Photo Gallery: Rock On The Range 2015
Some of the biggest names in Rock ‘n Roll were on the lineup this past weekend at the annual Rock on the Range festival in Columbus, Ohio. The nationally renowned festival that's centrally located in the heart of the country celebrated its ninth year and third consecutive sell-out with a stellar lineup of top rock bands. Led by multiplatinum artists, this year's headliners were Linkin Park, Marilyn Manson, global rock juggernauts Slipknot and heavy metal pioneers Judas Priest - who are currently celebrating their 40th Anniversary. Judas Priest proclaims, “Rock On The Range brings the Priest back to the USA! We can't wait to unleash our metal maniacs once more with our ongoing 40th anniversary ‘Redeemer of Souls' World Tour.”
Rock On The Range has sold out in advance for three years in a row, with 120,000 concertgoers on hand in 2014. Legions of fans from all over the country packed the MAPFRE stadium (formerly Crew Stadium) to see legendary headliners in addition to nearly 60 supporting acts performing throughout the weekend. Topping the bill Friday night was the iconic Guns ‘n Roses guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, Slash, featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, followed by the Canton, OH native Marilyn Manson and the heavy metal circus act Slipknot. The Grammy-Award winning and world renowned hard rock group Judas Priest made their debut at ROTR with the closing set on Saturday night. Sunday night Linkin Park proved why they're one of the highest-selling bands of the new millennium, delivering the finale performance to the festival's sold-out crowd.
While the main stage acts get most of the attention, there was plenty of talent on the side stages, showcasing a variety of artists that bridge the genres of rock and metal with hip-hop and rap with bands like Yelawolf and rapper Tech N9ne. Outside of the main headliners there were many crowd pleasing shows by veteran groups including Live, Breaking Benjamin, Papa Roach, Godsmack, and Anthrax as well as the upwardly-mobile noteworthy newcomers The Pretty Reckless, Halestorm, Crobot, and Rise Against.
