Rock Fest 2023 Day Three – Cadott WI – July 15th 2023

Rock Fest 2023 – Day 3 (July 15th): A Concert Review
The third day of Rock Fest 2023 was a whirlwind of energy, passion, and nostalgia, with an epic lineup that catered to fans of every rock subgenre. From punk to metal to hard rock, the day was packed with standout performances that made it clear why Rock Fest remains one of the premier rock festivals in the U.S. Here’s a breakdown of the day’s unforgettable moments.

The SoapGirls – Punk Rock Rebellion

The day kicked off with The SoapGirls, an electric punk duo from South Africa. Known for their unapologetic, raw sound and bold personalities, the sisters managed to turn up the heat early. Their live show was nothing short of chaotic (in the best way possible), with relentless energy and fierce stage presence. Songs like “Bad Bitch” and “Bored” felt like a call to arms for anyone tired of the mainstream, and the crowd ate it up. The SoapGirls’ set was a perfect opener to set the tone for a festival of wild, boundary-pushing performances.

Plush – Hard Rock with Heart

Next up were Plush, an all-female band who have been steadily building a loyal following with their powerhouse performances. Their sound is a mix of classic hard rock and modern sensibilities, with lush guitar work and soaring vocals. Lead singer Moriah Formica’s voice was absolutely on point, soaring over tracks like “Hate”, and it was clear the crowd was vibing with the powerful, melodic hooks. If you haven’t seen them yet, you’re missing out—Plush is the real deal, and their performance only solidified their place as one of the brightest young acts in rock.

10 Years – Atmospheric and Heavy

10 Years took things up a notch with their emotionally charged set, blending atmospheric rock with heavier riffs. The band’s sound was deeply immersive, with tracks like “Wasteland” and “Fix Me” resonating through the crowd with a haunting intensity. The band’s performance was tight, and frontman Jesse Hasek’s voice carried through the vast space of the festival grounds, hitting the perfect mix of gritty and melodic. It was one of those sets that made you lose yourself in the moment, with the crowd swaying and singing along in unison.

GWAR – Blood, Gore, and Metal Mayhem

Then came GWAR, and, if you’ve never seen them live, you’re missing out on a concert experience like no other. The band’s over-the-top, satirical stage show had everything: blood sprays, giant monsters, and insane costumes. The music? Absolutely brutal. With songs like “Sick of You” and “War Is All We Know”, GWAR’s metal mayhem took the crowd by storm. It’s a spectacle more than just a performance, and while it might not be for the faint of heart (or those with a weak stomach), it’s hard to argue that GWAR doesn’t put on one of the most unique shows in rock.

Papa Roach – Nu-Metal Legends Delivering All the Hits

Papa Roach has been a staple in the rock scene for years, and they proved why on this stage. With their trademark mix of hard rock and nu-metal, they tore through a set of fan favorites, including “Last Resort”, “Scars”, and “Between Angels and Insects”. The crowd was all in, moshing, singing, and just fully embracing the nostalgia of their early 2000s hits. But they didn’t just lean on the old stuff—newer tracks like “Swerve”, from their recent album Ego Trip, held their own and proved that Papa Roach still has plenty to say. Jacoby Shaddix’s energy was contagious, and the entire set was a reminder of why they’ve stood the test of time.

Godsmack – A Hard Rock Triumph

Closing out the night were Godsmack, who hit the stage with the confidence and authority of a band that’s been in the game for decades. Their heavy, groove-laden sound was a perfect end to the night. The setlist was packed with hits, from “I Stand Alone” to “Awake” to “Voodoo”. The crowd was completely captivated as Sully Erna and the band owned the stage, delivering powerful riffs and powerful anthems. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, and they proved that even after all these years, they still have one of the most solid live shows in rock.

Overall Vibe & Highlights

Day 3 of Rock Fest was a masterclass in live performances. From the raw punk energy of The SoapGirls to the theatrical mayhem of GWAR to the sheer power of Godsmack, every band brought something unique to the table. Highlights included:

• GWAR’s insane stage antics and the blood-soaked chaos that ensued.
• Papa Roach’s fan interaction, especially during “Last Resort”, where the entire crowd seemed to be screaming the lyrics in unison.
• Plush’s powerful, emotive performance, showing they are one of the rising stars of rock.
• Godsmack’s unshakable stage presence, as they brought their decades of experience to the fore.

Rock Fest 2023 proved once again that rock ‘n roll isn’t just about the music—it’s about the experience. Whether you were into the wild antics of GWAR, the introspective sounds of 10 Years, or the iconic anthems of Godsmack, there was something for everyone on this explosive day.