Fort Rock: Volbeat and others hit Fort Myers April 14
What’s being considered one of the largest rock events to grace Southwest Florida, the first Fort Rock music fest is hitting JetBlue Park, 11581 Daniels Parkway, Fort Myers, Sunday, April 14, with music starting at noon and raging all day and night, reigning from two stages, non-stop, until 11 p.m. featuring The Offspring, Volbeat, 3 Doors Down, Papa Roach, Stone Sour, In this Moment, Escape the Fate, Device (featuring Disturbed’s David Draiman), Pop Evil, Otherwise, Mindset Evolution, Danko Jones and others.
Rob Caggiano, lead guitarist for Volbeat and previous member of Anthrax, took some time from his busy tour schedule after making it to The States from a Northern European tour to discuss the upcoming show and just how awesome it’s going to be.
“We recently made it to the U.S. and I’ve been having a good time on the road with these guys. It’s amazing. We’ve done four shows already over here and it’s been completely amazing. So far, it’s really been a blast,” he said, of his stateside tour.
Rob was helping the Denmark band’s full-time members Michael Poulsen (rhythm guitar and vocals), Anders Kjlholm (bass), and Jon Larsen (drums) in the studio, recording their next album, “Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies,” when it was decided he should officially join the group and hit the road with them on their multiple tours.
“They’re different, and they’re crazy and that’s a good thing,” Caggiano said, of his new band mates.
The hard-rocking lead guitarist remembers hitting the Southwest Florida scene during stints with past tours and side trips, and is eager to make it back to the area for the Fort Rock festival, letting us know what to look forward to at a live Volbeat show.
“I’m friends with the Papa Roach guys, have a friend playing with The Offspring it’s all rock and roll we’re all gonna do our thing and it’s gonna be a lot of fun,” he said. “The Fort Rock festival is the last stop of our first leg of the tour, and if you’re into good rock and roll and good music, you’ll be into our show. The music is in infectious. It’s made up of a lot of elements all rolled into one and then spit out you’re gonna have a good time, I promise that.”
Like many other musicians who hit the road during multiple tours throughout their career, Rob has his own tricks and picks while riding the musical highway of rock and roll.
As far as his favorite city or country while on tour, he’s eager to get to his hometown of New York City, but also looks forward to stops in Chicago and L.A. Looking at the globe, his most enjoyable countries to both visit and tour is the U.K. and Scotland, “For some reason, I’m drawn to those two countries, and visit them regularly when I’ve got free time,” he said.
He enjoys stopping into different restaurants while on tour, and during our interview last week, the meniacally metal musician was in Denver, Colo., enjoying a tasty vegetarian spot called WaterCourse.
While on the road, he enjoys reading more than anything to kill time during the long hours on the highway actual books, not electronic tablet versions currently catching up on “Me and the Devil.”
Final plans are in the works for Volbeat’s most recent album, “Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies,” and will be out on the streets April 9 through Universal Records.
Concluding, Rob sends one more shout-out to local rockers looking to come out to see their live mid-April performance.
“If you’re into a good rock and roll show, come on out April 14, because it’s gonna be a killer show.”
About Fort Rock
The first of a hopefully annual event, the upcoming Fort Rock festival is hosted by local radio station 99X and Beasley Broadcasting (99.3-FM), Jagermeister, Monster Energy Drinks, f.y.e., Danny Wimmer Presents?and AEG Live.
The concert’s first pre-sale special sold out a limited number in the hundreds within 40 minutes. The following day, during a second pre-sale special, 1,000 were gone within a matter of hours.
“It’s a rock line-up, but we are proud of the diversity,” said Jason Lewis, with Arms Division Concerts and Production. “We have The Offspring with the punk rock edge; 3 Doors Down with the more classic rock commercial sound; then Papa Roach who’s a little hard active rock. We try to bring something for everyone in the rock crowd.”
General admission tickets are only $44.50 (plus fees), but if you do a little search on Groupon, you can find some reduced tickets.
VIP passes are available for $89.50, which includes access to VIP areas; VIP entrance to venue; access to VIP lounge area, featuring dedicated bar, beverage and food service; premium viewing of the Main Stage (seated and standing areas), seated area with shade for dining, and private restroom facilities.
Four-pack party passes are also available for $130 (plus fees), which includes four general admission tickets. No-service-fee tickets may be purchased for $45 at the 99X/WJBX/Beasley radio station starting Monday, Feb. 25, at 20125 South Tamiami Trail, Estero.
This is an all-ages show. Children 5 years of age and under get in free with a paying adult. Parents are responsible for bringing hearing protection for their children.
No coolers, food, beverages, video cameras, audio recording devices, professional cameras or ones with removable lenses, chairs, umbrellas, weapons, musical instruments, backpacks, duffle bags, illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia, glass containers or pets are allowed at any time, with exception of service animals.
Blankets, cellphones, sunscreen and binoculars are allowed on premises. Gates open at 11 a.m., show ends at 11 p.m.
There will be a great amount of food, beer and drink vendors on-site, as well as band memorabilia and merch, and three ATMs are on-site for your convenience. Heads up: food and beverages must be purchased with cash only ?no credit or debit cards.
For more information, to purchase tickets or for some general FAQs, visit FortRockFestival.com.
Stay tuned to the Beach Bulletin for additional upcoming Fort Rock happenings, as well as more one-on-one interviews with some of the participating band members, including Greg K. of The Offspring.