Aftershock 2024 closed out on Sunday night (13th October 2024) with L.A. glam icons Mötley Crüe bringing an end to four incredible days of music and mayhem in northern California. Taking place from 10th - 13th October 2024 in Discovery Park, Sacramento, the event also featured headline performances from Slayer, Slipknot, and Iron Maiden.
Photo: Sam Shapiro Media.
Opening on Thursday (10th October), the west coast's largest rock and metal event brought out the heavy hitters, with Slayer and Pantera causing seismic waves in the Californian city.
Friday (11th October) saw punk pioneer Marky Ramone rouse early arrivers with a spirited 'Sheena is a Punk Rocker' and other cuts, while continuing the high energy vibes, Boston Irish mob Dropkick Murphys roused a mosh pit barely rivalled all weekend, as they tore through a succession of barroom anthems. Relishing the high octane energy in the park, singer Ken Casey conceded; "you may not have noticed, we happen not to be a metal band, but thank you for inviting us into your world".
Rise Against's Tim McIlrath echoed the sentiment, declaring; "what a beautiful night. It feels good to be here with this tribe, right here", while Juliette and the Licks brought a vibe of controlled chaos, with front woman Juliette Lewis as lythe and unpredictable as her idol - "the greatest that there's ever been" - Iggy Pop, to whom she dedicated a cover of The Stooges' 'Search and Destroy'.
Friday (11th October) saw punk pioneer Marky Ramone rouse early arrivers with a spirited 'Sheena is a Punk Rocker' and other cuts, while continuing the high energy vibes, Boston Irish mob Dropkick Murphys roused a mosh pit barely rivalled all weekend, as they tore through a succession of barroom anthems. Relishing the high octane energy in the park, singer Ken Casey conceded; "you may not have noticed, we happen not to be a metal band, but thank you for inviting us into your world".
Rise Against's Tim McIlrath echoed the sentiment, declaring; "what a beautiful night. It feels good to be here with this tribe, right here", while Juliette and the Licks brought a vibe of controlled chaos, with front woman Juliette Lewis as lythe and unpredictable as her idol - "the greatest that there's ever been" - Iggy Pop, to whom she dedicated a cover of The Stooges' 'Search and Destroy'.
Photo: Press.
Over in a leafier corner of the site Mastodon drew a huge crowd to the Coors Light stage. "Tonight we're celebrating an album called 'Leviathan'. It's a record we felt put us on the map, and an album we have the honour of playing, back to front, for you tonight", announced singer and bassist Troy Sanders as the band's set kicked off. Ripping through the monster 2004 release in its entirety, with the music accompanied by pyro and animated visuals, it was a startling performance.
Headliners Slipknot also chose Aftershock to celebrate, looking back to their explosion onto the nu metal scene 25 years ago. "Welcome back to 1999, motherfuckers!", declared front man Corey Taylor; "Tonight, you will not hear one song written after 1999! For the maggots who have been here since day one, this is to say thank you".
Dressed in era-appropriate red boiler suits, and with masks recalling their early days, the nine-piece ripped through a set that , true to his word, focused on their earliest demos and 1999 self-titled debut album, with highlights including a pummelling 'Wait and Bleed' and closer 'Scissors'.
Headliners Slipknot also chose Aftershock to celebrate, looking back to their explosion onto the nu metal scene 25 years ago. "Welcome back to 1999, motherfuckers!", declared front man Corey Taylor; "Tonight, you will not hear one song written after 1999! For the maggots who have been here since day one, this is to say thank you".
Dressed in era-appropriate red boiler suits, and with masks recalling their early days, the nine-piece ripped through a set that , true to his word, focused on their earliest demos and 1999 self-titled debut album, with highlights including a pummelling 'Wait and Bleed' and closer 'Scissors'.
Photo: Steve Thrasher.
Day three (Saturday 12th October) saw Alien Ant Farm opening up proceedings, with the Californians predictably causing chaos with hits 'Movies' and their cover of Michael Jackson's 'Smooth Criminal'.
The ever popular New Year's Day meanwhile had a cover of their own to sway the non-converts, in a melodic and original take on Pantera's 'Fucking Hostile'.
