Metal Sludge — What’s that old saying; “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it”?

Well, sometimes it’s better to break the mold and step outside of your comfort zone.

Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft and current owner of the Los Angeles Clippers says the exact opposite.

“If it ain’t broke, break it, and (let’s) make it better.”

Ballmer knows a thing or two about business, as he currently sits comfortably with $145 billion dollars in personal wealth, making him the 10th richest person on the planet.

But… we’re not here to talk basketball or billionaires.

Today the M3 Rock Festival have announced their much anticipated lineup for a 3-day event scheduled for May 2nd, 3rd & 4th 2025 in Columbia Maryland, and the news has fallen a bit flat.

In short, fans are less than impressed.

It seems the powers that be, over at the M3 Rock Festival are comfortable with their annual spring weekend serving up the same ole dish, over and over… again and again, year after year.

But don’t take our word for it, we didn’t say; “This is terrible”, the fans did.

Of course not all fans are feeling this way, as plenty are happy to go see the same lineup they saw at M3 starting in the late 2000’s, and most every (other) year since. 

But there are a lot of fans on the M3 Rockers Facebook group, along with other social media outlets that have been very vocal and not in a way that reflects positivty for the annual spring festival.

This is what the people who are supposed to be buying the M3 tickets are saying.

“Hard Pass!” quipped a fan.

“Wasn’t this the same lineup last year or was that the year before?” followed by laughing emojis.

“Not worth the waiting…. pretty lame.” wrote a fan about the delayed announcement.

The timing is what a lot of the die-hards were complaining about for weeks now, as M3 usually announces before the end of the year, right after Thanksgiving in the early part of December.

Now we’re just a few days from February, and the news has just hit the wire.

Many rumors swirled and fans were simply asking: “What is going on with M3?”

But it was radio silent for much of the last few months…. other than a few so-called insiders leaking hints of “You’re going to be surprised” and similar.

Well, now the news is here and there are a few new additions… very few, fresh blood if you will… that is if you want to call an aging (well past his prime) ‘Diamond’ David Lee Roth as fresh.

The former Van Halen frontman, aged 70, will close out Saturday night, and we’re going to go out on a limb, and say that M3 broke their piggy bank for Dave to jump at their offer.

But let’s be real here, he ain’t going out for the same money that Friday night’s headliner is, not a chance.

As for the Friday night lineup, it’s anyone’s guess, as to why it has dropped from being 4-5 or a half-dozen acts, to 1 name artist for 2025 and a virtually unknown local band as the direct support.

And unless you’ve been hiding under a rock for the last few years, we all know that Kix won’t be there.

The home-town heroes who were a lock as Friday night’s headliner (and occasionally the direct support) for years running, finally said their farewell in September 2023.

Yup, Kix finally threw in the towel for good, and now M3 has enlisted former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach to fill their shoes… a little more word play there for you who are keeping score.

The difference?

Kix could draw 3-4 or 5,000 plus on their own locally, and on the Friday night the festival regularly had a solid support band or two, and a few openers.

Most Friday lineups were, 5, 6 and as many as 7 acts.

This year, you will get Sebastian Bach and Snake Oil.

Two bands.

No, we’re not trying to tell you that M3 are selling you snake oil – which oddly is defined in the dictionary as having ‘no real value’ – but don’t take offense, it’s true, go search it yourself…. and take that for what it’s worth.

If we’re being honest here, Bach with Snake Sabo may have perked up a few ears, created a buzz and sold some tickets.

But such is not the case here with the angry Canadian and Snake Oil.

Speaking of Bach, wasn’t he just spewing “F#@k America”, “This Place Sucks Now” and “I Don’t Want To Be Here Anymore” a few short months ago?

Truth is, he was… go read that pathetic display of patriotism, right HERE if you want.

Bach on his own in most markets, draws 600 to 750 people, and on a great night he’ll pull 1,000, but Kix he is not in the great state of Maryland.

Fun Fact: Merriweather Post Pavilion has a capacity of 19,319 according to Wikipedia.

Bach is the greatest example of a fallen rock n’ roll 80’s magazine pinup and MTV superstar once adorned by millions, who now spends hours a day arguing with fans online – who often loved his music – but might not align with the former Skid Row frontman’s political views… and for that, Bach now tells them all to; “F#@k off“, “Please stop listening to my music” and “Don’t come to my shows.”.

Now, M3 have decided to put Bach as the sole draw in their venue that holds close to 20,000 people, and expect that half or more of their buying audience, should ignore the years of political vitriol spewed against them by a guy they’re now optioned with, to pay to go see live?

This is the same guy yelling; “Fuck America” less than 90 days ago.

