The second annual RockFest 80’s concert is ready to rock South Florida with an impressive lineup that features some of the biggest names from rock and roll’s most notorious era. This incredible two-day festival is coming to C.B. Smith Park on Saturday November 4, 2017 (doors open noon to 10:30 pm) and Sunday, November 5, 2017 (doors open noon to 10 pm). Fans of love live music will not want to miss this star-studded event produced by Roy Anthony.
RockFest 80’s Concert Bands
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 13, 2006. Their catalog includes more than 60 albums plus over $30 million in album sales. Their enduring hit “Sweet Home Alabama” has been downloaded more than two million times as a ringtone. With all this success, there’s no wonder Lynyrd Skynyrd has a much deserved place place in rock and roll history. The band, which originally started in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964, has been through many changes over the years — but Lynyrd Skynyrd is still going strong with original member Gary Rossington along with Johnny Van Zant, Rickey Medlocke, Mark “Sparky” Matejka, Michael Cartellone, Johnny Colt, Peter Keys, Dale Krantz Rossington and Carol Chase. Don’t miss this icon band when they headline RockFest 80’s concert on Sunday, November 4, 2017.
Cheap Trick
Selling out out concerts since 1973, Cheap Trick has been dubbed Japan as “The American Beatles” by fans in Japan. The group has written and performed classic hits like “Surrender,” “I Want You To Want Me,” “Dream Police” and “The Flame.” In 2016, Chicago-natives Cheap Trick was inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Known for their tireless dedication to touring, Cheap Trick has performed more than 5,000 times in forty years. The band just released their new album We’re All Alright! to rave reviews and will play tracks from that album when they hit the stage at this year’s festival.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015, Joan Jett, who has been dubbed The Queen of Rock and Roll and Godmother of Punk, shot to fame in 1975 as a founding member of the all-girl glam punk group, The Runaways. Jett picked up her first guitar at the age of 13 and went on to record 14 studio albums, release 42 singles to date and continues to tour every year to sold out audiences. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts continue to be one of the most sought after live bands in the industry today belting our anthems such as “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” and “I Hate Myself For Loving You.” Joan has been a top female icon her entire musical career. Thanks to the release of “The Runaways” in 2010, Jett has gained a new generation of fans. She will headline Saturday’s list of stars.
Sebastian Bach
Sebastian Bach has sold more than 20 million records both as the lead singer of Skid Row and as a solo artist. Some of his biggest hits have included the singles “I Remember You,” “Youth Gone Wild,” and “18 & Life.” He and his former bandmates from Skid Row hold the honor of releasing first ever hard rock album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200: Slave To The Grind. Bach still tours the world and has released his autobiography titled “18 And Life on Skid Row,” stirring up the 80’s era of rock and roll like only Sebastian Bach can. Bach also expanded his presence by appearing on the Broadway stage with starring roles in “Jekyll & Hyde,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “The Rocky Horror Show.”
Dokken
Dokken is an American metal band that has sold more than 10 million albums. Hits of this hair-metal band include “Alone Again,” “In My Dreams” and “Burning Like a Flame.” The band’s current incarnation features Don Dokken on lead vocals, guitarist Jon Levin, original drummer “Wild” Mick Brown and Chris McCarvill on bass. The guys will make their Rockfest 80’s concert debut on November 4.
Foghat
British rock stars Foghat have enjoyed eight gold records, one platinum and one double platinum record and continue to wow audiences with familiar favorites such as “Slow Ride” and “Fool for the City.” Current members include: drummer Roger Earl, bassist Craig MacGregor, lead guitarist Bryan Bassett and vocalist and rhythm guitarist Charlie Huhn. Last summer, Foghat released a new album, Under the Influence, which was their 17th album and first record since 2010. The album features a new version of their biggest hit “Slow Ride.” Even with their non-stop touring and playing to sold out audiences, the band still found time to release a new record called Foghat Live at the Belly Up.
Lita Ford
Lita Ford is best known as a singer, songwriter and guitar player. She is also an author, producer and platinum-selling artist. Lita shot to fame as a teenager in the original all-girl punk rock group, The Runaways. Ford then went on to have a wildly successful solo career with Top 10 singles like “Kiss Me Deadly” and a duet with Ozzy Osbourne, “Close My Eyes Forever.” Lita Ford was named “The First Lady of Rock Guitar” in 2017 by Guitar Player Magazine and continues to dazzle audiences around the world with her impressive shredding skills on the guitar.
