By Yuri Woodfall – Western Lead, Sound Check Entertainment
After Mother Nature stole part of the spotlight on opening day, Rockin’ Thunder returned to the Edmonton Exhibition Lands Racetrack for its second and final day with renewed optimism. Although another afternoon thunderstorm briefly interrupted the festivities, fans once again refused to let the weather overshadow a lineup featuring emerging Canadian talent, Canadian rock veterans, and one of the most anticipated reunion acts in modern rock, Creed.
Unlike Saturday’s 90-minute delay that forced organizers to shuffle the schedule, Sunday’s interruption proved far less disruptive. Festivalgoers took the weather in stride, patiently waiting for the all-clear before returning to the grounds with the same enthusiasm they had shown all weekend. It became clear that not even a second round of thunderstorms would dampen the spirit of Rockin’ Thunder, as fans packed the main stage from the opening act through to the festival’s closing moments.
The honour of opening the festival’s second day belonged to Chiliø, and it was an opportunity they had earned rather than been handed. The Calgary pop-punk band secured their place on Rockin’ Thunder’s main stage after winning 100.3 The Bear’s Battle of the Bands, earning the chance to perform in front of one of the largest audiences of their career.
Despite the pressure of kicking off a day headlined by Creed, Chiliø looked right at home. Their upbeat blend of catchy hooks, driving guitars, and infectious energy immediately got early festivalgoers moving, setting an optimistic tone for the day ahead. Rather than appearing overwhelmed by the occasion, the band played with confidence and enthusiasm, making the most of every minute on stage. It was an impressive statement from a young band given a major opportunity and proof they were more than deserving winners of the competition that earned them their spot.
Following Chiliø’s energetic start, Paul Langlois offered a complete change of pace. Best known as the longtime guitarist for The Tragically Hip, Langlois stepped into the spotlight with a relaxed confidence, delivering a set that balanced his solo material with the songs that have become woven into the fabric of Canadian rock.
Opening with It Matters to Me, Langlois immediately established an intimate atmosphere before welcoming Tiny Horse to the stage for a heartfelt rendition of Bobcaygeon. It was one of several moments that drew appreciative singalongs from the audience, reminding everyone just how timeless those songs have become.
His solo material, including Hardly Holding On, Construin’, and Not Guilty, fit comfortably alongside the familiar catalogue, showcasing his songwriting while never feeling overshadowed by the legacy of The Tragically Hip. Fans were also treated to stirring performances of Grace, Too, It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken, and Wheat Kings, each greeted with enthusiastic applause from a crowd eager to celebrate one of Canada’s most beloved bands through one of its longtime members.
Rather than relying solely on nostalgia, Langlois struck a thoughtful balance between honouring the past and embracing the present. His understated stage presence and genuine appreciation for the audience made for one of the afternoon’s most heartfelt performances, proving that sometimes the quietest moments at a rock festival can leave the strongest impression.
If Paul Langlois provided the day’s reflective moment, Buckcherry made sure it didn’t last long. Josh Todd and company stormed onto the stage with Lit Up, immediately shifting the festival back into party mode before rolling straight into the title track from their latest album, Roar Like Thunder.
The California hard rock veterans never took their foot off the gas. So Hott, Somebody Fucked With Me, Ridin’, and Too Drunk… kept the energy high as Todd prowled every inch of the stage, feeding off a crowd more than willing to match the band’s intensity. Their tongue-in-cheek cover of Icona Pop’s I Love It, reimagined as Say Fuck It, was one of the afternoon’s unexpected highlights, drawing laughs and loud singalongs in equal measure.
Buckcherry also slowed things down just enough to showcase the emotional side of their catalogue with Sorry, giving the audience a breather before launching back into Blackout. By the time the unmistakable opening riff of Crazy Bitch rang out, the festival grounds had become one giant chorus. Todd paused to introduce each member of the band before seamlessly transitioning into a spirited rendition of Proud Mary, paying tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival by way of Ike & Tina Turner’s iconic arrangement.
Rather than ending there, the band circled back for a reprise of Crazy Bitch, encouraging the crowd to carry the vocals while the band soaked in one of the loudest audience responses of the afternoon. It was a fitting conclusion to a set that embodied exactly what Buckcherry has built its reputation on for more than two decades: unapologetic, high-octane rock and roll that knows exactly how to entertain.