In November of 2024, Bach was quoted by Blabbermouth as saying: “People say, ‘You’re alienating your audience.’ When I say things like that, I gain, like, 40,000 fucking followers! So this whole ‘Don’t alienate people’ — there’s only side that is fucking alienating people! There’s only one! The other one is actually uniting people. So spare me, ‘Oh, he’s losing 50% of his audience.’ I don’t want that 50%, so fuck off! That 50% is not cool enough to listen to Sebastian Bach, so go fuck yourself.”

Let’s be frank here, saying that kind of stuff, regardless of whose side you are on, is not good for business.

And it might show up in the empty seats come Friday nite May 2nd 2025 in Columbia Maryland.

That is, unless Snake Oil is gonna pick up the slack.

Over the years, just at a glance, Friday Night was always coined the official Kix-off Party, and here is who supported on those 5, 6 & 7 band bills.

In the past, you got any variation of the following, all for your Friday night show to start the weekend.

Kix w/ Loverboy, Winger, Faster Pussycat, Dangerous Toys, Lita Ford (Acoustic), Baton Rouge & Station
Kix w/ Vince Neil of Motley Crue, Lynch Mob, Britny Fox, Enuff Z’Nuff, Gabbie Rae & 86 Bullets
Kix w/ Slaughter, Heaven’s Edge, The Iron Maiden’s (Female Tribute) & Fireworks
Kix w/ Night Ranger, Enuff Z’Nuff, In the Pink (Tribute) & Let There Be Rock (Tribute)
Kix w/ Cinderella’s Tom Keifer, Y&T, Faster Pussycat, Nelson & PBF
Kix w/ W.A.S.P., Danger Danger & Bad Seed Rising
Kix w/ Dokken, Quiet Riot, Trixter & Dio’s Diciples
Kix w/ Lizzy Borden, Doro & Count’s 77
Kix w/ Warrant, L.A. Guns & JetBoy

This year you get Sebastian Bach w/ Snake Oil.

The 2025 poster looks like a misprint and some fans actually thought it was fake.

Bach and Snake Oil could be the pre-party at a local bar and that would have been suffice, but throwing him in that venue, alone?

Even the most average fan was questioning as to why they would put just 2 bands as the bill, in the full venue on the Friday night, with a few asking; “Where is Friday night being held?”

This year M3 has 3 days planned, as oppsed to 2023 and 2024’s events being just 2-days (Saturday & Sunday) and everyone racing to Merriweather on Friday for this 2 band billing might have some buyers thinking twice.

What could be worse, down pouring rain the first week of May?

Ouch.., it’s happened before… and you can bet there are a lot of fingers being crossed right now.

“Friday seems pointless. Might as well go back to a 2 day if you can’t get enough bands. I love m3 every time I go but it just seems less and less each year, especially with boardwalks lineup having a bit for everyone. Sad to see it happen.” wrote Jeff in the M3 Rockers Facebook group.

Saturday and Sunday are jam packed with 8 bands each day… but the first act each day, is not only the same name but also appears to be a local thing.

We googled Soundcheck Rock, and it appears it’s a School Of Rock type of thing, a music academy is what it’s defined as, where kids can learn to play music.

Soundcheck Rock is also locally based, right in Columbia Maryland and one insider tells Metal Sludge, this may be some kind of sponsorship of sorts in conjunction with the festival.

So, in reality you are getting 7 bands each day, plus the event will start off, with a performance by some students appearing on the big stage in front of a live audience.

This is actually a very cool thing for M3 to give these kids this shot… if that’s what is going to happen… but it seems to be unclear as of now, what exactly Soundcheck Rock will do each day for their slot.

The standout surprise for this event in addition to Roth, would be the almost reunited Ratt 2-piece.

Stephen Pearcy and Warren DeMartini will headline Sunday night and it marks their first live gig together in many years… but, it’s not being billed as Ratt, yet rather, “Performing Ratt”.

No Juan and no Blotz, and as to whom the duo will enlist to fill those spots and play the harmony leads with Warren, is not entirely known as of press time, but maybe they’ll call up Carlos Cavazo?

It’s a good bet it might be a member or two from Pearcy’s solo band.

Perhaps Blas Elias (Slaughter, T.S.O.) will appear on drums, and or Matt Thorne (Rough Cutt) on bass… both make perfect sense, with each having their own storied career and history in the business, Cavazo included.

The early rumor into the Metal Sludge inbox is, that this Pearcy & DeMartini thing, is separate from Pearcy‘s solo band, and we have heard, the Ratt duo are looking to do more gigs and this will likely become a thing into the forseeable future.

As for the on-going “You’re going to be surprised” hype over on the various (M3) social media groups… the already noted – Roth & the almost Ratt show – are the only things that stand out as surprising, or worthy of the so-called, hype.

We did a little digging and here is who you are getting in 2025… and how many times each have played the M3 stage every other year (or close) since its inception.

We’ve listed below each band from the headliner, down to the openers in order for both Saturday and Sunday that are all featured on the M3 2025 promo poster.