The Outlaws
The Outlaws, who formed in Tampa, Florida, are a southern rock /country band best known for their 1975 hit “There Goes Another Love Song” and extended guitar jam “Green Grass and High Tides” from their 1975 debut album. Plus, their cover of the Stan Jones classic “Ghost Riders in the Sky” has been enjoying radio airplay and success since 1980 and will surely be performed during the RockFest 80’s concert. They are still at the top of their game and tour almost nonstop. The Outlaws continue playing to sold out audiences nationwide. In 2016, the band released Legacy Live, a 2-CD concert set.
Little River Band
With 16 studio albums, four live albums, five compilation records and 35 singles under their belts, Australian rockers Little River Band are ready to rock the stage at RockFest 80’s concert. Some of thier biggest hits scored include “Reminiscing” and “The Night Owls.” More than 40 years into their career, Little River Band is still rockin’ with guitarist Greg Hind, Chris Marion on keys, Ryan Ricks on drums, Wayne Nelson on bass and lead vocals and Rich Herring on lead guitar.
Steelheart
Before Steelheart was Steelheart, they were known as Red Alert. No matter the name, they have been revving up audiences since 1990. Hits such as “I’ll Never Let You Go (Angel Eyes)” and “She’s Gone” gave Steelheart a place in rock and roll history. Lead vocalist Miljenko Matijevic, lead guitarist Uros Raskovski, Rev Jones on bass and Mike Humbert on percussion currently make up the band that will appear at RockFest 80’s concert. Steelhart is releasing a new album this summer set to include a few surprise guest appearances on the recording. This will mark the band’s first new album since 2008.
Jack Russell’s “Great White”
Founding member of the American hard rock band Great White, Jack Russell has been touring as “Jack Russell’s Great White” since December 2011. Originally founded in 1977, the group achieved superstardom with rock anthems that include “Once Bitten Twice Shy” and “Rock Me.” Jack Russell’s “Great White” released their latest album He Saw It Comin’ in January with hits likes “Sign of the Times” and “She Moves Me.”
Quiet Riot
RockFest 80’s concert veterans Quiet Riot was formed in Los Angeles in 1973 by the late guitarist Randy Rhoads and bassist Kelly Garni. This glam metal band that has undergone several periods of reinvention and has scored hits and massive radio play with songs such as “Cum on Feel the Noize,” “Bang Your Head (Metal Health)” and their cover of Slade’s classic “Mama Weer All Crazee Now.” Current members of the band include: Frankie Banali on drums, Chuck Wright on bass, Alex Grossi on guitar and “American Idol” finalist James Durbin on lead vocals. Quiet Riot is dropping a new album, Road Rage, later this year with brand new lyrics and Durbin on vocals.
Local Bands Share Stage with National Acts at RockFest 80’s Concert
“Mr. Nice Guy”
Mr. Nice Guy is South Florida’s No. 1 Classic Rock Band — and with good reason. They continue to draw record breaking crowds at every show and even have their own Royal Caribbean Cruise line spring cruise, The “Mr. Nice Guy Cruise,” now three years in the running. The band is comprised of South Florida’s top musicians. Mr. Nice Guy kicks off the day on Sunday, November 5 with members: Tommy Hall (guitar/ keyboards/vocals), Jeffrey James Harris (lead vocals/guitar), Maria De Crescenzo (lead vocals), Johnny O (lead vocals/saxophone/flute/percussion), John Quinn (keyboards), Richie Vega (bass/vocals) and Dave Webster (drums).
Stellar Revival
Influenced by Incubus and the sounds blues, country and 90’s grunge, Stellar Revival quickly found success nationally but their roots remain true to Coral Springs, where their musical career began. They have a signed deal with Capitol Records and have played massive music festivals throughout Europe. Starting 2017 with a bang, Stellar Revival was invited to open for Bon Jovi in Los Angeles at the premier L.A. Arena “The Forum.” Closing this year, Stellar Revival joins the super star line up on Saturday, November 4 at Rockfest 80’s concert with lead singer Rino Cerbone, guitarist players Brian Spears and Steve Morgan, bassist Mike Lowther and Andrew Koussevitzky on drums.
RockFest 80’s Concert Battle of the Bands Winner
With Southern roots and the ability to play multiple genres of music, Modern Day Outlaw is shaking up the hard rock and metal scene. Blending heavy sounds with a touch of blues and country, Modern Day Outlaw offers a new approach to the familiar; resulting in a sonic melodic revelry that will have crowds of all ages ready to rock. The band is right at home playing slow southern rock grooves, catchy hooks, or undeniable aggression that appeals to those with the hardest of musical sensibilities.
C.B. Smith Park is located at 900 N. Flamingo Road in Pembroke Pines, Fla., is a 299-acre site and is one of Broward County Parks and Recreation’s most diverse parks, as well as one of its most popular. RockFest 80’s concert tickets are on sale now.