Starset brought their live Demonstration to the House of Blues in San Diego, California on October 7, 2019. The futuristic artists elevated a rock show into an interactive multimedia sci-fi experience. Starset Messengers were greeted as the entered the venue by a virtual host on a video screen, welcoming them to the event and instructing them to pick up their transparent fact sheet and prototype stickers for the Brain Machine Interface (BMI), which promises to transmit and receive experiences directly between the brain and the ARCHITECTURE. Additionally, the STARSET phone app can interact with posters throughout the venue, unlocking messages and video transmissions.

After an introduction video based on their new album “Divisions” was played on a large white screen in front of the stage, the band emerged wearing their new dystopian stage outfits. They played in front of a giant video wall that alternated between distorted live images, stunning visuals and messages from Starset Society representatives regarding the BMI, the ARCHITECTURE and warnings of threats from hackers. The 6 band members moved around the stage, using several platforms, surrounded by smoke bursts, lasers and swirling lights. Lead vocalist Dustin Bates has created an artistic blend of metal, electronica and prog, and he shifts his vocals along with the current musical mood. Drummer Adam Gilbert explodes with power when called for, and drops into the background as needed. Lead guitarist Brock Richards sits in the pocket beautifully, kicking into high gear at all the best moments. Bassist Ron DeChant is the primary backup vocalist, and also plays keyboards at times, all the while bounding around and engaging the crowd.

Many bands in this genre play backing tracks to supply the keyboards and orchestration. Starset takes a much more interesting and appealing approach to filling out their live sound. Mariko Muranaka Friend plays cello and violin throughout the show. Siobhán Cronin plays the violin and keyboards. Both women look stunning on stage, but more importantly they add drama and gravitas to the proceedings. Cronin led the band through an instrumental version of “Thunderstruck” by AC-DC, playing the vocal parts on violin. The whole band delivered a powerful take on Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir”, which Bates identified as a driving inspiration for the band’s sound.

This tour has so many visual elements complementing the music that there is never a dull moment in the 90 minute set. At one point, a representative appeared on screen announcing that the system had been hacked by someone from the past, and initiated a reboot of the Demonstration. When the show resumed, the band appeared in their classic spacesuits and scientist outfits, playing songs from their first 2 albums.

A Starset concert delivers more than most shows do, drawing fans into their mythology, immersing them in sound, light and science fiction concepts. The merchandise includes stage props, graphic novels and apparel that continue the story line. Bates ended the show by joining the crowd during the encore, thrilling them with his presence and passion. The Divisions U.S. Demonstrations 2019 tour is their most ambitious yet, and it delivers on every level. Support was provided by Palisades, Hyde and A Brilliant Lie.

For tour dates and other info, visit:
http://starsetonline.com/
http://thestarsetsociety.org/

Starset SD19

15 photos

Starset Blows Minds with Live Demonstration in San Diego first appeared on Game On Media.

New Starset Album “Divisions” Launched With Live Demonstrations first appeared on Game On Media.

The ninth annual Welcome To Rockville Festival expanded to 3 days in 2019, spread out across Jacksonville, Florida’s Metropolitan Park along the St John’s River. Fans were treated to eats rom the following local and regional restaurants and food trucks: Barrique, The Bread and Board, BC Taco, Brucci’s Pizza, Cely’s Filipino Cuisine, Chinchilla’s Eatz on the Streetz, Dos Vatos Tacos, Eli’s BBQ, Gouda Boys, Grumpy’s Homemade Ice Cream, Guanabana Ice Pops, Island Noodles, Mama’s Food Truck, Mojo’s BBQ, Pie Baby Wood Fired Pizza, Pele’s Wood Fire Pizza & Tuscan Kitchen, Sweet Pete’s, The Girls Gone Green Nacho Bar, Ubora Coffee, What’s The Catch Fish Tacos, and Wurstbusters Truck. Drinkers could choose from a variety of beverages, including Bud Light, Enter Night Pilsner from Metallica and Stone Brewing, Blackened American whiskey from Master Distiller Dave Pickerell and Metallica, selections from the Caduceus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards Wine Garden (owned by Maynard James Keenan, co-founder of international recording acts Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer), killer cocktails at the Heavy Tiki Bar oasis, and local craft beer, including options from world renowned Tampa-based Cigar City Brewing.

