OCEAN CITY, Md. – The inaugural Boardwalk Rock Festival, set for May 17-18, 2025, in Ocean City, Maryland, will bring over 25 rock bands to three stages along the historic Boardwalk, Inlet Beach, and Inlet parking lot, despite significant lineup changes due to health concerns among key performers. Headliners Def Leppard and Nickelback remain confirmed, but the festival has navigated cancellations from Mötley Crüe, 3 Doors Down, and Alice in Chains, with Rob Zombie stepping in as a replacement.
Mötley Crüe, originally slated to co-headline Saturday, May 17, canceled their appearance due to health issues affecting lead singer Vince Neil. “Mötley Crüe will be unable to perform at Boardwalk Rock in Ocean City, Md., on May 17 as Vince Neil is recuperating after a required medical procedure advised by his doctors,” the band stated. Neil, prioritizing his recovery, expressed regret to fans, saying, “To all the Crüeheads who were looking forward to see us this Spring, I’m truly sorry. My health is my top priority so I can bring you the awesome shows you deserve, and I can’t wait to return to the stage.” Alice in Chains was announced as their replacement on April 2, 2025, filling the Saturday slot alongside Def Leppard.
Days before the festival, 3 Doors Down withdrew from their Sunday, May 18, performance after lead singer Brad Arnold announced his diagnosis with stage 4 kidney cancer, which had metastasized to his lung. “The 46-year-old vocalist said he is ‘not scared’ of his diagnosis, relying on his strong faith and calling for prayers from his fans,” according to a statement reported by NBC News. No replacement has been named for 3 Doors Down, leaving Sunday’s lineup led by Nickelback and Shinedown.
On May 9, 2025, Alice in Chains canceled their performance due to a medical emergency involving drummer Sean Kinney. The band stated, “After careful consideration and following the advice of medical professionals, we have made the decision to cancel our upcoming festival performances and the Alice in Chains headline shows. While we were all eager to return to the stage, Sean’s health is our top priority at this moment. Although the issue requires immediate attention, his long-term prognosis is positive.” Organizers swiftly secured Rob Zombie to replace Alice in Chains, announcing on May 10 that he would perform Saturday at 6:50 p.m. at the Ocean City Inlet.
The revised Saturday lineup features Def Leppard, Rob Zombie, Halestorm, Bush, Chevelle, Flyleaf with Lacey Sturm, Mammoth WVH, The Struts, Extreme, Puddle of Mudd, Everclear, Trapt, Kat Von D, and Royale Lynn.
Sunday includes Nickelback, Shinedown, Three Days Grace, Alice Cooper, Bret Michaels, Candlebox, Night Ranger, Crossfade, Dorothy, Black Stone Cherry, Lit, Fuel, Saliva, and Tim Montana. Hosted by rock radio DJ Eddie Trunk, the festival offers GA, GA+, VIP, and Platinum tickets, with access to local food vendors, Boardwalk businesses, and Jolly Roger at the Pier’s amusement rides.
The rapid lineup adjustments reflect the challenges of launching a major festival, but organizers have maintained a robust roster. The addition of Rob Zombie has sustained anticipation for the event, which promises high-energy performances across two days.
