still have plenty of gas left in the tank.”

Shinedown begins their summer tour April 15 in Cabazon, Ca. With two weeks of prep prior to their showing in North Carolina, the hard rockers will welcome a potential record-breaking crowd on day two.

If Bring Me the Horizon live is a foreign language, then a simple google search will properly acclimate the unfamiliar souls.

The alternative rock veterans hailing from Sheffield, England add to the heavy rock names gathering 17 miles of Charlotte, N.C. Oliver Sykes and co. make their first appearance at Carolina Rebellion and certainly will welcome the relatively new faces after flooding the United Kingdom with heart-pounding performances for the past decade.

Additionally, Bring Me the Horizon carries their newest album, That’s The Spirit, with them on their revamped setlist after transitioning from their metalcore roots. This shouldn’t bring any worries though as Bring Me the Horizon’s most recent release continues to earn plaudits in the music industry. If anything, Rebels should feel excited for Bring Me the Horizon’s presence.

With Carolina Rebellion’s storied success over the past half-decade, welcoming 80,000 fans last year, the most in history, it’s no surprise that the festival is now expanding to three days in 2016.

“From its inception, we believed Carolina Rebellion would grow into a three-day festival,” co-executive producer Danny Wimmer said. “There is a loyal rock fan base here to support Rebellion’s continued growth. While this, of course, means another full day of music, including more classic artists, the entire festival experience will be noticeably enhanced.”

Sure, another day will add to the nonstop head-banging euphoria, but this year guests can expect an upgrade in gourmet food.

The entire festival experience will be noticeably enhanced,” Wimmer said. “This year’s emphasis will be on food. We will be hosting a ‘Gourmet Man Food’ offering that reflects the cultural food explosion that is happening all around the country.”

Godsmack on the Rebellion stage of last years festival. Photo by Benjamin Robson.

The expanded Pig Out BBQ Village will certainly “kick things up a notch” serving attendees large portions of statement-making food all weekend long.

Furthermore, Carolina Rebellion added The Music Experience which features “all the elements in making music in a band setting.” Guitars, amps, drums, keyboards and electronic gear that are used by today’s most popular bands will be on display all three days in addition to artist signings and interactions.

Monster Energy promises to keep all Rebels fueled offering free sampling throughout the weekend on their Monster Energy viewing deck. Moreover, Monster Energy is still giving 25 pairs of tickets at select Circle K locations in the area and awarding one Rebel the ultimate experience that includes tickets, hotel, spending cash and a SIXX:A.M. meet and greet.

For full festival details and to purchase tickets, visit http://carolinarebellion.com/tickets. Weekend and single day passes are still available, get your tickets soon!

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