Aftershock Returns to Sacramento for Its Biggest Year Yet
Aftershock, one of the most anticipated rock and metal festivals in the U.S., is set to return to Discovery Park in Sacramento, California, for its 12th year, running from October 10-13. With each year, the festival has grown in both size and significance, but 2024 is shaping up to be the biggest edition yet. This four-day event promises to deliver the most impressive lineup to date, featuring legendary rock bands, exclusive performances, and iconic headliners.
Leading the charge is Iron Maiden, making their only U.S. festival appearance of the year. The British heavy metal pioneers are no strangers to headlining major events, but this will mark a particularly special performance for fans, who may have few other chances to catch the band on U.S. soil in the near future. Another major draw is the exclusive West Coast performance from Slayer, a band whose rarity on the stage in recent years has only amplified their allure. In fact, this performance will be one of only three live appearances for the thrash metal legends in nearly five years.
Slipknot, one of the most requested bands by Aftershock attendees, will also be making a much-anticipated return to the festival. Known for their aggressive sound, theatrical performances, and deeply dedicated fan base, the Iowa-based band has long been a favorite at Aftershock. Rounding out the top headliners is Mötley Crüe, who will make their first appearance at the festival, marking another milestone in the band’s enduring career. Other major acts on the bill include Pantera, Disturbed, Judas Priest, Five Finger Death Punch, Evanescence, and Cypress Hill, among many others.
For four days, Discovery Park will transform into a mecca for rock and metal fans, with attendees traveling from all corners of the country to experience Aftershock’s unique mix of legendary bands, up-and-coming acts, and unforgettable moments.
Mötley Crüe’s Return to the Iowa State Fair
One of the most exciting aspects of Aftershock’s 2024 lineup is the inclusion of Mötley Crüe, a band that has been synonymous with rock ‘n’ roll rebellion for over four decades. In August 2023, the band made headlines with their return to the Iowa State Fair, marking a triumphant comeback after several years off the stage. For many fans, this was a nostalgic experience, as Mötley Crüe had first performed at the Iowa State Fairgrounds 40 years prior, sharing the stage with Ted Nugent and Ozzy Osbourne during the height of their rise to international fame.
Mötley Crüe’s return to Iowa came ten years after they held a press conference in Hollywood, where they announced what was then thought to be their final tour. That tour, which included a stop at Wells Fargo Arena, seemed like a fitting end to their career. However, in classic rock star fashion, the hiatus was short-lived, and the band is back in action, with a renewed energy and a commitment to delivering the high-octane performances that made them famous.
On a stormy night in Des Moines, Mötley Crüe took the stage at the Iowa State Fair, with band members Nikki Sixx on bass guitar, Tommy Lee on drums, John 5 (John Lowery) on lead guitar, and Vince Neil on vocals. The band, which has sold over 100 million albums worldwide and topped rock radio charts, delivered a 45-minute set—a shorter performance than usual due to predicted inclement weather. However, the abbreviated set did not dampen the spirits of the thousands of fans, both young and old, who packed the Grandstand to witness the legendary rockers.
Pop Evil Lights Up the Night
Opening for Mötley Crüe that night were Michigan-based rockers Pop Evil. The five-piece band, known for their radio-friendly rock hits and anthemic sound, has undergone several lineup changes over the years but remains a strong presence in the modern rock scene. Pop Evil previously played the Iowa State Fair in 2017, opening for Nickelback. This time around, they took the stage at 7:50 p.m., kicking off the evening with some of their biggest hits, including “Walking Lions,” “Footsteps,” and “Breathe Again.”
Dressed in all black, the band delivered a powerful 30-minute set full of heavy guitar riffs, punchy drums, and lyrics that explored themes of self-empowerment and perseverance. The crowd responded enthusiastically, headbanging along to the energetic performance. Lead singer Leigh Kakaty took a moment to express the band’s appreciation for their fans in Iowa, saying, “We want to take a quick moment to remind you how much we love all our fans right here in the great state of Iowa.”
Mötley Crüe’s Thunderous Return
By the time Mötley Crüe was ready to take the stage, the general admission pit was packed from the barricade to the main floor. The show began with a taped rock ‘n’ roll symphony playing as the lights dimmed, followed by a cryptic and chaotic intro video featuring a parody newscaster discussing rioting in the streets. The band launched into their set with “Primal Scream” and “Too Fast for Love,” immediately igniting the crowd.
Mötley Crüe’s setlist included many of their greatest hits, such as “Wild Side,” “Live Wire,” “Shout at the Devil,” and “Girls, Girls, Girls.” Vince Neil, acknowledging the crowd’s preference for the classics, quipped, “You guys seem to like the old sh-t, huh?” Despite the shortened set, which featured only ten songs, the band delivered a powerful performance that satisfied longtime fans.
The band also played “Dogs of War,” a more recent release, showcasing their continued efforts to stay creative in the modern rock scene. While Vince Neil’s vocal range has diminished with age, he still managed to hit the right notes when it mattered. Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee, on the other hand, displayed the same level of skill and showmanship that made them icons in the ’80s and ’90s. Sixx’s aggressive bass playing and stage charisma kept the energy high, while Lee’s precision drumming was a highlight of the night.
The addition of John 5 on lead guitar proved to be a seamless transition for the band. John 5 replaced original guitarist Mick Mars, who retired from touring in 2023 due to health issues. John 5 played Mars’ iconic riffs with accuracy and style, proving himself to be a worthy successor.
As the night came to a close, Mötley Crüe ended their set with “Kickstart My Heart,” a fan favorite that brought the crowd to a roaring climax. Fireworks lit up the sky as the band took their final bow, leaving fans with memories of a night filled with rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia and excitement.
Looking Ahead to Aftershock 2024
Mötley Crüe’s return to the stage has set the tone for what fans can expect from their performance at Aftershock 2024. With a lineup that includes some of the biggest names in rock and metal, Aftershock is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience for festival-goers. From Iron Maiden’s only U.S. festival appearance to Slayer’s exclusive West Coast performance, Aftershock 2024 is a must-attend event for anyone who loves loud, hard-hitting music.
