Rock on The Range Rumors 2011



I'm in there somewhere.

We likely won't be hearing any official word from Rock on The Range on the lineup for another two months (lineup is typically announced mid February), but that won't deter fans from speculating and investigating which bands will be on the roster. I've already discussed some rumored headlines here, so today will be a little bit of an update and a closer look at a few mid-range bands currently rumored to be on the bill.

My Chemical Romance

Lots of talk about My Chemical Romance playing ROTR on the interwebs over the last two weeks. Possibly because their new album, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, just came out on Nov. 22. I'm really not convinced they'll be there. Though they would be a good addition to this years festival, they already have a tour planned through May. On May 21 they have a show booked at the House of Blues in Dallas, TX, so we know for certain they won't be on ROTR Day 1. Their next date, following the Dallas show, is on May 25. While they do have ROTR Day 2 open in their schedule, it's a 19 hr drive from Dallas to Columbus. They would only make it if they flew out, either lugging their gear with them or using other equipment (most bands strongly prefer using their own stuff at shows). Their next scheduled show on the 25th is in Bakersfield, CA. Texas to Ohio to California, is not a usual tour itinerary. As much as I would like having these New Jersey rockers present, doesn't look very likely.

Slipknot

Since the unfortunate loss of bass player Paul Grey, Slipknot has been a hot bed for rumors and speculation. Will they stay together? Will they release a new album? Will they replace Paul? For the time being it seems that yes, Slipknot, one of America's most popular metal bands, will not be calling it a day just yet. They are even planning on doing some touring together in 2011, already confirmed to be headling Belgium's Graspop Metal Meeting (June 26), Rock in Rio (Sept 25), and the UK's Sonisphere (specific date not known, festival runs July 8-10). The release of these dates has lead many to suggest that Slipknot could return to ROTR this summer, but don't hold your breath. Slipknot already headlined ROTR once (back in 2009) and the festival is way too young to have repeat headliners (this will be only the fifth year). The organizers wouldn't bring back a headling act so soon, and the fans shouldn't want them to. ROTR needs new acts to keep fans returning and the festival relevant. Little chance Slipknot will be there in my mind, but a summer touring from the Knot could keep Corey Taylor's other group, Stone Sour, from making their first appearance at the festival. That would be a shame. Stone Sour currently has tour dates only through March.

Linkin Park

Everyone and their grandmother seems convinced that Linkin Park will be at ROTR this year; some have even gone as far to say they are headlining day one. Why I won't speculate on the particular day their playing, I too think LP will be there. Like it or not, they just feel like the perfect fit for ROTR this year.Their one of the biggest rock bands in America, fits the festivals demographic, have constant airplay on mainstream rock stations across the country, had the top selling hard rock release of 2010, and their on a major world tour that doesn't include a Columbus date (though they are playing Cincinnati on Feb 13). The organizers could always throw a wild card (I hope so), but the safe bet in on Linkin Park bring their new A Thousand Suns tour to ROTR.

System of A Down and The Red Hot Chili Peppers

System and the Chili Peppers are two of the top contenders for a headling spot on this year's ROTR. November everyone was talking about the Chili Peppers, and how they were definitely going to play ROTR (drummer Chad Smith said in an interview that the band would be playing festivals over the summer), but a month later System is "confirmed" by people who supposedly have insider info (sure you do). Others are convinced that both bands will there. So what's really going on? Well I was talking to Serj yesterday and he told me....just kidding. No way both these bands are going to be at ROTR (as fucking awesome as that would be). I'm still banking on Linkin Park headlining one day, so that only leaves one headlining spot left. On their reunion run, I really don't see System playing ROTR unless they're headlining, and The Chili Peppers are way too popular a band to open for System. Organizers could try to offer a co-headlining night, like they did with 3 Doors Down and Kid Rock in 2008, but it doesn't solve the problem of who ends the show. Personally, I think Chili Peppers have a better chance of being at ROTR than System. Kiedis and crew are looking jump right back into the rock scene, shaking off a long break and promote their new album (suppose to be out around May or June), while System seems to be planning a few big shows, trying to feel out how they want to proceed as a group. I'd prefer the System, but the weather looks a lot more Chili.