Over on the Shockwave stage. Rival Sons' cool retro rock in roll was just the tonic in the sweltering sun, with super tasteful soloing from Scott Holiday on his double neck Gibson, and impassioned vocals from Jay Buchanan, during set highlight 'Feral Roots'.
Scott Ian meanwhile summed up perfectly the mood in the arena, as Anthrax took to the stage. "It's a wonderful day for metal!", he declared. In a short set that was packed exclusively with pre-1991 material, the New Yorkers ripped through their thrash metal classics including 'A.I.R.', 'Madhouse' and 'I am the Law' on the Jack Daniel's stage. Promising to return with a new album in 2025, it seems next year is also set to be a good one for Anthrax fans.
The ever popular New Year's Day meanwhile had a cover of their own to sway the non-converts, in a melodic and original take on Pantera's 'Fucking Hostile'.
Over on the Shockwave stage. Rival Sons' cool retro rock in roll was just the tonic in the sweltering sun, with super tasteful soloing from Scott Holiday on his double neck Gibson, and impassioned vocals from Jay Buchanan, during set highlight 'Feral Roots'.
Scott Ian meanwhile summed up perfectly the mood in the arena, as Anthrax took to the stage. "It's a wonderful day for metal!", he declared. In a short set that was packed exclusively with pre-1991 material, the New Yorkers ripped through their thrash metal classics including 'A.I.R.', 'Madhouse' and 'I am the Law' on the Jack Daniel's stage. Promising to return with a new album in 2025, it seems next year is also set to be a good one for Anthrax fans.
Photo: Steve Thrasher.
Playing a more succinct set than during their Copenhell or Hellfest appearances earlier this year, Body Count mixed up early anthems like 'There Goes the Neighbourhood' with newies from their forthcoming 'Merciless' album, including 'The Purge'. It wasn't all rap rock mayhem though, and playing for only the second time their reworking of Pink Floyd's 'Comfortably Numb', Ice-T and crew proved they have a reflective side too.
The day however, was really all about arguably, the absolute masters of metal; Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. Two of the biggest bands of the genre, the British giants carried metal into the '80s, dominating the scene and selling millions of albums in the States and beyond, and are now bigger than ever.
With back to back appearances - Maiden following on the Jack Daniel's stage immediately after Priest on the Shockwave stage - this was an absolute treat for anyone who calls themselves a fan of heavy metal. Arriving onstage to the strains of 'Panic Attack', Judas Priest were in ferocious form. Following with US audience favourite 'You've Got Another Thing Coming' and the assault of 'Rapid Fire', the Birmingham legends went on to weave their way through five decades of metal milestones.
Greeting the crowd, front man and self-confessed fanboy Rob Halford gushed; "it's great to be here at Aftershock. So many good bands!"; a statement that was hard to disagree with. And as 'Riding on the Wind' gave way to 'Turbo Lover' and 'Hellbent for Leather', it was clear that Judas Priest remain one of the best.
The day however, was really all about arguably, the absolute masters of metal; Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. Two of the biggest bands of the genre, the British giants carried metal into the '80s, dominating the scene and selling millions of albums in the States and beyond, and are now bigger than ever.
With back to back appearances - Maiden following on the Jack Daniel's stage immediately after Priest on the Shockwave stage - this was an absolute treat for anyone who calls themselves a fan of heavy metal. Arriving onstage to the strains of 'Panic Attack', Judas Priest were in ferocious form. Following with US audience favourite 'You've Got Another Thing Coming' and the assault of 'Rapid Fire', the Birmingham legends went on to weave their way through five decades of metal milestones.
Greeting the crowd, front man and self-confessed fanboy Rob Halford gushed; "it's great to be here at Aftershock. So many good bands!"; a statement that was hard to disagree with. And as 'Riding on the Wind' gave way to 'Turbo Lover' and 'Hellbent for Leather', it was clear that Judas Priest remain one of the best.
Photo: Steve Thrasher.
Judas Priest may have been a hard act to follow, but as one of the most beloved metal acts of all time, Iron Maiden were easily up to the task.
