Rockin’ Thunder Brings Legacy Acts to Edmonton, AB
With a lineup that reads like a mixtape from your coolest older cousin , including legacy acts like Weezer, Def Leppard, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Stone Temple Pilots, and Sam Roberts Band—Rockin’ Thunder is poised to be Edmonton’s biggest rock weekend of the summer. But for a festival stacked with household names and certified legends, there’s still room for musical discovery, at least, in spirit.
At Reverie, we typically shine a spotlight on emerging and underground artists, but sometimes legacy events like this offer the perfect opportunity to explore the threads connecting generations of rock fans. Whether you're going for the sing-along nostalgia or the denim-clad party energy, the sound and spirit of Rockin’ Thunder has echoes in the work of some incredible newer artists, too.
We caught up with Gerry Krochak, Director of Corporate Partnerships, to talk about the vision behind Rockin’ Thunder, what makes Edmonton the ideal place for a rock and roll revival, and what fans can expect from the experience. Plus, scroll down for our Festival Sounds section where we match the headliners with emerging artists keeping that fire alive.
Q&A: Behind the Scenes of Rockin’ Thunder
REVERIE: What was the initial vision behind Rockin’ Thunder, and how has it evolved?
Summer is a busy time for outdoor events and festivals across Alberta, but we certainly felt like there was a void and an opportunity for a multi-day rock event in this part of the world. Once we were able to secure the site at the Northlands Expo, and some acts from our wishlist . . . things came together quickly.
REVERIE: This year’s lineup is huge! How did you land acts like Joan Jett, Def Leppard, and Weezer?
Def Leppard was at the top of the list, and we had booked the group at our sister festival, Country Thunder Saskatchewan, the same weekend. The routing and avails also worked for Weezer and Joan. Top-to-bottom this is one of the most consistent line-ups that you will see anywhere in the country this summer. From Sam Roberts to Stone Temple Pilots to Queensryche, fans seem to have a long list of must-see artists during Rockin Thunder Weekend. The plan seems to be to get there early in order to combat FOMO!
REVERIE: What do you think makes Edmonton the perfect city for a rock festival of this scale?
I think everyone knows that Edmonton is a great live music town and, again, there seemed to be an unwanted void when it came to an event dedicated to rock and classic rock. I don’t think it’s a stretch to call Edmonton the rock and roll capital of Canada - they certainly know how to use the word ‘party’ as a verb.
REVERIE: What kind of atmosphere are you hoping to create for fans at Rockin’ Thunder?
The prairies of Western Canada endure some pretty long and harsh winters, and now is the time to get out and enjoy the best summers anywhere on the planet. In this part of the world, it's actually the fans who create the atmosphere. Hot weather, iconic artists, plenty of great food and refreshments, and, especially several thousand boisterous rockers are sure to be the cornerstones of an amazing festival experience.
REVERIE: Who do you picture in the crowd - is it mostly nostalgic fans, or are younger audiences showing up too?
It’s all of the above. “Legend” status didn’t come overnight for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-ers such as Def Leppard and Joan Jett. Younger fans were born into hit after hit after hit. This is the first generation of kids who like much of the same music as their parents: you're just as likely to see a teen wearing the same AC/DC and Led Zeppelin t-shirts as their parents. That said, the balance of this line-up is what will inspire folks to show up early and stay late.
REVERIE: Any dream artists you’d love to bring to Rockin’ Thunder in future years?
Lots! Where do you even start? The goal is always to bring the best line-up possible and grow your audience from year to year. We already have a head-start on booking for 2026, and I think fans will be excited to see what we have in store!
REVERIE: What’s your hope for the legacy or future of the festival in the Edmonton scene?
Again, to always be bringing the biggest and best, as well as the exciting support acts who don’t necessarily tour Canada all that often. This year’s line-up offers something for everyone, and it’s a good trajectory to be on. The other thing you want to build and maximize is the festival experience around the music. This is a terrific outdoor venue and wonderful environment for hosting the annual rock and roll party of the summer!
Festival Sounds: Our Picks
We get it, you’re there for Weezer. But if the festival puts you in the mood for more riff-heavy nostalgia, here are a few newer artists to dive into after the gates close. Call it your post-festival palette cleanser, or a way to keep the rock revival rolling.
If you love: Weezer
You're into: crunchy guitars, power-pop hooks, and a little bit of self-aware melancholy.
Try: Peach Pit – Jangly, fuzzed-out rock that feels like an alt-radio flashback in the best way, from Victoria, BC. Peach Pit’s output captures that wistful, self-aware spirit Weezer fans love—but with a distinctly west-coast shimmer and intimate indie sensibility, making them one of Canada’s most enduring rising acts. Check out “Magpie” from their Juno-nominated album Magpie.
Try: Heaven For Real – A Toronto‑based project with Halifax roots, Heaven For Real pair poetic, experimental post‑punk with hooks and emotional weight. Their loose-limbed guitar rock is a perfect companion for those looking for a slacker-style, starting with their latest album Hell’s Logo’s Pink released in 2024 on Mint Records.
If you love: Sam Roberts Band
You're into: anthemic rock with thoughtful lyrics and road trip-ready melodies.
Try: Kiwi Jr. – Toronto’s Kiwi Jr. write songs that feel like postcards from the fringes. Snappy, jangly, and brimming with lyrical wit. Like Sam Roberts Band, they have a knack for creating guitar-driven indie rock that feels both distinctly Canadian and universally catchy. For fans of Sam Roberts’ early radio-ready storytelling, Kiwi Jr. offers a scrappier, college-radio update, less arena rock, more dive bar poetry, but the spirit is the same: songs that stick with you and make you feel like part of something. Check out “Salary Man”.
Try: Boy Golden – With his cowboy hat, cosmic charm, and undeniable hooks, Winnipeg’s Boy Golden brings a prairie-rock warmth that feels like a modern cousin to Sam Roberts’ brand of anthemic Canadiana. Blending country, rock, and psych with a wink and a nod, his songs celebrate the simple pleasures - rolling joints, road trips, late nights with friends - while still digging into deeper existential threads, especially with tracks like “Mountain Road”.
If you love: Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
You’re into: raw riffs, rebel energy, and loud, femme-fronted rock that doesn’t ask for permission.
Try: NOBRO –Blasting through punk, garage, and glam with pounding drums and blazing guitar solos, their music drips with attitude and power. They’re loud, they’re fast, and they’re fun, embodying that classic Joan Jett energy with a modern riot-grrrl edge. Whether they're screaming through feminist anthems or shredding solos on a keytar, NOBRO makes it clear: they’re not here to play nice, they’re here to play loud. Start with “Let’s Do Drugs”.
Try: Bad Waitress –Since forming in 2016 (formerly as Nude Dogs), vocalist Kali‑Ann Butala and co. have built a sound that’s high on attitude and catchy on substance. Think scuzzy riffs, feminist urgency, and lyrics that bite as hard as the riffs they ride. Their 2021 debut album No Taste was praised for its raw power and playful menace, perfect for fans who want rock anthems that feel both enraged and exhilarating. Listen to “Too Many Bad Habits”.