HOG Fest brings another Stellar lineup for Third annual fest.
The Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee WI was packed on Friday night for The HOG 102.9’s third annual HOG Fest. This time bringing long time rock favorites Staind as the headliner. Along with other heavy hitters I Prevail, Asking Alexandria and Dayseeker opening up the evening, aside from a VIP show from Tim Montana.
Opening band Dayseeker took the stage around 6:30 with a set of 7 songs, including “Burial Plot”, “Sleeptalk”, and “Neon Grave”.
When English Rock band Asking Alexandria took the stage, they were greeted well by the huge crowd of fans. Asking Alexandria had a visually stunning performance, as well as great sound and performance. The lighting setup looked great and there was a large video screen behind the band. Front man Danny Worsnop commanded the stage as he performed popular songs such as “Dark Void” and “Alone In A Room”. Asking Alexandria left the crowd wanting more.
I Prevail took the stage with a set that Bagan with “There’s Fear In Letting Go”. Which would kick off a set that could have in its self been the headliner. I Prevail definitely had a large following in the crowd, I seen many fans showing support with I Prevail shirts on and the energy from the crowd showed the excitement of there live performance. Once Eric Vanlerberghe took the time to speak he said “You may notice we look a little different up here tonight” He then explained that usual front man Brian Burkheiser was still out after having vocal surgery. They were hoping he’d of been ready for the night but he wasn’t quite yet. But they didn’t want to cancel a show so Eric took his place. Which they still sounded amazing and did a great performance. The set also had their cover of Taylor Swift’s gut “Blank Space” which Eric Vanlerberghe said is the song that started everything for them. The song surely was a crowd favorite as many cell phones came out to record the song. I Prevail also did a Nine Inch Nails cover playing “Head Like A Hole”. This whole set was a great addition to the nights lineup.
When the headliners Staind took the stage they had a large curtain with the bands name on it covering the stage. Once it dropped the stage setup looked really amazing. Great lighting and a large video screen behind the drummer Sal Giancarelli, who was raised up high with video screens on the front of the risers. Front man Aaron Lewis stood center stage both hands up leaning onto the mic stand. With a cigarette in one hand he began singing the first song of the set “Lowest In Me” off of Stainds latest album “Confession’s of the Fallen”. With Mike Mushok on guitar stage right in his usual manor head banging and hair flying all over. He’s definitely the one bringing out all the energy in the band. Aaron Lewis was just very laid back as usual if not playing guitar he’s leaning on to his mic stand. But definitely took nothing away from the performance. Aaron sounded great and really put a lot of feeling into his vocals. From great singing to some growls in the heavier songs especially “Mudshovel” off their debut album “Dysfunction”. Staind always puts on a great show. These guys have so many great songs from all out rock to ballads that really bring on the feelings such as “Here and Now” off of their latest album and “So Far Away” off of “14 Shades of Grey”. The 14 song set could of been twice as long with all the great music these guys have put out over the years. The fans in the Fiserv Forum that night definitely would have loved much more.
Early in the set Aaron Lewis said it was great to be back in Milwaukee (Staind was at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater back in August of 2023) as he stood up there wearing glasses he joked that he brought along his Jeffrey Dahmer glasses. Staind left the stage after playing “For You”. Though they were back out shortly after the calls if the crowd for an encore. The encore consisted of “It’s Been Awhile” and “Mudshovel”.
All in all Staind put on an amazing show and I’d definitely suggest seeing these guys live given the chance. Also shout out to Milwaukee radio station 102.9 The HOG for putting this festival together. Definitely makes me look forward to seeing what kind of lineup The HOG will bring for HOG Fest 2025 which will be the 4th year.
For more info on Staind check out https://www.staindofficial.com/
Also check out https://1029thehog.com/ for more info on upcoming shows.
