After yanking back a 16-ounce can of sugary, guarana-infused Rockstar, whatcha gonna listen to? Sufjan Stevens? The Decemberists? Negatory, bro-ham! Youll want exactly what this energy-drink-sponsored alt-metal tour brings to the table: Blast beats, scream-o vocals and high-decibel thrash showmanship. Now in its third year, Rockstars answer to Ozzfest (conceived by former Vans Warped Tour honcho Kevin Lyman) boasts a legitimate platinum-selling chain-mover in Disturbed, the Chicago-based nu metal quartet whose latest disc, Asylum, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 last month. Co-headliner Avenged Sevenfold is also well-known to metal-festival enthusiasts, having previously played on the Warped Tour, Ozzfest, the Take Action Tour and the Taste of Chaos Tour, in addition to their improbable win as Best New Artist at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards. Fans can surely expect Rockstar-style stimulation from the six undercard acts, including Hellyeah, Halestorm, Stone Sour, Airbourne, Hail the Villain and New Medicine. No coffee-house-friendly pussy music with this caffeinated drink, please.
Sun., Sept. 19, 1 p.m., 2010