Day 2 of Rocking the Shore at the Boardwalk Rock Festival in Ocean City, MD

May 24, 2025

The second day of the Boardwalk Rock Festival on May 18, 2025, in Ocean City, Maryland, kicked off under perfect festival weather: sunny skies, temperatures in the low 80s, and a lively sea breeze from the Atlantic Ocean, providing the ideal backdrop for a rock-infused day on the beach. With an incredible lineup featuring (among others) Tim Montana, LIT, Black Stone Cherry, Dorothy, Crossfade, Night Ranger, Alice Cooper, Shinedown, Three Days Grace, and Nickelback as the headliner, the energy was set to be as high as the crowd’s excitement.

Tim Montana opened the festival with his country-tinged rock set, easing into the day’s vibes with gritty vocals and raw energy. As a local favorite, his presence on stage resonated with the crowd, who quickly warmed up to his blend of rock and southern sounds. Tracks like “This Beard Came Here to Party” and “Never Let You Go” got the crowd moving, with many fans enjoying his personable stage presence and genuine interaction with the audience. His performance was a great start, setting the tone for the day to come.

Following Tim Montana, LIT brought a dose of nostalgia with their blend of pop-punk and alternative rock. Even the crowd at the nearby Lightning stage couldn’t help but sing along to “My Own Worst Enemy,” one of the band’s most iconic hits, which immediately sparked a wave of excitement. LIT’s set was a celebration of their late 90s hits, and the crowd, especially those who grew up with their music, embraced every moment. The band’s high-energy performance of “Zip-Lock” and “Kicked Off the Plane” kept the vibe fast-paced and fun, reminding everyone why LIT is still a mainstay in the rock world.

Next up, Black Stone Cherry brought their Southern rock flair to the stage with an incredible show that included fan favorites like “Blame It On The Boom Boom” and “Like I Roll.” Their set was filled with catchy riffs and a down-home, raw energy that only Southern rock can deliver. Guitarists Ben Wells and Chris Robertson unleashed some of the most powerful solos of the day, while drummer John Fred Young commanded the rhythm section, bringing out the best in their live performance. Black Stone Cherry’s stage presence was electrifying, and they quickly had the crowd on their feet, proving why they’re one of the most beloved bands in modern rock.

As the day progressed, Crossfade took the stage with a mix of alt-metal and post-grunge. Despite some early technical difficulties with microphones, Crossfade managed to pull together a stellar performance. They powered through their 10-song set, playing tracks like “Cold” and “So Far Away,” and quickly regained the crowd’s energy after the glitches. Lead vocalist Ed Sloan’s raspy voice and the band’s hard-hitting instrumentals earned them well-deserved applause, especially considering the setbacks they faced.

Dorothy added an edgy, blues-infused rock sound to the day with her bold and commanding presence on the Bolt Stage. Performing hits like “Raise Hell” and “Rest in Peace,” her powerful, soulful voice resonated throughout the crowd. Dorothy’s stage presence was striking, with the intensity of her performance captivating the audience. Her ability to seamlessly blend hard rock with soulful blues created a unique atmosphere, and fans were drawn into the moment as she powered through her set.

Night Ranger brought classic rock energy to the festival with their set of unforgettable 80s hits. With songs like “Sister Christian” and “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me,” Night Ranger brought fans into a time capsule of nostalgia, making it clear that their appeal hasn’t waned in decades. Guitarists Brad Gillis and Kelly Keagy shared impressive solos, while bassist Jack Blades energized the crowd with his signature high-energy moves. The band’s harmonies, tight musicianship and fun stage presence transported the audience back to the golden age of rock, solidifying Night Ranger as one of the day’s highlights.

Next, the legendary Alice Cooper took the Bolt Stage with his trademark theatrical rock show. From the moment he emerged on stage, fans were transported into a world of dark theatrics. The show included all the hallmarks of an Alice Cooper performance: a giant, serpentine microphone stand, creepy props, and an elaborate stage setup. Cooper belted out classic songs like “Poison,” “School’s Out,” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy.” The band was in top form, and Cooper’s captivating stage presence kept the audience on edge. His ability to mix rock with dark humor and horror-inspired visuals made for a highly entertaining and memorable experience. His performance was a visual spectacle that captured the essence of what makes his shows iconic.

Shinedown followed with a set that spanned their impressive discography. From the moment Shinedown hit the stage, their massive sound was overwhelming, and the crowd responded with excitement. The band started with their latest hit “Dance, Kid, Dance,” and then transitioned into “Asking For It.” Lead singer Brent Smith’s powerful vocals resonated throughout the crowd, while the band’s emotional connection with their fans was on full display. Tracks like “Second Chance” and the cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” electrified the crowd, keeping the intensity high. Shinedown’s commanding performance and dynamic stage presence reminded everyone why they’re one of rock’s most successful acts today.

Three Days Grace brought an edge to the stage with their heavy, anthemic sound. With both frontman Matt Walst and recently reunited Adam Gontier at the helm, Three Days Grace delivered a set that was as aggressive as it was emotionally charged. Songs like “Animal I Have Become” and “Riot” stirred the crowd into a frenzy, and their blend of hard rock with deeply personal lyrics connected with the audience on a visceral level. Walst’s and Gontier’s stage presence was electrifying, and their ability to control the crowd made Three Days Grace a standout act of the day.

As the night approached, the crowd’s anticipation reached a fever pitch for the headliner: Nickelback. Known for their hit-heavy catalog and massive stadium performances, Nickelback took the Thunder Stage and immediately launched into a set that included some of their most iconic tracks. Opening with “San Quentin,” the crowd erupted, singing along to every word. Throughout the set, Nickelback delivered an impeccable performance, including hits like “Rockstar,” “Photograph,” and “How You Remind Me.” Despite some brief technical glitches with video screens, the band pushed through the issues, keeping the audience fully engaged. Special guest Zach Myers of Shinedown joined the band for a high-energy rendition of “Figured You Out,” further elevating the collaborative spirit of the event. The night ended with an unforgettable performance of “Burn It to the Ground,” leaving fans buzzing and excited about the festival’s continued success.

Overall, Day 2 of the Boardwalk Rock Festival was a day of high-energy performances, incredible talent, and a massive celebration of rock music. From the heartfelt performances of Tim Montana and Dorothy to the timeless anthems from LIT, Alice Cooper, and Nickelback, the festival had something for every rock fan. The weather was perfect, the crowd was electrified, and the variety of bands ensured there was never a dull moment. As the festival continues to grow, Day 2 proved that the Boardwalk Rock Festival in Ocean City is destined to become a must-attend event for rock fans.