As their biggest selling album in the United States, it was lost on no one that Iron Maiden are continuing to celebrate their 1986 epic 'Somewhere in Time' album during this final leg of their 'Future Past' tour, and as the intro - the Bladerunner theme - rolled, with a burst of explosive energy and glorious technicolour the six-piece entered to 'Caught Somewhere in Time'.
Following straight into single 'Stranger in a Strange Land', which featured some impressive acrobatic mic stand throwing from Bruce Dickinson, as well as the first appearance of band mascot Eddie on stage, the noticeably chipper singer declared; "what a beautiful fucking sight you are!"
Of course this tour also focuses on their latest album, 2021's 'Senjutsu', with 'The Writing on the Wall' coming early in the set, as well as 'Days of Future Past', and - along with some spirited Dickinson banter referencing Back to the Future and DeLorean - 'The Time Machine'.
Of course it was the classics that most had come to hear, and with 'The Prisoner', 'Can I Play With Madness?', and 'The Trooper' in the set, few could have left disappointed.
Hinting at a return Stateside in 2026 - presumably, as part of the recently announced 'Run For Your Lives' world tour- it seems US audiences won't have to wait too long until they see Iron Maiden again.
As their biggest selling album in the United States, it was lost on no one that Iron Maiden are continuing to celebrate their 1986 epic 'Somewhere in Time' album during this final leg of their 'Future Past' tour, and as the intro - the Bladerunner theme - rolled, with a burst of explosive energy and glorious technicolour the six-piece entered to 'Caught Somewhere in Time'.
Following straight into single 'Stranger in a Strange Land', which featured some impressive acrobatic mic stand throwing from Bruce Dickinson, as well as the first appearance of band mascot Eddie on stage, the noticeably chipper singer declared; "what a beautiful fucking sight you are!"
Of course this tour also focuses on their latest album, 2021's 'Senjutsu', with 'The Writing on the Wall' coming early in the set, as well as 'Days of Future Past', and - along with some spirited Dickinson banter referencing Back to the Future and DeLorean - 'The Time Machine'.
Of course it was the classics that most had come to hear, and with 'The Prisoner', 'Can I Play With Madness?', and 'The Trooper' in the set, few could have left disappointed.
Hinting at a return Stateside in 2026 - presumably, as part of the recently announced 'Run For Your Lives' world tour- it seems US audiences won't have to wait too long until they see Iron Maiden again.
Photo: Steve Thrasher.
And so to the final day (Sunday 14th October), and when at 11.50am when Hed PE frontman Jared Gomes said; "it's not too early to start getting fucked up though, is it?", perhaps he hadn't realised what three whole days in the sun with beer and music had done to some.
However with festival fatigue shifting, The Eagles of Death Metal brought with them a sunshine attitude, with main man Jesse Hughes declaring; "this is the greatest job in the world, playing rock and roll, and we only get to do that because of you guys". Going down a storm with their goodtime anthems including an on-point rendition of David Bowie's 'Moonage Daydream', as well as their own 'Cherry Cola', the off-kilter rockers delivered one of the most fun performances of the weekend.
However with festival fatigue shifting, The Eagles of Death Metal brought with them a sunshine attitude, with main man Jesse Hughes declaring; "this is the greatest job in the world, playing rock and roll, and we only get to do that because of you guys". Going down a storm with their goodtime anthems including an on-point rendition of David Bowie's 'Moonage Daydream', as well as their own 'Cherry Cola', the off-kilter rockers delivered one of the most fun performances of the weekend.
Photo: Steve Thrasher.
Skillet's John Cooper meanwhile was in infectiously upbeat form, telling us backstage; "it's awesome to be here. I get to text all my friends and say; "I'm playing with Mötley Crüe tonight!" And with their alt metal anthems going down a storm later, he had every reason to be buoyant.
Tom Morello then was his usual inspiring self, with his concise set that took in all corners of his career from solo work to all the high points from his time with Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave. With his son Roman joining on guitar for their co-write 'Soldier in the Army of Love', as well as the penultimate 'Killing in the Name', the pair traded solos, licks, and moves with the thirteen year-old Morello jnr. proving easily as adept as his father.
