Cornstock Electrifies Waterloo Iowa
Posted on June 22, 2022 at 10:55 AM by The Biker Lawyers
Cornstock Music Festival crushes at The Electric Ballroom
A few days ago, I wrote about a venue that has one hell of a history here in Eastern Iowa, if you read it, you know that I am talking about the Electric Park Ballroom in Waterloo!
I also happened to mention about a yearly festival put on by Spicoli’s Reverb named Cornstock. Well, this year?
Cornstock took place at the Electric Park Ballroom, and was loaded with locals and national bands, bands that you absolutely need to take the time to check out. What is even better is that I have seen some of the bands that performed this weekend multiple times and not by accident, each one of these bands puts on an absolute show that I need to check out, and they are based right here in Eastern Iowa.
Cornstock: Night One
The first night of live music was the metal night, featuring bands Guilty of Treason, Vestige, Bleedchain, Phoenix Curse, Frontal Assault, Plea of the Sword, and Spicoli’s mainstays Hemlock! If you wanted heavy driving riffs, screaming vocals, and a crowd to mosh too? This was the show for you.
As I mentioned before, Electric Park Ballroom has the perfect floor for this type of action, so getting your mosh on was quite easy to do. A few of my favorites from the night were Guilty of Treason, Bleedchain, and Hemlock.
Guilty of Treason and Bleedchain
Guilty of Treason does this epic version of Creeping Death from Metallica that you can’t help but sing along to. Bleedchain is one of Cedar Valley’s mainstays in heavy metal and will rip your face off twice with melodic death metal epic-ness, their easily one of those bands that could be featured as an up-and-comer in the death metal world.
Hemlock
As for one of the headliners, Hemlock, this was the first time I have ever seen them. Even living in the Cedar Valley for as long as I have, I’ve never taken the time to see them live. I honestly can’t believe it took me this long to see them! From this point forward when Hemlock comes to the area, I’ll be there, and you should be too!
The final night of Cornstock at The Electric Park Ballroom
The final night of Cornstock was the one I was most familiar with, and it bolstered the biggest lineup with the show starting at 2 pm! This one featured Garage Days, Soutru, FTA, Nongrata, Deselect, 42S, Sorry Pluto, Guss Royall, 8Foundead, Illegal Smile, The Rumours, and the ones that always draw the crowd, The Pimps. Because I was busy being Dad, I could only make it to the last quarter of the show which included 8Foundead, The Rumours, Illegal Smile, and The Pimps.
The Rumours
You REALLY need to check out The Rumours! They are easily one of my favorite groups from this area. INCREDIBLY solid and fun to sing along to and watch. Carli Foxx, Ela Rose, and Daniel K are a trio that is not to be ignored, you can tell they have been doing this for awhile and DO TOUR OUTSIDE OF IOWA (all the way in California if that tells you anything)!
The Pimps
Lastly, the Pimps were the ones to close out the show, and just like the Rumours, they’re just fun as all hell. You won’t hear them on regular radio or anything, but if you know who they are, you are always in for a damn fun time with punk riffs and attitude. While not what I would call a MAJOR fan of them, it’s a band that when I hear are coming, I make plans.
Closing thoughts: Cornstock, a must-see concert line-up
Cornstock has had a major history of rock music in the Cedar Valley, with a rotation of bands that always bring 110%. While Cornstock is more known for showcasing local talent all around Eastern Iowa, there is always a grand finale band from outside the state to wrap it up in a nice bow.
Long live Cornstock, long live Spicol’s, and long live Iowa Rock n’ Roll.
About The Biker’s Ambassador of Rock
If you live in the Cedar Valley in Iowa, you probably know Ned. If not, you surely know his voice! Ned, the Music Director at Rock 108, is known for his energetic personality, wild spirit, and love for all things Live rock. In an epic collaboration with Rock 108, Ned will be presenting excellent inside experiences to our motorcycle riding community exclusively here so subscribe to the blog and check back every week to see what Ned’s up to next!
Suggested: The Electric Park Ballroom Venue Review, click below to check it out!
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