This year’s Lunatic Luau in Virginia Beach marked the 19th year that FM99 has put on this one-day festival. This event has offered rock fans a stacked lineup with big names packed into one day, alternating with two stages, allowing everyone to catch every act.
Straight through the gate was the side-show, Hellzapoppin featuring fire eating, a half man, Lizardman, and sticking things in sinuses. With the killer rock soundtrack, this was a great opener for the bands coming up. Viewers were squeamish while the performers put drill bits, condoms, and giant corkscrews through their noses, but with their great crowd interaction and comedic bits, it was a favored act.
The first few bands had comfortable-sized crowds, but by the time Fever 333 was up on the side stage, the lawn was packed! Fans went wild as vocalist Jason Aalon Butler unwound the longest mic chord in the history of the world, and went all the way onto the lawn to be in the crowd during their song. He then spent time after their set among fans talking and taking pictures.
Fronted by WWE legend, Chris Jericho, Fozzy was a great crowd-pleaser with his bejeweled leather outfit, and the great energy every band member had. Fans fed off the apparent fun Fozzy members had and the energy during this set was buzzing.
In This Moment hit the stage with their signature horror, theatrical performance. Fans were lined up at the barrier in Maria-esque headpieces and sang along. Immediately after In This Moment, P. O. D. drew in a crowd closing out the side stage.
Bush was the second to last on the lineup. Fans, old and young, sang to every song as they played all of their hits. As Gavin Rossdale went into the crowd, fans were beside themselves being in touching distance from the 90’s heartthrob.
Closing out the night was Shinedown with their intense energy, startling pyrotechnics, and lasers. Recently releasing their piano version of “Get Up,” they performed the softer version after a very heartfelt and uplifting message from Brent to the audience.
Follow FM99 for their next Lunatic Luau, and if you live on the East Coast, this is a day worth traveling to Virginia Beach for.
Who do you want to see in 2020?
Lineup:
Hellzapoppin
Local Radio Band Winner, Just Standing
Seven Ten oil
Dirty Honey
Nita Strauss
Red Sun Rising
Fever 333
Fozzy
Glorious Sons
In This Moment
P. O. D.
Bush
Shinedown
