Bamboozle Day 3: The Pride Of New Jersey

Bamboozle came to a triumphant end Sunday night after hours of live music, meeting new friends and lots of interviews!

For me Sunday kicked off seeing Boys Like Girls on the main stage with a packed ground on the beach. Fans have not heard from these guys in over a year and a half, so everyone was anxious for them to take the stage. The played the hits as well as a new song from the album that will be out this summer.

Later in the day the temperature dropped but I stuck it out to catch Bayside (photo above) play a powerful set. They opened with one of my favorite songs off their latest album, “Already Gone”, and it warmed me right up. Anthony Ranier is one of the best front men I have ever had the pleasure of seeing live. He keeps the crowed pumped and has a lot of soul in his voice. Loved their set.

Later in the evening I braved the cold once again to watch Brand New (photo above) on the main stage. When Jesse Lacey came out and the crowed just lost it. They opened with the instrumental song, “Welcome To Bangkok” — and then into a crowd favorite, “Okay I Believe You, But My Tommy Gun Don’t”. They played an 11 song set list, excluding anything off of their first album. I was kind of bummed but I love all their albums so I was just happy to hear anything live.

Finally the night was capped off by the pride of New Jersey, Bon Jovi. You could tell New Jersey was proud of their boys with long time fans taking over the grounds as the day approached their set time. The beach was soon packed with fans sporting old tour t-shirts going as far back as 20 years! They played all their biggest hits in the 20-song set and ended with “Livin’ On A Prayer” complete with fireworks!

Overall the weekend was jam packed with meeting tons of new people, seeing bands I have loved for years and interviewing tons of artists for the site. Music festivals are addicting because they trap you in a world of unlimited experiences and give you the opportunity to find new artists and friends. Feel so lucky I was there! #musicrules.

Let’s talk music, let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Who would you have wanted to see at Bamboozle?