Next to their names, are the years they have previously appeared at the M3 Music Festival, according to our brief research.

————————–

Saturday May 3rd 2025

David Lee Roth *New Addition
Accept (2021)
Winger (2023, 2021, 2019, 2017, 2014, 2010)
Slaughter (2023, 2021, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2011, 2009)
Steven Adler (2023, 2021, 2019, 2016)
Child’s Play (2024, 2023)
Red Voodoo *New Addition
Soundcheck Rock

Sunday May 4th 2025

Pearcy & DeMartini *New Variation – Note: Pearcy or Ratt (2024, 2022, 2017, 2016, 2012, 2009)
Ace Frehley (2018, 2010)
Warrant (2023, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009) *Includes Jani Lane solo
Great White (If it was not Great White, it was Jack Russell’s Great White, nearly every year)
Lita Ford (2023, 2021, 2017, 2014, 2011)
Vixen (2023, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2013)
Spread Eagle *New Addition
Soundcheck Rock

It also appears that either Sebastian Bach or Skid Row have appeared at M3 in (2022, 2019, 2018, 2014, 2012, 2011)

——————————–

While all of these bands are great, and their music is some of the meat and potatoes of this genre, it seems that the every other year appearances by the same 8 to 10 bands have made some fans grow tired.

With little or no wow factor being added, some are making other plans.

“They need to change it to Groundhog day fest Lol.” wrote Jimmy on the M3 Rock Fest‘s official Facebook page and post sharing the news earlier today.

“Respectfully, this lineup is very underwhelming. I don’t get why they need a whole third evening for Bach and Snake Oil either.” wrote Joe on social media.

Louise replied to Joe with: “Who are Snake Oil?“

CJ then replies to Louise with: “Nobody knows.”

Scott jumps in with: “Dude, it’s “The Ultimate Rock Lineup” it says so right there in the ad! “ as fans add their favorite laughing or smile emoji to the Like button.

There are events that are held annually from land to sea, like the specialty Rock Cruises, and it appears most of these multi-day festivals have long ago started making changes so their format does not grow stale.

It feels like some of the other events, and their promoters, especially the cruises are taking a risk, or throwing a curve ball or three, or five into their lineup each and every year.

And the fans absolutely love it.

Bringing in bands from Sweden, England, Australia, Finland, Denmark, France, Spain and beyond seems to have made some of these other events, become more alluring to the ticket buyers in recent years.

And, those bands are often the Talk of the ship, with fans eating it up!

People pay hard earned money, for these get away weekends, trips and pay big dollars for the VIP packages too.

So they want more bang for their buck, and it’s rightfully understood and deserved.

“It feels like we’re going to Sizzler again, and the buffet never changes” said one online blogger.

Another fan commented; “The only thing surprising here, is that there is not a version of L.A. Guns involved” followed by a half-dozen laughing emojis.

How many chances does someone from Ohio or Pennsylvania or the U.S. in general get to see, Michael Monroe of Hanoi Rocks, or D•A•D from Denmark, Adrian Vandenberg or K.K. Downing of Judas Priest with Tim ‘Ripper” Owens, or Switzerland’s mighty Krokus?

Not many… and all of these bands have appeared on recent U.S. based cruises or events, or are scheduled to appear this coming year.

The truth is, there are countless great bands out there, both new and old, classic rock, 80’s artists and some obscure stuff, that put on a great show.

And to most in attendance it was the well oiled German metal machine known as Accept who absolutely stole the show at their only M3 appearance back in 2021.

Never-mind they only have 1 classic, original and founding member in Wolf Hoffman, it’s obvious that this man runs a tight ship, as he leads the stage for the 49th year!

Imagine that, next year Accept turns 50!

Kudos to them and props to M3 for bringing them back but you must do more.

The fans want change, and it’s not just those who live here in stateside, but those who have started making it a yearly trek, to visit our country from abroad and attend some of these festivals.

“Another year, another reason to not go. Bring over some euro bands please.” commented Jason.

“Really disappointed by the line up… coming from Europe … I prefer to pass for this year.” Marcel added.

“Very disappointed to say the least! I guess I’ll go ahead and cancel my hotel reservation.” says Terry.

Harold then jumps in to break the tension adding: “No Loudness????? hahaha!”

Readers will recall, that the Japanese based Loudness have been booked on, numerous stateside events – including M3 – for the last many years, only to come up as a last minute cancellation.

While we do understand that the idea of booking Foreign acts, is a bit more complex then the U.S. based bands, it’s been proven and it seems that more and more fans are wanting this unique opportunity to see someone for the first time.

Also, consider that the American fans have already had the chance to see >insert 80’s band name here< countless times on-going, and for some of your customers, for 2-3 or 4 decades.

