Day one of BottleRock was an electrifying start to the weekend with performances from Chevy Metal, Chris Shiflett, St.Vincent, Megan Thee Stallion, and Stevie Nicks.
The first day of BottleRock 2024 kicked off under clear skies, promising a weekend of music, food, and unforgettable moments. With a lineup boasting headliners Megan Thee Stallion and Stevie Nicks, and a supporting cast that included Con Brio, Chris Shiflett, Chevy Metal, Pete Yorn, and St. Vincent, the festival set a high bar for the next two days.
The festivities began with the vibrant energy of Con Brio, a San Francisco-based band known for their dynamic funk and soul performances. Con Brio’s infectious energy and charismatic stage presence had the early crowd grooving and singing along, setting a joyful tone for the day. The band’s tight instrumentation and upbeat tempo earned raucous applause.
Chris Shiflett, best known as the lead guitarist for Foo Fighters, took the stage next, showcasing his solo work which leans heavily into Americana and rock. Shiflett’s set was a stark contrast to the funky vibes of Con Brio but no less compelling. His performance of “West Coast Town” highlighted his strong songwriting skills and guitar prowess. The set was a love letter to classic rock and roll, with the Shiflett trio proving themselves a formidable rock band. Chevy Metal, the cover band featuring the late Taylor Hawkins’ young son Shane filling his father’s shoes, kept the rock momentum going. Their set was a high-octane tribute to classic rock, featuring covers of tracks from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, and Black Sabbath. Hawkins’ drumming was great and very well practiced as he works to develop a skill no doubt inherited from his father. The playful set featured appearances from his father’s Foo Fighters bandmate Chris Shiflett, young guitar phenom Grace Bowers, and even photographer Danny Clinch got in on the act playing harmonica to the Black Sabbath classic “The Wizard.” The Chevy Metal set was a truly unforgettable highlight of the first day of a legendary weekend. Pete Yorn’s solo acoustic set at the VIP Village Stage brought a more introspective mood to the afternoon. His melancholic yet hopeful indie rock tunes resonated with the small crowd in the intimate confines of the VIP stage. Yorn’s heartfelt delivery and the stripped-down nature of his set offered a poignant contrast to the day’s earlier acts, allowing the audience a moment of reflection amidst the festival’s frenetic pace. Pop sensation Bebe Rexha brought a burst of modernity and color to the festival. Her set, filled with chart-topping hits, was a reminder of pop music’s irresistible appeal. Rexha’s interaction with the audience, combined with her vocal prowess, made for an engaging performance that had everyone singing along to her hits. As the later afternoon began, St. Vincent took to the stage, and the atmosphere shifted once again. Annie Clark, known by her stage name St. Vincent, delivered an art-rock performance that was both visually and sonically stunning. Her mastery of the guitar and her hauntingly beautiful vocals captivated the audience. Highlights included “Los Ageless” and “Digital Witness,” with Clark’s innovative use of visuals and choreography making for a truly immersive experience. The co-headliner performance by Megan Thee Stallion was a tour de force. The Houston rapper’s explosive energy and commanding stage presence electrified the crowd. Her hits “Savage” and “Body” had the entire festival dancing and rapping along. Megan’s performance was start to finish a celebration of female empowerment and confidence, her dynamic choreography and rapid-fire verses underscoring why she is one of the most exciting performers in music today. The night concluded with the other headliner legendary Stevie Nicks, whose ethereal presence brought a sense of magic to the festival. Opening with a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock n Roll,” Nicks’s iconic voice, as captivating as ever, filled the Napa Valley night. Her set was a journey through her storied career, including Fleetwood Mac classics like “Rhiannon” and solo hits like “Stand Back.” Nicks’ ability to connect with the audience, and sharing stories between songs, created an intimate and memorable experience.Day one of BottleRock 2024 was a testament to the festival’s ability to blend diverse musical styles and eras into a cohesive and exhilarating experience. From the soulful funk of Con Brio to the rock music cover masters Chevy Metal, and the genre-defying performances of Megan Thee Stallion and Stevie Nicks, the festival promised a weekend full of memorable moments and set a high standard for the days to follow.
