The bright sun and blue skies on May 10 set the tone for MMRBQ 2025 at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. With temps in the upper 60s and a cool river breeze, the weather was perfect—not too hot, no rain—which kept the crowd comfortable and ready to rock all day long.
Gates opened at noon, and the general admission early sets kicked off at 1:00 PM with Fat Mezz, Return to Dust, Octane, and Dead Poet Society. Fat Mezz played two short sets on both main and side stages, delivering local rock energy and catchy hooks that got early arrivals nodding their heads.
Return to Dust brought more grit with melodic choruses, earning cheers from fans digging their vibe early. Octane kept pace with solid alt-rock riffs, while Dead Poet Society closed the GA slot with punchy, anthem-style tracks that warmed up the audience before the main show.
The side stage buzzed too—with Jacky Bam Bam’s DJ set and live-band karaoke with SideArm happening between main acts. Shouts and laughter drifted over to the lawn, adding a fun, festival-like feel as people grabbed food and drinks between performances.
At 5:25 PM, Dorothy hit the main stage. Frontwoman Dorothy Martin carried soulful vocals and bluesy guitar power that had heads swaying and hands in the air. Songs like “Raise Hell” and “Flawless” hit hard, and her energy pulled the crowd closer.
Next up around 6:40 PM, Mammoth, led by Wolfgang Van Halen, brought on heavier riffs and polished melodies. Their performance of “Don’t Back Down” got everyone cheering, and Wolfgang’s guitar solos stood out. Fans appreciated how the band balanced contemporary rock with respect for classic guitar sounds.
At 7:55 PM, Bush unexpectedly stepped in when Alice in Chains had to cancel due to health reasons. Gavin Rossdale and company didn’t skip a beat—delivering tight 90s rock with songs like “Everything Zen,” “Machinehead,” and “Glycerine.” The crowd sang along in full voice, and Bush’s surprise set turned into a career highlight for many who came to see them for the first time.
Headlining the night at 9:40 PM, Three Days Grace closed out the show in spectacular fashion. With original singer Adam Gontier back on vocals, the band felt revitalized. They launched into intense hits like “Animal I Have Become,” “Pain,” and “I Hate Everything About You.” Mid‑set, they surprised fans by playing Alice in Chains’ “Rooster” as a respectful homage, enhanced further when Adam jumped into the crowd to sing it up close. Newer songs like “The Mountain” and “So Called Life” mixed with powerful classics, giving both longtime and newer fans a night to remember.
The vibe at MMRBQ 2025 was upbeat, friendly, and inclusive. Families, teens, and longtime rock fans mingled peacefully—some dancing near the front, others lounging on the lawn. People cheered each band, stayed till the end, and shared laughs and memories across group conversations.
Visually, the show looked great. Each stage had customized lighting and banners that matched the bands’ styles—from Dorothy’s blues rock ambiance to Bush’s 90s grunge vibe, and Three Days Grace’s dramatic, high-energy setup. The side stage added variety with DJ and karaoke acts keeping things lively between sets.
MMRBQ 2025 delivered solid performances, perfect weather, and an energetic, positive crowd. Whether you came for Three Days Grace, discovered Bush, or enjoyed acts like Return to Dust and Dorothy, it was a day that hit all the right notes—and left fans excited for more summer shows.
Three Days Grace
Bush
Mammoth
Dorothy
Dead Poet Society
Octane
Return to Dust