More fist-in-the-air defiance came from Falling in Reverse, whose singer Ronnie Radke called out the haters for accusing his band of using backing tracks. "Eddie Trunk, Sebastian Bach, you can suck my dick!", he raged, unapologetically, during the band's explosive, high energy, pyro-heavy show.
Doing what they do best, Disturbed's covers of Genesis's 'Land of Confusion' and Simon and Garfunkel's 'Sound of Silence' offered the festival's most epic moments, with the latter proving, as usual, particularly spine tingling. Self-styled punktry artist Royale Lynn then joined the band to duet on 'Don't Tell Me'.
Tom Morello then was his usual inspiring self, with his concise set that took in all corners of his career from solo work to all the high points from his time with Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave. With his son Roman joining on guitar for their co-write 'Soldier in the Army of Love', as well as the penultimate 'Killing in the Name', the pair traded solos, licks, and moves with the thirteen year-old Morello jnr. proving easily as adept as his father.
More fist-in-the-air defiance came from Falling in Reverse, whose singer Ronnie Radke called out the haters for accusing his band of using backing tracks. "Eddie Trunk, Sebastian Bach, you can suck my dick!", he raged, unapologetically, during the band's explosive, high energy, pyro-heavy show.
Doing what they do best, Disturbed's covers of Genesis's 'Land of Confusion' and Simon and Garfunkel's 'Sound of Silence' offered the festival's most epic moments, with the latter proving, as usual, particularly spine tingling. Self-styled punktry artist Royale Lynn then joined the band to duet on 'Don't Tell Me'.
Photo: @ALEXOCHOA.
And so it fell to Mötley Crüe to close out what had been an epic weekend. While Vince Neil's voice has come in for some fair criticism, especially in recent years, with Tommy Lee and John 5 in the band, their sound remains epic. Bookending their classic era, the opening 'Primal Scream' - first released as a single in 1991 - was followed by debut album classic 'Live Wire', with the foursome going on to deliver most of their biggest hits.
With 'Wild Side', 'Dr. Feelgood', and 'Too Fast For Love' in the set, few were going to complain, but six covers - although five of these came in an extended medley format - at the expense of greater Crüe gems like 'Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)', and deep dives like 'New Tattoo', were perhaps a bit much. Seeing out the festival with the winning one-two of 'Girls Girls Girls' and 'Kickstart My Heart' however, redeemed any missteps, with the entire field singing along to every word.
Like all of the best festivals, Aftershock has something special. The location, the weather, the bands, the vibe, the people, and the bond between the artists on stage and the crowd; Aftershock had it all, and it seems that this year in particular, the organisers agree. "Aftershock 2024: This was truly one of our favourite years ever", they said, taking to socials after the event; "The weather was, again, absolutely gorgeous. The vibes and crowd energy was surreal throughout. We took care of each other, the site, and provided the bands with an electricity they absolutely raved about. Thank you for being a part of this. We appreciate you. We love you. We will see you again in 2025!"
Aftershock Festival returns to Discovery Park, Sacramento, in 2025. For more, visit the festival's official site.
With 'Wild Side', 'Dr. Feelgood', and 'Too Fast For Love' in the set, few were going to complain, but six covers - although five of these came in an extended medley format - at the expense of greater Crüe gems like 'Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)', and deep dives like 'New Tattoo', were perhaps a bit much. Seeing out the festival with the winning one-two of 'Girls Girls Girls' and 'Kickstart My Heart' however, redeemed any missteps, with the entire field singing along to every word.
Like all of the best festivals, Aftershock has something special. The location, the weather, the bands, the vibe, the people, and the bond between the artists on stage and the crowd; Aftershock had it all, and it seems that this year in particular, the organisers agree. "Aftershock 2024: This was truly one of our favourite years ever", they said, taking to socials after the event; "The weather was, again, absolutely gorgeous. The vibes and crowd energy was surreal throughout. We took care of each other, the site, and provided the bands with an electricity they absolutely raved about. Thank you for being a part of this. We appreciate you. We love you. We will see you again in 2025!"
Aftershock Festival returns to Discovery Park, Sacramento, in 2025. For more, visit the festival's official site.