Sunday, May 5, 2019, AKA Cinco de Mayo, was Day 3 of Welcome To Rockville. The gift to patient festival goers was Tool introducing two new songs, but patience was necessary, as a massive thunder and lightning storm swept through Jacksonville, delaying the opening of gates for almost 4 hours. Unfortunately, some of the acts had to be cancelled, including The Glorious Sons, Dorothy, While She Sleeps, Shvpes, The Dirty Nil, and Hyde. Shvpes was able to put on an impressive acoustic show on the Zippo Sessions stage. The city waived the curfew once again, allowing the show to go on until midnight, featuring Tool, Incubus, Bring Me The Horizon, Papa Roach, The Struts, Meshuggah, Architects, The Interrupters, Fever 333, Reignwolf, Grandson, and Yungblud. Tool was obviously a highlight. Bring Me The Horizon brought a massive stage set and conceptual performance that was their best effort to date. Papa Roach stole the hearts of the crowd, as they always seem to do. Jacoby Shaddix even helped the busy security crew, catching one ecstatic crowd surfer and bringing her down to safety.

Welcome To Rockville 2019 Day 3

15 photos

Welcome To Rockville 2019 Day 3 first appeared on Game On Media.

The Wait Is Over:
Massive Music Lineup Announced
For The Debut Of
Epicenter
May 10, 11 & 12, 2019
At Newly Created Rockingham Festival Grounds
In Rockingham, NC

Foo Fighters, Tool, Korn,
Rob Zombie, Judas Priest, Bring Me The Horizon
And Dozens More
Make North Carolina “The Epicenter Of Rock N’ Roll”
With Must-See Music Performances And Expanded Camping Options

Tickets On Sale Friday, December 14 At Noon ET

Epicenter Festival — a new 3-day destination music experience from premier independent U.S. music festival producer Danny Wimmer Presents — brings a massive music lineup to its 2019 debut, with over 65 music artists performing on four stages, led by Foo Fighters, Tool and Korn. The inaugural festival takes place in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic region, at the newly created Rockingham Festival Grounds in Richmond County, North Carolina on Friday, May 10, Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12, 2019.

Epicenter will also feature sets from Rob Zombie, Judas Priest, Bring Me The Horizon, The Prodigy, The Cult, 311, Evanescence, Bush, +Live+ and dozens more. The expansive Rockingham Festival Grounds, being developed in coordination with Rockingham Dragway, The Rock (Rockingham Speedway), and other local land owners, promise nonstop entertainment, extensive camping options, and no curfew.

General Admission, VIP tickets, and hotel and camping packages for Epicenter go on sale Friday, December 14 at Noon ET at https://epicenterfestival.com.

The members of Korn explain, “There are many defining moments that dramatically mark a band’s history, and one such moment in time happened in North Carolina with Korn. NC holds a special place in Korn‘s heart, as we unexpectedly reunited with our old friend Head. It’s been a great 6+ years with Head back in Korn and we look forward to rocking NC again with Foo Fighters, Tool and many other great bands.”

Bring Me The Horizon frontman Oli Sykes says, “We’re very excited to be playing next year’s Epicenter Festival in Rockingham. It’s a privilege to be sharing a stage alongside some of our favourite acts, and to be back in North Carolina.”

The daily music lineup for Epicenter Festival is as follows (subject to change):

• Friday, May 10:

  Korn, Rob Zombie, The Prodigy, Evanescence, Machine Gun Kelly, Meshuggah, Skillet, Beartooth, Mark Lanegan Band, Dorothy, Black Pistol Fire, Zeal & Ardor, Knocked Loose, Slothrust, Wilson, Hands Like Houses, Hyro The Hero, Amigo The Devil, Arrested Youth, Vein, Black Coffee and more TBD

• Saturday, May 11:

