OCEAN CITY, Md., May 18, 2025 — The second day of Boardwalk Rock 2025 electrified Ocean City’s iconic boardwalk with a hard-hitting lineup of rock acts, drawing thousands to the Bolt, Thunder, and Lightning stages. Under sunny skies with temperatures in the low 80s and a steady breeze, fans enjoyed performances from Tim Montana, Saliva, Black Stone Cherry, LIT, Fuel, Crossfade, Dorothy, Candlebox, Night Ranger, Alice Cooper, Shinedown, Bret Michaels, Three Days Grace, and headliners Nickelback. Despite a temporary glitch with video screens during Nickelback’s set, the festival’s energy remained unrelenting, cementing Sunday as the heavier counterpart to Saturday’s diverse offerings.
The day kicked off at 12:30 p.m. on the Bolt Stage with Tim Montana, whose gritty rock set the tone for a high-octane day. At 1:15 p.m., Saliva took the Thunder Stage, delivering a 10-song set including “Ladies and Gentlemen,” “Click Click Boom,” and a medley featuring snippets of “In the Air Tonight,” “Another Brick in the Wall,” and “Give It Away.” A fan dressed as Santa Claus joined them onstage for backing vocals during “Click Click Boom,” adding a playful moment to the performance. Simultaneously, Black Stone Cherry rocked the Lightning Stage with “Like I Roll” and “Blame It on the Boom Boom,” showcasing their Southern rock flair.
At 2:00 p.m., LIT brought nostalgic pop-punk to the Bolt Stage with “My Own Worst Enemy” and “Kicked Off the Plane.” Fuel followed at 2:45 p.m. on the Thunder Stage, performing a 13-song set that included “Shimmer,” “Hemorrhage (in My Hands),” and a cover of the Eagles’ “Hotel California.” Crossfade, on the Lightning Stage at the same time, faced microphone issues during “Starless” but powered through a 10-song set, culminating in “Cold.” Bret Michaels joined them onstage for a hug after “Killing Me Inside,” a gesture that thrilled the crowd.
Dorothy commanded the Bolt Stage at 3:45 p.m., blending bluesy rock with tracks like “Raise Hell” and “Rest in Peace,” the latter preceded by her sending thoughts to Brad Arnold of 3 Doors Down. At 4:45 p.m., Candlebox on the Thunder Stage played hits like “Far Behind” and a cover of 3 Doors Down’s “It’s Not My Time,” while Night Ranger on the Lightning Stage energized fans with “Sister Christian” and a cover of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train,” dedicated to his retirement.
The evening escalated with Alice Cooper’s theatrical 5:45 p.m. set on the Bolt Stage, featuring classics like “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” “Poison,” and “School’s Out.” At 6:45 p.m., Shinedown dominated the Thunder Stage with a 17-song performance, including “Cut the Cord,” “Simple Man,” and a partial cover of 3 Doors Down’s “Kryptonite.” Bret Michaels, on the Lightning Stage, delivered a crowd-pleasing set with Poison hits like “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” and covers like “Sweet Home Alabama,” joined by members of Night Ranger, LIT, and Fuel.
Three Days Grace took the Bolt Stage at 8:15 p.m., unleashing a 16-song set with “Animal I Have Become” and “Riot,” their raw energy resonating with the festival’s harder edge. The night closed with Nickelback on the Thunder Stage at 9:30 p.m., performing a 16-song set including “How You Remind Me,” “Rockstar,” and a cover of Queen’s “We Will Rock You.” A video screen malfunction briefly disrupted the experience, but technicians resolved the issue, allowing the band to conclude with “Burn It to the Ground.” Zach Myers—“of Shinedown”—joined for “Figured You Out” during a T-shirt cannon toss, adding a collaborative highlight.
Boardwalk Rock 2025, hosted at Ocean City’s boardwalk, has grown into a premier rock festival since its inception, drawing diverse crowds with its multi-stage format. Sunday’s lineup, announced earlier this year, leaned into heavier rock compared to Saturday’s eclectic mix, which featured Royale Lynn to Def Leppard. The festival faced challenges earlier in 2025, including lineup changes that led to Rob Zombie’s addition for a separate performance, reflecting organizers’ adaptability.
Performance times, released in February, ensured smooth transitions across the three stages, with no overlaps disrupting the flow. The weather cooperated, with the low 80s and breezy conditions providing a comfortable backdrop for the outdoor event. Fans, ranging from longtime rock enthusiasts to younger attendees, packed the boardwalk, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
The festival’s second day highlighted its commitment to delivering high-energy rock performances. From Saliva’s interactive set to Alice Cooper’s theatrical spectacle, each act contributed to a cohesive yet varied experience. Shinedown and Three Days Grace, with their intense deliveries, reinforced Sunday’s heavier tone, while Nickelback’s headlining set, despite technical hiccups, capped the night with arena-rock anthems.
Boardwalk Rock’s success stems from its ability to blend veteran acts with contemporary rock bands, appealing to a broad audience. The festival’s oceanfront setting, combined with its robust lineup, positions it as a standout event in Maryland’s summer calendar. As organizers look to 2026, the 2025 edition’s second day set a high bar for future performances, leaving fans eager for what’s next.
