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What A Summer Of WRIF Shows At Pine Knob!

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…

I Prevail

I Prevail rockin’ the Pine Knob stage at Riff Fest!

Meltdown

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

MeltdownEditor
Meltdown started on the mighty WRIF on the evening of Halloween, 1995. Technically, his first on-air shift was the morning of November 1st. Moving to the Motor City from Buffalo, N.Y., he has built a career and family. Over his almost three-decade stint at RIFF, he's had the privilege to work with some of the biggest personalities in Detroit radio history. He boasts of being just the second-afternoon drive jock in the station's illustrious 53-year history. Along with his love for rock music and attending concerts, he's also an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast and hockey player. He plays year-round and manages to squeeze in a few charity games throughout the year. Meltdown writes about the Detroit Red Wings, rock music, and Detroit concert venues.