  Tool, Judas Priest, The Cult, Bush, Black Label Society, Circa Survive, Yelawolf, Motionless In White, The Damned Things, Starset, Grandson, Badflower, Memphis May Fire, Issues, High On Fire, Wage War, Crobot, Sylar, Counterfeit., Pretty Vicious, Shvpes, Dirty Honey, Alien Weaponry, Hyde

• Sunday, May 12:

  Foo Fighters, Bring Me The Horizon, 311, +Live+, Mastodon, Killswitch Engage, Architects, Tom Morello, Fever 333, Reignwolf, Yungblud, The Glorious Sons, Ho99o9, While She Sleeps, Basement, Scarlxrd, Movements, Teenage Wrist, Demob Happy, Boston Manor, Cleopatrick, The Dirty Nil

Festival doors open at 11:00 AM daily.

In addition to performances from top music artists, and various onsite attractions, attendees will enjoy a variety of local and regional food and beverage offerings provided by DWP‘s affiliate concessionaire, Southern Hospitality Concessions LLC.

Fans 21+ can enjoy multiple specialty curated beverage experiences. Varietals from Caduceus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards (owned by Maynard James Keenan, co-founder of international recording acts Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer) will be available at the Caduceus Wine Garden. Experience abounds at the Heavy Tiki Bar (a tropical oasis filled with killer cocktails and shade). Fans can also enjoy a large variety of local and regional brews at the Epicenter Craft Beer Garden.

Initial ticket prices for Epicenter Festival will be as follows:

• Weekend General Admission: starting at $149.50 plus fees
• Weekend VIP: starting at $399.50 plus fees
• Single Day General Admission: starting at $79.50 plus fees
• Single Day VIP: starting at $199.50 plus fees

Camping at Epicenter will let patrons keep the rock n’ roll party going all through the weekend and will set this festival apart from other U.S. rock shows. Camping spots are connected to the festival grounds and include perks like access to showers, portable restrooms, food and drink vendors, charging stations, information and medical services, as well as a Thursday night pre-show party. Campers will also have late night access to Rockingham Village, an impressive promenade featuring food, drinks, merch shopping, entertainment, art and activities until 2:00 AM daily. Rockingham Village will be conveniently located immediately in front of the venue, adjacent to the North Premium campgrounds. Camping options will include immersive, Premium Spaces on the North Side of the site as well as free options in the South Side campgrounds.

Rockingham Village at Epicenter will be open for extended hours to allow fans to eat, drink, shop and see performing artists before and after the main event. Featured vendors will include festival merchandise, artist merchandise, lockers for rent, lifestyle shopping booths, a full General Store, coffee shop, craft beer at Headbangers Beer Bar, Caduceus wine bar, breakfast vendors for campers, as well as late night food served after the main venue closes. The Village will also have a stage featuring cover bands and Hellzapoppin Circus SideShow performances throughout the weekend.

Festival producer Danny Wimmer notes, “The creation of the ‘Epicenter of rock n’ roll’ in the heart of North Carolina gives us the ability to expand on the festival experience with enhanced camping amenities, nighttime entertainment with no curfew, and expanded food and beverage offerings, all highlighted by a massive music lineup covering the spectrum of rock, metal and alternative rock music.”

Danny Hayes, CEO of Danny Wimmer Presents, explains the development of the Rockingham Festival Grounds: “We have a long-term arrangement with all of the property owners: The Rock (Rockingham Speedway), Richmond County, Rockingham Dragway and other local land owners. We’re working together to define the long-term vision for the festival area. For 2019, the primary festival grounds will be in a grassy area connected to the Rockingham Dragway. The area across the street surrounding The Rock (Speedway) will be utilized for patron parking and camping.”

Epicenter Festival sponsors include:

• Fxck Cancer x Dyin 2 Live Dreams Program:

  Fxck Cancer’s mission is to fight cancer by raising awareness and education about early cancer detection and prevention, ultimately putting an end to late-stage cancer diagnosis. Through the Dyin 2 Live Dreams program, they look to enrich the lives of those fighting cancer by offering them a VIP experience that they hope will bring joy, inspiration, and courage. In doing this, they hope to help give the cancer fighter a chance to forget, even if it’s only for a day, what they are going through. For more information please visit, www.fxckcancer.org. Fxck Cancer and Dyin 2 Live Dreams are programs of the F C Cancer Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
  #TogetherWeFight #FxckCancer

• f.y.e.:

  f.y.e. will be hosting the ultimate fan and artist interactive experiences throughout the festival. f.y.e. is the only place at the festival to get all your favorite band’s music — and maybe even get to meet your favorite Epicenter performer! Check back for updates on artist meet and greet and autograph signing sessions.

