Heavy rock icon Rob Zombie has been announced as a last-minute addition to co-headline the first-ever Boardwalk Rock festival in Ocean City, Maryland, this coming Saturday, May 17, 2025. Zombie will perform alongside previously announced headliners Def Leppard, stepping into a slot that has seen multiple unfortunate changes.
The Saturday headlining position has faced a series of setbacks. Originally, glam metal veterans Mötley Crüe were slated to perform with Def Leppard, continuing their successful touring partnership. However, health concerns with Mötley Crüe vocalist Vince Neil led to their withdrawal. Grunge legends Alice In Chains were then tapped as replacements in early April. Unfortunately, Alice In Chains recently had to cancel all their May touring plans, including this festival appearance, due to ongoing health issues with their drummer, Sean Kinney.
Confirming his addition, Rob Zombie announced via Instagram, “We are now officially taking over the Alice in Chains slot next week due to their cancellation.”
The festival has also contended with another health-related cancellation. Three Doors Down were forced to withdraw from their scheduled performance after their vocalist, Brad Arnold, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. No replacement for Three Doors Down on the bill has been announced at this time.
Despite these challenges, the inaugural Boardwalk Rock festival is set to take place this weekend, May 17th and 18th, at the iconic Ocean City Boardwalk in Maryland. This marks the first major rock event of this scale for the location, featuring multiple stages and an expected attendance of over 40,000 rock music fans.
The revised lineup for the two-day event is as follows:
Saturday, May 17th:
- Def Leppard
- Rob Zombie
- Halestorm
- Bush
- Chevelle
- Flyleaf (with Lacey Sturm)
- Mammoth WVH
- The Struts
- Extreme
- Puddle Of Mudd
- Everclear
- Trapt
- Kat Von D
- Royale Lynn
Sunday, May 18th:
- Nickelback
- Shinedown
- Three Days Grace
- Alice Cooper
- Bret Michaels
- Candlebox
- Night Ranger
- Crossfade
- Dorothy
- Black Stone Cherry
- Lit
- Fuel
- Saliva
- Tim Montana
