While I don’t like seeing summer slip away, I do love the fall. That being said, it was a fun summer of outdoor concerts at Pine Knob. It started out slow as far as WRIF shows, with those being mostly in the back half of the summer schedule. But once they got here they came fast and furious. One week I made the trek to Pine Knob three times!

From Shinedown, to Godsmack, to RIFF Fest, the summer rocked! While I “worked” some of the shows, others I just went to. It was great to spend some great summer nights rockin’ out with you guys!

Here’s a recap of some of the WRIF shows that took place last summer. Whether you were on the hill, or in the pavilion, I hope you enjoyed the shows at the Knob this year!

• RIFF Fest

  This is usually our biggest show of the year. This year was no different. I’ll admit when I announced I Prevail and Bad Omens as the headliners, I wasn’t sure we’d fill up the place. Well, I was wrong. The place was packed and rockin’!

  I was so happy to see the local boys in I Prevail headline such a huge show in their hometown. Check out my interview with Brian and Eric below.

  I Prevail Makes A Lions Playoffs Bet At Riff Fest 2023

• More pictures from RIFF Fest

  Yes, the show is always fun, but a lot of work goes into it for months beforehand, and on show day.

  Behind-The-Scenes Pictures from Riff Fest 2023

• Ghost/Amon Amarth

  I LOVE GHOST! On a dreary summer night, Ghost took to the stage and rocked Pine Knob for an hour and a half. Yes, it was the perfect night for a Ghost concert.

  Here are some pictures from the show.

  A Rainy Night In Detroit Provides The Perfect Backdrop For Ghost And Amon Amarth At Pine Knob

• Shinedown/Papa Roach/Spiritbox

  I mean, every time I see them the show is killer! I’ve been lucky enough to know these guys for the past two decades. I’ve seen them play unplugged in the studio, to selling out Pine Knob and everywhere in between. Great guys, great band!

  Shinedown Rocks Pine Knob With Papa Roach And Spiritbox – Photos

• Nickelback/Brantley Gilbert

  Say what you will, these guys kill it live! Plus, they’re some of the nicest people in this business. The show is fun, tight, and overall just a great time.

  Long live the BACK!

  Nickelback Rocks Pine Knob For A Fun Summertime Show

• Godsmack/Staind/Mix Master Mike

  This was a great summertime concert! Godsmack is always fun, with their awesome stage show, hit after hit, and their drum battle – which is a must-see!

  Godsmack, Staind and Mix Master Mike Rule The Night At Pine Knob

• Disturbed/Breaking Benjamin/Jinjer

  It’s been a while since the guys from Chicago came through Detroit. That show was massive with fire and production. This was a fun show. I even ran into Dylan and Eric from I Prevail beforehand.

  Disturbed Rocked Pine Knob Friday Night – Pictures

   

• Avenged Sevenfold

  The show that closed out the summer may be the one I was looking forward to the most. I love the new A7X album, …Life Is But A Dream, so I was all IN for this one. They did not disappoint. That being said, many fans in attendance were not thrilled with how the show ended. The show ends with the instrumental title track playing as the guys simply walk off the stage. I knew it was coming so I wasn’t surprised, but people were somewhat confused.

  Avenged Sevenfold Rocks Pine Knob To Close Out The Season – Pictures

• Smashing Pumpkins

  The Smashing Pumpkins played the Knob in Early September. They got most of their set in before Mother Nature decided to pull the plug on the concert.

  Smashing Pumpkins Rock Pine Knob – Pictures

• Rob Zombie/Alice Cooper

  No strangers to big shows in Detroit, the Freaks on Parade swung by Pine Knob and did not disappoint. With Ministry and Filter opening the shows, the kings of theatrical rock played their sets full of “monstrous” hits. This was after Alice signed copies of his latest album “Road” the day before at Rock City Music in Livonia.

  Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper Rock Pine Knob – Pictures

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