Vie’s Verses – M3 2014 Could Be The Best M3 Yet
Kix. Extreme. Night Ranger. Tesla. Stryper. Sebastian Bach. To see any one of these bands live is a magnificent experience of nonstop fun. To see them all over the course of two days is a headbanger’s dream come true. The 2014 lineup for M3 was announced on January 10th and tickets were quickly secured by yours truly. With a lineup like this, there was no way that I was going to miss M3 2014.
Now in its sixth year, the M3 festival has really hit its stride and knows what bands to deliver in order to make a well impacted punch. This is the first year I can remember where filler isn’t on the bill. In years past, I was able to plan out my trips for cheesesteaks, beer, and people watching based on what band was going to take the stage. This year, that will be almost impossible.
On Friday night, the festivities open with Winger. They are a great live band and I haven’t seen them perform in a couple of years. Obviously, theirs is a performance I do not want to miss. They are followed by Lita Ford, who puts on a strong live show of her own.
After that, Extreme takes the stage. I’ve never seen them live, but I am anxiously awaiting my chance to pump a fist in the air with the sounds of “Kid Ego,” and “Peacemaker Die.” If they pull out “Mutha (Don’t Want To Go To School Today)” I can go to the grave a happy man.
Following Extreme, it’s Kix, and if you don’t know what a great live show they put on, you haven’t read Hard Rock Hideout enough. After having WASP headline last year’s show, it is so good to see Kix back in the Friday night closing spot. Kix is, and always should be, the true Friday night headliners of M3.
And that’s just night one. For the second day of M3 I expect to be up bright and early, because Heaven’s Edge, John Corabi, and Femme Fatale have the first three spots. I think I am most excited about seeing Corabi perform, and I know that I will dust off my old Union CDs prior to heading to Maryland.
Jake E Lee’s Red Dragon Cartel, Autograph, Keel, and Jack Russel’s Great White take the stages next and I don’t see how I will find time to use the men’s room let alone grab a beer or a bite to eat. There is no way I can miss Red Dragon Cartel, Autograph and Keel have me very excited, and Jack Russell’s Great White can be a lot of fun. However, if there is any spot that I will pause for a break, it’s probably for Jack Russell. Sorry, Great White fans, I know he’s fun, but with a lineup this strong, someone has to be the weak link.
From there things really pick up. LA Guns, Stryper, Slaughter, Queensryche (Tood La Torre Version), Sebastian Bach, Night Ranger, and Tesla. Well, which one of those bands would you sit out for? That’s right, none of them. From the moment LA Guns turns on their amps to the last note from Tesla, Saturday is really going to rock in Maryland. That is the strongest string of performers in a row that I have ever seen in print. All of those bands are amazing, all of those bands have massive hits, and all of those bands can bring it live. And to see Night Ranger followed by Tesla will just leave me speechless (and hoarse).
I’ve attended a lot of festivals over the course of my music loving years, but I can’t recall ever being this electrified for one. M3 2014 is going to be flat out amazing. Yes, there are some bands missing that I still want to see (Vain and Pretty Boy Floyd come immediately to mind), but it doesn’t matter. With the talent that is contained over the course of these two days, M3 is THE spot to be in April if you are a head banging, metal music lover. It could be the best one ever.
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Hard Rock Hideout 
Yesss! I think this M3 could be the best as well. Totally thrilled by the lineup. That Friday night…man, running between maybe a set or two to grab a quick brew, then back at it! Hotel is booked (the best one), flights and VIP tickets. I am ready!