Welcome To Rockville 2025 Concludes As A Massive Success Bringing In Over 230,000 Attendees
Photo by Sam Shapiro (@SamShapiroMedia) for Danny Wimmer Presents
Over 230,000 attendees were brought to Daytona Beach, Florida for the annual Welcome to Rockville festival - an action packed weekend for all lovers of rock music. Renowned as America’s largest rock music festival, this year’s event brought a plethora of jaw dropping highlights across four action packed days, from May 15th to 18th at the Daytona International Speedway. From surprise guest appearances to iconic reunion performances, Welcome to Rockville had everything you could ask for from a major music festival.
Welcome to Rockville consists of over 150 bands performing across five stages spread throughout the inner circle of the Daytona International Speedway. This is easily one of the most unique and memorable selling points of this festival, with its distinct location inside of the infamous racetrack that hosts major races such as the Daytona 500.
Despite the scorching heat wave looming across Central Florida, fans turned out from all parts of the world for the major music event. Beginning bright and early on Thursday, May 15, attendees swarmed the grounds in excitement for what was to come in the weekend ahead. Reflecting on our festival weekend, there is one day in particular that shined above the rest - the festival’s closing day on Sunday, May 18.
Return to Dust by Lexie Alley (@lexiealley) for Danny Wimmer Presents
Kicking off the final day of the festival bright and early, the ambitious newcomers in Return to Dust opened the Octane stage with a bang. Their set resonated throughout the grounds as the band introduced their sound to an eager and accepting audience, hinting at a bright future for them ahead. With an eclectic setlist including songs both new and old, Return to Dust topped our list as one of the most impressive performances of the weekend.
Attack Attack! by Nathan Zucker (@nathanzucker) for Danny Wimmer Presents
Any lover of metalcore can recognize the sound of the iconic Attack Attack! - a major trendsetter for the genre, and possibly best known for the style of “crab core.” In the scorching afternoon heat, the band took to the Inferno Stage full of energy, giving Florida a taste of what the band has to come. With an impressive set, the band was sure to tease new music while also reflecting on the classics, and the fans swarmed to catch a glimpse of what they had to offer.
Following the performance, the band officially announced the release of their first album since 2012 - Attack Attack! II. Their Rockville set was only a short glimpse into what is to come, and from what we heard, the future is looking promising for the band. This all goes to say, the band has well-earned a spot on our radar of artists to watch out for this year.
Blessthefall by Jake Miller (@millzfilmz) for Danny Wimmer Presents
Following the crab core chaos from Attack Attack! came the emotive Blessthefall making their Welcome to Rockville debut on the Inferno Stage. This band stood out as one of the most impressive when it came to fan engagement and their effortless sense of crowd control made this one of the most memorable moments of the weekend. Whether it was beckoning fans to crowd surf toward them or hopping onto the barricade to share an intimate moment singing with the audience, Blessthefall did not sell short for their first time at the festival.
Chevelle by Steve Thrasher (@stvthrasher) for Danny Wimmer Presents
As evening began to fall over the Speedway, Chevelle commanded the Apex Stage with their brooding melodies and powerful riffs. Their performance was both intimate and expansive, captivating the immense audience that gathered to watch their main stage set. Playing songs that span their entire discography, Chevelle was sure to include both fan favorites such as “The Red” and “Mars Simula” and underrated gems like “Family System” in their set.
Bad Omens by Jacob Mulka (@Jmulka) for Danny Wimmer Presents
Bad Omens set the stage alight, literally, with their headlining performance on the Octane Stage to conclude the weekend’s festivities. The band emerged on the stage sporting all black attire, complemented by their signature ski masks, and proceeded to open the set with a mesmerizing performance of “Concrete Jungle” into “Artificial Suicide.”
The production of Bad Omens’ set was a highlight above the rest as the stage illuminated with glowing neon city visuals, emulating a dystopian feeling for the performance. The setlist included songs new and old, including singles “V.A.N.” and “The Drain” from their latest offering, and early staples such as “Glass Houses” and “Limits.”
As the set came to a close, the band performed their viral sensation, “Just Pretend” to the enthusiastic crowd. During the final chorus, confetti rained down on the audience in one of the most beautiful moments of the performance.
Bad Omens was not one to end their set on a light note however, and the stage was set aflame as lead singer, Noah Sebastian began the infamous “CONCRETE” chant. In one final exhibit, the band performed the heavy and unruly track “Dethrone.” A surge of crowdsurfers came, driven by the chaotic guitar riffs and Sebastian’s impressive growls. The night came to a conclusion on this note, and there is no doubt that Bad Omens has well earned their slot as a headlining band at major music festivals across the world.