Rockingham Festival Grounds are located at 2153 North U.S. Highway 1, Rockingham, NC, less than two hours from Charlotte, Raleigh/Durham, Columbia and Greensboro.

Epicenter Festival is produced by Los Angeles-based Danny Wimmer Presents, one of the largest independent producers of destination rock music festivals in America. DWP events include Aftershock Festival, Bourbon & Beyond, Chicago Open Air, Epicenter Festival, Hometown Rising, Louder Than Life, Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival, and Welcome To Rockville. They’re also the co-creators of Rock On The Range, America’s largest and most acclaimed rock festival, which celebrated its 12th and final year in 2018 with 140,000 in attendance; Carolina Rebellion, which wrapped in 2018 after 8 record-breaking years, including over 100,000 in attendance multiple years at the annual event; and Northern Invasion, which had 50,000 in attendance for its fourth year in 2018.

For more information on Epicenter Festival, visit:

• Website: https://epicenterfestival.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpicenterFest
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/epicenterfest
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicenterfest

Massive Music Lineup Announced For The Debut Of Epicenter May 10, 11 & 12, 2019 At New Festival Grounds In Rockingham, NC first appeared on Game On Media.

Welcome To Rockville
Returns For Massive 3-Day Weekend
With Tool, Korn, Rob Zombie, Incubus,
The Prodigy, Shinedown, Judas Priest & More

Florida’s Biggest Rock Experience
Takes Over Metropolitan Park In Jacksonville, FL
May 3, 4, & 5, 2019

Tickets, VIP Packages & Camping Go On Sale
Friday, December 7 At Noon ET At
WelcomeToRockvilleFestival.com

After a record-breaking year in 2018 that welcomed a sold-out crowd of 90,000 over an expanded three-day weekend, Welcome To Rockville returns even bigger in 2019.

The ninth annual edition of Florida’s Biggest Rock Experience will take place Friday, May 3, Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5 at Metropolitan Park in Jacksonville, Florida and will feature must-see headlining sets from some of the biggest names in rock including Tool, Korn, Rob Zombie, Incubus, The Prodigy, Shinedown and Judas Priest—making their Rockville debut.

General Admission and VIP tickets, as well as hotel and camping packages, for Welcome To Rockville go on sale Friday, December 7 at Noon ET at  www.WelcomeToRockvilleFestival.com.

Rob Halford says, “Judas Priest are primed and ready to unleash new Firepower with full metal fury on the USA again as we are one of the headliners at Welcome To Rockville in Jacksonville, Florida! The Priest is back!”

Chris Kilmore of Incubus adds, “We’re excited to return to Jacksonville and play at Welcome To Rockville in 2019! There are some great bands on the bill and we can’t wait to see our friends in Tool, The Prodigy, as well as many others. See you there!”

The daily music lineup for Welcome To Rockville is as follows (subject to change):

• Friday, May 3:

  Korn, The Prodigy, Evanescence, Chevelle, Flogging Molly, Killswitch Engage, Circa Survive, Tom Morello, Mark Lanegan Band, Beartooth, Starset, Issues, Black Pistol Fire, Hands Like Houses, Wilson, Amigo The Devil, Demob Happy, Cleopatrick, Dirty Honey

• Saturday, May 4:

  Rob Zombie, Shinedown, Judas Priest, The Cult, Skillet, In This Moment, Black Label Society, Yelawolf, Tremonti, Badflower, The Damned Things, High on Fire, Zeal & Ardor, Wage War, Movements, Crobot, Boston Manor, Pretty Vicious

• Sunday, May 5:

  Tool, Incubus, Bring Me The Horizon, Papa Roach, The Struts, Meshuggah, Architects, Fever 333, Reignwolf, The Glorious Sons, Dorothy, While She Sleeps, Yungblud, Grandson, Shvpes, The Dirty Nil, Hyde

In addition to performances from top music artists, and various onsite attractions, attendees will also enjoy food and beverage options celebrating local Jacksonville flavors, provided by Southern Hospitality Concessions LLC (DWP‘s affiliate concessionaire). Selections from the following local and regional restaurants will be available: Brucci’s Pizza, Cely’s Filipino Cuisine, Chinchilla’s Eatz on the Streetz, Dos Vatos Tacos, Grumpy’s Homemade Ice Cream, Guanabana Ice Pops, Indochine, Island Noodles, Mama’s Food Truck, Mojo’s BBQ, Pie Baby Wood Fired Pizza, Safe Harbor Seafood, Sweet Pete’s, The Bread and Board, and What’s the Catch Fish Tacos, with more to come.

Fans 21+ can wash down Welcome To Rockville‘s over-the-top food offerings with a variety of beverages, including Bud Light, selections from the Caduceus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards Wine Garden (owned by Maynard James Keenan, co-founder of international recording acts Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer), Heavy Tiki Bar (an oasis filled with killer cocktails and shade), and local craft beer.

Initial ticket prices for Welcome To Rockville will be as follows:

• Weekend General Admission: starting at $129.50 plus fees
• Weekend VIP: starting at $369.50 plus fees
• Single Day General Admission: starting at $79.50 plus fees
• Single Day VIP: starting at $169.50 plus fees

VIP tickets include: a VIP entrance to venue; access to VIP lounge area featuring dedicated bar, beverage and food service; viewing of main stages; seated area with shade for dining; private restroom facilities; and a VIP guest laminate.

Welcome To Rockville will bring back car and RV camping spots for attendees. Camping spots at Tailgaters Parking lots include four nights of camping in a secured lot featuring indoor restrooms, shower trailers and access to a full restaurant and general store.

Welcome To Rockville sponsors include:

• Monster Energy:

  Monster Energy will be keeping all fans fueled up and ready to rock by offering free sampling on their Monster Energy viewing deck. Enjoy Monster Energy drinks from one of the best seats in the house. Make sure to check back throughout the festival for a schedule of Monster Energy’s interactive artist experiences.

• Fxck Cancer x Dyin 2 Live Dreams Program:

  Fxck Cancer’s mission is to fight cancer by raising awareness and education about early cancer detection and prevention, ultimately putting an end to late-stage cancer diagnosis. Through the Dyin 2 Live Dreams program, they look to enrich the lives of those fighting cancer by offering them a VIP experience that they hope will bring joy, inspiration, and courage. In doing this, they hope to help give the cancer fighter a chance to forget, even if it’s only for a day, what they are going through. For more information please visit, www.fxckcancer.org. Fxck Cancer and Dyin 2 Live Dreams are programs of the F C Cancer Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization. #TogetherWeFight #FxckCancer

• f.y.e.:

  FYE will be hosting the ultimate fan & artist interactive experiences throughout the festival! FYE is the only place at the festival to get all your favorite band’s music — and maybe even get to meet your favorite Welcome To Rockville performer! Check back for updates on artist meet & greet and autograph signing sessions!

Welcome To Rockville is produced by Los Angeles-based Danny Wimmer Presents, one of the largest independent producers of destination rock music festivals in the America. DWP events include Louder Than Life, Aftershock, Bourbon & Beyond, Chicago Open Air, Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival, Epicenter Festival and more. They’re also the co-creators of Rock On The Range, America’s largest and most acclaimed rock festival, which celebrated its 12th and final year in 2018 with 140,000 in attendance.

For more information on Welcome To Rockville, visit:

• Website: www.WelcomeToRockvilleFestival.com
• Facebook: @welcometorockville
• Twitter: @RockvilleFest
• Instagram: @welcometorockville

Welcome To Rockville Returns For Massive 3-Day Weekend With Tool, Korn, Rob Zombie, Incubus, The Prodigy, Shinedown, Judas Priest first appeared on Game On Media.