A Beachside Rock Revolution: Day 1 of the Inaugural Boardwalk Rock Festival

May 22, 2025

The inaugural Boardwalk Rock Festival kicked off on May 17, 2025, in Ocean City, Maryland, drawing a crowd of approximately 55,000 rock enthusiasts to the Ocean City Inlet Beach and Boardwalk. With the festival set against the picturesque backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, the day started with a mix of anticipation and excitement. While the weather forecast had initially predicted rain, the clouds parted, and the festival unfolded under sunny skies and mid-80s temperatures, providing perfect conditions for a rock ‘n’ roll celebration on the beach.

The festival got off to an energetic start at 12:30 p.m. with Royal Lynn, a local artist who quickly drew the crowd in with her raw, emotional rock style. Known for her gritty voice and dynamic stage presence, Lynn set the tone for the day, delivering a compelling blend of heartfelt ballads and upbeat anthems. Her performance was a standout for early arrivals, proving that local talent can hold its own among the big names.

Next, Kat Von D took the stage with her signature bluesy rock style. Known for her career as a tattoo artist, Von D brought a unique mix of gritty, atmospheric rock and melodic ballads. Her deep, smoky voice resonated with fans, and her ability to effortlessly switch between haunting melodies and more raucous rock sounds kept the audience captivated.

As the day wore on, the audience was introduced to a variety of other acts that added to the eclectic nature of the festival. Mammoth, Wolfgang Van Halen’s band, brought a fresh, emotional depth to the festival. With tracks like “Distance,” Wolfgang showcased not only his incredible guitar skills but also his ability to connect with the audience on a personal level. His performance was both technically impressive and emotionally resonant, providing a poignant moment in the day.

Puddle of Mudd followed with a high-energy set full of post-grunge hits. Tracks like “Blurry” and “She Hates Me” had the crowd singing along, and lead singer Wes Scantlin’s raw vocals were complemented by the band’s tight instrumentals. Their performance sparked a wave of nostalgia, reminding fans why they loved this band in the early 2000s.

UK rockers The Struts delivered a show full of swagger, energy, and glam rock theatrics. Their set was an electrifying mix of infectious hooks and anthems like “Could Have Been Me.” The band’s flamboyant stage presence and front man Luke Spiller’s vocal prowess made for a highly engaging performance, drawing the audience into the band’s unique blend of classic rock and modern energy.

Flyleaf brought their signature brand of hard-hitting, anthemic rock, with lead singer Lacey Sturm’s powerful voice soaring through tracks like “All Around Me” and “I’m So Sick.” Their set was a perfect mix of intensity and catharsis, with the crowd singing along passionately. Flyleaf’s energy was contagious, as they connected with the audience through their uplifting yet emotionally charged songs.

Chevelle, with their heavy, brooding sound, brought an aggressive and powerful presence to the stage. Their set was a relentless barrage of tight, hard-hitting riffs and intricate rhythms, highlighted by tracks like “The Red” and “Send the Pain Below.” The band’s mastery of dynamics kept the audience hooked, and their no-nonsense performance gave the festival an extra dose of intensity.

Bush delivered a crowd-pleasing set, reviving the ‘90s alt-rock era with classics like “Machinehead” and “Glycerine.” Gavin Rossdale’s distinctive voice and the band’s driving sound resonated with long-time fans while drawing new listeners into their hypnotic rhythms. The nostalgic energy of their performance was palpable, and the crowd’s excitement reflected the lasting impact of Bush’s music on the rock scene.

Halestorm brought their fiery, hard-rock sound to the stage with a performance that left the audience in awe. Lead singer Lzzy Hale’s commanding vocals and powerful stage presence were the highlights of the band’s set, with songs like “Love Bites (So Do I)” and “I Am the Fire” electrifying the crowd. The band’s ability to balance grit and melody made their performance one of the most highly anticipated of the festival.

When evening came, the festival’s headliners took over the stages, with Rob Zombie and Def Leppard lighting up the night.

Rob Zombie, known for his theatrical performances and larger-than-life persona, brought a visually stunning show that was equal parts music and spectacle. With tracks like “Dragula” and “Living Dead Girl,” Zombie’s set was full of intense riffs, eerie visuals, and dancing monsters that kept the audience on their toes. His commanding stage presence captivated the crowd from start to finish, and his blend of industrial rock and horror-themed theatrics made for a thrilling show.

Def Leppard’s set was a masterclass in classic rock, featuring iconic tracks like “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Photograph.” The band’s flawless musicianship and Joe Elliott’s unmistakable vocals sent the crowd into a nostalgic frenzy. Def Leppard’s performance was polished, and the energy from the crowd was electric.

Beyond the music, the Boardwalk Rock Festival’s organizers worked hard to create a fun, immersive experience for all attendees. The Ocean City boardwalk was lined with food vendors offering local delicacies and festival favorites, while merchandise booths provided exclusive Boardwalk Rock gear. The festival layout was well thought out, allowing easy movement between the three stages, ensuring no one missed out on their favorite performances.

Day 1 of the Boardwalk Rock Festival in Ocean City, MD, was a massive success. From local talent like Royal Lynn to the legendary performances of Def Leppard and Rob Zombie, the festival provided something for every type of rock fan. The atmosphere was electric, and the combination of music, food, and the beachside setting created a one-of-a-kind experience. As the festival continued over the weekend, it is clear that Ocean City has found a new home for one of the East Coast’s most exciting new rock festivals. With the event set to return for the next five years, the Boardwalk Rock Festival is poised to become a staple in the region’s cultural calendar.