There are an easy dozen bands from this year’s M3 lineup, who will be playing at a Casino, a county Fair or even a local Sports Bar in 30-35 of the lower 48 states, each and every year.

And they were last year, the year before and they’ll be playing those places next year in 2026 as well.

So why should these fans spend their spring vacation going to Maryland when they can see those same bands in their immediate area this summer or come this fall. 

While it makes sense to put a few of them on each day’s bill, but 5 of 7 on Sunday, have all appeared at M3 between 5 and 10 times.

A shout-out to M3 for giving Spread Eagle a spot, it’s well earned and deserved.

Also, as noted Accept and Ace Frehley are both solid additions, and it appears they’ve each appeared only 1 or 2 times previously throughout the festival’s 15+ year history.

But the core of this lineup is 90% repeats and the fans have had their fill of the repeats.

Here is an analogy, that is timely and works… is every super stoked to see the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl again, for the 5th time in 6 years?

That’s what I thought.

Friday’s big kick-off night looks like 3 bands canceled before the poster event went to print.

What happened there?

There are countless comments, that people thought this poster was fake, or leaked early or incomplete.

But, it’s not a fake, and it’s all there, as underwhelming as it is… the Friday is downright ridiculous.

It’s a Music Festival for Christ’s sake.

Look up any Music Festival, anywhere on the planet, regardless of the day, where there are just 2 bands appearing.

If a Festival from Sweden, or Brazil, or Germany, Australia or anywhere else, promoted a night on one of their stages, with 1 true recording artist, and a local band, they too would get destroyed for it.

And so should you M3 Rock Festival.

No disrespect to Snake Oil, but nobody is flying or driving to the East Coast, booking 3 nights in a Hotel and racing over to the venue early to see a virtually unknown group.

Even local dive bars who book a National Headliner will add on a few (2-3 or more) openers, especially on a Friday night.

More from the fans…

“Seriously! This is a total shit show, seen all of these bands countless times.“ said Erik.

“I dig all of these guys but just more of the same! I was hoping for something different.” wrote Bill.

“Gee, I love all of these groups, but I feel like I’ve seen this exact lineup, more than once at M3?” says Jennifer.

The truth is, there are plenty of unhappy campers who just might go elsewhere with their money this spring.

That is the worry for the folks over at M3 for sure, as they got blind-sided by Boardwalk Rock when this brand new Rock Festival announced their massive lineup in early December 2024.

Boardwalk Rock is also happening just a few weeks after M3, with their 2-day event scheduled for May 17th & 18th 2025.

The first-ever Boardwalk Rock event will also host huge name 80’s artists including; Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Poison’s Bret Michaels, Alice Cooper, Night Ranger and Extreme.

This is also being held right down the road, in neighboring Ocean City Maryland and it appears Boardwalk Rock is crossing over by adding 90’s acts; Nickelback, Shinedown, Three Days Grace, Halestorm, 3 Doors Down, Bush and Chevelle among others.

The first ever Boardwalk Rock event will feature 27 bands over 2 days, while M3 Rock Festival will feature 16 bands over 3 days TIX.

Of course the fans have their choice, and while some are die-hards, and will attend M3 regardless of who is on the bill, many other, the more casual fans are a little harder to convince.

One thing is for sure, if you live in or around Maryland, and want to see some rock n’ roll in May, you have options.

Or, if you are planning an East Coast trip this spring, there are a few great music festivals to attend.

Stay tuned to Metal Sludge for Breaking News, Updates and Features along with both New Interviews and Classic 20 Questions.

Read more M3 Rock Festival related articles on Metal Sludge linked below.

2023 … M3 Rock Festival Announces 2-Day Event Feat; Styx, Kix, Extreme, Warrant, Winger, Great White, Lita Ford, Slaughter and Quiet Riot

COVID STRIKES AGAIN … M3 Rock Festival announces Extreme has canceled appearance due to Covid

M3 2022 … M3 Music Festival lineup: Kix, Tom Keifer, Tesla, Skid Row, BOC, Extreme, Stryper, Zebra, Lizzy Borden, Yngwie, Doro, Quireboys, Vain & XYZ

MANGLED TANGO … Mark Knight on why Bang Tango canceled M3 Rock Festival: “There were some ego issues with other bands” and said “No” to the Monsters of Rock Cruise

NEXT YEAR … M3 Rock Festival have scrapped their 2020 weekend event and rescheduled for Spring 2021

POSTPONED … M3 Music Festival is being moved to Labor Day Weekend

M3 announces 2020 lineup for 12th annual festival featuring; Tesla, Ratt, Night Ranger, Slaughter, Kix & Accept

M3 Music Festival announces set times for annual event feat: Whitesnake, Kix, Vince Neil, Dokken, Skid Row & Vain

DENIED FOR A 3rd TIME … Loudness denied entry into the U.S. again, band will miss M3 Music Festival

M3 Announces 2017 Lineup