Soundgarden and The Foo Fighters

Neither of these bands are popping up much in the rumor mill lately, but I don't see why they're any less likely than System or the Chili Peppers. Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil recently stated in an interview that Soundgarden would be "doing other shows and working on releasing some albums from deeper in our catalogue." Could that mean ROTR? Maybe. Soundgarden probably isnt' getting a lot of hype for ROTR because their camp has been so quiet lately, no solid plans or tour dates known to fans. System and the Chili Peppers both have other festival dates booked for the summer, so I guess they appear more likely. I'd love for Soundgarden to be at ROTR, and if they're not I bet they'll be at Pearl Jam's festival this summer. As for The Foo, they're headlining the Sasquatch Festival in Washington the weekend after ROTR, and will be doing a large scale tour to promote their new album that comes out in 2011. The Foo Fighters would definitely be a better headliner than Linkin Park, but I'm not confident in ROTR booking them. Oh well maybe they'll play the Pearl Jam weekend festival too (get Alice In Chains, make it a grunge fest).

Maynard: The Wild Card

  Will Tool be at ROTR? Proably not. What about A Perfect Circle? Doubtful. Puscifer? Not sure they've ever played a festival. Clear thinking would lead one to conclude that Maynard James Keenan will not be at the Ohio festival this year, but obvious clear thinking has never stood in the way of Maynard's tour adventures before. Tool tour dates materialize out of thin air (magically they headlined Lollapalooza last year). When there's rumored whispers of A Perfect Circle possibly working together again, suddenly they do a Southwest tour; playing their entire discography. Who knows what the fuck Maynard has planned. Will he be at ROTR, probably not, but with Maynard you can never say for sure. Tool is playing The Big Day Out Festival in January, and reportedly working on a new album.

The Others

Chevelle- They've played ROTR every other year (2007, 2009), they're working on a new album for a winner release, and they currently have no tour dates announced. I think they'll be there.

Papa Roach- They've played every ROTR but one (2009), touring Canada through March. Safe bet they'll be there.

Avenged Sevenfold- Still touring strong in support of  their latest album, Nightmare, the band played ROTR in 2009 (Rev's last performance), and many believe they'll be back again. I agree, the band is touring with Stone Sour through March 7. No Columbus date, but are playing Cincinnati on Jan 29.

Five Finger Death Punch-  They rocked the mainstage last year, they're getting lots of plays on the radio, they've got a new album coming out (April or May), and no planned tour for 2011 so far. I got a feeling they're ready to level Ohio with another heavy blow. 

Not Coming

Iron Maiden are on a world tour until August. In May their only dates are  three shows in Germany (28,29,30). At the end of April, they have two shows in Florida (16 and 17), meaning they'll be in the US and their schedule is free until the 28th of May. Could they be at ROTR than? No. They won't be at ROTR this year because they don't need ROTR to put on a big show in Ohio or anywhere else in the country. Additionally, booking them would cost the festival a pretty penny (meaning they might not be able to afford well know mid range metal bands). Really can't see them being their, they tour the US sparingly as it is, when was the last time they were at a rock festival in America anyway (ever?)?

Along with Maiden, some fans are speculating Ozzy Osbourne possibly headlining ROTR; god I hope not. I suppose it is possible, Ozzy is on a world tour supporting his new album Scream (US dates so far up till April, he's whole career showcased on rock radio everyday, and he is already booked to be playing some European festivals this year. Still, I'm pretty sure Ozzy won't be there. Besides year one being headlined by ZZ-Top (who were awesome), ROTR has kept their headliners pretty well locked in the modern era. Besides, I'd much rather see Ozzy rebuild his once famous Ozzfest tour for summer, because it's sucked dick the last three or four years.

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