Just as it appeared Rockin’ Thunder would enjoy a full day of uninterrupted music, Mother Nature once again had other plans. Dark clouds rolled over the Edmonton Exhibition Lands Racetrack, forcing organizers to temporarily pause the festival between Buckcherry and Mammoth as another thunderstorm swept through the area. It marked the second straight day that severe weather interrupted the event, but much like Saturday, fans remained patient, taking shelter until the all-clear was given. Once again, festival organizers put safety first, and once conditions improved, the schedule resumed with remarkably little disruption considering the circumstances.
With the weather finally behind them, Mammoth had the unenviable task of reigniting the crowd after the unexpected break. If there was any concern that the delay had dampened the atmosphere, Wolfgang Van Halen and company quickly erased it.
Opening with The End, Mammoth wasted little time reminding the audience why the band has become one of modern rock’s most exciting acts. The title track from Another Celebration at the End of the World followed, showcasing the band’s trademark blend of soaring melodies, thunderous riffs, and polished musicianship.
Wolfgang Van Halen has spent years forging his own identity rather than simply living under the weight of one of rock’s most famous surnames, and that confidence was evident throughout the performance. Effortlessly balancing lead vocals with intricate guitar work, Van Halen demonstrated why Mammoth continues to earn respect on its own merits rather than through family legacy.
The emotional heart of the set came with Distance, the moving tribute to Wolfgang’s late father, Eddie Van Halen. The performance briefly transformed the festival atmosphere, offering a reflective pause before Mammoth shifted gears once more with Epiphany and the infectious I Really Wanna.
Closing with Take a Bow, Mammoth left the stage to a thunderous ovation, having accomplished the difficult task of bringing the festival’s energy roaring back to life after the weather delay. It was one of the weekend’s most polished performances and further cemented Wolfgang Van Halen as one of rock’s most compelling modern frontmen.
By the time the sun began to dip below the horizon, anticipation had reached its peak for Creed. After weather delays on both days of the festival, the reunited quartet finally took the stage to close Rockin’ Thunder in spectacular fashion.
Opening with Unforgiven, the band immediately reminded the audience why their reunion has become one of rock’s biggest success stories. Freedom Fighter, Bullets, Are You Ready?, Beautiful, Torn, and My Own Prison followed in quick succession, with Scott Stapp’s unmistakable vocals sounding as commanding as ever. Backed by Mark Tremonti’s razor-sharp guitar work, Brian Marshall’s steady bass lines, and Scott Phillips’ thunderous drumming, Creed sounded remarkably close to the band that dominated rock radio at the turn of the millennium.
The set also reached deeper into the band’s catalogue with performances of What If, On My Sleeve, One, Hide, and Faceless Man, giving longtime fans plenty to appreciate alongside the group’s biggest radio hits while showcasing the breadth of the band’s catalogue beyond the songs that dominated rock radio.
The final stretch of the performance was nothing short of spectacular. My Sacrifice, One Last Breath, With Arms Wide Open, and the soaring finale of Higher transformed the Edmonton Exhibition Lands Racetrack into one massive choir. Thousands of voices echoed across the grounds as fans embraced one another, sang every word, and celebrated the return of one of rock’s defining bands.
More than two decades after reaching the height of their success, Creed proved they are far more than a nostalgia act. The chemistry between Scott Stapp, Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall, and Scott Phillips remains undeniable, the songs have stood the test of time, and the overwhelming response from the crowd demonstrated that their music continues to resonate with fans old and new alike. It was a triumphant conclusion not only to Rockin’ Thunder’s second day, but to an outstanding weekend celebrating the enduring power of rock music.
Despite the weather challenges that affected both days of the festival, Rockin’ Thunder proved once again that Edmonton has embraced the event as one of the city’s marquee summer music experiences. The combination of established legends, rising artists, and Canadian talent created a lineup with broad appeal, while the enthusiasm shown by the crowds demonstrated that there is still a tremendous appetite for live rock music in Alberta.
From Chiliø earning its place through a Battle of the Bands victory to Paul Langlois celebrating Canadian songwriting, Buckcherry delivering unapologetic hard rock, Mammoth showcasing the future of arena rock, and Creed bringing the weekend to an unforgettable close, Rockin’ Thunder successfully celebrated multiple generations of rock fans under one banner.
If this year’s edition is any indication, Rockin’ Thunder has firmly established itself as one of Western Canada’s premier rock festivals. The thunder may have rolled through Edmonton twice over the weekend, but in the end, it was the music that had the final word.
