Despite colder-than-normal temperatures and rain, M3 rocked for two straight days
Maryland. Merriweather. METAL. Those are the three “Ms” that, according to lore, give the legendary M3 Rock Festival its name. The fest just celebrated its 15th anniversary at Merriweather Post Pavilion, in Columbia, Maryland just outside Washington. The Frank Gehry-designed amphitheater has played host to M3 as it grew from the first mid-Atlantic gathering to a must-play festival for some of rock and roll’s biggest names.
The two-day event took place this year on May 4th and 5th, the customary first weekend of May. While the weather didn’t cooperate, the cold and rain did not dampen fans’ spirits as they piled in for two days of metal mayhem.
The first night saw the current lineup of Queensryche close out the festival. Todd La Torre has an amazing voice that soared beyond the pavilion and into the sky. Their hour and fifteen-minute set, jammed with their hits, was not nearly long enough. But it felt like a treat to hear this tight group play after a long and very cold day in suburban Maryland.
M3 Festival was closed by America’s favorite party rocker, Bret Michaels. The occasional Poison frontman delivered 80’s fan favorites including “Every Rose Has Its Thorns” and “Unskinny Bop.” He had the crowd on its feet celebrating 15 years of rock and roll in the DMV.
It was a local show for Michaels’ solo band as well, with several people from the mid-Atlantic region, including his drummer Meri Schaefer. They took the occasion to announce some more tour dates in nearby northern Virginia, where even more of his band happens to hail from.
His group also backed Dee Snider, announced as Michaels’ special guest for his headlining M3 performance. Dee seemed to give the crowd every ounce of energy he had as he delivered three songs. Of course, he performed Twisted Sister’s two biggest hits, “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock.” Then, at Michaels’ goading, Snider surprised the crowd with a note-perfect “Highway to Hell.” He did a Brian Johnson that’s nearly better than Brian Johnson.
Michaels returned to the stage with Night Ranger and Faster Pussycat–two groups who had performed sets earlier in the day–to close out with the most awesome version of “Nothin’ But a Good Time” that I’ve ever seen performed. And I saw Poison on the stadium tour. It was pure fun and a great way to end a milestone festival.
While at M3, I had the chance to speak with Doro, Brad Gillis of Night Ranger, Rudy Sarzo and Alex Grossi of Night Ranger, and the dudes from Faster Pussycat. The interviews are available below, and read on for my highlights from M3’s other daytime and early evening performers. They are not ranked, just mentioned as I think of it.
Night Ranger is one of my favorite highly underrated bands. They are as tight as any rock group and still sound fantastic. Three-fifths of the members are original to the group, and I can’t help but feel they should have a status as “America’s Def Leppard.” Their playing style and lyrical content reminded me of the “Hysteria” hitmakers. If you get a chance to see them–they constantly tour–do it.
Cold Sweat – OK, I know you’re thinking, “Who??” Cold Sweat was signed to MCA for a hot second in the ’90s. And on the day their single hit No. 1, the label dropped them. How do I know all of this? Not from a Wikipedia article, they don’t have one. Their lead singer, Roy Cathey, told his group’s story from the stage in between their songs. They are all original members, Cathey said. Their music also left a very positive impression on me and left me wanting more, and wondering why MCA gave them the shove just as their ascent was starting. Oh, and Cathey has to be the most down-to-earth frontman in metal: He told the crowd he didn’t care if they sat. My legs thank him.
Quiet Riot is a group that is still in it for the love of music. That much is clear on stage and in our interview. I sadly missed the hits-packed second half of their set as I was doing an interview, but our chat more than made up for it.
Stephen Pearcy wants you to know that he IS Ratt. And the crowd agreed. Period. End of story. Close the book. He proves my theory: Fans of any band will pay to see the original lead singer and no other members before they pay to see four OGs back up a new singer. The brand name of certain bands can only get them so far without the “voice.” Pearcy is exhibit A.
Faster Pussycat was a riot to interview. Rarely am I ever flabbergasted in an interview, but you can check it out soon. (Oh, and pay attention to the “Farm” story.)
Finally, I want to share something from the vantage point of a music writer, because I think this is important, and not everyone gets to see this. Our interviews took place in Merriweather’s state-of-the-art backstage building, attached to the original pavilion. It features pristine dressing rooms, conference halls, dining, and even a jacuzzi for the talent. Because of the rain, we were allowed to hang backstage to interview the talent we had scheduled time with. That allowed me to observe that this was a real rock and roll reunion. The acts didn’t just show up, play their set and leave. They stayed, they hung out, they socialized. It was incredible to witness. Specifics? My time backstage is all off the record, save for the interviews recorded. But I want fans to understand: Every single artist at M3’s love for Rock and Roll–and its community–is genuine. That’s what keeps them rocking.
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