M3 Rock Festival

Merriweather Post Pavilion – Columbia, MD

July 2 – 4, 2021

Coverage: Joe Schaeffer

Finally returning after a more than two-year hiatus due to Covid-19 restrictions, the M3 Rockfest has been dubbed “M3 America” for its July 4th weekend appearance. Everyone has been eager to get out and rock for some time and this is the first test for myself and others at being at a full capacity venue with no restrictions. 

M3: Day 1 

M3 hosted by Eddie Trunk

The first day of the event started off with a short set by The Iron Maidens. The female quintet from So. California brought their unique style to the amazing songs of Iron Maiden. Although it was only a short set, they were able to sneak in the not often played “Sun and Steel” from Maiden’s “Piece Of Mind” Album

The Ted Poley fronted Tokyo Motor Fist were next up. TMF were a last-minute replacement for Heavens Edge who were unable to perform at this year’s event. Their set was mainly comprised of their two albums, but they threw in a few covers including Rainbow’s “Street Of Dreams“, Danger Danger’s “Bang Bang” and Trixter’s “Give It to Me Good“.

Slaughter took their turn and hit the stage with “Mad About You”. Mark Slaughter was in fantastic form and the band were on fire. Dana Strum and Jeff Blando were joined by Evanesance drummer Will Hunt. Ending the set was a blazing rendition of “Up All Night” where the crowd joined in unison to bring it to a close.

In between sets we were given a small but fierce firework show.

Local Maryland favorites KIX finished the night off with their brand of good old fashioned hard drivin’ rock and roll. 

 

The Iron Maidens

Kirsten Rosenberg (“Bruce Chickinson”) – lead vocals

Courtney Cox (“Adriana Smith”) – guitars, backing vocals 

Nikki Stringfield (“Davina Murray”) – guitars, backing vocals

Wanda Ortiz (“Steph Harris”) – bass, backing vocals

Linda McDonald (“Nikki McBurrain”) – drums, backing vocals

The Iron Maidens at M3 Rock Festival 2021 Setlist

 

Tokyo Motor Fist

Tokyo Motor Fist at M3 Rock Festival 2021 Setlist

 

Slaughter

Mark Slaughter – lead vocals, rhythm guitar

Jeff “Blando” Bland – lead guitar, backing vocals

Dana Strum – bass guitar, backing vocals

Will Hunt– drums, percussion

Slaughter at M3 Rock Festival 2021 Setlist

 

KIX

Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica

Brian “Damage” Forsythe – guitar, guitar synthesize

Ronnie “10/10” Younkins – guitar, talkbox

Mark Schenker – bass, backing vocals

Jimmy “Chocolate” Chalfant – drums, percussion, effects, backing vocals

KIX at M3 Rock Festival 2021 Setlist

 

Related: 

M3: Day 2 Coverage

M3: Day 3 Coverage